Category Archives: Chania
Top Attractions & Places you must visit in Chania Region
March 9, 2026
Samaria Gorge: Hiking, Open Hours, Map, Attractions and Car Rental Guide
Samaria Gorge is one of Crete’s most iconic natural wonders, drawing hikers globally to experience its rugged beauty, rich history, and ecological significance. The gorge stretches 16 kilometers (9.9 miles) through the White Mountains in southwest Crete, and descends from the Omalos Plateau to the Libyan Sea at Agia Roumeli. Read article
February 25, 2026
Almyrida Crete: Beaches, Things to Do & Travel Guide
Almyrida Beach is a sandy coastline located in the village of Almyrida, 24.1 kilometers (15.0 miles) east of Chania on the northern coast of Crete. It lies between Kalives at 4.7 kilometers (2.9 miles) and Plaka at 1.4 kilometers (0.9 miles). This coastal destination showcases golden sand and shallow waters, making it a safe choice for families and casual swimmers. It is semi-organized, with open sandy stretches and managed areas that provide sunbeds, umbrellas, and showers. Several tavernas and cafés line the beachfront, serving seafood and traditional Cretan dishes. Lifeguards are present during the summer months, and entry to the beach is free. Sunbeds and umbrellas usually cost €6–€8 (£5–£7) per set. Read article
February 4, 2026
Chania Airport Guide ✈️: All You Need to Know!
Chania International Airport (CHQ), officially named Ioannis Daskalogiannis Airport (IATA: CHQ, ICAO: LGSA) is located 14.3 kilometers (8.9 miles) from Chania Town on the Akrotiri Peninsula. It serves both domestic and international flights and functions as a joint civil-military facility alongside the Hellenic Air Force. Chania airport plays a vital role in Crete’s tourism sector, local economy, and defense network. The airport offers various services for travelers, including restaurants, duty-free shops, ATMs, car rental desks, medical support, and free Wi-Fi. Read article
January 14, 2026
Smart Guide to the 20 Best Beaches in Crete (Updated 2026)
The best beaches in Crete refer to the most ecologically pristine, culturally significant, and tourist-preferred coastal destinations on the largest Greek island. These beaches are characterized by their unique geomorphology, biodiversity, and heritage connections. Crete, with a coastline exceeding [distance km="1000"], offers over 100 officially recognized beaches, many of which have been awarded the Blue Flag certification for water quality, safety, and environmental management. Read article
January 13, 2026
16 Best Things to Do in Chania in 2026: Visit Elafonissi, Old Town and Samaria Gorge
Chania is a multifaceted cultural and historical hub on the northwest coast of Crete, renowned for its Venetian architecture, archaeological richness, and Mediterranean landscapes. Defined as one of Crete’s most visited municipalities, Chania recorded over 1.5 million tourist arrivals in recent years, highlighting its enduring appeal. According to Dr. Eftychia Stavrianopoulou, Professor of Mediterranean Studies at the University of Crete, “Chania represents a living museum - where Venetian, Ottoman, and Minoan legacies shape the rhythm of contemporary life”. Read article
August 8, 2025
Crete With Kids: Things to Do, Family Activities, Beaches and Travel Tips
Crete is an ideal family holiday destination, an island filled with places to see and things to do for travelers with a baby, toddler, child, or young adult. Families can explore ancient ruins, interactive museums, nature parks, and calm beaches across all regions of the island. Heraklion has plenty of family-friendly attractions and is a regional hub known for education and history. Cretaquarium displays Mediterranean sea life, an aquarium designed for visual learning and interactive play. Knossos Palace presents vivid Minoan ruins, an open-air site that helps children and young adults understand ancient civilization. The Natural History Museum of Crete provides hands-on science exhibits, a facility with a discovery zone, and an earthquake simulator. The Palace of Phaistos offers spacious walking areas and a quieter archaeological site, making it suitable for younger visitors. Read article
August 7, 2025
