The Best Things To Do In Chania, Crete

Discover the best things to do in Chania, Crete: beaches, Old Town, activities, day trips. Plan with tips and rent a car from Beepit Car Rental.

The Ultimate Travel Guide: Things to Do in Chania, Crete

Chania, Crete is a Mediterranean dream—with golden beaches, a stunning Old Town, gorges, vineyards, monasteries, and sunset-perfect harbors. If you’re planning your itinerary and searching for the best things to do in Chania, Crete, this expert guide covers it all: where to swim, what to see, the top attractions, activities for every traveler, and the best day trips. You’ll find practical tips, driving routes, distances, and local insights to help you explore at your own pace. Because Chania is a spread-out region (the Prefecture of Chania), renting a car unlocks the island’s secret coves and mountain villages that buses rarely reach. Throughout this page, you’ll find suggestions on when to go, how long to stay, and how to tailor your time—whether you have one day in Chania, a weeklong holiday, or you’re visiting from a cruise ship. Ready to plan a memorable Cretan escape? Let’s dive into the very best of Chania.

Table of Contents

1. Rent a car in Chania with Beepit Car Rental
2. Best beaches near Chania, Crete
3. Chania tourist attractions
4. Old Port Chania, Crete
5. Chania Town: neighborhoods, food, nightlife
6. Places to visit in Chania
7. Best things to do in Chania
8. Things to see in Chania — what to visit and photo spots
9. Chania activities: hiking, water sports, culture
10. Things to do near Chania: day trips and road-trip ideas
11. All you need to Know - FAQs
12. Why Choose Beepit Car Rental for Your Chania Trip

1. Rent a Car in Chania with Beepit Car Rental

To see the best of Chania, mobility matters. Public buses connect the main hubs, but the region’s most beloved experiences—sunrise at Falassarna, a secluded swim in Seitan Limania, a lazy lunch in a mountain village, or a late sunset at Balos—are easiest with your own wheels. That’s where Beepit Car Rental makes your trip smoother from day one.

• Easy pickup and return: Collect your car at Chania International Airport (CHQ), at the Old Port/Chania Town, or via hotel delivery on request. Save time on transfers and start exploring immediately.
• Transparent pricing: No hidden fees. Choose packages with full insurance options for peace of mind, including low or zero excess.
• The right car for Crete: From compact automatics for tight streets to SUVs with extra ground clearance for rural roads. Child seats and additional drivers available.
• Local expertise: Beepit’s team shares up-to-date tips on road conditions, parking near beaches, and the most scenic routes.
• 24/7 assistance: Roadside support across Crete.
• Eco and comfort choices: Newer, fuel-efficient vehicles reduce costs on longer drives.

Driving tips for Chania:

• Distances look short on the map but coastal and mountain roads add time. Leave early for Balos and Elafonissi.
• Speed limits: typically 50 km/h in towns, 80–90 km/h on open roads. Always buckle up.
• Parking: Blue zones in central Chania; for the Old Town, use peripheral lots. Many beaches have paid or informal parking—carry coins and water.
• Balos road: The track to the Gramvousa/Balos car park is rough. You may arrive by boat from Kissamos.

With a Beepit Car Rental, every “must-see” on this page becomes easy to reach on your schedule.

2. Best Beaches Near Chania

Crete Chania’s beaches are famous worldwide for clear turquoise water, dramatic geology, and pink-hued sands. Here are the standout shores, with drive times from Chania Town (traffic/season dependent):

• Balos Lagoon (approx. 1 h 15 min to Kissamos then boat from Kissamos): The postcard of Chania—shallow, shimmering lagoon, white sandbars, and Gramvousa island fortress opposite. Arrive early (before 9:30) for fewer crowds. Bring water and a hat.
• Elafonissi Beach (1 h 45–2 h): A protected Natura 2000 site with pink coral sand and clear, shallow water ideal for families. Walk across the sandbar to the small islet and find quiet coves. Shade is limited—umbrellas recommended. Combine with a stop at Chrysoskalitissa Monastery.
• Falassarna Beach (1 h 15 min): Wide sandy bays with Caribbean colors and superb sunsets. Great for swimming and beach clubs without feeling overcrowded; occasional waves make it fun for bodyboarding. Parking is easier than at Balos or Elafonissi.
• Seitan Limania (30–40 min): A dramatic fjord-like cove near the airport. A steep rocky path leads to a tiny shingle beach with electric-blue water. Wear proper footwear and arrive early; limited parking and no facilities.
• Marathi & Loutraki (25–30 min): Family-friendly beaches with calm waters on the Akrotiri peninsula. Taverna options line the shore. Marathi is ideal for toddlers; Loutraki has soft sand and good snorkeling.
• Stavros Beach (30–35 min): Known for its horseshoe-shaped lagoon and the film Zorba the Greek. Sheltered bay, shallow water, and tavernas steps from the sand.
• Agia Marina & Platanias (15–25 min): Long sandy stretches close to town, beach bars, water sports, and plenty of parking. Perfect for a relaxed day without long drives.
• Kedrodasos (near Elafonissi): A wilder, juniper-dotted beach with soft sand and a natural vibe. Access via Elafonissi Beach (20-30 min walk)

