Resort Guides › Greece › Crete
A beautifully preserved Venetian harbour town, with excellent beaches nearby.
Overview
Chania’s old town, built around a Venetian-era harbour with a well-known lighthouse, is widely considered one of the most beautiful town centres in Greece, and sits close to some of Crete’s best beaches, including the famous pink-tinged sands of Elafonissi.
Families & toddlers
Several sandy, gently shelving beaches lie a short drive from town, and the harbour itself — with its boats, cafés and old fortifications — is an easy, engaging place for children to explore on foot.
Couples, teens & nightlife
The harbourside is genuinely atmospheric in the evenings, with tavernas and bars right on the water — one of the more romantic bases in the Greek islands, without a heavy nightlife scene.
Seniors & accessibility
The old town has some cobbled, uneven streets, but the harbour front itself is level and a pleasant place to spend an evening; day trips further afield involve more travel and walking.
Best time to visit
May to October for reliable swimming weather; late spring and early autumn are notably quieter than peak August.