Views of the old Venetian Harbour and the Kucuk Hasan Mosque in Chania. The harbour is full of colourful buildings and you can see the sea in the foreground. The mosque has a large dome that's been painted a dark pink colour.

29 Things to Do in Chania: Ancient Ruins, Wine Tasting and More!

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Last Updated on June 10, 2024 by Lauren Allen

Looking for the very best things to do in Chania? Lucky you! This vibrant city on the Greek island of Crete is a true gem with a lot to offer.

It’s known for its breathtaking beaches and luxury resorts, but there’s so much more to see in Chania. From picture-perfect views to wine tasting galore, it’s a great destination for a summer holiday.

Having recently spent four days there, I was truly blown away. We spent our time exploring archaeological sites, sampling the top restaurants and seeking hidden gems.

Our local guide had all the knowledge we needed to see the very best of Chania during our short (ish) visit.

While you can’t see it all in a few days, knowing which spots pique your interest is a big help. In this guide, I’ll share the must-do experiences to help you craft your ideal itinerary.

Full disclaimer: This post is part of a collaboration with Jet2 and the Chania Tourism Board. However, all opinions are my own.

A woman blue-painted nails holds up a small magnet depicting buildings labeled "GREECE" against the backdrop of the old Venetian Harbour in Chania. The colourful buildings are bathed in warm light. The water reflects the colors of the buildings and the evening sky. — Old Venetian Harbour, Chania

Table of Contents

Best things to do in Chania

1 | Stroll along the Old Venetian Harbour

If you’re looking for lovely views and a bit of history, you can’t miss the old Venetian harbour. Dating back to the 14th century, it has an intriguing past that involves the Venetians (obviously) and the Ottomans.

Nowadays, it’s a thriving hub of the city with bars, restaurants and souvenir stores. Its vibrant atmosphere makes it a fab place to grab a bite to eat, do some people-watching or enjoy the sunset.

Not only that, but it’s one of the prettiest parts of the city. I highly recommend visiting at all times of the day if you can and trust me, you won’t want to forget your camera.

2 | Admire Kucuk Hasan Mosque

As you wander around the harbour, it’ll be hard to miss Kucuk Hasan Mosque. Its unique stone-built structure stands out amongst the colourful facades.

Once used as an Islamic mosque, some Ottoman rulers were buried here back in the day. Now, it’s owned by the city who run several exhibitions a year.

Lauren (the owner of this blog) smiling at the camera standing by the waterfront of the Venetian Harbour in Chania during sunset. In the distance, you can see views of the Lighthouse of Chania and the Kucuk Hasan Mosque. The background shows a row of colourful buildings with lights reflecting on the water. Lauren is wearing a floral dress and a headband and has long dark hair. — Lighthouse of Chania and the Kucuk Hasan Mosque during sunset

A serene sunset view of the waterfront in Chania featuring the Kucuk Hasan Mosque; an old domed building made of stone and maroon/dark pink arches. People are gathered around the building and walking along the pier. Calm sea waters reflect the warm, golden light of the setting sun. — Lighthouse of Chania and the Kucuk Hasan Mosque during sunset

3 | Walk up to the lighthouse

Overlooking the Venetian Harbour, the Lighthouse of Chania is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Its history, architectural significance, and picturesque setting make it a must-see attraction for anyone exploring the area.

Built in the 16th century, it was constructed to protect the harbour from attacks. These days, it’s one of the oldest lighthouses worldwide.

As well as admiring it from afar, feel free to take a stroll up the lighthouse to see the Venetian harbour from a different perspective.

Lauren (the owner of this blog) wearing a patterned skirt, top and headband stands by the sea at sunset. Lauren is lifting the hem of her skirt slightly, looking to her left. In the background, a the Lighthouse of Chania rises from the water near a rocky outcrop, with the horizon and mountains in the distance. — Admiring the Lighthouse of Chania

A solitary lighthouse stands on a pier as the sun sets, casting a warm glow across the sky and the calm sea. Silhouetted figures walk along the pier, adding a sense of scale against the vastness of the horizon and water. — Admiring the Lighthouse of Chania

4 | Check out the Venetian Arsenals

If you walk further up the harbour, you’ll eventually reach the Venetian Arsenals. Dating back to 1526, these structures were built to repair ships. Later on, they became storage spaces for military equipment. It’s now a popular site to dock boats.

