Things to Do in Chania, Crete: A Local Guide to Western Crete
Chania is one of the most beautiful places in Crete, but there is much more to the area than the Venetian harbor. Spend a morning walking through the old town, swim at a different beach each day, and head into the villages when you want to see a quieter side of the island.
If you want to explore beyond the city, renting a car or ATV from Blitz Car Rental makes getting around Western Crete much easier.
Walk Around Chania Old Town
The best way to see Chania Old Town is simply to walk. Start at the Venetian Harbor and follow the narrow streets towards Splantzia, the old Turkish Quarter, and the quieter lanes behind the waterfront.
The harbor is especially pleasant early in the morning, before the streets become busy. In the evening, Koum Kapi is a popular place for a drink by the sea, while Nea Chora is known for its beach and fish tavernas.
During your walk, look out for:
- The Venetian Harbor and Lighthouse.
- The Archaeological Museum of Chania.
- The old Jewish Quarter.
- Splantzia and its historic churches.
- The narrow streets around the harbor.
- Small shops selling local food, ceramics, and handmade products.
Take a break at a kafeneio for Greek coffee, or sit down for a glass of wine and a little raki. Chania is best enjoyed slowly, without trying to see everything in one afternoon.
Visit the Beaches Around Chania
Some of the best beaches in Chania are outside the city, so having your own car gives you more choice. You can spend the morning swimming, stop for lunch in a nearby village, and still make it back in time for sunset.
Here are some of the beaches worth visiting:
- Falassarna: A long sandy beach on the west coast, with plenty of space and memorable sunsets.
- Seitan Limania: A dramatic cove on the Akrotiri Peninsula. The road down is steep and winding, so drive carefully.
- Marathi: A sheltered beach with calm water and several places to eat nearby.
- Stavros: A beautiful, well-protected beach known for its connection with Zorba the Greek.
- Kalyves: A relaxed seaside village with sandy beaches, clear water, and traditional tavernas.
- Nea Chora: The closest beach to Chania Old Town and a convenient spot for an afternoon swim.
If you prefer quieter places, ask a local about smaller beaches along the Akrotiri coast or around Apokoronas. Some are easy to miss if you are only following the main tourist routes.
Eat Like a Local
Food is one of the best reasons to spend time in Chania. Cretan cooking is based on good olive oil, fresh vegetables, local cheese, wild greens, and whatever is available that day.
Make time to try:
- Dakos with tomato, olive oil, and myzithra cheese.
- Kalitsounia, small pies filled with cheese or greens.
- Slow-cooked lamb with stamnagathi.
- Fresh fish and seafood.
- Fried zucchini, local cheeses, and seasonal vegetables.
- Cretan wine and tsikoudia.
For a traditional meal, head away from the busiest parts of the harbor. The villages around Apokoronas, including Vamos and Gavalochori, have several family-run tavernas where meals are often served with local wine, bread, and something extra from the kitchen.
Kalyves and Almyrida are good choices for fish by the sea, while the villages inland are ideal for a long lunch under the trees.
Take a Drive Into the Villages
The area around Chania changes quickly once you leave the city. Within a short drive, you will find olive groves, old stone houses, mountain roads, and villages where life moves at a slower pace.
Vamos, Gavalochori, and Armeni are all worth visiting if you want to experience a more traditional side of Crete. Stop for coffee in the village square, visit a small church, or enjoy lunch at a local taverna.
You can also plan a day in the mountains and:
- Hike in the Imbros or Agia Irini Gorge.
- Visit an olive oil mill or local winery.
- Drive through the White Mountains.
- Explore villages in the Apokoronas area.
- Stop at viewpoints overlooking the coast.
Always check local conditions before starting a gorge hike, especially during the hotter months or after heavy rain.
Rent a Car or ATV in Chania
A car is the most practical option if you are planning to visit Falassarna, the mountain villages, or several beaches in one day. An ATV can also be a convenient choice for exploring rural roads and scenic areas around Chania.
At Blitz Car Rental, we offer reliable rental options for different types of holidays, with:
- Free delivery to Chania Airport, the port, or your hotel.
- 24/7 support.
- No hidden fees.
- Flexible rental options.
You can view the available cars and ATVs here.
Start Exploring Chania
Chania has everything from a lively old town and beautiful beaches to quiet villages, mountain roads, and some of the best food in Crete. The easiest way to enjoy it is to leave some room in your plans and follow the road when you find a place you like.
Ready to explore Western Crete? Book your car or ATV with Blitz Car Rental and start planning your Chania adventure.
