Chania Things to Do – Attractions & Must See

The sunny island of Crete has been home for its people for thousands of years. Tourists today adore the laid-back Cretan town of Chania.

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Chania Things to Do

Chania is located along the Mediterranean Sea and has fine beaches, impressive museums and a colorful Venetian Harbor.

Old Town

The heart of Chania is the Old Town. Start at the Agora and try local Greek cheese pie, fresh fish, and walk away with a tin of locally made olive oil and some spices. Stroll the Jewish Quarter to see lots of historic buildings and a synagogue.

Hike Samaria Gorge

Samaria Gorge is one of the most scenic places on the island, and just getting there is an adventure. Take a bus from Chania town to the village of Omalos, which will leave very early in the morning. You’ll head for Agia Roumeli and take a dive into the gorgeous Libyan Sea. You will need to take short boat ride to either Sougia village or Sfakia town to get back to Chania. It’s about four hours total round trip, so bring great walking shoes.

The Venetian Harbor

Chania has an extensive port area that you can explore on foot. Next to the water’s edge, you’ll see lots of street vendors and a Maritime Museum. There’s also an archeological museum housed in the Franciscan Monastery of St Francis of Assisi, which focuses on the early settlement of the area by the ancient Minoans. Exhibitions include items such as coins and mosaics from that era, as well as the subsequent settlements by many other civilizations on the island. The largest landmark in the harbor is the lighthouse. It’s still in use and you can walk there along a long stone pathway.

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Other Attractions

The Municipal Gardens are a well-tended stretch of cool greenery fit for exploring. The Folklore Museum shows off the local area arts scene, and public churches like the Free Evangelical church, the Agia Aikaterini church, and the massive Petros and Pavlos churches offer an understanding of how Christianity has shaped this region.

If you have kids, they will love the Limnoupolis Water Park with dozens of water slides and lots of pools for the family to enjoy together. Or, enjoy a relaxing day at Balos Beach. Be aware that you will have to climb sixty steps down to the beach, but once there you’ll find warm waters, showers, and a cantina.

More from SmarterTravel:

• Chania Shopping — Shops, Stores, Best Buys — Inside Tips
• Chania Nightlife – Clubs, Bars & Nightlife Tips
• Greece Travel Guide: What to Do in Greece

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Editor’s Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about things to do in Chania.