City guide
Chania old town: the harbour, the lanes and a day on foot
Chania has the best preserved old town on Crete, with a Venetian harbour, a lighthouse on the breakwater and narrow lanes behind. Everything is within walking distance. Here is a route through the old town, and where to stay to have it on your doorstep.
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In short: Chania old town
The old town wraps around the Venetian harbour and is easy to explore in a day. Walk to the lighthouse in the morning, get lost in Topanas and Splantzia during the day, and eat by the harbour in the evening. Our first choice for a night by the water is Porto Veneziano, with breakfast and parking included.
Our first choice by the harbour: Check availability and prices at Porto Veneziano Hotel
A day in the old town
Morning: the harbour and the lighthouse
Start early at the harbour, before the cafés fill up. Walk along the breakwater to the lighthouse, built by the Venetians and later rebuilt by the Egyptians. From here you see the whole waterfront with the mountains behind.
Late morning: Topanas
Topanas is the old Venetian quarter west of the harbour. Here you find narrow lanes, arches and houses in warm colours. Many of the houses are now small hotels, shops and cafés.
Afternoon: Splantzia
Splantzia lies east of the harbour and was the Turkish quarter. It is quieter than the waterfront, with a small square under the trees and local tavernas. Here you also find the church of Agios Nikolaos, with both a bell tower and a minaret.
Evening: dinner by the water
The harbour is at its loveliest at sunset, when the lights come on along the water. The restaurants on the waterfront have the view, while the lanes behind often have better food at lower prices.
Good to know: The nearest beach is Nea Chora, about fifteen minutes on foot west of the harbour.
Tours and experiences: See experiences and tickets in Chania
The lanes of the old town
Behind the waterfront lies a web of narrow lanes with small hotels and tavernas. Photo: Matthieu Oger / Unsplash
The hotels we pick in the old town
Stay in the old town and you can walk everywhere. The houses are old, so the rooms are often small, and pools are rare. In return you have the harbour right outside.
Porto Veneziano Hotel
Porto Veneziano is an Art Deco hotel on the waterfront in Chania harbour. A café, a bar and a gym are in the building, and the garden gives you a quiet corner in the middle of town. Guests praise the breakfast and the staff, and there is car hire on site.
Best for: travellers who want the harbour on the doorstep and still need somewhere to park.
Good to know: It is a three-star hotel, so the rooms are simple and practical.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Porto Veneziano Hotel
Domus Renier Boutique Hotel
Domus Renier sits in the old town of Chania and is a member of the Domus Elegance Collection. The ZEPOS restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and the terrace and bar are good places to end the day. From the hotel you can walk to the harbour and to Nea Chora beach.
Best for: couples who want to stay right in old Chania.
Good to know: The Zepos restaurant is open all day.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Domus Renier Boutique Hotel
La Maison Ottomane
La Maison Ottomane is a small luxury bed and breakfast in the old town of Chania. Breakfast is served every morning from nine to eleven, and the terrace and garden give you peace from the street life. Parking is included, which is rare in the old town.
Best for: couples who want a personal place to stay.
Good to know: Breakfast is served from nine to eleven.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at La Maison Ottomane
If you would rather stay near a beach and a pool just outside town, see our guide to Chania hotels.
Our first choice by the harbour
Porto Veneziano Hotel
Porto Veneziano sits on the waterfront in Chania harbour, in an Art Deco building. In the morning you watch the boats head out, and in the evening you step straight out to the restaurants along the waterfront. Breakfast and parking are included, which is rare this close to the old town.
Frequently asked questions about Chania old town
How much time do you need in Chania old town?
A full day is enough to see the harbour, the lighthouse and the main quarters. If you want time for museums, shopping and long meals, two days is better. Many people spend a few nights in the old town and the rest of the holiday by the beach. The evening at the harbour is a big part of the experience.
Can you swim in Chania town?
Yes, Nea Chora is about fifteen minutes on foot west of the harbour, with a sandy beach and tavernas. East of town there are also smaller beaches. For long sandy beaches you need to go to Platanias, Agia Marina or Kalathas. Buses and taxis leave often from the centre.
Where is the best food in Chania?
The restaurants along the harbour have the view, but often higher prices. Head into the lanes of Splantzia and Topanas for tavernas with local food. Try Cretan dakos, lamb and fresh herbs. Many places serve raki on the house after the meal.
Is it hard to drive in Chania old town?
Yes, much of the old town is car free, and the lanes are narrow. Park outside and walk in. If you have a hire car, choose a hotel with parking included, such as Porto Veneziano or La Maison Ottomane. Ask the hotel for directions before you arrive.