Chania

Where is Chania?

Chania is the capital of the Chania regional unit on the northwest coast of Crete island. It lies 145 km away from Heraklion and 70 km away from Rethymno, which it borders to the east.

How to get to Chania in Crete

You can get to Chania in Crete from Athens, Gythio in Peloponnese, and other islands by ferry. You can also get to Chania by plane from some Greek islands, Athens, Thessaloniki, and many European cities. Let’s explore your options!

Getting to Chania by plane

One of the most popular ways to reach the region is by plane from Athens to Chania. Regular flights from Athens International Airport connect the Greek capital with Chania Airport, while a flight from Athens to Chania lasts about 50 minutes.

You can also reach Chania by plane from Thessaloniki, the second-biggest city in Greece, and several European and non-European cities, including Helsinki, Brussels, London, Copenhagen, and Oslo.

Getting to Chania by ferry

Another way to get to Chania is by ferry from Athens and Gythio in mainland Greece, and Kythira and Antikythira islands. Most ferries to Chania are seasonal, meaning ferry crossings are more regular in peak season (mid-spring to mid-fall).

Ferries depart daily from Piraeus Port in Athens to Souda Port in Chania. A ferry trip from Piraeus Port in Athens to Chania lasts between 5 and 9 hours, depending on the type of ferry you choose (high-speed or conventional).

The ferries from Kithyra and Antikythira islands and Gythio town in Peloponnese arrive at Kissamos Port in northwest Chania.

When is the best time to visit Chania?

Chania (and western Crete in general) is beautiful all year round, but if you want to explore the region, visit the open-air archaeological sites, and enjoy the water and the sun at the beaches, spring to mid-fall is the best period to visit.

Summer is the busiest season in Chania, but also the best time for swimming and water sports, as the water temperature is higher this time of the year. However, spring and fall are better options if you want to spend your vacation away from the hustle and bustle. The weather is still mild in spring and fall, but the crowds thin out, allowing you to experience everything Chania offers at your own pace!

No matter what season you choose to visit Chania, some of the must things to do are:

• Wander around the picturesque streets of Chania Old Town
• Swim in the swimming pool-like waters of Balos Beach
• Go hiking at Samaria Gorge
• Visit the Archaeological Site of Aptera
• Go shopping in the Modern City of Chania
• Explore the best beaches in Chania (Elafonisi, Balos, Falassarna, Kedrodasos)
• Taste the world-renowned Cretan cuisine
• Take a stroll along the Venetian Harbour in Chania Town
• Visit Chania Archaeological Museum
• Marvel at the historical buildings and the Venetian buildings of Old City
• Watch the sun setting behind the lighthouse at the Venetian Port of Chania
• Eat fresh fish at the seaside seafood restaurants

How many days should you stay in Chania?

Chania is a big region, so you will need at least a week to explore it and visit all the main points of interest. But, even if you can spend just a few days in Chania, you can make the most of your visit by trying local delicacies at the traditional taverns, going swimming at Balos, Falassarna, and other beautiful beaches, watching the sunset at the Old Venetian Harbour, and hiking through the gorges!

The History of Chania Crete

The history of Chania in Crete begins in the Minoan Era, as excavations have revealed a Minoan settlement in Chania, named Kydonia. Despite the collapse of the Minoan civilization due to the volcanic eruption, Kydonia grew into a powerful city-state in Classical Greece after the end of the Minoan Era.

Later, when the Arabs occupied the island, they named Kydonia al-Ḵān, which later led to Chania’s current name. The settlement was already known as Chania during the Byzantine period, which ended when the region was distributed to Bonifacio, Marquess of Montferrat, who sold it to the Venetians, who named the city La Canea during the Venetian Rule.

After the Venetians followed the Ottomans, who occupied Crete and kept the island’s control until it was united with the rest of Greece in 1913. In 1941, the Germans invaded Chania, causing much damage in the Old Town, but from the 1950s the town began to develop again and became a popular tourist destination in the 1970s.

