Holiday in Chania
City in Greece — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇬🇷
Country
Greece
Type
City
Best time to travel
April–June, September–October
Budget/day
75–130 €
Getting there from Germany
Direct flights to Chania from several German cities take about 3–3.5 hours. The airport is located 14 km east.
About Chania
Chania is considered the most beautiful city in Crete and enchants with its picturesque Venetian harbor, the iconic lighthouse, and a labyrinthine old town made up of Venetian, Ottoman, and Byzantine layers. The former arsenals at the harbor, where Venetian galleys were once built, now host exhibitions and events, while the Hasan Pasha Mosque stands as a striking relic of the Ottoman era, shaping the harbor square. The old town of Chania is one of the most atmospheric in the entire Mediterranean: In the Jewish quarter Evraiki, the scent of leather-filled workshops wafts through the air, in the Splantzia district, ancient plane trees stand next to Turkish minarets, and in Topanas, elegant Venetian palaces line the streets. The covered market (Agora), a cross-shaped building from 1913, is a feast for the senses with Cretan cheese, olive oil, herbs, honey, and fresh fish. The Maritime Museum and the Archaeological Museum in the former Church of San Francesco round off the cultural offerings. The surroundings of Chania offer spectacular nature: The Samaria Gorge, at 16 kilometers, is one of the longest gorges in Europe, starting in the White Mountains and ending at the Libyan Sea. The beaches of Balos (a turquoise lagoon) and Falassarna (golden sand, spectacular sunsets) are among the most beautiful in Crete. The hinterland with the White Mountains (Lefka Ori, up to 2,453 meters) offers excellent hiking terrain. Chania is the perfect base for Western Crete — enough city culture for rainy days and endless nature for sunny ones.
Top 5 highlights in Chania
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Venetian Harbor
The photogenic harbor with the Egyptian lighthouse, Venetian arsenals, and colorful house facades is the heart of Chania.
Old Town Alleys
The winding labyrinth of Venetian, Ottoman, and Greek buildings is full of boutiques, galleries, and hidden bars.
Market Hall (Agora)
The cross-shaped market hall from 1913 offers Cretan delicacies, cheese, olives, and local products.
Tabakaria District
The former tanning district by the sea has transformed into a trendy neighborhood with cafes, boutique hotels, and cultural spaces.
Nea Chora Beach
The city beach west of the harbor offers swimming and fish restaurants just minutes from the center.
Hotels in Chania
Vergleiche tausende Hotels, Apartments und Resorts auf Expedia – mit Bestpreis-Garantie, kostenloser Stornierung und Bonuspunkten.
* Weiterleitung zu Expedia.de. Es gelten die dortigen Nutzungsbedingungen.
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
Best time to travel for Chania
Recommended travel time
April–June, September–October
Summer
Hot, 28–34 °C, sunny
Winter
Mild, 10–16 °C, rain
How much does a holiday in Chania cost?
Average costs per person per day
Budget
40–60 €
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
75–130 €
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
170–320 €
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
Book a package holiday to Chania
Compare thousands of package holidays to Chania and find the best deals with flight & hotel.
Compare package holidays now5 travel tips for Chania
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
The Venetian harbor is most atmospheric in the evening – find a table with a view of the illuminated lighthouse.
The old town is car-free – park outside or take a taxi from the airport.
Chania is the best starting point for the Samaria Gorge, Elafonisi, and Balos Lagoon.
Try Boureki (zucchini-potato casserole with Mizithra) – a Chaniot specialty.
The side streets behind the harbor have better and cheaper restaurants than the harbor promenade.
Food & drink in Chania
These specialties you must try!
