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Located at Chania Venetian Harbour, Ambassadors Residence is a restored 1890’s house. It features elegant and individually decorated accommodation with free WiFi. Chania City Centre is a 5-minute walk away.
Fitted with stylish items and stone details, all air-conditioned rooms and suites of Ambassadors have a seating area with a flat-screen, satellite TV and a minibar. Most units come with Cretan Sea and old harbour views, while others with a spa bath and a terrace or a balcony. Bathrobes, slippers and toiletries are included in the private bathroom.
A 24-hour front desk and a shared lounge are featured in the property facilities. Spa and wellness therapies, as well as beauty treatments can be arranged upon request and at extra charge.
A bakery and a mini market for the basic supplies are a 3-minute walk away. Kum Kapi district, with small beach, several bars and seaside tavernas, is a 10-15 minute walk away and Nea Chora Beach is a 15-minute walk away. Souda Port is at a distance of 9 km and Ioannis Daskalogiannis International Airport is 17 km away.
Find below list of things to do near Ambassadors Residence Boutique Hotel:
Let the day begin tasting the most traditional local breakfast and witnessing phyllo making process.
Continue with a leisurely stroll guided by a local through the enchanting Old Town of Chania. Traverse narrow streets, surrounded by centuries-old architecture, as your guide unveils tales of Chania’s fascinating history.
Step into the Folklore Museum, gaining an insightful glimpse into Chania’s vibrant cultural heritage. Explore a thoughtfully curated collection that vividly illustrates the traditions woven into the region’s fabric.
Venture off the beaten path to discover local workshops. Witness the revival of craftsmanship from days gone by, meeting skilled artisans dedicated to preserving ancient techniques. Engage with modern artists who skillfully blend tradition and innovation in their creations, providing you with a unique and firsthand insight into the rich heritage of Chania.
Explore the picturesque city of Chania, the freshwater of Lake Kournas and your boat trip from Souda bay, on this day trip from Rethymno.
Enjoy pickup from your hotel and the scenic journey to Lake Kournas. Once there, explore the lake or tuck into a delicious meal at a local taverna. Enjoy the relaxing views beneath looming mountains. Look out too for the local wildlife – moorhens, eels, and turtles are among the permanent residents of this friendly wetland.
Then, head for Chania, the charming city perched on Crete’s north west coast. Admire the lively port of the Old Venetian Harbour and its imposing lighthouse. Stroll the atmospheric narrow streets of the city, filled with shops, churches and tavernas.
Pick up some traditional local products like cheese or pastries at the municipal market. Shop for leather goods and souvenirs at the famous Halidon Street.
After your free time thereyou are off for Souda bay where your boat will be waiting for you. Experience a relaxed and refresing round, where you will be provided with masks and you will be free to snorkel into the blue sea.
Arrive at marathi beach and enjoy your bath and sunbath there. Take pleasure in being out in nature amongst this beautiful scenery, before hopping back in the vehicle for your journey back to Rethymno.
Explore the picturesque city of Chania and the freshwater of Lake Kournas on this day trip from Rethymno.
Enjoy pickup from your hotel and head for Chania, the charming city perched on Crete’s north west coast. Admire the lively port of the Old Venetian Harbour and its imposing lighthouse. Stroll the atmospheric narrow streets of the city, filled with shops, churches and tavernas.
Pick up some traditional local products like cheese or pastries at the municipal market. Shop for leather goods and souvenirs at the famous Halidon Street.
Next, sit back and enjoy the scenic journey to Lake Kournas. Once there, explore the lake or tuck into a delicious meal at a local taverna. Enjoy the relaxing views beneath looming mountains. Look out too for the local wildlife – moorhens, eels, and turtles are among the permanent residents of this friendly wetland.
Take pleasure in being out in nature amongst this beautiful scenery, before hopping back in the vehicle for your journey back to Rethymno.
Let us introduce you to authentic Crete and our local traditions and customs by experiencing Chania like a local. Follow us on this late afternoon sunset tour through the old medieval town of Chania and the old port and discover all the hidden gems the city has to offer!
Join us for a late afternoon sunset tour through the medieval town of Chania and the old port, uncovering the city’s hidden gems and local traditions.
Start your tour by meeting us in front of the Kydon Hotel, the locals’ main hangout spot.
Explore the windy cobblestone back streets of the Venetian Old Port, hearing tales and myths about unique old buildings, famous locals, and rebellions. These fascinating stories, though they sound like fiction, are entirely real!
Discover funky, alternative bars to visit later, and favorite local stores, including a cooperative dedicated to preserving locally produced crafts and edibles, supporting local producers and artisans directly.
Next, head to a perfect vantage point for the most captivating sunset, with the old port in the foreground. Capture breathtaking photos for your Instagram as the sun sets.
As the light fades, we’ll roam Chania’s labyrinthine streets to a secret garden in a historic building for a local wine and food appreciation feast. Participate in an exclusive wine-tasting session of award-winning local wines, presented by a qualified sommelier, paired with a three-course organic gourmet dinner. Learn about Cretan wine varieties and the renowned Cretan cuisine.
For sweet lovers, delight in the most delicious ice cream made from fresh local sheep milk, nuts, fruits, and other ingredients.
Your Chania-by-night tour concludes with a nightcap in a local venue, sipping “raki” shots, the local grape-based spirit, and mingling with locals.
Before you go, don’t forget to ask us for more tips on making the most of your trip to Crete.
Local Impact — How You Help the Community
Support Crete’s regional farms and vineyards by participating in a local wine-tasting session paired with fresh local products.
Support a family-owned business by tasting organic ice cream made from fresh local products and selected raw ingredients.
Visit a cooperative that directly supports local producers and artisans.
Discover Chania: Guided Bike Tours with Ride Around Chania
Join our 2-and-a-half-hour Chania bike tour and uncover more of this enchanting city than you ever could on foot. From historical landmarks to hidden gems, this guided bike tour is the perfect way to explore Chania.
Experience Chania’s Landmarks and Hidden Treasures:
See Chania’s famous landmarks like the Firkas Fortress, the Cathedral of the Virgin Maria, the Giali Tzamisi, and the Venetian architecture. Our unique bike tours guide you through the narrow, twisty streets of the old city, leading you to hidden spots that show the real heart of Chania – places loved by locals and often missed by visitors.
Dive into the Rich History of Chania:
Chania’s history spans from the Prehistoric era through the Byzantine Empire, Venetian Domination, Ottoman era, and Cretan State. Our guided bike tours offer an in-depth exploration of both old and modern Chania, providing insights and visual imagery into the culture, customs, and traditions of our beloved city.
Safe and Secure Touring:
We’ve thoughtfully planned our bike tours to take you through areas free of heavy traffic, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
Discover Chania’s Old Town on a private or shared group guided tour with a local. Learn about local history, and taste delicious Cretan street food as you explore.
Meet your guide in Chania’s bustling market, then set off into the historic Old Town. Unravel the history of Chania as you stroll around the streets and admire the impressively well-preserved architecture.
Stroll along the cobbled narrow paths of the city, and learn about Chania’s Venetian past, renaissance heritage, and Ottoman influences. Pass by famous landmarks and soak up the charming atmosphere as you mingle with the locals.
As you explore, discover the flavors of Cretan cuisine, stop at colorful food shops and taverns, selling wine, olive-oil, cheese, herbs, spices, and more, and enjoy street food samples along the way.
Find below list of beaches near Ambassadors Residence Boutique Hotel:
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 Ambassadors Residence Boutique Hotel:
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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