Beach etiquette and tips:

• Respect protected dunes and flora; avoid walking on vegetation.
• Bring cash for sunbeds/parking; card acceptance varies.
• Always pack water, sunscreen, and a light windbreaker—afternoons can be breezy.

3. Chania Tourist Attractions

Beyond beaches, Chania’s cultural depth shines in its museums, architecture, and layered history—Minoan, Venetian, Ottoman, and modern Greek.

• Venetian Harbor & Lighthouse: The city’s signature stroll. Start by the Firkas Fortress and walk the curved promenade to the lighthouse, one of the oldest in the world (originally Venetian, later rebuilt by Egyptians). Sunset is magical.
• Old Venetian Shipyards (Neoria/Arsenali): Tall arched buildings that once housed ship repairs. Today, they host exhibitions and events.
• Maritime Museum of Crete (at Firkas Fortress): Ship models, WWII exhibits, and Cretan maritime heritage. Great on a windy day.
• Archaeological Museum of Chania: A modern museum housing Minoan artifacts, Roman mosaics, and finds from ancient Kydonia and nearby sites like Aptera.
• Municipal Market (Dimotiki Agora): A cross-shaped market hall (currently under restoration—check status before visiting). Vendors around the area sell cheeses, olives, herbs, and local delicacies.
• Trimartiri Cathedral (Cathedral of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary): The main Orthodox church, blending Venetian and Cretan styles.
• Etz Hayyim Synagogue: A beautifully restored Jewish synagogue and living monument, quietly tucked in the Old Town.
• Splantzia Square (Plateia 1821) and Agios Nikolaos: Fascinating site with a bell tower and minaret side by side—evidence of Chania’s multicultural past.
• Tabakaria (Tanneries District): On the eastern edge of town, abandoned and restored tanneries facing the sea. Wonderful for photography and a late-afternoon stroll.
• Botanical Park & Gardens of Crete (Fournes, ~30 min): A lush valley with global flora, a small lake, and a panoramic restaurant—cooler in summer and very kid-friendly.
• Ancient Aptera (30–35 min): A vast archaeological site with Roman cisterns, a theater, temples, and sweeping Souda Bay views.

Practical tips:

• For museums, check opening times—many close mid-afternoon off-season.
• Combine attractions geographically: Old Town walking sights in one day, then a half-day drive to Aptera or the Botanical Park.
• Parking: Use municipal lots near the Old Town and walk inside the pedestrian streets.

4. Old Port Chania, Crete

The Old Port (Venetian Harbor) is the heart of Chania. Embrace it slowly—mornings for calm reflections and evening for lights dancing on the water.

• History in layers: Built in the 14th century by the Venetians as a crucial naval base, then refitted during Ottoman and Egyptian periods. This explains the diverse architecture: Venetian arsenals, Ottoman baths and mosques, and neoclassical mansions.
• Lighthouse walk: For the best pictures, walk along the breakwater to the lighthouse. Wear stable shoes—sections can be uneven, and strong winds are common. Early morning light is perfect for photos without crowds.
• Firkas Fortress: Home to the Maritime Museum and a superb vantage point across the harbor. Cultural performances are held here in summer.
• Kioutsouk Hasan Mosque (Yali Tzami): The domed Ottoman mosque on the waterfront now hosts art exhibitions.
• Dining and gelato: The promenade is lined with restaurants and cafés—great for people-watching. For more authentic, better-value meals, wander two or three streets back into the Old Town.
• Boat trips: Short cruises, fishing excursions, and glass-bottom boats depart from the harbor, offering a view of Chania from the sea and quick swims in nearby coves.

Insider route: Start near the Neoria, loop the harbor clockwise, detour into the narrow lanes of Topanas (west side), visit the synagogue, then re-emerge at the harbor for sunset cocktails. If you have a rental car, park outside the Old Town (Talos Square or Koum Kapi area) and enjoy the Old Port on foot.

5. Chania Town

Chania Town is more than its harbor. Its neighborhoods and food scene make it one of Greece’s most atmospheric small cities.