Nea Chora Beach: All you need to know by Locals
Nea Chora Beach is a centrally located coastal attraction in Crete, 1.3 kilometers (0.8 miles) west of the Chania Old Town and 1.9 kilometres (1.18 miles) west of Chania’s city center. Nea Chora beach is cherished by locals and tourists alike for its golden sand and shallow, calm seas. Nea Chora is partially organized with sunbeds, umbrellas, and cafés, while its promenade links to seafood tavernas and nearby attractions. Visitors at Nea Chora Beach can enjoy swimming, beach volleyball, paddleboarding, and sunset walks. Nea Chora is well-connected by foot, bus, taxi, and car rental for tourists exploring further. Read article
June 22, 2025
Imbros Gorge: Hiking, Map, Transportation and Car Rental
Imbros Gorge is an 8-kilometre (4.97 miles) hiking route in southern Crete. Imbros Gorge is part of the E4 European hiking path. The narrowest point of the gorge measures 1.60 meters (5.25 feet), framed by cliffs rising 300 meters (984 feet). Imbros Gorge runs parallel to Samaria Gorge and lies 57 kilometres (35.42 miles) southeast of Chania. Read article
May 25, 2025
Aradena Gorge: Hiking, Map, Things to Do and Car Rental
Aradena Gorge is one of Crete’s most dramatic Gorge natural landmarks, stretching 15 kilometres (9,32 miles) from the abandoned village of Aradena to the secluded Marmara Beach on the island’s southern coast. Aradena Canyon was formed through millennia of erosion and tectonic activity, and offers a challenging but rewarding hiking experience, featuring steep descents, narrow passages, and vertical drops aided by metal ladders. Read article
May 20, 2025
Agia Roumeli: A Remote Paradise on Crete’s Southern Coast
Agia Roumeli is a quiet, remote coastal spot on Crete’s southern coast, recognized for its dramatic scenery, black pebbled shoreline, and clean, refreshing waters. This beach offers a peaceful atmosphere far from heavy tourism and commercial noise, often visited by hikers completing the Samaria Gorge trail. Agia Roumeli Beach provides the perfect setting to swim, sunbathe, snorkel, or simply relax after a long hike, with sunbeds available in some areas and large stretches left natural and unorganized. The beach is only accessible by ferry or on foot, making it one of the most secluded destinations on the island. Visitors usually combine a scenic drive and short ferry ride from small ports like Hora Sfakion, Sougia, and Palaiochora to reach the village. Agia Roumeli is best visited between late June and early October when water temperatures are warm. Read article
May 16, 2025
Seitan Limania Beach: A Hidden Gem on Crete’s Rugged Coast
Seitan Limania Beach is one of Crete’s most visually dramatic and remote coastal spots, nestled in a narrow cove on the Akrotiri Peninsula, just 22.2 kilometers (14.1 miles) northeast of Chania, Seitan Limania, also called Agiou Stefanou beach, is a secluded beach that is accessible via a challenging downhill trail, and features a compact shoreline of coarse sand and pebbles surrounded by steep limestone cliffs and clear turquoise waters. Read article
April 13, 2025
Agios Charalambos Beach: A small, white sand beach in Crete!
Agios Charalambos Beach is a small, secluded beach 60 kilometers (37.3 miles) south of Chania and 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) east of Chora Sfakion, offering a peaceful retreat with clear blue waters and a natural landscape. It features a mixed seabed of fine pebbles and sand, with sunbeds, umbrellas, and a beachside taverna providing a comfortable seaside experience. Read article
April 10, 2025
Stavros Beach: All You Need To Know By Locals
Stavros Beach is an amazing beach located 15.4 kilometers (9.5 miles) northeast of Chania on the Akrotiri Peninsula in Crete. The beach acquired international recognition for appearing in the 1964 film Zorba the Greek. Stavros’ distinctive features include its powdery sands, clear waters, and a natural lagoon protected by a limestone mountain, which makes it an excellent spot for families and travelers seeking relaxation. Visitors can enjoy sun loungers, umbrellas, and nearby tavernas serving Cretan cuisine. Read article
March 5, 2025
Chania Nightlife Tips: What to do in Chania at night?
