In the heart of Chania Town, set within a short distance of Koum Kapi Beach and Nea Chora Beach, Estia Residence in Chania Old Town offers free WiFi, air conditioning and household amenities such as an oven and coffee machine. With garden views, this accommodation offers a balcony.
The holiday home is fitted with 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, bed linen, towels, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, a dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, and a terrace with mountain views.
The holiday home offers a picnic area. A car rental service is available at Estia Residence in Chania Old Town, while cycling can be enjoyed nearby.
Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Chania Old Venetian Harbour, Kucuk Hasan Mosque and Saint Anargyri Church. The nearest airport is Chania International, 13 km from Estia Residence in Chania Old Town, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
Gavaladon 17
Find below list of things to do near Estia Residence in Chania Old Town:
Begin your journey of Knossos by meeting your guide at your hotel in Heraklion, where you will be greeted by your guide who will take care of you throughout the day.
Head straight to Knossos, where you will visit the ancient Minoan Palace, an important city in antiquity that supported continuous life from the Neolithic era to the 5th century.
According to tradition, Knossos was the seat of the wise king Minos. Learn about the archeological site’s fascinating myths, including the famous labyrinth and the minotaur legend, and that of Daedalus and Icarus.
Next, head into the Heraklion mainland, which is known for its vilana, kostifali, and vidiano indigenous Cretan grapes. Crete’s winemaking tradition dates all the way back to antiquity, and Cretan winemakers have consistently produced outstanding, award-winning wines.
Taste some of these flavorful wines at a family-owned organic winery, where you’ll enjoy six different wines along with local nibbles.
Next, tuck into a delicious local lunch in a cozy, traditional, family-owned tavern that serves home-grown and freshly made delicacies from farm to table. This is your chance to sample truly authentic Cretan cuisine.
Then, explore a typical village in Archanes as you wander its narrow lanes, and discover a world concealed from time. Here, savor the local liqueur called raki before heading back to your accommodation in Heraklion.
Experience the vibrant streets of Chania on a guided street-food tour that highlights the richness of the Mediterranean diet and its influence on Cretan culture. Wander through historic neighborhoods and bustling alleys as your knowledgeable guide shares stories of the city’s past—from Venetian and Ottoman times to modern Crete. Learn how traditional ingredients, fresh produce, and local culinary practices shaped daily life and nourished generations, gaining a deeper understanding of the island’s heritage while exploring its lively street-food scene.
Stops included: Fortress, Olive Tour & Tasting, Folklore Museum, Traditional Village Coffee Shop, Monastery, Local Winery with Wine Tasting & Traditional Lunch.
Discover the authentic side of Crete on this private all-inclusive Village Tour, starting from Chania and lasting around 7 – 8 hours. Far from the crowds, you’ll explore traditional villages, history, and hospitality at a relaxed pace. The tour begins at Aptera Fortress with stunning views over Souda Bay and the White Mountains, then continues to a family-run olive oil mill for a tasting of Crete’s ‘liquid gold’. At the Folklore Museum of Gavalochori, artifacts reveal stories of village life, before a pause for coffee at a traditional kafeneio. We then visit a peaceful Monastery and end at a local winery for wine tasting and a traditional Cretan lunch.
This is more than sightseeing – it’s a day of flavours, stories, and connection with the real Crete. Whether you are a family, group of friends, couple, solo traveler, or visiting on a cruise, this experience is designed for you. Our private van is fully adapted for mobility needs, ensuring everyone feels welcome. A true journey into the heart and soul of Crete.
Discover Chania like a local on our immersive tour! Begin your adventure in the scenic medieval town and old port as twilight approaches. Wander through the hidden cobblestone streets of the Venetian Old Port, uncovering tales of iconic locals, rebellions, and historical structures that make Chania’s history captivatingly real.
We’ll introduce you to vibrant local bars and unique shops that champion Cretan crafts, ensuring you experience the city’s lively spirit. As the sun sets, soak in the mesmerizing view at an ideal vantage point, perfect for unforgettable photos.
Wrap up the night in a charming garden, indulging in a wine and food feast. Savour award-winning Cretan wines alongside a three-course organic dinner, all while learning about Cretan wine varieties and cuisine, renowned for its health benefits.
For dessert lovers, enjoy artisanal ice cream made from fresh local ingredients. Conclude your night with “raki” shots at a local venue, mingling with Chania’s friendly locals. Before you leave, let us share insider tips to maximize your Crete experience!
I am passionate about running and building communities and from these 2 things, Cretan Wild was born. My goal is to get as many people out as possible in nature and explore the beauty of this island that I love so much.
At Cretan Wild we aim to provide a safe and fun environment to explore this island, whether its through running, hiking, biking or any other outdoor activity. We want to share our love for the island and all it encompasses from the people, the culture, the food and of course the stunning landscapes
The trails we share with you range from the family friendly to the more adventurous of spirit and will take you from the sea to the highest mountains, through the gorges and quaint villages.
