Crete has always been a favourite destinations for many travellers worldwide, no one can question its natural beauty and the fairytale images it offers. Chania at its western end will enchant you through a feast of colours, flavours and aromas in combination with the aura of a Greek island and the absolute best of Cretan hospitality.

Of course, summer is suitable for an escape to Chania and Crete in general, but do not hesitate to visit them at other times of the year for a different experience with fewer tourists. Below, we will see 4 reasons why Chania deserves to become your next destination in Greece, one that will offer you unique experiences and moments.

Cretan cuisine

It isn’t easy to try all the flavours of Cretan cuisine, which is composed of many different Greek products of high quality. In Chania, you will have the opportunity to taste many delicious and unique Cretan recipes with a background of picturesque beaches or the Venetian port. Sfakian mizithropites with honey, snails boubouristoi, lamb ofto with potatoes, staka with eggs, and bureki with cheese and mint are some local recipes that you should try. Of course, always accompanied by plenty of wine and tsikoudia. Some dining options in the city that stand out are the Chrysostomos tavern with authentic Cretan flavours and the Kritamon restaurant with “teased” Cretan recipes for those who want something more alternative.

The dreamy beaches

In and around Chania, you will find some of the most beautiful beaches of Crete for endless dives and impressive photos by the sea. Some are large and organized, ideal for families, while others are smaller and more secluded, everything you need for couples and groups. The most special beach is the port of Seitan which is located just outside the port of Souda, access to it is by descent from a cliff, making sports shoes necessary if you want to reach the beach safely.

The trail leads to a small creek with white sand and crystal clear waters surrounded by imposing rocks. Other impressive beaches are Elafonissi and Balos with the pink sand, Marathi with the remarkable sunset and Agioi Apostoli, ideal for families and diving.

The Venetian port

Nothing can compare to an afternoon walk along with the Venetian port of Chania. The stone-built buildings, the small fishing boats that turn into shops, the dozens of taverns and the traditional music will make your walk unforgettable. There is also the Egyptian lighthouse, an attraction for the city built in the 16th century, and you can see it from the port or walk along the pier until you reach the lighthouse.

At the same time, the “Venetian neoria” were built, i.e. large stone structures with arched facades, where ships were kept in the port in the past. In addition to walking and sightseeing at the port, you can enjoy your coffee or your food in one of the dozens of shops that exist along with it.

The picturesque villages

For the end, we left something you can do based in Chania, if you have a few extra days. This is to visit the picturesque villages that are located around the city in the prefecture of Chania either by car or by bus that goes to most of them. If you have the opportunity, choose a rental car from the company Enjoy Travel, which has a branch in the city of Chania, to offer you a massive variety of vehicles that serve your particular needs.

The villages will give you a more complete picture and will offer you unforgettable experiences that you will not find anywhere else. The coastal Sfakia and Loutro, in the south of the prefecture, are characterized by picturesque taverns by the sea and beautiful paths for exploration, while the mountainous Therissos, with its rich history, highlights another aspect of Crete. Perhaps the most special village of Chania is Vamos, which is characterized by alternative tourism through the traditional settlements that have been transformed into village hostels and the different daily lives of tourists that resemble the locals.

Disclosure – this is a collaborative post