Chania beach
Chania is located in the north-western part of Crete and the entire area is often called the Chania Coast. It is the second largest town in Crete and one of Crete’s two international airports is located to the northeast of the town.
Those travelling without children should check out the award-winning Chania Flair Boutique Hotel, located close to the old town, the Venetian harbour and the lovely sandy beach. The hotel receives exceptionally high ratings.
Chania beach
Chania’s best beach is Nea Chora, located in the western part of the city. It is a lovely city beach, where tourist shops, restaurants and cafés contribute to a lively and recreational atmosphere.
The main part of the beach is covered with golden sand, with only a few pebbles. However, there are pebbles the first few metres into the water. The beach has all the usual facilities, such as sun lounges, sunshades, showers and changing facilities. If you need anything, there are several mini markets nearby.
Only 300 metres to the west, you will find the large natural beach Kladissos. The beach does not have quite as many facilities, but is less crowded. Even further to the west, but still within walking distance from Chania, you will find the beautiful beach Chrysi Akti.
Child-friendliness
Lovely soft sand to play in and relatively shallow water. Unfortunately, there are pebbles a few metres into the water, so bathing shoes for the children would be a good idea.
Water sports activities
There are a few water sports activities at the beach, but not any of the wild types such as jet skis or banana boat.
Beach restaurants
The promenade is lined with restaurants, cafés and ice cream parlours. If you fancy international lunch dishes, try the Blue Pearl restaurant, located roughly halfway along the promenade. Many of the restaurants serve fish and seafood, and one of the best is The Five Restaurant.
Chania as a holiday resort
The heart of Chania is the beautiful Venetian harbour, where colourful buildings, charming cafés and restaurants line the harbour promenade. There is a beautiful view of the iconic lighthouse, which was originally built by the Venetians in the 1500s and later rebuilt during the Ottoman period.
Along the waterfront, you will also find the Küçük Hasan Pasha Mosque, the city’s oldest Ottoman building. Today, it is used for exhibitions and cultural events, but it is a clear reminder of the time when Crete was under Turkish rule. Right next to the mosque, you can take a horse-drawn carriage ride around Chania.
Behind the harbour, the old town spreads out in a labyrinth of narrow alleys, Venetian palaces, Ottoman buildings and small shops selling everything from homemade ceramics and jewellery to local delicacies. Tasty delicacies can also be found in the covered market in the Agora building from 1913, where local traders offer fresh fruit, local cheeses, olives and spices. The market hall is currently undergoing renovation and is expected to reopen in 2026.
For those who want to delve deeper into history, we especially recommend the Chania Archaeological Museum, which has moved into new, very beautiful buildings. The Maritime Museum at the harbour is also a popular place and provides a good insight into Crete’s maritime history. Both museums receive excellent reviews from visitors.
A little southwest of Chania you will find Limnoupolis Water Park, which has water slides and other activities for the whole family.
Watch our video from Chania
Chania map
The main beach, Nea Chora, is located in the western part of the city, in the middle of the map. In the middle of the bay is the natural beach of Kladissos, and furthest to the west is the very beautiful beach of Chrysi Akti. In front of the bay is the small island of Lazareta, which you can visit by boat. There is a small beach on the island, and it is a good place for snorkelling and diving.