Neighborhoods to explore:

• Topanas: Venetian mansions, boutique hotels, elegant lanes.
• Splantzia: Bohemian cafés, shady square, historical churches and minaret.
• Koum Kapi: Seafront bars and relaxed eateries east of the Old Town walls.
• Nea Chora: Local beach, fish tavernas, and easy sunset walks—10 minutes from the center.

Food you must try:

• Bougatsa Chaniotiki: A savory-sweet pastry with local mizithra cheese—ideal breakfast.
• Kalitsounia: Small pies stuffed with greens or cheese.
• Dakos: Barley rusk topped with tomato, mizithra, and olive oil.
• Gamopilafo: Rich wedding pilaf made with goat or beef broth.
• Raki/tsikoudia: The Cretan spirit—enjoy after meals with small meze.

Shopping:

• Look for thyme honey, Cretan olive oil, sea salt, mountain herbs, handmade leather sandals, and local ceramics.
• Avoid mass-produced sponges and coral; choose sustainable gifts from local artisans.

Nightlife:

• Cocktail bars dot the harbor and Splantzia. For late-night dancing, head toward Platanias or seasonal beach clubs.

Practicalities:

• Most of the Old Town is pedestrianized. Wear comfortable shoes for cobblestones.
• In summer, take an afternoon rest and head out again after 6 pm when the alleys cool down.

Sample walking loop (2–3 hours): Start at Talos Square, walk the seawall to the lighthouse, return via the arsenals, weave through Topanas lanes to the synagogue, cross Splantzia Square, then finish with seafood at Nea Chora.

6. Places to Visit in Chania

Consider these essential stops—mix and match according to your interests:

• Ancient Aptera: One of Crete’s most significant ancient cities, offering Roman cisterns, fortifications, and an amphitheater with stellar views. Best with a car: 30–35 minutes from town.
• Therisso Gorge & Village: A spectacular drive through a narrow gorge to a historic village linked to Crete’s revolutionary history. Ideal for a half-day scenic drive and lunch at a traditional taverna.
• Gouverneto & Katholiko Monastery (Akrotiri): A rugged hike past rock-cut chapels to a dramatic gorge and a tiny cove. Bring water, good shoes, and check opening times for monastery areas.
• Lake Kournas (45–60 min): Crete’s largest freshwater lake, perfect for pedal boats, birdwatching, and family picnics. Combine with a stop at Georgioupolis beach.
• Manousakis or Dourakis Winery: Learn about Cretan grape varieties (Vidiano, Liatiko) with tastings. A car unlocks several wineries in one loop.
• Botanical Park & Gardens of Crete: Cool, green, and educational, with an easy trail and a restaurant that overlooks the valley.
• Balos/Gramvousa by boat: If you’d rather skip the dirt road, take a boat from Kissamos. The stop at Gramvousa island includes a hike to a Venetian castle—bring trainers.
• Samaria National Park (White Mountains): Europe’s longest gorge (16 km) ends at Agia Roumeli on the Libyan Sea; return by ferry to Chora Sfakion or Sougia, then bus back. Best for active travelers; start very early.

7. Best Things to Do in Chania

For a curated Top 12, blending culture, coast, and cuisine:

• Sunrise swim at Nea Chora or Koum Kapi before the city wakes.
• Get lost in Chania Old Town lanes and photograph colorful doors and bougainvillea.
• Walk to the Venetian Lighthouse and watch the harbor change hues.
• Day trip to Balos or Elafonissi for the most iconic beaches in Crete.
• Hike Samaria Gorge or the shorter, scenic Imbros Gorge if time is limited.
• Join an olive oil and wine tasting tour—understand the Cretan diet from root to bottle.
• Learn to cook Cretan dishes in a local cooking class and bring recipes home.
• Kayak or stand-up paddle around quiet coves near Marathi or Loutraki.
• Explore Ancient Aptera and nearby villages for countryside taverna lunches.
• Chase the sunset at Falassarna or Stavros, then dine seaside.
• Visit the Botanical Park for a cool, shady break from the beach routine.
• End the night in Splantzia with meze and live music at a traditional kafeneio.

How to organize your days:

• With a car: Alternate long-driving beach days (Elafonissi, Falassarna) with local days (Old Town, Aptera, Marathi).
• Without a car: Focus on Old Town, Nea Chora beach, organized tours to Samaria/Elafonissi, and short taxi rides to Akrotiri beaches.

