13 Best Things to Do and See in Chania
Exploring Chania on foot is one of the best ways to feel the city’s atmosphere, connect its landmark places and discover its neighbourhoods at a more natural pace.
In this guide, you will find the attractions not to miss when planning a walking route in Chania, with simple reference points.
To go further, you can also enjoy a private guided tour in Chania. It is a smoother way to connect places, understand details you might miss on your own and enjoy a more human, personal discovery adapted to your trip.
1. Old Venetian Port
The old Venetian harbor of Chania is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, with its picturesque basin lined with quays, colorful facades and lively narrow streets. A walk here reveals a setting where maritime heritage, historic architecture and a Mediterranean atmosphere come together. The harbor offers beautiful sea views, café terraces, as well as notable landmarks such as the lighthouse and former port buildings. It is a delightful place to stroll, watch the sunset and soak up the charm of Chania.
2. Old Market of Chania
In the heart of Chania, the Old Market invites visitors to stroll through a lively atmosphere that is authentically Cretan. Here, you’ll find a variety of stalls selling local products, spices, olive oil, cheeses, pastries, and handmade crafts, all within a covered building where it’s a pleasure to watch everyday life unfold. It is also an ideal place to experience the blend of tradition and local commerce, while exploring the shopping streets of the city center. Whether you are looking for souvenirs or local specialties to taste, a visit here offers a vivid glimpse of local craftsmanship.
3. Chania Airport
Chania Airport, on the Akrotiri peninsula, is the main air gateway to western Crete. This international airport welcomes travelers arriving in Chania and serves Greek and European destinations, especially in peak season. It offers a modern, practical setting with essential services such as check-in, car rental, and useful shops. From here, it is easy to reach Chania, nearby beaches, and the region’s landscapes, making it a very convenient starting point for exploring the island.
4. Agia Triada Monastery
Located on the Akrotiri peninsula near Chania, Agia Triada Monastery is a peaceful site known for its elegant Cretan architecture and well-kept gardens. A visit reveals a harmonious courtyard, an ornate church, stone monastic buildings, and a serene retreat-like atmosphere. The site is also valued for its pleasant setting among olive groves and hills, as well as for local products sometimes sold on site. It is a popular stop for exploring religious heritage and enjoying a typically Cretan landscape.
5. Iguana Beach
Iguana Beach is a popular public beach in Chania, Crete, known for its peaceful atmosphere and pleasant natural setting. It features a stretch of sand and pebbles washed by clear, usually calm waters, ideal for swimming and relaxing. Its location close to the city makes it a convenient stop for enjoying the sea without going far from the center. The beach offers a simple, accessible setting, with a typical coastal landscape of the region, perfect for a sunny break facing the Aegean Sea.
6. Chania Lighthouse
Chania Lighthouse stands at the entrance to Chania’s old Venetian harbour, offering one of the city’s most iconic views. As you approach this elegant landmark, you discover the harbour promenade, café-lined quays, historic façades, and the sea framing the scene. It is especially beautiful at sunset, when the light highlights the harbour architecture and reflections on the water. A perfect spot for a stroll, photos, and a break by the Mediterranean.
7. Venizelos Graves
The Venizelos Graves in Chania form a peaceful historic site offering beautiful views of the city, the sea, and the surrounding hills. Visitors will find a memorial complex dedicated to Eleftherios Venizelos and his son Sophoklis Venizelos, set in a simple, well-kept setting that is ideal for a walk and quiet reflection. The site is appealing both for its memorial significance and for its panorama, which is especially popular at sunset. It is an interesting stop for anyone wanting to better understand local history while enjoying one of the best viewpoints over Chania.
8. Archaeological Museum of Chania | Archaeological Museum of Chania
The Archaeological Museum of Chania offers a glimpse into the ancient history of western Crete through a rich collection of artifacts from local excavations. Visitors can see Minoan remains, pottery, figurines, jewelry, inscriptions, and various everyday objects that shed light on the lives of people in antiquity. The museum offers a clear overview of the evolution of Cretan societies, in a cultural setting ideal for better understanding the heritage of Chania and its region.
9. Catholicon of the Venetian Monastery of St. Francis | Catholic Church of the Venetian Monastery of St. Francis
In the heart of Chania, the catholicon of the former Venetian monastery of Saint Francis offers a striking glimpse into the city’s religious and architectural heritage. This place of worship, now appreciated as a tourist attraction, stands out for its stone walls, restrained proportions, and the peaceful atmosphere that reigns there. As you discover it, you can see traces of a monastic past and the successive influences that shaped Chania. It is an interesting visit for understanding the city’s urban and spiritual history while enjoying a site full of character.
10. Nea Chora Beach
Nea Chora Beach is a pleasant urban beach located west of the center of Chania, in Crete. It features a sandy and pebbly shoreline washed by generally calm sea, ideal for swimming and relaxing close to the city. The atmosphere is simple and friendly, with tavernas and cafés just steps from the shore, making it a popular place for a seaside break after a stroll through the nearby neighborhoods. It is also a convenient spot to easily enjoy the Cretan sun.
11. Maritime Museum of Chania
The Maritime Museum of Chania offers a precise look at Cretan naval culture and the city’s long relationship with the sea. Visitors can discover ship models, navigation instruments, shipbuilding pieces, and documents that shed light on life in the harbor. The visit puts military, commercial, and everyday uses of the sea into context, while highlighting the central role of the old harbor in Chania’s identity. It is a compelling stop both for its collections and for its place within the city’s historic waterfront.
12. Greek National Football Team Museum
The Greek National Football Team Museum offers an immersive look at the Hellenic national side, through a collection focused on its history and identity. Visitors will find objects, documents, and memories linked to Greek international football, displayed in a dedicated setting for this iconic team. In Chania, the museum offers a specialized view of Greek sport, combining cultural heritage with football passion.
13. Koum Kapi Beach
Koum Kapi Beach is an urban beach in Chania, known for its waterfront closely tied to city life. Set on Akti Miaouli along the bay, it offers a promenade and swimming spot rather than a large resort beach. The nearby streets, coastal façades and sea create a simple, everyday, very local atmosphere. It is a meeting point between maritime scenery and the urban environment.
Antony M
During my travels, I looked for guides who spoke my language. This search turned out to be long and tedious. That is why I created MYTOGU (My Tourist Guide): a matching site between tourists and professional tourist guides.