The best attractions in Chania

The best attractions in Chania are:

• Chania Old Town
• The Venetian Lighthouse
• Samaria Gorge
• The Old Venetian Harbor
• Chrissoskalitissa Monastery
• Balos Beach
• The old leather processing houses (tanneries) of Chania
• The Arsenali Centre of Mediterranean Architecture
• The Typography Museum of Chania
• Imbros Gorge
• Falassarna Beach
• Minoan’s World 3D Museum and 9D Cinema
• The Maritime Museum of Crete
• The Residence of Eleftherios Venizelos
• The Archaeological Museum of Chania, which is housed in the former Venetian Monastery of Agios Fragiskos
• The Ottoman Baths
• The Flora and Fauna Conservation Park
• The Byzantine Museum of Chania
• Souda Fortress
• The Cave of Saint John the Hermit
• The Archaeological Site of Ancient Kydonia

How to get around Chania

Given that Chania is a big region with many things to do and see, you will need a means of transportation to get around. When it comes to transportation in Chania, you have three options: public buses, taxis, and private transfers.

Public transport

In Chania, you will find two types of buses: the small public buses that run frequent routes inside the city and bigger regional coaches (KTEL buses) that run routes throughout the region. KTEL buses also take you to other regions, including Heraklion, Rethymno, and Lassithi, and beaches like Elafonisi and Falassarna.

Public transport is the cheapest way to get around Chania, but also the slowest. Also, the bus companies determine the schedules, so you can’t depart whenever you want like you would with a private means of transport.

Taxis

Another, more independent way to get around Chania is by taxi. In Chania, you will find several taxi companies, which you can call to send you a cab. Alternatively, you can find many taxis in popular spots like outside the arrivals hall at Chania Airport, Chania Port, Old Harbor, and Chania Town.

Private transfers in Chania Crete

Private transfers in Chania are perfect for exploring the island at your own pace and getting from one place to another safely and without delays. By choosing a legitimate private transfer company, like Ride & Hire, you can go anywhere you want in Chania using the vehicle that meets your needs, from shuttle buses to cars and minivans!

FAQs

When is the peak season in Chania?

The peak season (tourist season) in Chania lasts from May to September, with June, July, and August being the busiest months in terms of tourism.

How far is Chania from Athens?

Chania is 6.5-9 hours away from Athens by ferry and 50 minutes from Athens by plane.

Does Chania have an airport?

Yes, Chania has an airport, Chania International Airport ‘Ioannis Daskalogiannis’, located on the Akrotiri peninsula near Souda Bay, 14 km from Chania Town.

How do you get a taxi in Chania?

Taxis are a popular means of transportation in Crete, though they are not as reliable as private transfers. You can take a taxi from various spots throughout the island or call one to pick you up from your desired location.

What is the cost of a taxi transfer in Chania, and how is it calculated?

The cost of taxi transfers in Chania depends on the distance between your departure location and final destination. However, you can end up paying more than the standard taxi fee, because taxi drivers often don’t have fixed rates. At Ride and Hire, we have fixed prices, so you will know exactly how much you will pay for your transfer before booking!

What tours can you take in Chania?

In Chania, you can take numerous tours that will introduce you to the region’s culture and take you to the most popular attractions. You can choose from Balos and Gramvousa cruises, excursions to Samaria Gorge, snorkeling tours, food and wine tours, Chania Old Town tours, olive oil tours, and more.

How can I book a private transfer in Chania?

You can easily book a private Chania transfer in advance on our website, choosing from a wide variety of vehicles, from private cars to shuttle buses.

To book a transfer in Chania Crete with Ride & Hire, fill out the booking form with your destination, date and time of arrival, and the number of passengers, and choose the vehicle type you want. Finally, enter your personal information and flight number, and pay online.

After completing the process, you will receive a confirmation email with all the information regarding your booking!

Can I book a transfer in Chania for a specific time or date in advance?

Yes, you can book a transfer in Chania Crete between any locations you want and choose the pickup date and time you prefer by filling out the booking form on our website.

Do Chania transfer services include meet-and-greet options at the airport or other pickup locations?

They do! One of our experienced drivers will be waiting for you at your desired location on your desired day and time. For airport pick-ups, the driver will wait for you at the arrival hall, holding a sign with your name.