{"id":54011,"date":"2025-09-15T12:09:41","date_gmt":"2025-09-15T10:09:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/?p=54011"},"modified":"2026-08-13T21:07:58","modified_gmt":"2026-08-13T19:07:58","slug":"chania-crete","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/en\/chania-crete\/","title":{"rendered":"Chania Crete: The 10 most beautiful sights of the town"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hardly any other place in Crete enchants its visitors as much as Chania<\/strong>. The second largest city on the island (approx. 53,000 inhabitants) with its picturesque old town is now a must on a Crete holiday, so the crowds are correspondingly large. Especially on weekends, many people make a pilgrimage to the pretty port metropolis.<\/p>\n

\"Chania
Venetian Harbour: Postcard Motif of Chania<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Chania is located about 140 km from the capital Heraklion and is very easy to reach via the island highway. Today, Chania is the tourist and cultural centre of the prefecture of the same name and an ideal starting point for exploring Western Crete<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Enclosed we give you our tips for Chania and show you the best sights and most beautiful corners for an individual Chania City Walking Tour<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

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What makes Chania in Crete so special?<\/h4>\n

More than 5,000 years ago, people were already living in the area that is now the Old Town of Chania<\/strong>. This makes the city one of the oldest continuously populated places in Europe. If you believe Greek mythology, Chania was once founded by the legendary King Minos under the name Kydonia.<\/p>\n

\"Chania<\/p>\n

Under the Venetians (from the 13th century) the city was called La Canea and the Ottomans (from the 17th century) called it Hanya, and at the same time declared it the headquarters of Crete. Both occupying powers shaped today’s image of the old town with their individual architectural style. So you feel transported to another time while walking through the alleys.<\/p>\n

For many holidaymakers, Chania is considered the most beautiful city in Crete. And indeed, the old town in particular enchants at first glance. If you’re planning a trip to Chania<\/strong>, it’s best to set aside a whole day. Although the traffic-calmed city center is compact, there is a lot to explore.<\/p>\n

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\ud83d\udca1 Best time to visit Chania: <\/strong>A visit to the port city is one of the most popular Crete Excursions<\/a>. If you want to enjoy the picturesque old town as undisturbed as possible, we recommend a visit before 10 a.m. in the high season. After that, it becomes difficult to find a free parking space near the old town.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

#1 Lighthouse and Venetian Shipyard<\/h2>\n

You can start your city tour either east or west of the historic Old Town. The earlier you arrive in Chania, the more relaxed the search for a parking space is. For example, you will find plenty of parking at the “East Moat Theater Parking” or the “Chania Port Parking”. From the Marina in Chania<\/strong> it goes into the hustle and bustle of the alleys.<\/p>\n

We head towards the sea and reach the Chania Sailing Club \u00bbNeorio Moro\u00ab<\/strong> at the old harbour guard. In the cozy yacht caf\u00e9 you can sit among locals and watch the hustle and bustle in the morning with a Greek coffee or cool Freddo with a view of the idyllic harbor pier.<\/p>\n

\"Chania
Egyptian Lighthouse: Landmark of Chania<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Afterwards it goes over the elongated quay wall to the landmark of the city, the Lighthouse of Chania<\/strong>. The imposing building directly at the entrance to the old harbour is now known as the “Egyptian Lighthouse”, but was built by the Venetians in the 16th century.<\/p>\n

In Ottoman times around 1839, the 21 m high tower was reconstructed under the occupation of Egyptian soldiers and last extensively restored in 2005. From the lighthouse you can see the picturesque Venetian Port of Chania<\/strong> in all its glory.<\/p>\n

\"Kreta
Quay wall and lighthouse<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We continue our city tour along the harbor basin and reach the old shipyard halls of Chania<\/strong>. The striking row of buildings is getting a bit old, but with the Lefka Ori mountains in the background, it offers an interesting photo motif. One part is now used as warehouses, while the other halls are used for caf\u00e9s or restaurants.<\/p>\n

\"Venezianische
Venetian shipyard with Lefka Ori mountains in the background<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In the summer months, the “Museum of Ancient Shipbuilding” is open, which is located in one of the shipyard halls. A visit to the private museum is worthwhile, as it exhibits an impressive replica of a Minoan ship<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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#2 Venetian Harbor and Firka Fortress<\/h2>\n

Directly adjacent to the old shipyard halls is the Large Arsenal<\/strong> (Megali Arsenal), the former administrative building of the Venetian shipyard. Today, the “Mediterranean Architecture Centre” is located here, where changing exhibitions take place. This is where the oldest district of Chania begins, called Kastelli.<\/p>\n

\"Chania
The Kastelli district towers over the old town<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

You can enjoy a wonderful view of the Venetian harbor from the terrace of the Roza Nera Building<\/strong> on Kastelli Hill. The building belongs to the Greek state, was unused for a long time and was occupied by the alternative scene a few years ago. It currently serves as a hostel for the needy and refugees.<\/p>\n

\"Chania
View from the Roza Nera terrace<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The view from up here is still an insider tip, because the entrance to the Roza Nera courtyard is somewhat hidden. It is not known how long access will still be possible, investors have already discovered the unusual location above the old town for themselves.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udeb6<\/div>

You can get even more insider tips on a walking tour of Chania<\/strong> with a professional guide. You can book the tour here*<\/a>.<\/p><\/div>\n

From Ancient Kastelli to Old Venetian Harbour<\/h3>\n

Behind the Roza Nera building there was once a Byzantine castle, of which nothing can be seen except for a few walls. In 2010, part of the Minoan city of Kydonia<\/strong> (Minoan Excavations, fenced) was excavated between the modern houses of the Kastelli Mountain.<\/p>\n

\"Hasan
Hasan Pasha Mosque at Venetian Harbor<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Via the \u00bbMichael Afentoulief Gasse\u00ab we get down to the harbour and are directly in front of the Hasan Pasha Mosque<\/strong> from 1645, which today hosts changing exhibitions. From here you can see the Old Venetian Harbor with its pastel-colored mansions.<\/p>\n

\"Venezianischer
Venetian Harbour: Visitor magnet of Chania<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A short walk along the harbour pier, past countless restaurants and some intrusive recruitment agencies, will take you to the other end of the harbour. There, you will find the Firka Fortress<\/strong>, dating back to the 16th century. It is open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.<\/p>\n

From the fortress walls you can admire the harbour with its lighthouse and the old town. In the background, the white mountains rise up. Inside the Venetian fortress is the Maritime Museum<\/strong> from Crete (Mon-Sat 9am-3:30pm).<\/p>\n

\"Firka
Firka Fortress of Chania<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

#3 Labyrinth of alleys of the old town<\/h2>\n

From the Venetian Harbor, you can head into the maze of alleys of the old town. To the west, the historic district is bordered by massive walls and bastions (San Salvador). From some parts of the old Venetian city walls<\/strong>, including the West Venetian Walls, you can enjoy a beautiful panorama.<\/p>\n