Chania hotels

Hotels in Chania

Crete's second largest city is Chania (or Hania), facing out onto the Mediterranean Sea. It was almost wiped out during World War II, yet has seen a more recent boom thanks to the island's growing appeal. The golden, sandy beaches are some of the best in the whole of Greece.

Nature and architecture

Chania's historic Venetian port and cosmopolitan harbour area make it a great summer holiday destination. A leisurely walk along the waterfront takes in 11 Blue Flag beaches, tavernas, old town walls and Chania Lighthouse.

Some of the old Venetian buildings which have lost their roofs have been transformed into restaurants for open-air dining.

The city also acts as the starting point for exploring the Samaria Gorge. It's a Greek national park and one of the largest tourist attractions on Crete. The section of the gorge known as ‘The Gates' is just four metres wide and about 300 metres high.

Food and drink in Chania

The beauty of Cretan cuisine is that it's simple, hearty and filling. Eating is a social activity, with conversations flowing like wine well into the night. Olives are one of the most vital ingredients in dishes on Crete, and olive oil is known here as the ‘elixir of life'.

Places to eat anything other than Greek food are rare in Chania. There's Golden Wok, a Chinese takeaway, several pizza places including Domino's, and Veneto by the waterfront for Italian food.

Culture on Crete

Over the centuries, Chania has been occupied by numerous settlers. This rich mix of history is visible in the surviving Byzantine fortifications, Minoan sculptures and Turkish baths.

The Archaeological Museum of Chania is inside the Saint Francis Monastery, displaying city relics dating back to the Neolithic period. Chania's Historical Archive is also the second most important archival site in Greece.

The city's museums include the Folklore Museum and Nautical Museum of Crete in the Old Town area. Chania has kept up with the times and is rapidly modernising – the Museum of Typography opened in 2005. It's an even newer building than some of Chania's more upmarket hotels.