Luxury Villas in Chania

Things to do in Chania

PLACES TO EXPLORE

Chania, also known as Hania, is a familiar name to anyone with even a scant knowledge of Crete. This attractive city boasts colourful Venetian buildings, an enchanting harbour set against a backdrop of the White Mountains, and plenty of fine beaches - the perfect spot for a luxury villa holiday. Chania Old Town is a labyrinth of paved streets and winding alleys lined with quaint and colourful store fronts. Traditional tavernas, souvenir shops, cafés and bars are just a few of the interesting spots worth a visit. The Turkish neighbourhood of Chania's old town is definitely one to explore, an area which has recently rebranded from a quiet district to a vibrant and artsy hangout.

STROLLS BY THE SEA

Many of our villa holidays are accompanied by fabulous beaches, and along the northern coastline you’ll find plenty of beautiful sandy beaches looking out onto dazzling crystalline waters, including Koum Kapi beach. In Old Town, visitors will notice the 21 metre-tall lighthouse which dominates the entrance of the old Venetian harbour. Though the lighthouse is located at the end of a long mole, the walk is well-worth the incredible views and is perfect for a romantic evening stroll on a Grecian couples getaway.

UNRAVEL FASCINATING HISTORY

Around the old Venetian harbour, you’ll be able to unravel incredible history, dating back from the fascinating Minoan period to the Ottoman Turkish era. One of the best things to do to truly understand the many historical periods that Chania has gone through is to visit the Maritime Museum of Crete, the imposing red building located within the Firka Fortress. In Top Chaná (or Topanás), you’ll be able to explore the historic area where the Christian aristocrats were settled during the Ottoman era. The district's narrow alleys and authentic Venetian buildings make it the ideal setting for a romantic walk back in time.

EATING AND DRINKING IN CHANIA

There is a fantastic selection of restaurants and bars in Chania where visitors can indulge in local Cretan delights, from quaint tavernas to candle-lit cocktail bars. Nightlife in Chania is relaxed and easy-going; the city is better-known for tranquil evenings in cosy bars and pubs rather than long nights on wild dance floors. The local hard drink is called ‘raki’, or ‘tsikoudia’, distilled from what is left over after pressing grapes, the same as the Italian grappa. 

In terms of local Cretan gastronomy, there is an array of creative eateries dotted around the city. These include restaurants serving traditional seafood dishes, authentic kafeneio (coffee houses), and bakeries full of flaky bougatsa. Crete has an estimated 60 olive trees per inhabitant so olive oil (the only oil traditionally used in Cretan cooking) is one of Chania’s staple foods that you’re bound to get a taste of during your travels.