5 | Try some Bougatsa at Bougatsa Chania

Typically eaten for breakfast in Greece, Bougatsa is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a sweet or savoury treat, depending on the filling.

Bougatsa Chania is a family-run establishment that specialises in Bougatsa made with cheese and then topped with sugar and cinnamon. The family have run this cafe for many years and their hospitality is amazing.

Once you’re done with breakfast, you can head around the corner to witness them making this tasty dish. It’s such an interesting insight and they make it look so easy! Although, I guess that’s not too surprising considering how long they’ve been doing it.

Bougatsa is a traditional Greek breakfast made with pastry and cheese then topped with sugar and cinnamon. — Enjoying a tasty Greek snack at Bougatsa Chania

6 | Relax on the beach

Yep, I know. I said there’s more to Chania than just the beaches and that’s very true. However, who doesn’t love a beach day under the Greek sun? I know I do!

We were lucky enough to stay right on the beachfront at Pilot Beach Resort with Jet2holidays, but there are more worth checking out during your visit.

Some of the most highly-rated spots include:

Golden Beach
Yannis Beach Place
Iguana Beach

Alternatively, you can join a tour of the pink sand beach on Elafonisi Island. This distinctive beach gives you the chance to truly appreciate the beauty of Crete on a relaxing day trip.

If you’re in the city for more than a few days, you have enough time for fun-filled adventures and a relaxing trip to the beach. Lovely!

Find more tours in Chania

The golden sand beach at Pilot Beach Resort during sunset. In the bottom left corner, you can see a wooden pathway that leads to the sea and towards the right of the photo, there are sun loungers and umbrellas for guests to enjoy. — Pilot Beach Resort, Chania

7 | Treat your tastebuds to delicious cheese

I don’t know about you, but I’m slightly obsessed with cheese. Especially in Greece! Luckily, you’ll get your fair share of cheese during your time in Chania (if that’s what ya want).

Fourogatos is a well-decorated Cretan restaurant with stunning views of the sea. Not only that, but they also serve an array of cheese.

We ate a lot of cheese during our trip, but the cheese here was the most delish. It came in all shapes and sizes (literally) and with a selection of tasty dips.

It’s a new restaurant, but I imagine this place being popular for years to come.

8 | Visit the Archaeological Museum of Chania

If you’re big into history, you won’t want to miss the Archaeological Museum of Chania. With an extensive collection of exhibits, you can delve deep into Crete’s past.

Across the museum are old vases, marble statues and intricate mosaic floors. While there are descriptions, you can also pick up an audio guide to learn more.

Personally, I loved the large selection of pottery on display. As a creative person, I loved looking at all the paintings, patterns and carvings. In fact, it made me want to join a pottery class (more on that later).

A display of ancient pottery featuring various decorated jugs and vases on white pedestals at the Archaeological Museum of Chania. The vessels have intricate patterns and figures, in shades of brown and black, with some marked by numbers 136 and 137. — Historical vases on display at the museum

A detailed mosaic floor featuring intricate patterns and figures. The artwork includes human figures in various poses, surrounded by geometric designs and a braided border. The mosaic’s colors include shades of brown, beige, and white. — Historical vases on display at the museum

9 | Explore archaeological sites

Greece is famous for its ruins. They showcase the country’s past and offer a glimpse into what life was like in ancient times.

In addition to the museum, there are several archaeological sites in the area. One of the most impressive is the Archaeological Site of Aptera. I’ll even go as far as to say that this was one of the highlights of our trip.

There’s so much to say about the site! Back in the day, it was a thriving city-state that played an important role in Crete. These days it’s a tourist attraction boasting many years of history.

Furthermore, the site is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and sea views. It’s seriously not to be missed!

