Category Archives: Chania
Top Attractions & Places you must visit in Chania Region
May 10, 2026
Gavdos: Europe’s Southernmost Island – History, Beaches, and How to Visit
Gavdos is a small Greek island in the Libyan Sea, approximately [distance km="45"] south of Crete - the southernmost inhabited point of Greece and of Europe. Visitors reach it by ferry from Sfakia (Chora Sfakion) in southwest Crete (~2.5–3 hours) or via the longer ANENDYK coastal service from Paleochora (~4 hours including stops at Sougia and Agia Roumeli). The island spans 27 km², has a year-round population of around 50–100 (rising to several thousand in summer), and is famous for its isolated beaches, Natura 2000-protected juniper forests, and its biblical identity as Cauda - the islet where St Paul's storm-tossed ship took shelter (Acts 27:16). Greek mythology identifies Gavdos as Calypso's island in Homer's Odyssey. Read article
May 4, 2026
Mosques and Minarets in Crete: A Complete Visitor Guide to Ottoman Heritage
Crete preserves more than a dozen former Ottoman mosques, concentrated in the old towns of Chania and Rethymnon. The Ottoman Empire ruled the island for nearly 250 years - from 1646 until Crete gained autonomy in 1898 - during which the Turks converted most Venetian churches into mosques. When Ottoman rule ended, the buildings were repurposed again: as churches, museums, conservatories, and cultural centres. Today, these structures remain some of the most distinctive architectural landmarks on the island. Read article
April 26, 2026
Kalyves, Crete: The Complete Local Guide (What It’s Like, What to Do & How to Get There)
Kalyves is a quiet, family-friendly seaside village in the Apokoronas region of northwest Crete - known for its Blue Flag beach, authentic Cretan tavernas, and easy access to the ancient city of Aptera. Kalyves occupies a sheltered position on the southern shore of Souda Bay, 21.5 km (13.4 miles) east of Chania and 27.6 km from Chania International Airport (CHQ). The village is divided by the Kyliaris River (also called Xydas River), with the old town on the west bank and the modern village on the east bank. Read article
April 24, 2026
Chania Nightlife Guide: Best Bars, Clubs & Things to Do After Dark
Chania's nightlife spans six distinct areas - from the romantic Venetian Harbour and live-music tavernas of the Old Town to the high-energy beach clubs of Platanias and Agia Marina - with options for couples, groups, and solo travellers at every budget. Chania's nightlife delivers something for every type of traveller: a slow harbour walk past illuminated Venetian buildings, cocktails in a former synagogue courtyard at Sinagogi, or dancing until 4am at Senso Club. Read article
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
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
