Chania, Crete is one of the most beautiful destinations in Greece, known for its romantic Venetian Harbor, colorful old town, lighthouse, traditional alleys, seaside restaurants, mountain villages, and some of the most famous beaches in Europe. Located on the northwest coast of Crete, Chania combines history, nature, culture, food, and sea into one unforgettable Greek island experience. From the atmospheric streets of Chania Old Town and the iconic Venetian Port to the breathtaking beaches of Balos Lagoon, Elafonisi, Falassarna, Seitan Limania, and the wild beauty of Samaria Gorge, every part of Chania invites travelers to explore more, stay longer, and experience the real soul of Crete. Perfect for couples, families, food lovers, hikers, beach seekers, road-trippers, and first-time visitors to Greece, Chania is a powerful destination for unforgettable holidays, day trips, private tours, airport transfers, and authentic Cretan experiences.
What is coming up here
Where Chaniots actually eat and drink, well back from the harbour crowds. Chania draws far more visitors than Heraklion, so every place here has an all-Greek crowd, a neighbourhood following or roots that run deeper than the tourist season. Each one comes from Greek local press, resident tips and travel forums and is independently verified as open and genuinely local; the illustrations are ours, the places are very real.
Independently researched and selected. We have no commercial relationship with these places. Details and ratings last verified July 2026.
Airport to Chania
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A direct €8.80 bus via Souda, 1 hr 30, and no change at all — but only five or six a day, and the times shift by weekday. Full departure board, plus why going via Chania town actually costs you more.
Open guide147 km across Crete, about two hours by road. There is no direct bus, whatever you have read: you change in Heraklion, and that second ticket is the half everyone quotes. Fares, the two-leg bus route step by step, and three transfer quotes we pulled ourselves on the same day.
Open guideUnforgettable experiences
12 tours available
Default order reflects our recommendation. It is not paid placement.
Depart Kolymvari Port aboard a Lagoon 450F catamaran at the time shown on the booking calendar and sail to Agioi Theodoroi Island, a nature reserve off Crete's western coast. Swim, snorkel, and paddleboard in clear water, then sit down to a nutritionist-designed dinner with open bar before returning under the evening sky.
A semi-private morning cruise departing Kissamos Port, visiting Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island on a luxury catamaran. Limited to 22 guests, the tour includes a nutritionist-designed breakfast and lunch, unlimited open bar, SUP boards, snorkeling gear, and complimentary hotel transfer.
A 4-hour afternoon catamaran cruise from Kissamos Port to Balos Lagoon, including a welcome Prosecco, fresh sushi, unlimited drinks, SUP boards, snorkeling gear, and a complimentary round-trip hotel transfer for up to 22 guests.
A 7-hour morning catamaran cruise departing Kissamos Port for Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island. Includes a full Cretan lunch, unlimited non-alcoholic drinks, SUP boards, snorkeling gear, onboard entertainment, and complimentary hotel transfers between Georgioupoli and Kissamos.
Afternoon catamaran cruise from Kissamos Port to Balos Lagoon. Includes a welcome glass of wine, Cretan snacks, unlimited soft drinks, SUP boards, snorkeling gear, onboard entertainment, and complimentary round-trip hotel transfer.
Depart Chania Old Port on a luxury catamaran (max 20 guests) for Agioi Theodoroi Island. Swim, snorkel, and use SUP boards in clear water off a protected nature reserve. A nutritionist-designed Cretan lunch and open bar are included throughout the 6.5-hour trip.
This morning cruise runs from Kolymvari Port to Agioi Theodoroi, a small protected nature reserve island off the western Crete coast. The island is home to the rare Cretan wild goat, the kri-kri, and its shoreline offers calm, clear-water bays well-suited to swimming and snorkelling. The vessel is a Lagoon 450F catamaran — a wide, stable platform with spacious front decks, sunbeds, and shaded lounge areas. The semi-private format caps passengers at 20. Guests board at the time shown on the booking calendar and are met by the crew with fresh espresso, detox water, and a nutritious breakfast bowl. The sail across takes just over an hour. Once anchored at the island, the full equipment list is available: high-quality snorkel masks and fins, stand-up paddleboards, swim jackets, inflatables including the signature pink flamingo float, and a complete gentle fishing setup. Guests can stay in the water, fish off the stern, or simply lie on deck. At midday, a gourmet Cretan lunch is served on board. The menu is designed by a certified nutritionist using organic, farm-fresh local ingredients, with vegetarian options available on request. The open bar runs throughout the cruise and includes local white wine, cold Greek beer, soft drinks, still water, and teas. The boat is also fitted with free Wi-Fi, a marine audio system, freshwater deck shower, and marine WCs. The cruise is suitable for families — a box of toys is available for younger children on request. Note that the tour is not suitable for children under 2, pregnant women, or guests with serious mobility limitations or severe seasickness. Full passenger details (name, date of birth, passport/ID, nationality) are required at the time of booking for Port Authority compliance. Late arrivals forfeit their tickets; guests are asked to arrive 20 minutes before departure.
Depart Souda Port on a Lagoon 450F catamaran and sail to the sheltered, shallow waters of Marathi Bay. Swim, kayak, use the inflatable slide and sea scooter, then sit down to a nutritionist-designed Cretan lunch with an open bar. Runs daily, April through October.
An afternoon catamaran cruise departing Chania Old Port at the time shown on the booking calendar, sailing to the uninhabited Agioi Theodoroi Island for swimming and snorkeling. The return leg times the sunset over the Cretan Sea. Sushi, a sushi platter, and an open bar are served on deck. Capacity is capped at 20 guests.
Afternoon catamaran cruise departing Souda Port on a Lagoon 450F, anchoring at the sheltered coves of Marathi Bay. Guests swim, snorkel, and use water toys before returning to port at sunset. Fresh sushi, Prosecco, and an open bar are served on board.
Afternoon catamaran cruise from Paleochora Port to Elafonisi Bay on a luxury BALI 4.1 catamaran. Swim, snorkel, and paddleboard at the pink-sand bay, then return watching the Mediterranean sunset with sushi and unlimited drinks on deck.
Depart Paleochora Port on a semi-private catamaran to Elafonisi Bay and Kedrodasos Bay. Swim, snorkel, and paddleboard at both locations, then enjoy a nutritionist-designed Cretan lunch and unlimited open bar on board. Maximum 18 guests per departure.
