The Traditional Strata is a music and dance event held by the Municipality of Chania on Tuesday evenings through the summer. The Traditional Strata gathers more than 1,500 dancers and musicians from over 20 traditional associations, from across Crete and other countries, who move through the narrow streets of Chania’s old town in traditional costume.
In 2026, the event runs on Tuesdays from June for several months, and August 11, 2026 is one of the listed dates. Each evening follows the same route through Chania Old Port and begins at 8:00 PM.
The Traditional Strata is a procession of music, dance, and song organized by the Municipality of Chania. The Traditional Strata represents the customs of Chania through costumes, instruments, and vocal performances from member associations, including groups from Crete and international regions.
The Strata takes place on Tuesday evenings from June for several months in 2026, and August 11, 2026 is one of the scheduled dates. The programme begins at 8:00 PM, so early evening is the time to arrive.
The procession follows one route through Chania Old Port each evening, in three stages. The main stages of the evening are listed below.
The harbour and squares of the old town fill with spectators on Strata evenings, and the surrounding tavernas make the event easy to combine with dinner. For more on the area and where to stay, see the guide to Chania.
The Traditional Strata is a traditional music and dance event organized by the Municipality of Chania. More than 1,500 performers from over 20 associations parade through the old town in costume.
The Strata runs on Tuesday evenings from June for several months in 2026, and August 11, 2026 is one of the listed dates. The evening programme starts at 8:00 PM.
The Strata takes place in Chania Old Port and the streets of the old town. It begins at the Neorio Moro Chania Sailing Club and ends at Cathedral Square by the Trimartiri Cathedral.
The Municipality of Chania organizes the Traditional Strata. Member associations from Crete and other countries take part.
More than 20 traditional associations take part, with over 1,500 dancers and musicians in total. The groups include performers from Crete and international regions.
Boasting views to the Venetian Harbour, Chania Inn offers accommodation in Chania Town. Archaeological Museum of Chania is 100 metres away. Free WiFi is available .
The accommodation is air conditioned and is equipped with a flat-screen TV. Some units feature a seating area and/or balcony. Each unit has a private bathroom with a hairdryer. Towels are featured.
Municipal Art Gallery of Chania is 100 metres from Chania Inn. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 11 km from the property.
Featuring a terrace, a restaurant as well as a bar, Anassa Chania Boutique Hotel is located in the centre of Chania Town, 1.1 km from Nea Chora Beach. The property is set 600 metres from Saint Anargyri Church, 400 metres from Municipal Art Gallery of Chania and 200 metres from Mitropoleos Square. The hotel also provides free WiFi as well as a paid airport shuttle service.
Guest rooms at the hotel come with air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a shower, free toiletries and a hairdryer. Every room comes with a kettle, while selected rooms are fitted with a balcony and others also offer sea views. At Anassa Chania Boutique Hotel each room has bed linen and towels.
A continental breakfast is available daily at the accommodation.
Popular points of interest near Anassa Chania Boutique Hotel include Koum Kapi Beach, Kucuk Hasan Mosque and Chania Old Venetian Harbour. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 13 km from the hotel.
from
€153
/night
Just steps away from the scenic Venetian Harbour, Elia Zampeliou Boutique Hotel offers accommodation in Chania Town.
Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV. Certain rooms have views of the harbour or the old town. All rooms are equipped with a private bathroom equipped with a bath or shower. For your comfort, you will find bath robes and slippers. A certified Greek Breakfast is served daily.
Municipal Art Gallery of Chania is 100 metres from from Elia Zampeliou Boutique Hotel. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 11 km from Elia Zampeliou Boutique Hotel.
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€149
/night
Belmondo Hotel enjoys a beautiful seafront location in Chania. This Venetian style hotel reflects the Cretan city’s historical ambience.
This property offers a variety of air-conditioned accommodation all well furnished and equipped with modern comforts. Each unit enjoys free wireless internet connection and daily room service.
Belmondo Hotel boasts spectacular views of the scenic Venetian Harbour, combined with tasteful decoration. Guests are served breakfast in their spacious rooms.
The location offers multiple options for exploring Chania and the whole island of Crete, having easy proximity to the bus stop and taxi rank, located only metres from the hotel. Several restaurants and bars can be found in the surrounding area. Free public parking can be found within 500 metres.
from
€117
/night
The Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos on August 15th is one of the most significant holidays in the Greek Orthodox calendar, celebrating the “falling asleep” and Assumption of the Virgin Mary. Neapoli hosts the largest festival in the prefecture, attracting thousands of visitors and Cretan musicians.
Celebrations begin on August 14th with a cycle race and a long-distance run ending in Neapoli’s central square. After the evening church service, young men race up and down the steep mountainside to the Timios Stavros summit. The square transforms into a lively party with traditional singing, dancing, live music, and a market offering toys, icons, and clothing, continuing into the early hours.
On August 15th, a lengthy church service is followed by a grand procession of the Virgin Mary’s icon through the town, accompanied by priests, dignitaries, and the Neapoli Town Band. The festivities, combining religious, sporting, and cultural events, make this a unique and vibrant two-day celebration.
Rethymno Rocks! #5 returns to Fortezza Castle from 27 to 30 August 2025 with four nights of live rock and metal. Fans created the festival for fans, bringing leading acts and diverse sounds to one of Greece’s main summer stages.
Tickets for Thursday, Friday and Saturday start at €20 (£17, $22) and are available online.
Chaniartoon – International Comic & Animation Festival was started in 2017.
Since then the festival has been embraced by locals and by people from around the world with short animation entries from all corners of the globe. The animation films are viewed at the open air cinema of the Municipal Garden.
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