12 Great Things to Do in Chania, Crete - Can Travel Will Travel With a fantastic breakfast! This museum helps you delve back through centuries of Cretes maritime history. All through the port area, you'll find a wonderful selection of restaurants serving fresh seafood and other Greek delicacies. The lighthouse is no longer operational or open to visitors these days, but you can take the steps to the first level for views of the sea and city. The thing is that in summer it is super popular so you either come very early to get a nice spot or later in the afternoon. Our go-to for self-catering accommodation in Chania is Vrbo. The museum is small. In the east of the old town you will find the East Moat Theatre Parking and in the west Talos Square public parking which are both free. Among the favorite places to eat, theres Lithos, which serves Mediterranean and Greek dishes, and La Bodega, at the very end of the harbor, with a unique wine list. Tour the Monasteries of Akrotiri Peninsula, 10. You can buy the ticket from the automatic machines (1.50) or directly on the bus (2). So stay around, bookmark the blog for more, and check out these great things that only Chania Old Town, one of the best places in Crete, can offer! Its a beautiful spot to wander during the day and at sunset. One of the best things to do in Chania is to set the alarm clock and walk the backstreets in the early morning. Take a 20-minute tandem paragliding session with a qualified instructor to see Chania city from above, along with spectacular views of the coastline and mountains. The 15,9 km Samaria Gorge is a real gem of hiking. This was fantastic as we got to learn about Cretan herbs, spices, fruit and vegetables. Housed in the Gothic Church of San Francesco, a light and airy vaulted space (built by the Venetians and later used as a mosque by Turks), this museum holds archeological finds from western Crete dating from Neolithic times through to the Roman era. Visit the museum after you take the walk to the lighthouse, to cool down and to unwind before delving into Chania Town. Things to do in Chania. NEWS One of the best things to do in Crete, Chania is to wander through a maze of pedestrian-only streets in the historic old town. The week-long German bombardment in 1941 flattened all structures in this area. Note that at the Moro dock, in one of the Venetian arsenals east of the old harbor, you can also see the Minoa, a reconstructed 15th-century-BC Minoan ship. Agios Nikolaos is another popular tourist destination, with an incredibly scenic location and beautiful beaches in the surrounding area. Right in front of the Minaret, an old Venetian monastery of the sixteenth century has been restored. FLIGHT DEALS: Find the best rates on airline tickets. The Most Amazing Things to Do in Chania Old Town - The Tiny Book Although the lighthouse is not open to visitors, you can still climb the set of stairs to the first level at the base for views back to the city and out to sea. Some small, local restaurants are also located here along with other shops selling the standard tourist supplies. This is a great way to see Chania through a locals eyes. You will find here the working Etz Hayyim Synagogue which is the only Synagogue in the whole of Crete. The Archaeological Museum of Chania is housed in the Venetian Church of St. Francis, which used later as a Turkish mosque. It was first built in the 6th and 7th century AD to protect the Kastelli Hill settlement, in the place of an even older wall. In order to learn more about the history of Chania Town, you can book a private guided tour with street food tasting, here. Not far from the remains of Minoan Kydonia, you can visit the original settlement of the town. Here, the smell of leather is pungent and attractive. Tip: Nearby is the beautiful sandy beach of Falasarna, an exotic and organized beach. Fridays from 10:00 am to 15.00. By car, it takes 20 to 25 minutes to get to the city center from the airport (15 km/9.3 miles). THE 10 BEST Things to Do Near Agii Apostoli Beach, Greece Gabi kindly invited us to join this tour on our very last day in Chania. The bus service operates from 06.00 to 22.45. By bus is a cheaper option but the ride might take about an hour. Kidlof Streetis also known as The Leather Street or Lane. Experiencing the old town of Chania is all about wandering around, observing the buildings and allowing yourself to feel the spirit of the place. This seemed a popular spot with locals to sit and enjoy a sunset beer or wine wish wed thought of that. I love the architecture and Mediterranean vibe. If you want to learn how to