Chania Region

Travel Guide to Chania Region

The Chania region, nestled on the northwest coast of the magnificent island of Crete, beckons with its enchanting allure. Renowned for housing some of Greece’s most pristine beaches, its natural landscape is a breathtaking blend of azure waters and rugged terrains. But the beauty of Chania doesn’t stop at its shores. Venture further and be charmed by picturesque towns and villages, each echoing tales of the past and offering a taste of authentic Cretan life.

Whether you’re in search of tranquil beachside relaxation, thrilling hikes through majestic gorges, or a culinary journey in delightful eateries, Chania promises a treasure trove of experiences. Dive deep into this captivating region and uncover the best that Chania has to offer in terms of activities, accommodation, and gastronomy!

Towns and Villages in Chania Region

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Chania Town

Chania is the capital city of the beautiful and picturesque Chania Prefecture, situated by the north coast of west Crete. Here you will find a perfect blend of stunning beaches, small fertile plains, towering mountains and sprawling gorges like the Samaria Gorge. Chania Prefecture is the greenest part of the island, as the range of the […]

Kissamos town

Located 42 km west of Chania, Kissamos (Kasteli) is a charming town that serves as the capital of Kissamos County. With a population of around 3,000 people, the town is surrounded by breathtaking scenery and boasts a stunning sandy beach. Unlike many other tourist destinations, Kissamos has not become overcrowded with visitors, and its economy […]

Paleochora

Paleochora is situated on the southwest coast of Crete, Greece’s largest island, known for its diverse landscapes and rich history. This coastal town, perched on a narrow peninsula, is approximately 77 kilometres from Chania, one of Crete’s major cities. Its unique location between two bays provides it with a distinctive and strategic position that has […]

Kato Daratso

Kato Daratso, the coastal counterpart to the inland village of Daratso, sits less than 4 kilometers west of Chania’s heart. This seaside retreat is celebrated for its expansive, picturesque beaches that beckon sunbathers, swimmers, and water sports enthusiasts alike. Strolling along the beachfront, visitors have the opportunity to enjoy the local cafes, where they can […]

Platanias

Situated 11km to the west of Chania on Crete’s coast, Platanias Village has grown extensively, now serving as a bustling suburb of the city. Perched atop a hill, the village affords breathtaking views of the sea. Perfect for seaside holidaymakers, Platanias boasts one of Crete’s longest beaches, stretching 7 km along the coast. While Platanias […]

Agia Marina

Kokkini Hani

Georgioupolis town

Georgioupolis is a charming coastal village located on the northern coast of Crete, surrounded by lush greenery and boasting a picturesque setting in the bay of Almiros. It is conveniently situated about 35km from Chania and 20km from Rethymno, making it an ideal destination for tourists seeking a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and […]

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Explore the best beaches in Chania Region

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Katholiko Bay Beach

Katholiko Bay, nestled in northwest Crete, is just a 30-minute drive from Chania. This captivating destination promises an adventurous hike that showcases numerous caves, a historic abandoned monastery, a stunning Avlaki gorge, and finally culminates at the picturesque Katholiko Bay. This beach once served as a port for the Katholiko Monastery, where monks used to […]

Georgioupolis beaches

Georgioupolis, a small coastal town located 38km east of Chania and 21km west of Rethymnon, is a seaside resort nestled in a verdant valley crisscrossed by rivers and springs. Situated on the western edge of a sprawling 10km beach, the town’s beach spans 2km to the east, beginning at the Almiros river and terminating at […]

Stavros beach

Stavros beach is situated 17km northeast of Chania on the farthest point of Cape Akrotiri, is known for its distinct, camel-shaped mountain, Vardies. This towering landmark gained recognition in the film “Zorba the Greek” as the backdrop for Anthony Quinn’s iconic Sirtaki Dance in 1964. Once a quaint fishing hamlet, Stavros has since transformed into […]

Seitan Limania Beach

Stefanou Beach, found at Seitan Limania (which translates to “satan harbours”), is situated 22km northeast of Chania and 2km east of the village of Chordaki. This intriguing location is on the eastern side of Akrotiri Cape. Named Seitan Limania due to the untamed landscape, steep cliffs, and powerful sea currents perceived as dangerous, it features […]

Gramvousa island and beach

The island of Imeri Gramvousa is located 20km northwest of Kissamos, opposite the imposing Cape of Gramvousa and 2 miles northwest of the famous lagoon of Balos. Its historical significance is captured by the majestic Venetian fortress that remains standing 137m above the beach. This fortress is not just a relic of the past but […]

