Chania Travel Tips: Greece’s Hidden Gem
Chania is a charming town on the west side of Crete. The largest of the Greek Isles, Crete is often over-looked. Mykonos and Santorini get most of the press and Instagram shots. Here are my Chania travel tips and recommendations to make for an unforgettable Greek vacation!
With Italian, Turkish, and North African influences, Chania is a foodie lovers dream. Plus throw in some of worlds top rated beaches and you have a holiday worth booking.
Jump ahead to:
Chania Travel Tips: Getting There
There are two major airports for Crete. When booking make sure to select flights for Chania International Airport (airport code CHQ). It’s about a 45 minute flight from Athens.
The busier airport is Heraklion International. But its about 2 hours drive to Chania. So you will have to balance choices, prices, and time when booking.
Arriving by ferry is also an option. We used ferries for traveling from Mykonos to Santorini.
I found Ferry Hopper as a great website for this mode of travel. You can figure out times and prices. The site was very easy to use and plan your trip.
World-Class Beaches
3 of the world’s top ranked beaches are in close proximity to Chania. Two are ranked for their beautiful & unique pink sand. Another for an unbelievable Golden-Hour sunset.
- Elafonissi Beach
This fabulous beach is known for its pink sand, crystal clear water, and shallow lagoon. Elafonissi Beach is about 75km from Chania.
As a top ranked beach, Elifonissi is truly breath taking and worth the trip. I recommend taking a transfer service that leaves by 8am to beat the massive tour buses that start arriving after 10:30am.
Therefore, by arriving early you will get a front row umbrella and beach chair. I advise packing your own lunch from a bakery in Chania Town and enjoy the day! Remember to bring plenty of water.
We used Transfer Kissamos for our beach excursions. Their website is easy to use and gives you the pricing. Their communication, prompt pick-up, and friendliness was appreciated.
Elafonissi was our favorite beach experience in Crete. However, Falassarna was close second!
- Falassarna Beach
I highly recommend this beach for a sunset visit. Its location on the west point of Crete allows for an incredible Golden Hour sunset. Catch the sun disappearing into the Sea.
We arrived around 4pm to enjoy some relaxing beach time. Pleasantly, we stayed for one of the most amazing sunsets in the world!
The beach is fairly long and wide. There is plenty of space to set up your own umbrellas and beach chairs.
We chose Liokalyvo Beach Club for sun lounges/beds with food and bar service.
- Balos Beach
Situated on the Northwest portion of Crete. Balos Beach is known for its amazing lagoons and pink sands.
Although a little harder to get to, it’s still an impressive beach and worth the effort.
There are ferry tours that leave from Kissamos and last about half a day.
We didn’t have time for this beach on our 3 day trip.
Chania Travel Tips: Food and Drinks
Greek food is one of my favorite cuisines. I love fresh grilled fish and octopus. In addition, I appreciate an occasional lamb chop, souvlaki, and of course some mezze plates and wine!
Here are a few restaurants to put on your list
- Well of the Turk (Chania Old Town)
This restaurant offers a great mix of Greek, Turkish, Moroccan, and Middle Eastern dishes. Try the slow cooked lamb or vegetable mousaka.
This well run restaurant will expand your appreciation of Greek cuisine.
- Tamam (Venetian Port Area)
Tamam offers a tasty selection of traditional Cretan and Turkish dishes. This restaurant is set in a historical building and on a busy pedestrian street.
Loaded with charm and tasty food, this one is not to be missed.
(personal pic)
We went twice on our 3 day trip!
Some dishes to try: smoked eggplant dip, pumpkin soup (wow!), grilled lamb chops, and grilled calamari.
- The Five Restaurant (Nea Chora Beach)
The location is along a beautiful promenade. Definitely come for a sunset reservation.
The food was great mix of fresh salads, vegetarian and seafood dishes. Service was very friendly and the setting was superb. Enjoy tasty Greek food with a Cretan sunset!
Chania Travel Tips: Final Thoughts
I was truly blown away with Chania. The mix of scenery, food, culture, and people made for an unforgettable vacation.
Chania was one of four islands (Santorini, Mykonos, and Corfu were the others) that I visited on this Greek trip. And I would have to say it was my favorite. I wished I had more time.
Thank you for reading and following along.
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