Chania shopping: the leather street, the old town and what to buy in Crete
Chania is one of the best places in Crete to shop. The star is the leather street near the harbour, but there is also jewellery, olive oil, honey and a historic municipal market.
- Skridlof Street, known as the leather street, is near the Venetian harbour and packed with shops selling bags, belts, sandals and made-to-measure boots.
- Chania's historic municipal market is being renovated, and according to Argophilia the target is a full reopening in December 2026.
- Good Cretan souvenirs: olive oil, honey, herbs and leather goods.
Set aside at least a few hours for the old town lanes. If you want made-to-measure boots or sandals, go early in your trip so there is time to make them.
Where to shop in Chania
Most of Chania's shopping is in the old town, in the lanes around the Venetian harbour. It's a small, walkable area with local craftspeople alongside souvenir shops. Move a few streets back from the harbour itself: it's usually quieter there and prices are sometimes better.
The leather street (Skridlof)
According to Kids Love Greece, Skridlof Street is known to locals and visitors as "the leather street". It's a narrow street near the harbour, lined with leather shops:
- Handmade bags and belts.
- Cretan-style sandals.
- Made-to-measure boots: some shops make traditional Cretan boots fitted to your foot.
- Jewellery and other small shops.
Tip: if you order something made to measure, ask how long it takes and plan it early in your trip.
The municipal market (Agora)
Chania's municipal market is a large, historic cross-shaped building near the entrance to the old town. It closed for a long renovation. According to Argophilia (July 2026), the target is a full reopening on 4 December 2026, with some shops due to open gradually in the autumn. Dates like this can change, so check the latest before your visit.
What to buy in Crete
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | Crete is famous for high-quality olive oil |
| Thyme honey | Local honey with a strong aroma |
| Herbs and mountain tea | Sold in small bags, easy to travel with |
| Leather goods | From the leather street |
| Cretan knives | A local tradition of decorated knives |
Note: knives and liquids are not allowed in hand luggage. Pack them in your checked bag.
When are shops open?
In the tourist season most old town shops are open into the evening, including Saturdays. In winter many open fewer hours or close. Shabbat-observant visitors can shop on Friday or Sunday in season.
More in Chania
Shopping with kids in Chania
The old town also works for families: most streets are car-free or quiet, and there are plenty of ice-cream shops and cafés to stop at. A stroller can be hard in some narrow lanes and on steps, so a baby carrier is easier. In summer, go in the morning or after sunset, when the heat is less heavy.
FAQ
Where is the leather street in Chania? Skridlof Street is in the old town, near the Venetian harbour.
Is Chania's municipal market open? It is being renovated. According to Argophilia, the target is a full reopening in December 2026, with shops opening gradually in the autumn. Check before you go.
What is best to buy in Chania? Leather goods from the leather street, olive oil, thyme honey and Cretan herbs.
Can you order made-to-measure boots in Chania? Yes, at some leather shops on Skridlof Street. Ask how long they take to make.