Chania offers a diverse nightlife scene catering to various preferences, from peaceful evening strolls to energetic dance clubs. The historic Old Venetian Harbor serves as a central nightlife hub where visitors can dine at waterfront tavernas, enjoy street performances, walk to the Egyptian Lighthouse, and admire illuminated historic buildings. Read article
February 14, 2025
Elafonissi Beach: All you need to know by Locals!
Elafonisi is an island and nature reserve near the southwestern corner of Crete, part of the Cretan Islands archipelago, and administered by Greece. Elafonissi Beach is connected to Crete by a sandbar and lies 76 kilometres (47,22 miles) west of Chania and 5 kilometres (3,11 miles) south of Chrysoskalitisa Monastery. Elafonissi area covers 1.5 square kilometres (0,58 square miles) and is protected under the EU Natura 2000 program and is known for its environmental significance. Read article
January 29, 2025
Crete Boat Trips: Hersonissos, Balos, Spinalonga and Santorini
Crete provides diverse activities in Hersonissos, Balos, Spinalonga, and Santorini. Private boat rentals range from €50 ($54.40, £44) for motorboats to €1,500 ($1,630, £1,323) for yachts with skippers. Popular day trips include Knossos Palace, Heraklion City tours, and Samaria Gorge hikes, costing €35 ($38.10, £30.80) to €50 ($54.40, £44) per person. Crete is accessible by ferries from Athens and nearby islands, with tickets starting at €36 ($39.20, £31.70). Snorkeling and paddleboarding are favored at Elafonissi Beach and Agia Pelagia. Combo packages for car rentals and boat trips are available, with reliable services like Rental Center Crete. Read article
January 20, 2025
Agioi Apostoloi Beach: All you need to know by Locals!
Agioi Apostoloi Beach attracts locals and tourists through its accessibility and amenities. The beach lies on a small peninsula with three bays separated by rocky outcrops. Sandy shores, blue-green waters, and surrounding vegetation provide a space for relaxation. The name "Agioi Apostoloi" originates from a small church dedicated to the Holy Apostles, located on a headland above the beach. The church offers a panoramic view of the bays and serves as a summer wedding venue. Read article
January 14, 2025
45+ Less Known, Exotic Beaches in Crete
Crete, Greece's largest island, offers diverse beaches for all preferences. Livadi Beach enchants families with green waters and modern amenities. Sougia Beach provides tranquility with pebbly shores and hiking trails. Sarantaris Beach near Hersonissos offers snorkeling and serenity.Kommos Beach, an ancient Minoan port, attracts history buffs with its ruins. Agiofarago Beach combines natural beauty and history, accessible through a gorge hike. Limanakia Beach provides family fun with calm waters and cultural attractions. Read article
January 5, 2025
Cities of Crete: Names, Facts, Features and Car Rentals
Crete, the largest Greek island, combines history, culture, and beauty across its destinations. Coastal areas offer sandy beaches, nightlife, and landmarks, while inland villages provide setting and traditional Cretan cuisine. Visitors can explore ancient ruins, relax by the sea, or experience the heritage, making Crete an ideal destination for all travel styles. Read article
September 2, 2024
Kavros Beach: A Long Sandy Beach near Georgioupolis Crete!
Kavros Beach is a 10 kilometres (6.21 miles) long, sandy shoreline on Crete's northern coast, situated between Rethymno and Chania. The beach is known for its fine golden sand and calm seas, making it an ideal spot for swimming and watersports. The nearby village of Kavros offers a range of accommodation, dining, and shopping options, catering to various visitor needs. Read article
