Crete area guide
Chania
Chania is the most photogenic part of Crete, known for its Venetian Old Town and harbour, colourful streets, and some of the island’s most famous beaches. It’s the gateway to West Crete highlights like Balos Lagoon, Elafonissi Beach and Falassarna, plus dramatic nature such as Samaria Gorge and the White Mountains. Popular bases include Chania Town, Platanias, Agia Marina, Kissamos and Paleochora—ideal for beach days, boat trips, hiking and food-focused travel.
Chania basics
Best for
Beaches, photos, boat days
Good bases
Old Town, Agia Marina, Kissamos
Signature stops
Balos, Elafonissi, Falassarna, Samaria Gorge
Places in Chania
Start with 12 places. Open the full list when you need every option.
Agia Marina
Agia Marina, a seaside village in Chania, Crete, is a popular destination for visitors seeking relaxation and fun. It is located about 9 km west of Chania and offers a variety of...
Agia Roumeli
Agia Roumeli is a small, isolated village located at the southern end of the famous Samaria Gorge in Chania, Crete. It's uniquely situated at the mouth of the gorge, where the Rou...
Almyrida - Kokkino Chorio - Gavalochori
Almyrida, a picturesque seaside village located about 20 kilometres east of Chania, is an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful and relaxing holiday. It has two beautiful...
Chania
Chania, a captivating city on the western coast of Crete, is a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. With its Venetian Old Town, stunning beaches, and vibrant atmosphere,...
Chrysoskalitissa
Situated 76 kilometers far from Chania, at the southwest, Chrysoskalitissa is a small village with few permanent residents, a resort for locals and a few tourists. The most import...
Falassarna
Falassarna, located 59 km west of Chania, is one of the most popular destinations in Crete. It is famous for its stunning beaches, its rich history and its natural beauty. The sur...
Frangokastello-Korakas
Frangokastello is a seaside settlement on a small plain which is located 13 km east of Sfakia. It is famous for the homonymous medieval castle built by the Venetian rulers of the...
Georgioupolis
Georgioupolis is a seaside village located on the eastern side of Chania, about 38 kilometers from the city. It is known for its extensive sandy beach, deep blue waters and calm a...
Gialos
Gialos is a small, picturesque fishing village located on the southwestern coast of Crete, in the regional unit of Chania. It's situated near the town of Paleochora, often conside...
Gramvousa-Platanos-Agios Georgios
The village of Platanos, located in the Kissamos Chania is a picturesque and relatively modern village. Nestled at an altitude of 240 meters, Platanos is an ideal destination for...
Kalamaki
Kalamaki, a sea front area located about 5 km west of Chania city, is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Crete.
Kalyves
Kalyves is a seaside village located in the bay of Souda, about 19 kilometres east of Chania. It is characterized by its particular natural beauty, with the green valley, the rive...
Local guide in Chania
Food, drinks, beaches, services, and local stops in this area.
Agia Marina Beach
Agia Marina is one of the busiest and most accessible beaches near Chania, offering a great mix of beautiful waters, tourist amenities, and v...
Balos Lagoon - Balos Beach
Balos Lagoon is a world-renowned beach located in the northwest of Crete, where the turquoise waters meet a white sandy shore. The lagoon is...
Elafonisi Beach - Pink Sand Beach
Elafonisi is often regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in Crete and even Europe. The crystal-clear waters and soft, powdery pink sa...
Falassarna Beach
Falassarna Beach, located in the western part of Crete, is one of the island’s longest and most popular beaches. Known for its golden sand an...
Seitan Limania
Seitan Limania is a hidden gem tucked away between steep cliffs in the northwest of Crete. The beach features stunning turquoise waters, and...
63th Mezedosxoleion
In the old town of Chania, there is a small tavern with a warm welcome and authentic character. The 63rd Mezedoscholeion is an excellent c...
Afrata Beach
Afrata Beach is a tranquil, pebbly cove nestled on the Rodopou Peninsula, approximately 3.5 km north of Kolymvari and 28 km west of Chania ....
Agia Roumeli Beach
Agia Roumeli, a small seaside village in southern Chania, is mainly known as the exit of the Samaria Gorge. However, the beach of Agia Roumel...
Tours connected to Chania
Bookable days that fit this area.
Chania: 4-Hour Boat Cruise to Theodorou Island with 3 Swim Stops & WWII Plane Wreck
€50from
Chania: 3.5-Hour Boat Tour with Swimming, Snorkeling & Glass Bottom Viewing
€50from