Our experience – Staying in Chania

We stayed in Chania for 4 nights ourselves (see Crete itinerary: 12-day road trip along the highlights of Crete). We found it to be a beautiful city and a great base for exploring various stunning locations in the west of Crete. Read our tips here.

Rethymnon or Chania?

We chose to stay in both. The cities are actually quite similar, both featuring a charming old town and a beach nearby. Rethymnon’s large sandy beach is within walking distance of the center, and Chania also has two city beaches. From Chania, it’s easy to take trips to Crete’s two most famous beaches: Elafonissi Beach and Balos Beach. However, from Rethymnon, it’s easier to drive to Preveli Beach and Matala Beach, which are also great excursions.

Both Chania and Rethymnon are highly recommended as a base! If we had to choose, we would go for Rethymnon, simply because it is more centrally located, the center feels slightly cozier, and the beach is nice and wide!

Accommodation in Chania

We stayed at the Avra City Boutique Hotel, a small-scale hotel within walking distance of the center, with the great advantage of having a parking garage. This made it very convenient, as parking in Chania’s center can sometimes be challenging. The center of Chania is busy, and it truly feels like a city.

If you prefer staying outside the bustling center, Agioi Apostoli is a fantastic location with beautiful beaches while still being close to Chania. After a day trip to the beaches of Agioi Apostoli, we would definitely recommend it as a great place to stay near Chania.

Parking in Chania:

Just like in Rethymnon, parking in the center of Chania can be challenging, especially during peak season. Therefore, choose a hotel with its own parking facilities or be prepared to park a bit further from the center and walk a short distance.

Food & Drinks in Chania

Staying in Chania comes with the advantage of a wide selection of dining options, from traditional tavernas to upscale restaurants—Chania has it all. Our favorite dining experience (tip!) was at Chrisostomos, where we tasted the best wood-fired lamb in Crete. The Venetian harbor also offers plenty of cozy restaurants with a stunning view of the water.

Beach(es) of Chania

Just outside Chania you’ll find beautiful beaches like Yannis Beach Place, which are quieter and less crowded than the city beaches. These beaches offer golden sand, crystal clear water and a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for a day away from the hustle and bustle. However, it did require a bit of driving, something to keep in mind.

We found Yannis Beach Place to be one of the best beaches of our entire stay in Crete, with stunning water, a bay setting and even caves. A great tip is to bring your snorkeling mask, we even spotted an octopus here.

Day trips from Chania

• Elafonissi beach
• Balos Beach
• Yannis Beach Place
• Minoan’s World

From Chania as a base, you can visit two of the most beautiful and famous beaches in Crete, Elafonissi Beach and Balos Beach.

Check out our Crete itinerary: 12-day road trip along the highlights of Crete to learn more about the different day trips we took from Chania and what we thought of them!

Don’t have a rental car? Or do you prefer exploring with a guide? Check out these activities on GetYourGuide:

GetYourGuide also offers some great excursions from Chania. Are you staying in Chania and looking for travel tips? Be sure to check out the links below.