While there is a selection of our most popular trails uploaded here, there are many thousand more on this island and we can tailor make packages to suit your every need including multi day tours and retreats. Please don’t hesitate to reach out, I would love to chat with you about how I can help you make the most from your Cretan experience
Since its first settlement in the Neolithic period, Chania has been a prized location for many empires, including the Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Venetians, Ottomans, and Germans. Its strategic position has led to a rich and tumultuous history, making Chania a city with an enthralling story.
Join us on a laid-back walking tour of Chania to explore what makes this cultural capital so extraordinary. We’ll visit some of the Old Town’s best sights, famous spots, historic haunts, and hidden gems, including the lesser-known Ottoman and Jewish quarters. Get ready to experience Chania with all your senses!
We begin our tour at the Dimotiki Agora (Municipal Market), the boundary between the old and new town. Established in 1913, the year of Crete’s unification with Greece, the Agora hosts over 70 family-owned businesses selling local groceries and products. Sample local delicacies, discovering why Crete is home to one of the healthiest diets in the world.
After satisfying your taste buds, we’ll stroll through the old town district, navigating hidden back streets and narrow laneways, visiting Venetian and Ottoman monuments, and discovering secret gardens. Hear stories, myths, and legends about kings, sailors, merchants, heroes, lovers, and artists, and learn how Chania has been a crossroads between the West and East for centuries.
Next, witness local craftsmen producing their handmade products. Hear their stories and maybe even test your skills!
We’ll then meander through the old Jewish and Ottoman neighborhoods, learning how multiculturalism has shaped the lives of the locals over the centuries.
After walking along the historic harbor’s promenade, you’ll relax at a local favorite spot, enjoying a delightful table of Cretan mezedes (local tapas).
Our tour concludes here, the perfect place to continue your exploration of the city, or we can escort you back to the starting point. Before we part ways, don’t forget to ask us for more tips on making the most of your trip to amazing Chania.
Local Impact — How You Help the Community
Meet local shopowners and family-owned businesses selling Cretan-only products.
Visit one of the last remaining workshops for traditional handmade Cretan knives and hear stories from the knife maker.
Sample locally sourced food from Crete’s villages, farmers, and stock-breeders.
Find below list of beaches near Estia Residence in Chania Old Town:
Situated at the eastern edge of the scenic port of Chania, in front of the historical Bedouin district, is Kum Kapi Beach. This location was once inhabited by African economic migrants who lived in rush-made huts during the Ottoman period, having initially arrived on the island as slaves. Presently, the only visible structures are a long coastal street lined with cafes and nightclubs, with no huts in sight. The area derives its name from the Turkish phrase Kum Kapisi, translating to the Gate of Sand, which was a gate on the Venetian Walls adjacent to this sandy beach.
Kum Kapi Beach stretches for approximately 1km to the east beneath a pedestrian road. In previous years, the beach was a popular swimming spot in Chania, but the deteriorating quality of seawater led to swimming being banned. Recent developments in the biological cleaning infrastructure of Chania city have improved the water quality, making it safe for swimming according to the city’s Water Supply and Sewerage Authority. However, Kum Kapi Beach remains unorganized and is still not trusted by locals.
To the west, the ocean meets the road’s wall with no beach in between. On the east side, a strip of sandy beach is formed where most people swim. Further east, a beautiful cove is formed, although locals still avoid swimming there.
Kouloura Pond, Halepa
In the Halepa suburb of Chania, next to the Agia Kyriaki chapel and beach, you’ll find Kouloura – a small rocky pond. This spot is a favored “pool” amongst Halepa residents, each of whom has a unique tale to share about the place.
Nea Chora, a picturesque sandy beach, lies just a kilometer west of Chania city center along Akti Papanikoli Street, opposite the Lazaretta islet. A short 15-minute stroll from Chania’s old harbor, this beach boasts a well-maintained main area with several facilities at hand. While mostly sandy, Nea Chora also features rocky patches. It’s the perfect spot for those who prefer to stay nearby the city center. East of the beach, you can still spot the old soap factory’s towering chimney and the former sanatorium of Chania. Nea Chora is a favorite among locals for its seafood taverns, but there are also plenty of restaurants, snack bars, and cafes to choose from. Every summer, the beach hosts the “Sardine Festival”, complete with traditional music, dancing, and free fish for attendees.
Kladissos beach
Further along the river Kladisos, a second beach unfolds all the way up to Aptera beach. Kladisos beach is a lengthy sandy bay, interspersed with pebbly areas. Despite its proximity to Chania and its appealing beauty, the beach remains relatively secluded and unspoiled. The simplest way to access this beach is by crossing the Kladisos river via the pedestrian bridge.
Lazaretta islet, situated across Nea Chora, functioned as a leprosarium for the Venetians in the 17th century, similar to most islets in Crete’s cities. Its moniker is derived from Lazarus, whom the Roman Catholic Church recognizes as the lepers’ patron saint.
Historically, it has been identified as a burial site, presumably for patients, and the site still exhibits the remnants of buildings that the Turks demolished in 1645 to install a sizeable cannon to assist their siege of Chania’s stronghold at the harbour entrance. In certain areas, fragments of bombs dropped during the German military operations in World War II can still be observed.
