Chania Sights & Attractions

Located in the Venetian harbor, the lighthouse of Chania is the symbol of the town. Originally built by the Venetians in the 16th century, it was reconstructed by the Egyptians in the 19th century.

The Gorge of Samaria is one of the largest gorges in Europe and a popular hiking destination in Crete. It extends for 17 km and gives its visitors a view of the impressive landscape. This is the home of rare species of flora and fauna and an abandoned village is seen on the way.

Gramvoussa is a small islet off the exotic beach of Balos in western Crete. On top of this islet stands a castle built by the Venetians between 1579 and 1582. The view from this castle is breathtaking.

It is the nearest gorge to Chania (15 km from the town) and one of the easiest ones to visit as well, since it can be crossed by car. In addition to the main road that passes through the gorge, there are various paths in this area, making it popular for hiking.

Lake Kournas is the only freshwater lake in Crete. It is situated in a magnificent location, just 4km away from Georgioupolis, Chania, and is surrounded by lush vegetation with rare plants and trees.

Imbros Gorge is located near Sfakia and it is 11 km long. It is a very popular hiking route and crossing it usually takes around 3 hours.

Splantzia Square is the former Turkish quarter. Located in the eastern part of the Old Town, it is one of the most historic places in Chania.

The Archaeological Museum of Chania is located in the historic Halepa district. Its exhibits give an overview of the region's history from the Neolithic till the Roman times.

The clock tower of Chania is located on the northeastern part of the lush Municipal Garden. Designed according to European standards, the garden is a true oasis in the midst of the town’s bustling commercial center. It is a great place for a relaxing walk, while a historic cafe and an open-air cinema can also be found on the grounds.

The Ottoman Baths are located in the Venetian Harbor of Chania Town. Today they are not in use, but they have become a landmark of the city.

Closed for renovation. Built by the Venetians in 1371, Frangokastello is one of the landmarks of Crete. It is an imposing structure with an exciting and mysterious story: people report having seen the ghosts of fighters on the beach in some dawns of May.

In the peninsula of Akrotiri, one can visit the tombs of the Greek prime minister Eleftherios Venizelos and his son Sophocles Venizelos. Both politicians were (and still are) very respected in Crete. This location offers a great view of Chania Town and the Aegean Sea.

The Monastery of Virgin Mary Chrissoskalitissa is located on top of a hill above Elafonissi beach, on the southwestern coast of Chania. Inside the monastery, there is a small museum with Byzantine icons, rare manuscripts, and folklore items.

The Maritime Museum of Crete is housed in the Firka Tower, at the entrance of the Venetian Harbor of Chania. This interesting museum houses a collection of ship models from antiquity to modern times as well as other maritime exhibits.

Tabakaria is a historic district of Chania that is now abandoned, but still provides a spectacular image of a bygone era! It used to be a district that housed Chania’s tanner shops from the early 1800s until the mid-1900s. Now it is a true highlight of the city, with many restaurants and hotels around it, to compliment its beauty!

This historic building was the residence of the Greek politician Eleftherios Venizelos. Today it hosts the National Foundation of Research and Studies Eleftherios Venizelos and a museum presenting his life and actions.

The Fortress of Souda stands on a small islet in the Gulf of Souda. It was constructed by the Venetians to protect the area from enemies and pirates. Works for its construction began in 1570. A small chapel dedicated to Saint Nicolas also stands on the islet.

The Monastery of Gouverneto is also known as the Monastery of the Lady of the Angels. It is located on the peninsula of Akrotiri, east of Chania Town. This monastery looks like a fortress and it is dedicated to the Annunciation of the Virgin.

The Arsenali Center of Mediterranean Architecture was established in 1996 with the aim of promoting Mediterranean art and architecture as a connecting element between Greece, the Mediterranean countries and the whole of Europe. It is housed on the premises of one of the 16th-century shipyards adorning the Venetian harbor.

At a distance of 15 km from Chania Town, there is this lovely park that extends for nearly 20 hectares of land. There you can see traditional species of flora and fauna of Crete.