Ancient ruins at the Archaeological Site of Aptera with stone remnants scattered across a grassy field. Olive trees stand amidst the ruins, and dense greenery is seen in the background. Mountains with patches of snow peek through under a clear blue sky. — Ancient ruins and mountain views

An arieal cityscape of Chania, the sea and some rugged hills in the distance. Leaves in the foreground add some depth to the photo. — Ancient ruins and mountain views

10 | Grab a coffee at Chania Municipal Garden

When it comes to free things to do in Chania, the Municipal Garden needs to be on your radar. Away from the hustle and bustle of the harbour, it’s a nice park to relax amongst nature. You’ll find trees, palms and flowers galore.

Feeling peckish? Then you’ll be pleased to know that the onsite Kipo Cafe serves a variety of sandwiches, salads and sweet treats. You can also try Greek coffee and locally produced teas (which I was quite the fan of as an avid tea drinker).

11 | Hit up the Open Air Market on Minoos Street

One of the coolest things about travelling is seeing how the locals live and food markets are a great way to do that. The Minoos Street Market (or the Open Bazaar) runs every Saturday from 7am – 3pm.

You can stroll through the street eyeing up Cretan cheese, tasting samples and taking in the vibe. With a buzz in the air, you’ll see Chania residents armed with large bags of fruit and veg.

A bustling outdoor market scene shows vendors and shoppers interacting. Tables covered with green cloth are piled high with fresh red tomatoes. In the foreground, a man is inspecting tomatoes. Canopies and umbrellas provide shade over the stalls. Trees and buildings are in the background. — Minoos Street Market

12 | Join a Greek cooking class

In my personal opinion, joining a cooking class is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in culture while travelling. Plus, is there anything more satisfying than cooking up a delicious dish from scratch? Not really…

Greece is renowned for mouth-watering food so if a cooking class is on your travel bucket list, this is one of the top places to do it. In Chania, the most authentic option is this class in the White Mountains.

You’ll spend 6 hours with your fellow foodies cooking up a storm, trying cheese and sampling the regional wines. Surrounded by beautiful views, you’ll also get transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, recipes to try when you’re back home and much more.

During the class, you’ll also gain a deeper understanding of local life through the eyes of your knowledgeable guide. You really are in for a treat!

join the cooking class

13 | Or a food tour

If you don’t fancy getting your hands dirty, joining a food tour is the next best thing. With expertise in the area, your guide will take you to the tastiest spots in town.

On this tour, you’ll also gain insight into Chania Old Town and its history. It’s the perfect way to try the delicacies and gain a stronger understanding of this charming Greek city.

join the food tour

Greek food displayed on a blue plate. In the background, there is a white plate with cheese sticks and cherry tomatoes on a dark wooden table. Wine glasses are also visible. — Tasty cheese dishes at Fourogatos

A tasty cheese and tomato salad garnished with dill. — Tasty cheese dishes at Fourogatos

14 | Visit an art exhibition

If you’ve been a long-time reader of Pack and Paint, you’ll know that I LOVE art galleries. I even graduated with a degree in Textiles and Surface Design and built a successful career in this industry. This means I’m always on the lookout for impressive art.

As we passed Kucuk Hasan Mosque on our way through town, there was a small selection of paintings on display. If you love art as much as I do, it’s worth checking when you’re in the area. You may get lucky.

15 | See panoramic views of Chania from Venizelos’ Tombs

There are many gorgeous views in Chania, but the ones from Venizelos’ Tombs are remarkable. Overlooking much of the city, it’s the perfect setting to watch the sun go down. It’s also completely free to visit!

Aside from the scenery, this place has a unique backstory. It houses the graves of Eleftherios Venizelos and Sophoklis Venizelos; father and son who were both the Prime Ministers of Greece back in the day.

With such historical significance, it’s easily one of the best things to do in Chania.

Lauren overlooking a the cityscape of Chania in Greece. She's wearing a black patterned shirt and vibrant red pants with a white floral pattern. Trees and buildings are visible in the background under a clear blue sky. — Views from Venizelos’ Tombs

A marble tomb decorated with a large silver cross. In the distance there are several trees and you can see a scenic view in the background. — Views from Venizelos’ Tombs

16 | Hike from Gouverneto Monastery to Saint John’s Cave

Get your daily steps in on the hike from Gouverneto Monastery to Saint John’s Cave. Boasting beautifully scenic landscapes, it’s a must-do for active travellers visiting Chania.

Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to do the full hike. However, we did part of the hike which took us to the cave of Panagia Arkoudiotissa. Next time I visit Chania, I plan on doing the full trail.

Top tip: If you do this hike, don’t forget to bring suncream, snacks and plenty of water. You should also wear comfortable shoes as the trail is pretty rugged and uneven.

Views on the hike from Gouverneto Monastery to Saint John's Cave. — Views from the hike

A small, dimly lit room with aged, textured walls features religious icons and paintings mounted on a wooden structure. A partially open red door reveals a glimpse of the interior, with a few hanging ornaments and a small potted plant in the corner. — Views from the hike

17 | Drive through Therisso Gorge

If you want to admire landscapes without the hike, head straight to Therisso Gorge. It’s the ideal destination for a scenic drive, especially on a sunny day.

You’ll be treated to lush greenery, rugged rock formations and even some energetic mountain goats!

18 | Peek inside Agia Triada Monastery

Also known as the Holy Trinity Monastery, the Agia Triada Monastery is one of the most impressive in Crete.

Located on the Akrotiri Peninsula (not too far from Chania), this monastery is a great example of the island’s religious and architectural heritage. It’s also easy to visit after your hike to Gouverneto as it’s just a short drive away.

Along with a rich past dating back thousands of years, the monastery is set in a gorgeous location surrounded by olive groves, vineyards, and mountain views.

To visit, make sure your shoulders and knees are covered as a sign of respect.

A view through an archway of the Agia Triada Monastery in Chania. There are three domed towers, one featuring a cross and flying a flag with red and white stripes. The building is bathed in sunlight, with clear blue skies above, and potted plants scattered around the archway entrance. — Agia Triada Monastery

19 | Enjoy some wine-tasting

Holidays to Crete are full of surprises. Just next door to the monastery is a winery where you can sample some of the island’s finest wines, olive oils and balsamic vinegars. Produced on-site, we tried a small selection of red, white and rose wines.

However, the highlight has to be the sweet wine (pictured below). It was such a hit that many of us bought a bottle or two to bring home (myself included).

I was also a huge fan of the balsamic vinegar which again, I couldn’t resist buying. If you’re in the area, make sure you add this to your Chania itinerary. You won’t regret it.

Two women each hold a glass of white wine with sea views in the background on a sunny day. — Enjoying some wine outside Fourogatos

A bottle of Sweet Romeiko wine with wine barrels in the background. — Enjoying some wine outside Fourogatos

20 | Hop on a boat cruise

If you want to see Chania from a new perspective, consider jumping on a boat cruise. On a sunny day, this is one of the best things to do in Crete (and Greece as a whole).

No matter what your budget is, there’s a boat cruise for you. Here are a few options ranging from cheap and cheerful to luxury experiences:

Find more boat tours in Chania

21 | Visit the Maritime Museum

After experiencing life on the water, why not learn more at the Maritime Museum of Crete? Housing many ship models, old photos, nautical equipment and much more over two floors, it’s worth visiting to learn more about Chania and the surrounding areas.

22 | Wander through the Old Town of Chania

European old towns are full of charm and Chania is no different. As you explore this stunning Greek city, leave some time to wander around.

Going for a walk with no set endpoint is the perfect way to discover hidden gems and cute corners. Trust me, you’ll find loads in Chania.

Lauren (the owner of this blog) wearing a red blouse and floral skirt stands in a sunlit outdoor cafe with white tables and chairs. She is smiling, leaning against a tree with bright blue doors and a yellow wall in the background. The scene is decorated with hanging plants and flowers. — Exploring Chania Old Town

A charming street corner with a damaged yellow wall surrounded by potted plants including cacti, leafy greens, and pink flowers. There are green shutters on the windows and some plants inside plant pots sit on the windowsills. — Exploring Chania Old Town

23 | Dine al fresco with sea views

Dining outside is one of the nicest things about good weather, especially when you’re overseas. If the sun is shining in Chania, there are lots of restaurants with fab views and outdoor seating.