8. Things to See in Chania — Chania What to Visit

If your priority is visual highlights and must-see landmarks, this list pins down the best “things to see in Chania” for one great photo reel:

• Venetian Harbor panorama from Firkas Fortress: A sweeping view of the entire crescent harbor.
• The Lighthouse at golden hour: Capture pastel reflections and silhouettes of fishing boats.
• The Neoria (arsenals): Arched shipyards that photograph beautifully in both wide-angle and detail shots.
• Splantzia Square and Agios Nikolaos: Unique combo of bell tower and minaret.
• Tabakaria seafront: Weathered stone buildings meet crashing waves—moody on overcast days.
• Chania doors and balconies: Seek colorful wooden doors with peeling paint and ironwork balconies draped in bougainvillea.
• Aptera’s Roman cisterns: Geometric arches against blue skies.
• Seitan Limania from the viewpoint: The zigzag cliff path into neon water is jaw-dropping.
• Falassarna dunes and Balos sandbars: Use a polarizing filter for water clarity.
• Elafonissi pink-sand close-ups at sunrise: Subtle pink tones show best in soft light.

Pro tip: For crowd-free shots, go early or visit in shoulder seasons (May–early June, late September–October). Always respect fences and protected sites.

9. Chania Activities

Adventure, culture, and family-friendly fun—here are the best activities in and around Chania:

             

Hiking:

• Samaria Gorge: The classic challenge (5–7 hours). Good shoes, early start, water, and snacks required.
• Imbros Gorge: A shorter, easier alternative (2–3 hours), with dramatic narrows and shade.
• Aradena Bridge & Gorge (Sfakia): Combine a jaw-dropping steel bridge, potential bungee (seasonal), and a rugged hike to Marmara beach.

Water sports:

• Sea kayaking: Calm bays near Marathi/Loutraki are ideal for beginners; guided routes explore caves and small beaches.
• Snorkeling and scuba: Try the Elephant Cave near Akrotiri (experienced divers), shore dives in Marathi, or boat dives out of Chania marina.
• Stand-up paddleboarding: Rent at organized beaches (Agia Marina, Platanias, Marathi).

Sailing and boat trips:

• Half-day coastal cruises from the Old Port or Kissamos to swim in crystal waters. Private charters available for groups.

Culture and gastronomy:

• Olive mill tours: See cold-press methods and taste varietals paired with tomato, bread, and sea salt.
• Wineries: Learn about indigenous grapes and terroir. Many estates require advance booking.
• Cooking classes: Hands-on lessons in village kitchens—make kalitsounia, dolmades, and lamb with stamnagathi.

Family-friendly:

• Lake Kournas pedal boats, Botanical Park’s shady loop, pony rides (seasonal), and calm-water beaches like Marathi and Stavros.

Wellness and nature:

• Sunset yoga sessions on quiet beaches, thermal relaxation at your hotel spa, and gentle cliff-top walks at Akrotiri.

Why a car helps: You can combine activities in one efficient loop (e.g., morning hike at Imbros, lunch in Sfakia, afternoon swim at Fragokastello, sunset return). Beepit Car Rental’s staff can suggest realistic daily combos based on your dates and pace.

10. Things to Do Near Chania (Day Trips and Road-Trip Ideas)

Chania is a gateway to Western Crete. These day trips pair beautifully with a rental car:

• Rethymno Old Town (1 h): Venetian-Ottoman streets and the hilltop Fortezza. Pair with lunch at the waterfront and a coffee in the old lanes.
• Heraklion & Knossos (2–2.5 h): For archaeology enthusiasts, Knossos Palace and the Heraklion Archaeological Museum form Greece’s premier Minoan experience. Start early and book timed tickets in high season.
• Palaiochora (1 h 30 min): A laid-back town on the Libyan Sea with multiple beaches, a castle hill, and boat trips to Elafonissi or Lissos.
• Sougia (1 h 30–1 h 45 min): Quiet pebble beach, hikes to ancient Lissos, and ferries to Agia Roumeli or Paleochora.
• Chora Sfakion & Fragokastello (1 h 30 min): Stark, beautiful southern coast, Venetian fortress, and crystal-clear waters.
• Monasteries loop (Akrotiri): Agia Triada, Gouverneto, and Katholiko ruins in a single half-day, plus a swim at Stavros or Marathi.
• Gramvousa Peninsula scenic drive: Kissamos, Topolia Gorge (stop at the cave chapel of Agia Sofia), then Falassarna for sunset.
• Villages of Apokoronas: Vamos, Gavalochori, and Douliana—stone houses, quiet lanes, and slow lunches under plane trees.

Fuel and food tips:

• Mountain routes have fewer gas stations; top up before long drives.
• Many village tavernas are family-run and cash-friendly; carry some euros.
• Check ferry schedules (south coast) the day before your trip.