The islet is home to a Saint Nicholas shrine, constructed by a local man in 1954. This man suffered a sunstroke on the island but was able to swim to Nea Chora and survive. The island features a small sandy beach, favored for snorkeling and often visited by local diving schools and seafaring tour boats. In the 1950s, long-distance competitive swimmers frequently selected Lazaretta as their starting point for races, with the inner harbour of Chania serving as the finish line.
Situated 2.5km west of Chania city and just east of Agii Apostoli, you’ll find the glistening Golden Beach, or Hrissi Akti as it’s known in Greek. It’s essentially two sandy beaches separated by a rocky outcrop. The western cove is the primary Golden Beach, while the eastern one is the quieter Aptera beach. The west bay is the more popular of the two, boasting excellent facilities such as umbrellas, lifeguards, showers, cafes, water sports and more. Its fine golden sand and shallow waters are particularly appealing to families with young children, and there’s even a playground nearby.
Aptera beach, on the other side of the rocky divide, offers a more tranquil experience. It’s less developed and has the remnants of the Aptera Beach hotel which was abandoned in the late 90s due to financial difficulties. This beach is perfect for those looking for solitude and is conveniently close to Chania.
The entire Agii Apostoli area is dotted with small parks filled with pine and eucalyptus trees. Access to Golden Beach is easy, either by bus from Chania or by foot.
Find below list of gorges near Estia Residence in Chania Old Town:
The Cyclamen Gorge, also known as Agios Georgios Gorge or Gorge Vandes, is nestled on the northern slopes of the White Mountains. Its starting point is the Aletrouvari settlement, situated at an altitude of 300m, and it extends east of Agios Georgios village, ultimately ending at the village of Vandes, which is at an elevation of 50m. The stream that runs through this gorge gathers water from the Drakona area, resulting in the formation of quaint, small ponds at certain spots.
However, this route is not recommended for novice hikers as it requires approximately 2 hours to traverse from Aletrouvari or about 1 hour from Agios Georgios. As visitors journey through this route, they will encounter a diverse landscape that changes along the river, all under the cool shade of towering plane trees and cypresses.
Positioned near the city of Chania, the Therisso Gorge (also known as Eleftherios Venizelos) is an awe-inspiring sight. This six-kilometre-long canyon is adorned with impressive vertical cliffs and lush greenery, rivalling any other gorge in the Chania region. Accessible by car, it’s worth combining a trip to the gorge with a visit to the historic village of Therisso, nestled at the foot of the White Mountains, just 15 kilometres from Chania. This village, steeped in history, offers an unforgettable experience to any visitor.
With a population of just over 100, the valiant village of Therisso has held a significant role in Crete’s modern history, mainly due to the resilience of its inhabitants against Turkish invasions. In 1866, the village was burnt by Mustapha Pasha Naili, forcing many, including the mother of future Greek Prime Minister, Eleftherios Venizelos, to relocate to Kythera and the Peloponnese. Therisso gained further historical prominence in 1905 when Eleftherios Venizelos and his allies initiated a revolution against the autocratic rule of Prince George, imposed by the Great Powers, charting a course for Crete’s union with Greece. Notably, the heroic Halides brothers, key figures in the 1821 revolution, also hailed from Therisso.
The Diktamos Canyon, nestled within the White Mountains, commences 21km to the east of Chania, near the Katochori village at an elevation of 300m. It concludes 8km further east, at the Faragi village, situated at a height of 40m and in close proximity to the Stylos village in the Apokoronas province. Consequently, it is also referred to as the Katechori Gorge or Stylos Gorge. The canyon’s stream serves as the primary tributary of the Kiliaris River, gathering water from the northern slopes of the Mavri peak and discharging it onto the Kalives beach.
Navigating through the canyon can be challenging, with certain areas requiring extra caution and approximately 3 hours to traverse. The canyon is a stunning, verdant landscape filled with towering trees and steep inclines, home to dittany or diktamos, a herb endemic to Crete. In Stylos, you have the opportunity to explore the ancient church of Apostle John (Agios Ioannis Theologos), refresh yourself at the local springs, and replenish your energy at the village’s taverns.
The Avlaki Gorge, nestled in Arkoudovounia near the Gouverneto Monastery, just 16km east of Chania city, stands as one of Crete’s most significant canyons with a rich religious history. This secluded area provided refuge for numerous monks and hermits in its caves, and also houses the ancient, abandoned Katholiko Monastery, making it known as the Katholiko Gorge as well. Although the gorge isn’t entirely accessible, a marked trail from the Gouverneto Monastery offers a scenic but steep descent towards Katholiko. On the journey, you’ll encounter the Cave Arkoudiotissa and the ancient temple of Artemis after a 10-minute walk, followed by a further 10 minutes to the deserted Katholiko Monastery and the cave of Saint John the Hermit.
Walking for another 15-25 minutes along the riverbed from the monastery will bring you to the Katholiko Bay, passing by caves where hermits once resided. The gorge’s exit reveals a slender, rocky fjord with deep blue waters, a small Venetian well, a tiny harbour used by monks, and a quarry that provided construction materials for the monastery. The area also features a rock formation resembling a boat, said to be a pirate ship turned to stone by a monastery abbot’s curse.
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