During the trip, we ate at many incredible restaurants including Apostolis, Arismari and Fourogatos; all of which had incredible sea (or harbour) views.

Each restaurant offered flavoursome food and excellent service. Although I wouldn’t normally recommend eating in busy tourist spots, Arismari was 100% my fave. If you’re going to Chania any time soon, do yourself a favour and book a table.

You could also try:

A cozy outdoor cafe with a Greek charm, featuring blue wooden chairs and tables adorned with red-checkered tablecloths. Each table has white plates, napkins, and small flower arrangements. Candles on the tables add a warm, inviting ambiance. — This restaurant next door to Arismari just SCREAMED Greek charm…

24 | Try traditional Cretan delicacies

Now you know where to eat, but what should you eat? I’ve already mentioned Bougatsa and cheese, but there are way more dishes to try in Crete such as:

Fried snails
Dakos (a tasty Greek salad)
Smoked pork
Olives and olive oil
Balsamic vinegar
Greek dips (such as tahini and tzatziki)
Stuffed vine leaves

Once you’re done eating, many restaurants will bring out raki. Typically served in a shot glass, this traditional Cretan spirit is strong. Don’t say I didn’t warn ya!

25 | Hunt for cocktails

Don’t worry if you’d rather not drink raki, many bars and restaurants in Chania serve delicious cocktails. If (like me) you have a slight obsession with margaritas or Aperol Spritz, you’re in luck. Here are some of the top-rated bars in the city:

Ginger Concept (which is also good for food)
Sinagogi
Synapsis
Block 38

Lauren holding an Aperol Spritz with views of the Chania Harbour, Venetian Arsenals and white boats in the distance. — Drinking an Aperol Spritz (of course)

26 | Get crafty at a pottery class

With a background in art and design, I’m always on the lookout for crafty activities. As we wandered around the old town, I stumbled upon a leaflet for a pottery class.

Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough time to check it out but I will be booking ahead of time next time I’m in the city.

If you fancy taking part, Flakatoras Ceramics runs classes during the tourist season (from April to October). You can choose to do either:

A clay workshop: An hour-long class that gives a basic introduction to working with clay. However, you should note that you won’t be able to take your crafts home unless you’re staying in Chania for a further 7-10 days after the class.

A painting workshop: Alternatively, you’ll paint already crafted clay pieces in the painting workshop. After 2-3 days, you can pick up your creation to take home.

No matter what you go for, you’ll have a great time at these workshops. There’s nothing quite like making your own souvenirs!

Vibrant multi-coloured pottery on display in Chania Old Town. — Colourful pottery on display at a shop in Chania Old Town

27 | Visit the Typography Museum

Not into pottery? Don’t worry! Located just outside of the city, the Typography Museum offers a hands-on experience. The museum showcases the rich past of typography with lots of equipment on display.

For just a few euros, you’ll be shown around by a knowledgeable guide. You’ll also get to try some printmaking for yourself and walk away with a handmade souvenir from your visit.

This is no doubt one of the most interesting museums in the area, especially if you’re creative.

28 | Stay at a five-star hotel

Okay, so this isn’t a must. However, Chania is full of incredible five-star hotels and why shouldn’t you treat yourself? You deserve it! Especially if you’re in town for a birthday or celebration.

As I mentioned earlier, we stayed at Pilot Beach Resort. Despite its location half an hour from the Venetian Harbour by car, it felt like a little oasis.

With comfy beds, excellent customer service and gorgeous beach views, it’s one of the nicest all-inclusive hotels in Crete. You’re sure to love your stay. I know I did!

