ChaniaCrete · Greece

All About Chania

Charming, captivating Chania – one of the most beautiful towns in Crete and a center of history, culture, and exquisite cuisine. Taking a ferry to Chania is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare ferry companies and book ferry tickets.

The city is the capital of western Crete, which is the largest island in Greece and is said to have been built on the site of ancient Kydonia. After coming under Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, Ottoman, and Arabic rule, Chania (pronounced ‘Hania’) is a melting pot of influences, as a walk around its Old Town will reveal. The Venetian harbor sets the tone with an imposing lighthouse and although you may be reminded of Venice or Florence, the authentic Cretan spirit can be found at every turn.

Wander around the Turkish quarters near the large plaza or Splantzia before visiting the Kastelli district to check out the fine Venetian architecture. Stroll to the Jewish quarter of Ovraika and stop off at the Folklore and Archaeological Museums before taking a dip in the Turkish baths. Chania is a shopper’s paradise and you will find plenty of handmade souvenirs to take home. No visit is complete without savoring some of the excellent cuisines served in welcoming waterfront restaurants. When you book your ferry tickets to Chania, you can also explore the surrounding area to discover Medieval castles, impressive gorges, tranquil lakes, exotic beaches, and mountain-top villages while enjoying the warm, world-famous Cretan hospitality.
 

Routes and Ferries to Chania

Book your ferry tickets to Chania with Ferryscanner from the port of Piraeus and enjoy an 8.30-hour sail with ANEK Lines. You can also travel with Minoan Lines and be there in approximately 12 hours. Moreover, from 21/06/2024 you can travel daily with Seajets and in just 5 hours & 15 minutes you will reach the magnificent Chania. The passenger ferries run frequently all year round between Athens and Chania and most itineraries include overnight trips, so choose a cabin if you wish to sleep during the journey when you book your ferry tickets to Chania.

If you are arriving at Athens International Airport and wish to reach Piraeus, you can take the X96 express bus, which leaves every 30-40 minutes. You can also take a taxi to the port and if you are already in Athens, there are train connections from the city center to Piraeus.
 

Port of Chania

The port can be found in the district of Souda and when you book your ferry tickets to Chania, you will disembark here, just 7 km southeast of the main town. It is one of the largest natural harbors in Greece and a busy commercial stopover for sea traffic. Upon arrival, you will find the excellent bus and taxi connections to take you to the center of Chania.

Souda’s location makes it of strategic importance in the Mediterranean for both commercial and military purposes and it is home to a NATO naval base. You can still see the Venetian fortress of Souda in the bay which was built in 1573 to protect the harbor from pirates or enemy attacks, while the Ottoman fortresses of Itzedin and Aptera can also be found on the headland.
 

Capital & Villages

Chania is the capital of western Crete with a long history dating back to the time of Homer and was used as a harbor by the Minoans from 3.000-2.800 BCE. With such a vivid heritage, it is an enthralling place to visit and is famous for its well preserved landmarks and architecture. After booking your ferry tickets to Chania, you will arrive to discover the old and new town sitting side by side, both with much to offer the visitor.

The Old Town boasts the Venetian port with the fortress of Firkas and the romantic Venetian lighthouse. Winding streets will lead you from the Maritime Museum past grand mansions, old Byzantine churches, the famous clock tower, mosques and even a synagogue. Traditional taverns serving fresh, local cuisine, cozy coffee shops, and vibrant stores selling Cretan produce make Chania a charming destination for all ages.

Mournies

At Mournies, 4 km south of Chania town, you will find a picturesque village of elegant villas and 17th-century mansions, as well as the home (and now museum) of Eleftheros Venizelos, the famous Greek hero, and Statesman. While there, pay a visit to the lovingly restored villa Koukounara, which has hosted emperors, kings, and princes in its prime time. The lush greenery and abundance of mulberry bushes (from which the village takes its name) found in the area make Mournies the ideal place to enjoy nature as well as getting a taste of authentic village life.

Kalyves

Visit the quaint seaside town of Kalyves when staying in Chania, which is only 20 kilometers away to the southeast. This little tourist resort is just perfect for families with its full range of amenities and lovely beach and is becoming a very popular destination. Set amongst a scenic backdrop of lush woodlands and fertile hills, the village sits amphitheatrical style overlooking the sea and is divided into two by small bridges crossing the river Xydas. To the east, you will find the ruins of the Castello Apicorono and in the village square itself, you will spot an old watermill – the prefecture’s first hydroelectric station.

