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Crete (Chania Area)
Crete (Chania Area)
Crete (Chania Area) holidays
Welcome to the western side of Crete, where it’s easy to spend your days hopping between Venetian harbours, emerald-green gorges and lovely lakes. Add to that a whole host of history to unearth, plus a menu of Blue Flag beaches to work your way through, and you’ll find this picturesque part of Crete has every type of holidaymaker covered. Flagship spot, Chania Town, is about as charming as they come, so make sure a visit to this Venetian-flavoured gem is top of your list.
No. 3 – Tripadvisor’s Popular Destinations – World
Congrats to Crete! Thousands of happy holidaymakers have crowned this gorgeous Greek Island one of their favourite destinations.
Language
Greek
Currency
Euro
Time difference
+2hrs
Cost of a beer
£3.10
3 course meal
£26.50
Flight times
4.5 hours
This charming town
Chania Town is a must-visit in this part of the island. Life buzzes around the ancient harbour and its pastel-coloured cafés, so spend some time here eyeing up the chalkboard specials. But don’t miss a walk around the cobbled streets behind, where you can try a Turkish hammam or pick up some produce from the indoor market.
Get out the history books
History buffs are in luck around here. Minoan must-sees like caves and tombs are dotted all over, so there’s plenty to get stuck into for a trip back in time. Ancient Aptera’s Theatre is an interesting site worth seeing, as is Chania’s Archaeological Museum. Head into the hills to visit the Venizelos Tombs, and the best panoramas around are the icing on the cake.
Back to nature
Take a hike among the wild flowers, monasteries and goats of Samaria Gorge. It’s a serious trek, so be prepared to tough it out if you want to reap the scenic rewards. Castles, caves and forests are in plentiful supply on Crete's west coast, so adventure’s always around the corner. And the beautiful Lake Kournas has swim stop and photo op written all over it.
Stalos
Embrace low-key life in Stalos. Set yourself up for a holiday away from the hustle and bustle of livelier resorts, with endlessly stunning seaside scenery to boot.
Kalyves
Seeking a classic beach break, but without the hustle and bustle? Well, escape to Crete and you’ll find this welcoming little resort is brimming with charm and green scenery.
Chania Town
Split into two parts, Chania shows off an old town and a new, modern city. Rows of pink and burnt-orange houses line the shore, where there’s also a pretty, soft-sand beach.
Beaches
Each resort has its own patch of beautiful beachfront. They don’t tend to get too touristy either, unless you’re around the old town of Chania. Prepare to chill out or even watch in awe as locals take on water sports. Fancy setting sail on a boat trip too? No problem. See all beaches (12)
Aghia Marina Beach
Aghia Marina – Chania, Crete (Chania Area)
Smooth sands and bright blue seas is what it’s all about in Aghia Marina. This chilled-out resort opens up to an expanse of sunny spots, so put down a towel and relax, or take an afternoon stroll in the balmy...
Baja Beach Club
Rethymnon – Chania, Crete (Chania Area)
The pristine beaches of Baja Beach Club is a 150 metre stretch of pure beach-bliss. Enjoy the stunning sea views lazing on your own private beach gazebo, rent a sun lounger and grab a delicious snack and drink...
Sights
Chania’s known for its historic sites and old churches. The Venetian Harbour is a great place to start, with its lighthouse and old walls to tick off the list. Ancient Aptera Theatre is a knockout excavation in Kalyves. Keep your eyes peeled for Theodorou Island, and go underground to discover fascinating caves. See all sights (16)
Visit the Old Town
Rethymnon – Chania, Crete (Chania Area)
Situated in the heart of Rethymnon, the charming Old Town is filled with rich history and impressive architecture that entwines influences of the Turkish period with the Venetian-renaissance style. Spend an...
A very Venetian harbour
Rethymnon – Chania, Crete (Chania Area)
After a visit to the Venetian harbour in Rethymnon, you’ll be fooled into thinking you’d just been to Venice itself. The Turks built this impressive harbour back in the 17th century and it still stands firm...
Activities
Museums are in their masses. Get nautical and learn about the area’s maritime history, or even dig into its Venetian past. If you’re less fussed about culture and just fancy full-on fun, there’s a water park for an all-thrills day out. The botanical gardens make for an enchanting walk, too. See all activities (11)
Aqua Creta Limnoupolis Water Park
Crete (Chania Area)
Rides and slides for the whole family? Tick! Aqua Creta Limnoupolis Waterpark has everything you could want in an aquatic day out – a massive central pool, snack bars, lazy rivers, freefall rides,...
Archaeological Museum
Rethymnon – Chania, Crete (Chania Area)
Opened in 1991, this modest museum features many ancient Minoan artefacts. Discover the mystical relics of the Clay Larnax, the figurine of the Minoan goddess and the marble statue of Aphrodite. Built by the...
Eating and drinking
Mouth-wateringly tasty Greek food? Check. Whether you’re staying in a quieter resort or Chania old town itself, you’ll find handfuls of great Greek tavernas. These traditional restaurants are often family-run, and serve incredible souvlaki, gyros, meze platters, stuffed vine leaves, honey-drizzled, flaky pastries, and so much more. See all eating and drinking (6)
Classic Greek restaurants
Kalyves, Crete (Chania Area)
Pull up a seat in one of the Greek tavernas scattered about, and prepare for dish after dish of fantastic food. The local favourites include fresh salads, slow-cooked lamb and beef, and crispy potatoes. You’ll...
Dine by the shore
Kolymbari, Crete (Chania Area)
Mediterranean and Greek fusions combine in the cluster of restaurants right by the shore. Grilled meats, halloumi and salads are still favourite feasts, but you’d regret not sampling the seafood. Sole, octopus,...
Shopping
Although Chania’s got a few larger stores for a spot of retail therapy, it’s best for its central market, where everything – from fresh fruit to spices – is sold. The towns have a scattering of classic knick-knack shops, so you’ll be able to pick up some bargain souvenirs to take home. See all shopping (7)
Browse the souvenir shops
Kolymbari, Crete (Chania Area)
Pottery, olive oil, fridge magnets, postcards, fabric jewellery, ceramics… the list of things to buy here goes on. If you’re keen to pick up a few knick-knacks for family, friends and yourself, there’s bags to...
Chania Central Market
Chania Town, Crete (Chania Area)
Chania Central Market – or more commonly known as the Agora – is the perfect place for shoppers. There’s plenty to browse and buy, including meat, fish and vegetables, plus you can get your hands on little...
Nightlife
Expect casual nights out. The general vibe is low-key – a couple of beers or glasses of wine in local restaurants is the done thing. If DJ sets in hip bars is the only kind of evening out you’re after, then hit Chania old town and keep an ear out for loud-and-proud venues. See all nightlife (8)
Beach bars
Stalos, Crete (Chania Area)
There are a few casual, characterful bars in Stalos. Some spill out on to the sands too, so you can enjoy an ice-cold tipple as the sun goes in. The main thoroughfare is easy to get around by foot. Hop from one...
Beachfront bars
Aghia Marina – Chania, Crete (Chania Area)
Nothing gives you that holiday feeling quite like a few cocktails after dark. In Aghia Marina, the nightlife scene is all very laid-back, so you’ll have a handful of bars to choose from. Settle in by the...
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