Glika Nera beach

Glyka Nera, translated as “sweet water” ranks as one of Crete’s most picturesque beaches, adorned with captivating deep blue waters and charming pebbles. In 2003, it earned a place amongst the top 20 European beaches by the London Times. Positioned 43km west of Chora Sfakion and 75km south of Chania, its unique name stems from […]

Kedrodasos beach

Kedrodasos, named for its distinct juniper forest, is a stunning beach located 76km southwest of Chania and just 1km east of the famous Elafonissi lagoon. This beach is dotted with enchanting juniper trees, often confused for cedars, that are beautifully tucked in between sandy dunes. Included species are the twisted Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. macrocarpa and […]

Falassarna beach

The stunning Falassarna beach is situated 59km to the west of Chania city and about 17km to the west of Kissamos, at the western end of the Gramvousa peninsula. The northern end of this beach features the remains of the ancient Greco-Roman city of Phalassarna. Widely acclaimed, Falassarna is home to some of the most […]

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Find the best accommodations in Chania Region

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Theotokopoulou

Sali Chelidonaki Boutique Suite

From
€203 /night
9.3 of 10

81 Σήφακα

Matina Room

9.2 of 10

18 Δαιδάλου

Ikaros Loft Old Town

From
€162 /night
9.1 of 10

2 οδος ομηρου

Emmanouel Maisonette near the Sea

8 of 10

35 Ἀντωνίου Μελιδόνη

DELUXE MAISONETTE

From
€84 /night

16 Δρακοντοπουλών 2

Calma Apartment

36 Soukatzidi

Stelios house

From
€86 /night
8.8 of 10

5 Μάρκου Βαμβακάρη

EDEL Villa

9.1 of 10

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Phoenix Dive Club Plakias

Posted by Phoenix Dive Club

5 of 5 (50)

Running and Hiking in Crete

Posted by Cretan Wild

5 of 5 (123)

Exclusive Chania walking tour (History, Cultural & Food tour with unique wine tasting experience)

Posted by Creteprivateguide

5 of 5 (2)

Chania: First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour

4.8 of 5 (6)

Price from
€3

Chania In Quest of True Love: Outdoor Escape Game

4.3 of 5 (3)

Price from
€5.49

Chania: Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Tour

4.2 of 5 (70)

Price from
€6.5

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Explore Archaeological Sites in Chania Region

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Ancient Aptera

Aptera is a highly significant archaeological site in West Crete. Established in the 8th century BC, the ancient city of Aptera was strategically located to control Souda Bay and prospered during the Hellenistic period. However, it was abandoned during the Arab years due to pirate attacks. The city relied on the ports of Marathi and […]

Ancient Falasarna

The ancient town of Falasarna (or Phalassarna) is situated at the western base of the Gramvousa peninsula and was one of the major towns of Crete during the Hellenistic and Roman Era. The city was renowned for its port, the only natural harbor in western Crete, constructed in a small lagoon. Nowadays, the area is […]

Ancient Anopolis

Near the fortress and the temple of Saint Cathreen (Agia Ekaterini), overlooking Loutro, traces of walls and buildings have been identified, belonging to the ancient town Anopolis, port of which was Katopolis or Phoenix, the ruins of which can be seen today west of Loutro. Anopolis was an independent town and had its own currency. […]

Ancient Hyrtakina

The town of Hyrtakina was constructed on the steep hill Kastri near the village Temenia, Selino province, and thrived during the Hellenistic Era (4th century BC – 1st century AD). Nowadays, vegetation has covered the majority of the ancient city. Hyrtakina and Lissos established the Federation of Mounts in the 3rd century BC, a military […]

Ancient Tarra

Tarra, an ancient autonomous city and seaport of Elyros, was located at the site of present-day Agia Roumeli. This city was home to a famous temple dedicated to Apollo and a healing center. According to legend, Apollo himself once came to Samaria to purify himself with the help of the great priest and healer Karmanor […]

Ancient Polirinia

The ancient city ruins of Polirinia can be found on a steep hill overlooking the North Cretan Sea. It is believed that the city was founded by the Achaeans around 1100 BC and thrived during the Roman period, becoming the most important town in West Crete. Polirinia’s ports were Phalassarna and Kissamos, and the city […]

Ancient Elyros

Elyros was the most significant town in southwestern Crete during the Doric and Roman Period (8th century BC – 4th century AD). The ruins are preserved 500 meters away from the village Rodovani, on top of the hill Kefala, offering panoramic views of the South Cretan sea. The town was served by two harbors: Syia […]

Ancient Diktynna

Above the stunning Menies beach in the Spatha peninsula was the location of ancient Diktynna. Diktynna was the most significant temple of the goddess Vritomartis, who is thought to have been the Cretan version of the goddess Artemis. Thousands would come to the area from all over the island, making Diktynna one of the most […]

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