Chania attractions: the old town, harbour and day trips

What to see in Chania

Chania, in western Crete, is one of Greece's most beautiful towns. Its well-preserved old town has a Venetian harbour, narrow lanes and Venetian and Ottoman buildings. It is also a great base for trips to the famous beaches and the Samaria Gorge. For the whole island see our Crete guide.

Old town attractions

• The Venetian harbour – the heart of town, lined with restaurants and cafés; best in the evening.
• The lighthouse – a Venetian lighthouse at the end of the breakwater. The walk along the pier takes about 15 minutes, with lovely views back over the town.
• Firka Fortress – at the harbour entrance, home to the Maritime Museum of Crete.
• The Mosque of the Janissaries – an Ottoman mosque with domes on the harbour and one of the town's symbols; today it hosts exhibitions.
• The Arsenali – arched Venetian shipyards where ships were repaired.
• Splantzia – a quiet square with cafés, away from the harbour crowds.

Etz Hayyim Synagogue

In the old town's historic Jewish quarter stands Etz Hayyim, the last surviving synagogue in Crete. It was restored after the Holocaust and is open to visitors. Full details in our Etz Hayyim synagogue guide. For Shabbat see our Shabbat and Chabad in Chania guide.

Museums

• The Maritime Museum – in Firka Fortress, on Crete's maritime history.
• The Archaeological Museum of Chania – local finds from the Minoan to the Roman period.

Day trips from Chania

• Balos – a turquoise lagoon in the island's northwest. Reach it by car on a dirt road and then on foot, or by boat from Kissamos.
• Elafonisi – a beach with pinkish sand and shallow water in the southwest.
• Both are very crowded in summer; arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
• The Samaria Gorge – one of Europe's longest gorges. You walk down from Omalos to Agia Roumeli on the south coast and return by boat and bus. It's a long walk needing basic fitness and good shoes, and the gorge is open in season only.

More beaches in our Chania beaches guide; with kids see Chania with kids.

Tips

• Car: the old town is for walking; day trips need a car. See our Crete car rental guide.
• Flights: see our flights from Israel to Chania guide.

FAQ

What are the must-sees in Chania? The Venetian harbour and lighthouse, the Mosque of the Janissaries, Firka Fortress, Splantzia and the Etz Hayyim synagogue.

How many days do you need in Chania? One day covers the old town. To also visit Balos, Elafonisi and the Samaria Gorge, allow at least three to four days.

Is there a synagogue in Chania? Yes. Etz Hayyim is in the historic Jewish quarter of the old town and is open to visitors.

How do you get to Balos from Chania? By car on a dirt road followed by a walk, or by boat from Kissamos port. In summer, go early.