Not convinced? Then there are some more hotels:

Find your ideal hotel in Chania

The serene Pilot Beach Resort with a large pool surrounded by lounge chairs and umbrellas. The resort features multiple beige and peach-toned buildings with balconies, set against a backdrop of distant mountains and clear skies. Pine trees and greenery enhance the tranquil setting. — Pilot Beach Resort has three pools

A serene poolside scene featuring a large, inviting swimming pool with clear blue water. Surrounding the pool are lounge chairs with umbrellas and a rustic, stone-accented building. In the background, a mountain range is visible under a clear sky. — Pilot Beach Resort has three pools

29 | Go on a day trip

Although you don’t need to leave Chania to have a good time, there are many amazing things to do in Crete. By going on a day trip or two, you can take advantage.

With everything from adventurous hikes to charming villages, there’s plenty of choice. Some of the coolest and most highly-rated options include:

Georgioupolis Land Rover Safari Experience: Visit hidden beaches, an old village and much more as you delve deep into the island’s culture.
7 Villages of Apokoronas Tour with lunch: Discover pretty towns surrounded by lush scenery and landscapes.
Samaria Gorge Trek Excursion: Get active on this picturesque hike through Samaria Gorge. Take in breathtaking landscapes, hunt for wildlife and end the day in the village of Agia Roumeli.

At the end of the day, there are so many activities nearby that you’ll never get bored. You could easily entertain yourself for weeks on this stunning Greek island. In fact, I haven’t been home long and I’m already desperate to return!

Discover more day trip options from Chania

A woman with red painted nails taking a photo of Chania on her iPhone. — Views of Chania from the Venetian Harbour

How to get to Chania

If you’re not already in Greece, your main option will be to catch a flight from your home country. In England, Jet2 operate flights from London Stansted Airport (and other UK airports) to Chania.

From London, flights to Chania with Jet2 take around four hours and you’ll be treated to aerial views if you manage to bag (or book) a window seat.

Upon arrival, it’s quite easy to get from Chania Airport to Chania Town. You can either:

Take the airport bus: This is the most budget-friendly option and will only set you back a few euros. However, the buses don’t run as often as you might think. You can find the timetable here.
Hop in a taxi: Upon arrival, there are taxis outside the airport that are happy to take you straight to your hotel without waiting around. This allows for flexibility if your flight is delayed.
Book an airport transfer: If you prefer to be organised, you can also book your airport transfer ahead of time.

Book your convenient airport transfer

Views out of the window on a Jet2 flight — Flying over England on a Jet2 flight

FAQs about visiting Chania

What is Chania known for?

Chania is highly known for the Venetian Harbour and old town. It’s also famous for beaches, wine and food.

Is there much to do in Chania?

Absolutely! As we’ve established throughout this guide, there are many things to do in Chania. From hiking to creative pottery classes, the possibilities are endless.

How many days do you need in Chania?

Ideally, you should aim to spend at least three days in Chania. However, you could occupy yourself for a week or more.

Lauren (the owner of this blog) wearing a patterned skirt, top and headband stands along the waterfront in Chania. In the background, you can see the colourful buildings along the Venetian Harbour. — I can’t wait to return to Chania!

Final Thoughts

When it comes to overseas adventures or last-minute holidays, Chania is a great option! Not only is it a fab spot for a beach holiday, but it’s bursting with history, charm and fun-filled activities.

You can also learn a lot about the culture and what life is like on the picture-perfect island of Crete. Despite only spending a few days in Chania, I fell in love with the laid-back vibes, incredible food and friendly locals.

Although I’ve also visited Athens and Santorini in the past, this trip made me crave an island-hopping adventure through Greece. I plan to return as soon as possible to check many more attractions off my European bucket list.

Has this post inspired you to book a trip to Chania? Let me know if you have any questions and I’d be happy to help!

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A Pinterest graphic design with the photo of the Greece magnet in front of the Venetian Harbour in Chania. There is a text overlay that says "29+ incredible activities in Chania" and "Greece Travel"

A Pinterest graphic design with a collage of different photos taken in Chania. In the middle, there is a yellow circle that says "Things to do in Chania in Crete by Pack and Paint"

Lauren Allen

After experiencing her first solo adventure overseas soon after graduating from university, Lauren has discovered a love of solo travel. The countries she visits often fuel ideas for her art and design work, which along with travel tips and guides, she loves to share with other like-minded art and travel enthusiasts on this blog.