cook healthy Mediterranean dishes, this cooking class tour is a must! You are reading about the best things to do in western Crete, the Chania region! Run by a group of local friends, who show you around Chania and tell you all about Chanias culture and history. From the airport, you can get to Chania by taking taxis, rentals (we always use Discover cars), or the cheapest option (2,5, 30 airport-Chania), the public bus, and pre-purchase your ticket. Compare rental car prices in Crete on Rentalcars.com. In summer there are also daytime services. My next trip took place in 2016, when I spent a lovely holiday in Stalos, a small resort between Chania and Agia Marina. The colors here are amazing-the sand takes on pink hues in certain light as it is made up of tiny pieces of shells and coral, and the sea is turquoise-blue. Limited places to sit, so just grab and walk away. You will come across . By the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the importance of the harbor diminished as large ships began to use the deep, natural harbor in Souda Bay. Surrounded by history it stands tall in a capital city Vilnius. Taste of Crete its right up my alley too. })(document, 'script', '//aff.bstatic.com/static/affiliate_base/js/flexiproduct.js'); I took photos of some hotels during my walks. The impressive Firkas Fortress or Revellino del Porto was built to be used as a military headquarters in the 17th-century. The Most Amazing Things to Do in Chania Old Town when Visiting Crete! There are many districts to simply wander through which give you a sense of the depth of history here. Address: Fournes, 18 kilometers southwest of Chania, Crete. That means I may make a commission if you click and buy. Check out how to easily get from Heraklion to Chania. Falling into ruin during the Turkish occupation, it was rebuilt into a minaret shape in the 19th century when Egyptian troops were supporting the weakening Ottoman Empire. Discover fantastic trips and activities on the Greek islands with Viator and GetYourGuide. Chania, instead, is known for its white boots. Points of Interest & Landmarks Religious Sites. It seems that Chania was always one of the most popular destinations in Greece. The cobbled streets are filled with shops selling clothes, ceramics, and local artworks, and the city is a favorite place to visit for holidaying Greeks in August. In the 10th century, it was reinforced with stones from the ancient ruined city of Kydonia, to protect against another Arab invasion. Once the capital of Crete, Chania is packed with fascinating history, various architectural styles and absorbing culture. Shady spots with benches amid fragrant herbs such as sage, mint, and thyme offer places to relax and escape the sun. The gorge opens out to the sea at the village of Aya Roumli, with a black-sand beach where you can swim at the end of your hike. Have I missed anything good that there is to see and do there?Travel Resources for Chania in Crete, GreecePlanning your trip to Chania in Crete, Greece? I hope that you get the chance to try as many as possible. Love Crete and hope to go back this summer maybe. Currency. 52 Stunning Things to Do in Chania Region - Crete - The Tiny Book The Egyptian lighthouse was severely damaged from bombing in WWII and earthquakes, but 2005 renovations have left it looking like new. They serve from the most traditional Cretan dishes to high-end fusion cuisine. Stroll in the old town - Best things to do in Chania. How to Plan a Fabulous Road Trip in Crete (The Right Way)! Chania is the second most important city of Crete and the main city of the western Prefecture of Chania. Product Review Disclosure:The Tiny Book provided me with a complimentary A Taste of Crete walking food tour. Chania Crete: 12 Best Things to Do (2023) - Travel the Greek Way Let us inspire and encourage you to do the same! There are many historic and religious sites to visit and explore in Chania city. It was built on the foundations of an old Venetian church and was a place of prayer exclusive for theJanissaries,the Turkish soldiers stationed around the island to keep law and order. Thanks for your kind words, I am always glad when visitors to my site say that they have found it helpful Unforgettable Things to Do in Chania Old Town RESOURCES TO BOOK YOUR TRIP TO CRETE: FLIGHTS: Use Skyscanner to find affordable plane tickets. In despair, his father prayed to the Virgin to save him. