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 stays near Chania: Sightseeing & Tastings Tour:
Located in the centre of Chania, Kydon Hotel is opposite of the main market hall and just a few minutes’ walk from the Old Town and the Venetian Harbour. Meeting facilities and free WiFi Fiber in all areas are provided.
Elegantly decorated, all air-conditioned rooms and suites have a balcony and a Smart TV with satellite channels. Fitted with orthopedic mattresses and linen made of 100% cotton, each features a laptop-size safe and a Mini fridge. Most of the guest rooms offer panoramic views of the Old Town, the Venetian Harbour and the Cretan Sea. A free mini Ipad is offered upon request. Ironing facilities are provided.
On the first floor guests can enjoy Greek breakfast buffet including homemade pies and sweets, fresh fruit salad, local yogurt and a variety of fresh bread sticks. The “Square” à la carte restaurant serves Greek and International dishes, while coffee, drinks and snacks can also be enjoyed at the property’s “Agora” bar-restaurant.
Vanmoof bicycles, PS3 with games and Apple TV are provided upon availability.
An ATM can be found just 50 metres from the property. Kydon Hotel is 13 km away from Chania International Airport. Valet parking is possible on site.
from
€126
/night
Querini Luxury Suites are located in the heart of Chania. The scenic Venetian Harbour and a range of cafes and restaurants can be found in the surrounding area. Free WiFi is available.
Blenind traditional architecture with modern elements, the air-conditioned Querini Luxury Suites feature a spacious living room with a smart TV, espresso machine and free toiletries. Each opens to a balcony overlooking the Municipal Market of Chania. Breakfast can be enjoyed in the privacy of your suite.
The nearest beach is a short drive away, while Archaeological Museum of Chania is 200 metres from the property. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 11 km from the property.
Offering city views and free WiFi, Stoa Suites Chania offers accommodation conveniently located in Chania Town, within a short distance of Koum Kapi Beach, Nea Chora Beach and Saint Anargyri Church.
Fitted with a balcony, the units offer air conditioning and feature a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with walk-in shower and slippers. A fridge is also offered, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
A a baby safety gate is also available for guests at the apartment.
Popular points of interest near Stoa Suites Chania include Municipal Art Gallery of Chania, Mitropoleos Square and Folklore Museum of Chania. The nearest airport is Chania International, 12 km from the accommodation, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€75
/night
Set in Chania Town, less than 1 km from Koum Kapi Beach and 200 metres from the centre, MIRMA CITY studio & apartment offers air-conditioned accommodation with free WiFi, and a terrace.
The apartment provides guests with a balcony, city views, a seating area, satellite flat-screen TV, a fully equipped kitchen with an oven and a fridge, and a private bathroom with walk-in shower and slippers. A stovetop and kitchenware are also featured, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle.
MIRMA CITY studio & apartment offers a Full English/Irish or vegan breakfast.
A car rental service is available at the accommodation.
Popular points of interest near MIRMA CITY studio & apartment include Nea Chora Beach, Kladissos Beach and Saint Anargyri Church. The nearest airport is Chania International, 13 km from the apartment, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.
from
€99
/night
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