11. All you need to Know - FAQs

1. Free things to do in Chania, Crete

• Stroll the Old Town alleys, the Venetian Harbor, and the lighthouse breakwater.
• Swim at Nea Chora, Koum Kapi, or Agia Marina (public beaches).
• Visit Splantzia Square, admire street art and historical churches.
• Hike short sections of the coastline at Akrotiri or explore Therisso Gorge by car and on foot.
• Sunset watching at Falassarna or Stavros is always free and unforgettable.

2. Things to do in Chania Old Town

• Walk the harbor loop, visit the Maritime Museum, and step inside the Trimartiri Cathedral.
• Explore the Etz Hayyim Synagogue and the Neoria shipyards.
• Shop for olive oil, herbs, and local crafts in the side streets (better prices than waterfront).
• Eat bougatsa for breakfast and meze in Splantzia at night.
• Photograph the lighthouse from Firkas Fortress and the Topanas lanes.

3. Unusual things to do in Chania

• Explore the Tabakaria tanneries district at blue hour.
• Hike to the abandoned Katholiko Monastery and its rock-cut hermit dwellings.
• Join a foraging walk in spring for wild greens and herbs.
• Dive the Elephant Cave or snorkel at less-frequented coves near Akrotiri.
• Visit rural cheese-makers in Apokoronas (book in advance).

4. What to see in Chania in one day

• Morning: Old Town walk—Firkas Fortress, lighthouse, Topanas, Splantzia.
• Lunch: Nea Chora fish taverna.
• Afternoon: Drive to Seitan Limania or Marathi for a swim.
• Sunset: Old Port cocktails or Falassarna if you don’t mind the drive.
• Evening: Back to Chania Town for dinner in a backstreet taverna. Renting a car from Beepit maximizes what you can cover.

5. Things to do in Chania with kids

• Calm beaches: Marathi, Stavros, and Loutraki for shallow, protected water.
• Botanical Park & Gardens for a shaded loop and animals.
• Lake Kournas pedal boats and turtle spotting.
• Short gorge walk: Imbros instead of Samaria.
• Ice cream on the harbor and a quick boat trip for a swim.

6. Things to do in Chania at night

• Sunset at the lighthouse or Nea Chora jetty.
• Meze and raki in Splantzia, then cocktails around the harbor.
• Live music at traditional kafeneia (ask locally for current venues).
• Beach bars in Agia Marina/Platanias for dancing in peak season.

7. Things to do in Chania without a car

• Spend time in the Old Town, museums, and Nea Chora beach.
• Join organized tours to Balos, Elafonissi, or Samaria (hotel pickup).
• Use taxis or short bus rides to Akrotiri beaches (Marathi, Stavros).
• Take a boat tour from the Old Port.

8. What to do in Chania from a cruise ship

• If docked for 6–8 hours: Taxi to the Old Town, walk the harbor, lighthouse, and Topanas; quick swim at Nea Chora; seafood lunch; return.
• If you have more time and a pre-arranged car with Beepit: Add Aptera (archaeological site) or a swift loop to Marathi for a seaside swim and taverna meal.

Credible Planning Tips from Local Experience

• Seasonality: The best months are May–June and September–October for warm seas and lighter crowds. July–August brings peak traffic and higher prices—book cars and restaurants ahead.
• Safety: Chania is very safe; common sense applies. Beach currents are generally mild but always heed local advice and wind conditions.
• Sustainability: Respect dune systems and protected flora (especially at Elafonissi and Kedrodasos). Refill water bottles where possible and dispose of trash properly.
• Driving etiquette: Locals often use the side strip to let faster traffic pass—drive carefully and stay calm. Avoid off-roading on non-permitted tracks to protect the landscape and your rental agreement.
• Health: Use SPF 30+ sunscreen, hats, and hydrate. Pharmacies are plentiful in town.

12. Why Choose Beepit Car Rental for Your Chania Trip

• Time equals experiences: With reliable wheels, you can fit a lighthouse sunrise, a mountain village lunch, and a pink-sand sunset into a single unforgettable day.
• Local support: Beepit’s team knows beach parking realities, the smoothest gorge drives, and which roads to avoid after rain.
• Flexibility: Plans change with weather—Beepit gives you the freedom to adapt without missing highlights.

Ready to unlock the best things to do in Chania, Crete?

Book your car with Beepit Car Rental today. Choose the ideal vehicle, add full insurance for total peace of mind, pick up at Chania Airport or in town, and start exploring the beaches, gorges, villages, and vineyards on your own schedule. Reserve now to secure the best rates and availability for your travel dates—and turn your Chania plans into a seamless, unforgettable journey.