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); GEMI No: 169951603000 (Reg. By the end of the 19th century and due to different political factors, the Jews of the island started to emigrate. Buy your ticket with cash from vending machines or directly on the bus. No doubt though, youll want to spend time exploring some or all the following things to do in Chania more on your own. Greece is re-opening soon so I will have to add this to our list of hopeful spots! THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Vilnius with Kids (Updated 2023) The Market is 750 meters so 15 to 20 min? The walk takes about 15 minutes one way, at a leisurely pace. Wine tasting in Chania. Click here to check out more beaches in the Chania area. Rather than being merely soldiers, the Janissaries were the Christian sons that the Ottomans captured in different conquered countries and converted into their faith. Pick them all, two days (and even one if you choose the right itinerary) can be enough to see all of these things in the article, take a look! All the words of this world will not prepare you for the breathtaking view when you get there. LOB_ACTIVITIES - Expedia The films are shown in the original version with Greek subtitles, except for childrens films which are often dubbed. The beach is blissful after 5pm, when the excursion boats leave, and you're at one with nature. 15 Best Things to Do in Chania (Crete) | Places to Visit 2023 A pleasant diversion from the mainstream tourist attractions in Chania is the Municipal Market. If heights arent your thing, test your balance out with a stand-up paddleboarding small group tour. The path is steep and uneven at first, descending through dense pinewoods. For my 40th birthday last October, wed planned to be in Africa hiking Kilimanjaro and on safari but of course, COVID-19 put paid to that. Compare charter yacht hire prices in Greece at Click&Boat. Also, theres a Cretan cheese called Graviera, which is absolutely wonderful. On the point across the water from the lighthouse stands the Maritime Museum and the Firkas Fortress. The two most instagrammable streets in Chania, Aggelou and Theotokopoulou are also in Topanas. A great way to see the highlights of Chania, especially if youre short on time is by taking a walking tour. Are you looking for hotels and apartments in the four regions of Crete Island? Therell be the opportunity to explore hidden caves, and to swim and snorkel. Planning your trip to Chania in Crete, Greece? Dont know what to do? Old Town Of Chania. It involves some easy downhill hiking to get to the beach from the parking lot. Evraiki (former Jewish Quarter) area in Chania is another popular and picturesque area with tiny cobblestone alleys. These knives boast unique handles made of horn or wood, and a blade often with a Cretan poem or song engraved on it (in Greek, mantinada). Try to extend your trip slightly if possible, so you have time to explore as much as possible that this captivating city has to offer. *Some of the links are affiliate links. If unlike us, youre not a foodie, another option is to take this free walking tour of Chania. You can see the lighthouse from any point along the old harbour. The starting point of the Samaria hiking is at the village of Omalos, 42 km south of Chania, and ends in the scenic seaside village of Agia Roumeli. Well-known for its vibrant atmosphere, Chania is a great place and an ideal starting point for your vacation in Western Crete. FLIGHTS: Use Skyscannerto find affordable plane tickets. The only surviving Jewish monument on Crete, it dates back to the 14th century and was once the hub of the Jewish community in Chania. The ticket is 8.60, and the trip lasts about an hour. 1. One of the best things to do in Chania is wander through the maze of narrow, pedestrian-only streets in the historic old town. Chania's old town is one of the most picturesque places in Crete, and the new city offers a lot of great accommodation options. Take a taxi or take a public bus to get easily there. This guide is about the best things to do and see in Chania Crete! You can see it from the museum itself, or the open dining space of Bohme, a trendy restaurant located on Halidon Street. Situated to the east of Old Town Chania along the coastline, the Tabakaria District is a bit eccentric - yet, visiting is one of the fun things to do in Chania, Crete. Where is your dream summer destination? Souda is located 6.5 km east of the city center. Gaku Ramen will soon be dishing up bowls of ramen and Japanese comfort food in Old Town Fort Collins. Gaku Ramen announces opening date in Old Town Fort Collins p.parentNode.insertBefore(s,p); If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. This area, also known as Topanas, is what many locals call the Venetian district.