Chania, Crete

Chania Overview

Beautiful holidays: Chania is the second largest city in Crete and as such it has a rich history dating back to Neolithic times. All the civilisations and settlements which have passed through Chania have added their mark to the city, making it the beautiful resort for holidays it is today. This is highlighted in majestic architecture like the Venetian harbour, Byzantine churches and Ottoman fountains.

Plenty to do: While you’re not taking snaps of the serene buildings, you’ll find lots to keep you occupied on holidays in Chania, from fun water parks to ancients ruins and a fascinating archaeological museum.

Beach holidays: There are over 40 beaches within the district of Chania, and many are easy to access from Chania Town centre. Most beaches have gloriously golden sands, and are only 1-2km away from Chania Town.

Attractions in Chania

Chania Lighthouse: Built around 1570, this white stone lighthouse is based right at the end of the pier for a perfect viewing position overlooking the Venetian Harbour. At night on holidays in Chania, you’ll notice that the lighthouse is lit up beautifully thanks to a recent renovation project.

Aptera: Around 13km east from Chania, these ancient ruins make an interesting day’s excursion during your holidays. Due to its strategic hilltop location, Aptera became a focal point for both the Minoan and Hellenic civilisations. However, much of what remains today was largely left by the Romans, with 5^th century ruins of baths, cisterns and a small theatre.

Venetian Harbour: Not so much an attraction in itself, but rather a place to visit during holidays to Chania where you’ll find a charming cluster of original shops, tavernas and bars. The harbour was actually built by the Venetians around 1320 and used to have space for over 40 huge ships, so you can imagine the military presence of the Venetians at the time.

Activities in Chania

Archaeological Museum of Chania: This incredibly beautiful museum actually has a heritage its own, because it was originally created as a Venetian monastery around 1595. The arched hallways and glossy marble floors house whitewashed Minoan and Roman statues artfully displayed with lots of open space. You’ll also see coins, clay figurines and vases which date back as far as the 15^th century BC. A visit to this museum is a thoroughly relaxing and enlightening experience during holidays to Chania.

Limnoupolis Water Park: This fun and vibrant water park is around 7km outside of Chania Town. There’s a great selection of slides here including the kamikaze, the black hole, and an unusual ride called the triple twist, which has three entwining chutes over 80m long. To add to the fun there’s also a lazy river, a playground and even a 5-a-side football pitch, so you can be sure children on family holidays will love coming here.

Beaches in Chania

Germaniko Pouli: Just 2km from the centre of Chania Town, this golden sandy beach is very convenient whether you’re having your holidays along the coastline or within the town itself. It’s also well supported with lots of facilities like sun beds, parasols and

Golden Beach: Even closer than Germaniko Pouli, this beach is only 1 km away from Chania Town. The Greek name of this beach is Chrissi Akti, which directly translates as ‘Golden Beach’, so look out for direction signs in that name. The waters are also extremely clear and shallow, making for safe swimming for children on family holidays.

Agioi Apostoli: Around 3km to the west of Chania Town, Agioi Apostoloi is a good choice for a quieter beach that’s still within easy travelling distance. Its sheltered position helps to keep the winds at bay whilst also making the waves calmer for easy swimming for everyone on family holidays.

Restaurants in Chania

Tamam: You’ll enjoy huge portions and a hearty welcome in this cosy little restaurant, making meals here great value if you’re looking for cheap holidays to Chania. The decor is suitably rustic, with stone arches, vibrant orange walls and simple wooden tables. Luckily, the food is just as authentic, offering delights from a fusion of cultures such as Iranian risotto and courgettes baked with cheese.

To Xani: This restaurant has an appealing outdoor terrace decorated with greenery whilst the interior is a grand affair of ornate wooden designs that seem entirely fitting with the heritage of the old town of Chania. The food is delicious too, with a wide range of Greek fare like lamb roasted with yoghurt and creamy tsatziki. You’ll also be entertained by live music and dancing whilst you eat, making dining truly memorable during your holidays to Chania.

The Well of the Turk: Here’s another restaurant which serves classic dishes with an eastern inspiration. The Moroccan style food here incorporates lots of favoured ingredients like fresh mint and rosemary, wrapped vine leaves and skewered kebabs. Prices are low enough to be perfect for cheap holidays in Chania too.

Nightlife in Chania

Relaxed holidays: Whilst Chania holidays certainly don’t have a manic nightlife scene, there are more than enough clubs and bars in Chania to enjoy a great evening out. Many of the bars in Chania are focused on the chill-out experience, where smooth sounds play whilst you relax with a drink in hand. One such place is Il Nostro, which has been designed with artful style in vibrant red tones. Also be sure to check out the Other Side, its terrace with sleek wooden tables provides the perfect uplifting atmosphere before a night out during your holidays here. And it’s not all about the bars in Chania either, as large clubs like Mylos (which attracts big name DJs in the summer) and Figaro will keep the party going well into the night.

Shopping in Chania

Leather and jewellery: Perhaps the best types of shops to look out during your holidays in Chania are those which sell leather and jewellery. The leather is fantastically cheap over here compared to UK prices. Plus, the quality is actually very high too, and you’ll be able to pick and choose from leather handbags, belts and slippers at lots of different shops in the agora (the local market) and on Stivanadika, the main shopping street. Jewellery is also a top buy in Chania, so visit shops such as Margarita’s for fine handmade bracelets, and Midas which offers gold and amber necklaces for that special treat to bring back home from your holidays.