Vamos

Vamos is 26 km southeast of Chania in the foothills of ‘The White Mountains’ and is well worth a visit if you wish to escape the crowds and discover another side to Crete. The two-story stone houses and restored mansions are surrounded by a wild natural beauty of mountain slopes and there are plenty of spots to cool off under shady plane trees. Check out the beautifully adorned 13th-century Chapel of the Virgin Mary and the Karidi Monastery, where you will find breathtaking scenery and a fascinating old, 12-arched olive press.

Vryses

Vryses is an enchanting inland village about 32 km away from Chania town and has a rustic charm of its own. Situated on a peak, Vryses dominates the area, and archaeological evidence found on site dates back to the Neolithic period. The name Vryses refers to the abundance of water fountains fed by running springs that flow right through the village. The local population is still involved in citrus fruit growing and olive oil production and you can try out their produce while savoring a tasty meze in one of the welcoming taverns.

Kournas

Kournas is a traditional village just 48 km away from Chania that is worth a visit if you wish to explore the quaintness of island life, where donkeys are still used for transport and old men pass their day at the local kafeneio. At a height of 250 meters above sea level, the village offers beautiful sea and mountain views and the nearby lake of the same name is a serene oasis and protected beauty spot.
 

Best Beaches

There are so many beautiful beaches in the Chania prefecture that you will be spoilt for choice. Most of them have amazingly soft golden sand and sparkling waters. Beaches such as Balos, Falassarna, and Elafonissi are among the best in the world and you can read more about them in our Kissamos section.  Whether you desire a fully organized beach or a deserted cove, you will not be disappointed because when you book your ferry tickets to Chania, you can have it all!

Georgioupolis Beach

Georgioupolis beach can be found to the southeast of Chania town and is a long sandy stretch of 9 kilometers, making it very popular in summer. Here you can enjoy all the best beach facilities such as sunbeds and umbrellas, as well as various watersports. The picturesque fishing harbor invites you to taste fresh fish while the beach bars are a cool spot to hang out as you sip on a refreshing cocktail.

Agia Marina Beach

Agia Marina is a lovely, long sandy beach near Chania that is simply divine. One of the most popular resorts in Chania, there are plenty of activities to keep you occupied, including beach bars and taverns, so you can literally spend your whole day there. To the west, you will find several piers that are great for jumping off and having fun in the sun. Only 1.5 km from the beach is the cave of Nerospillia, full of stalagmites and stalactites, which was used as a place of worship in the Middle Minoan period.

Agioi Apostoloi Beach

Only 3 km from Chania center, Agioi Apostoloi is actually a seaside resort with three peninsulas that create four sandy, shallow bays. Glaros Beach lies to the west, with the two smaller beaches of Agioi Apostoloi in the middle and Chryssi Akti to the east. This is a popular area with locals and tourists and is in a lovely setting, with pine and eucalyptus trees lapping the waterfront and a long promenade for leisurely walks. Perfect for children and fully organized, the beach also has a few taverns serving local Cretan bites.

Kiani Akti Beach

Kiani Akti, or Blue Coast, is a beautiful beach only 18 km east of Chania and although it has pristine cyan waters and fine sand, it is never overcrowded. There are some canteens, as well as tavernas offering delicious meals, so you can totally relax without any worries. The Kiliaris River flows down from the White Mountains all the way down to the beach, offering an invigorating dip in the cold undercurrents – just perfect on a hot summer day!

Kalathas Beach

Kalathas beach can be found 12 km northeast of Chania and is a relatively new resort in a natural bay at Cape Akrotiri. Busy during the summer months, the water is crystal clear and very shallow, with a small islet that you can easily swim to. You will find all the facilities you need here, as well as watersports, restaurants, and accommodation and it is worth noting that Kalathas was the location of the famous Zorba the Greek movie, starring Anthony Quinn.
 

Transportation Around Chania

To get around Chania town itself is relatively easy on foot and is definitely the best way to explore its intriguing past. If you wish to go further afield, Crete has a highly developed road network which is very safe so hiring a car or motorbike is a great option as it will allow you to visit many beauty spots and attractions.

Public transportation is also very well organized, with the KTEL bus service catering to thousands of visitors each year and taxis are in abundance, although a more expensive way to get about the island. Use Ferryscanner to compare prices, routes, ferry companies and book ferry tickets to Chania.