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The Old Venetian Harbour

No visit to Chania is complete without a visit to the old Venetian harbour, which dates back to the 1320s and the Venetian occupation of Crete. The port falls within the Byzantine fortification walls built in the 6th and 7th centuries, an area of Chania declared a protected historical monument in 1965, and is considered one of the most beautiful Venetian Harbours in the Mediterranean.

This historical landmark is made of two sections: the west basin, where goods were once unloaded from boats and ships and stored in warehouses, and the east basin, essentially the docklands, referred to as the Arsenali for the arsenals lining the dock that were once used for vessel maintenance and repairs.

Be sure to visit the Nautical Museum, located in the Firkas Fortress, and see the Minoan ship replica at the Moro Docks. There's a beautifully restored lighthouse on the right-hand breakwater of the Venetian harbour, offering some of the most stunning views in the Old Town, particularly at sunset. Many of the best villas for exploring the harbour on foot are within walking distance of the waterfront itself, meaning you can enjoy dinner by the water and be back at your villa in minutes.

The harbour is also where much of Chania's food and drink scene comes to life. Dockside cafés, restaurants, and bars line both basins, serving everything from fresh-caught seafood to traditional Cretan meze, and the atmosphere in the evening, with lantern light reflecting off the water and the White Mountains fading into silhouette behind the rooftops, is one of the main reasons visitors fall in love with the city.

Elafonisi and Balos Lagoon

Translating to "Deer Island," Elafonisi is located close to the southwestern corner of Crete and falls under the administrative region of Chania. The best way to reach it is by car from Chania town. The protected nature reserve can be reached by walking through the shallows when the weather and tides permit, so it's worth checking forecasts before you go. 

The island is most famous for its pink sandy beach, a result of ocean deposits of pigmented microorganisms working in conjunction with native seaweed. It is home to a commemorative plaque honouring the hundreds of Greeks, including women and children, killed by the Ottomans on Easter Sunday of 1824 while awaiting rescue, and a memorial cross for the 38 people who died when the SS Imperatrix wrecked against the island's cliffs in 1888.

Further along the coast, Balos Lagoon offers some of the most striking scenery on the island. Turquoise waters shift through shades of blue and green as they meet the white sand, framed by rugged hills on one side and open sea on the other. It's a longer trip from Chania town, whether by boat or a combination of driving and walking, but the panoramic views from the hillside above the lagoon, overlooking the sandy beach and the surrounding islets, make it one of the most photographed spots in Crete - and with good reason.

City Sightseeing

Back in Chania town, the Old Town has plenty to offer beyond the harbour. A must-see destination is the Archaeological Museum of Chania on Chalidon Street. Originally constructed in 1605 as a Franciscan Monastery, it later became a mosque and then a cinema before finally being transformed into a museum. It now houses relics from ancient Kydoniai (Chania) and Aptera.

Also worth visiting on Chalidon Street are the Chania Cathedral, Trimartiti, and Our Lady Catholic Church, revered churches built in the 1860s and 1870s respectively.

Another significant site is the Etz Hayyim Synagogue on Parados Kondylaki. After the German elimination of the Jewish population of Crete in 1944, this ruined house of prayer became the only testament to the plight of the Jewish people on the island.

On a lighter note, visit the Chania Municipal Agora, a fresh produce market built in 1913 by architect K. Drandakis, now also home to a number of souvenir shops and a good stop for the whole family. There's also a waterpark and a go-kart track for family outings, along with a selection of theatres, cinemas (including two open-air cinemas), art galleries, and music venues, most of them within easy reach of Chania town's narrow streets.

Plan Your Stay in Chania

To explore Chania means experiencing the warm welcome of the locals, tasting authentic Cretan food and drink, and visiting sites that have shaped the town's heart and personality. Most visitors are drawn to the old Venetian harbour, the turquoise waters of Balos Lagoon, and the stunning views from their own private terrace.

Once you have settled in and with the right villa rental as your base, you can explore everything the region has to offer, such as historic streets, sandy beaches, and mountain scenery, while still returning each evening to a private swimming pool, air conditioning, and a sea view worth the trip alone.

Browse our full collection of Chania villas, from wedding villas to villas with a private pool or those offering uninterrupted sea views, and start planning your dream holiday in Crete!