A warren of narrow streets full of hidden treasures, an eclectic mix of architectural styles and an array of bright colours all lead to a bustling, vibrant harbour. A heady mix of Turkish and Venetian influence, Chania centres around the long sweep of its harbour. With its Venetian houses and impressive market, the historic Old Town dates back to medieval times and is a mix of Greek and Turkish architecture. The 17th-century fort is a must, while there are great views from the Turkish lighthouse. The city has a modern, cosmopolitan feel, venture into the back streets or the Old Town for more traditional and cheaper cafes and restaurants.

History buff or wine buff, inveterate shopper or untiring sightseer, townie or beach-lover, couple or family … match any or all of these categories and you'll love Chania. Crete's second city is bursting with charm and character, stuffed with shops and market stalls, and filled with a feast of restaurants and tavernas. And along with Minoan ruins, Byzantine churches, Venetian merchants' houses, a Turkish minaret and a 17th century lighthouse …there's a handful of discos and an open-air theatre too. Holidays in Chania aren't restricted to the streets – however intriguing they may be. There's a gently shelved beach to the west of town, with sea-front snack-bars so you can spend the whole day by the splash of the waves. And the water's edge is just as much a magnet after dark – when the atmospheric harbour becomes the place to party or to people-watch …the bright lights of its bars and eateries bouncing off a midnight-blue sea. In and around the town are well designed hotels and carefully restored island houses, so for couples and families alike, summer holidays to Chania can combine coast and countryside with cosmopolitan buzz.

Holidays in Chania - Crete, GREECE
Chania is one of the prime holiday destinations in Greece, as the region offers visitors areas of unspoilt natural beauty, verdant mountains, endless beaches and impressive gorges. Chania (otherwise spelled Hania) is a multifaceted place, where modern lifestyle fuses with deeply-rooted traditions and customs, making it ideal for those who want to experience everything that is truly Cretan! Chania is selected by all types of visitors, including nature lovers, nightlife aficionados and outdoor sports enthusiasts. Due to its variety of features, Chania is the perfect place for families, groups of friends and couples. The many beaches satisfy all types of visitors, whether they prefer crowded sandy stretches or secluded coves. After a refreshing swim we recommend a delicious Cretan meal at one of the many traditional tavernas and restaurants throughout the prefecture. If you are a creature of the night, Chania offers a wide selection of nightclubs and bars that remain open until the early morning hours.
Chania (Hania), has an extremely well-developed tourist infrastructure, providing a plethora of hotels, studios, apartments and rooms, as well as villas for hire, luxury hotels and all-inclusive hotel resorts, covering all price ranges. This prefecture is an all-year-round holiday spot, as excellent Chania hotels can be found both by the seaside and in the mountain villages.
Information about Chania beaches
Some of the features that make Chania (Hania) a very popular vacation spot are its spectacular beaches and the small islands located off its coast. Beaches are perfect for recreation and relaxation under the warm sun and in the cool azure waters. We recommend visiting the beaches near your place of accommodation, as well as beaches located further away, as each beach has its own charm. If you like popular beaches where many other tourist gather, we suggest the beaches of Agia Marina, Agii Apostoli, Kalamaki, Kalyves, Geogioupolis, Kastelli-Kissamos, Kalathas and Platanias on the northern side, as well as Sougia and Frangokastelo on the southern side. Falasarna Beach and Kolymbari Beach in the north offer some quieter spots, as do the beaches of Domata and Loutro in the south. Most Chania beaches provide sun beds and umbrellas for hire, as well as a good range of restaurants and cafes. Some beaches offer water-sport facilities and the chance to scuba dive. There are also more secluded spots available to those who are looking for a nude beach in Chania (Hania).
Chania Crete weather information
Chania weather is quite mild and enjoyable all year round, making it a wonderful spot for both summer and winter holidays. The summer months are hot and dry, while the winter months are rainy and cool. Temperatures in the mountainous regions of Chania (Hania) can get very low and snow frequently falls on the mountain tops. The inland plain areas are cool, while the seaside regions are considerably warmer.
From January to March, the average temperatures in Chania Crete are 11°C to 14°C. In April and May, the weather in is quite pleasant, ranging between the low teens and low 20's. During June, July, August and September, the temperatures are warm, but remain enjoyable, ranging from low 20s to low 30s. In October, the temperatures begin to fall, ranging between the mid teens to the low 20's, while in November and December the weather is typical for Mediterranean winter and temperatures may drop below 10°C, depending on the region. The prevailing northern winds, known as the "Meltemia" are quite strong during the late summer months.
Getting to Chania Crete - Ferries & Flights
Getting to Chania Crete is fairly easy, as there are frequent ferries to the Port and flights to the Airport. There are direct flights to Chania Airport from the Athens Airport, Thessaloniki Airport and from other airports throughout Europe. Airfares for flights fluctuate depending on the season and the airline company. Visitors are provided with both expensive and cheap flights. Discount flights and budget flights to Chania are available, as are economy airfares and business class airfares for international flights. Ferries to Chania Port depart from Athens (Piraeus Port) and are particularly frequent during the summer months when it is packed with visitors from Greece and abroad. The prices of boat tickets depend on the season and the type of boat.
Chania holiday Reviews
Lord Mike. Date of travel: Mar 2005
Chania is situated on the western part of the island. The landscape varies in Chania prefecture; there are exotic sandy beaches with crystal clear seas, high green mountains, gorges, like the famous gorge of Samaria as well as traditional mountain and coastal villages. During your tour, visit the impressive monasteries of the area, Chania town the capital of the prefecture of the same name, which is the most charming place and the Archaeological museum of the town.
Sue and Mike. Date of travel: Jun 2005
Brilliant holidays... always very good. Fabulous food especially Horiatiko's with Demetri and his family and always at the Aletri with Andreas and Maria and Christo and Tamsyn. If you go please remember Mike and Sue to them especially Jan... Very good hospitality! Scenery lovely, you must try everywhere suggested in Western Crete, Elafonissi, Falasarna, Samaria Gorge, Sofia Caves on the way to Elafonissi, even visit the little shoe maker with the sign "hand made shoes", cheaper than the shops. All in all our most favourite place.
Chania a great city - Selma Hasanovic. Date of travel: Aug 2005
Apparently the Greeks call Chania the Venice of Greece!