With its Venetian harbor, old town, sandy beaches, and mountainous hinterland, Chania offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Here are 5 top things to see and do at Chania.

Explore the Old Town and Harbor: The historic center of Chania is a maze of narrow streets, colorful houses, and charming squares, surrounded by a medieval wall. The highlight is the picturesque Venetian harbor, where you can admire the lighthouse, the mosque, the fortress, and the waterfront cafes and restaurants. You can also visit the Archaeological Museum, the Maritime Museum, and the Byzantine Museum, which are housed in former Venetian buildings.

Relax at the Beaches: Chania has some of the best beaches in Crete, ranging from long and sandy to small and pebbly. Some of the most popular ones are Agia Marina, Platanias, Stalos, Agii Apostoli, and Nea Chora, which are easily accessible from the city center. For more secluded and scenic beaches, head to the west coast, where you can find Balos, Falassarna, and Elafonisi, which are famous for their turquoise waters and white sand.

Enjoy the Local Cuisine: Chania is a gastronomic paradise, where you can taste the delicious Cretan cuisine, based on olive oil, cheese, vegetables, herbs, and seafood. Some of the typical dishes are dakos (bread topped with tomato, cheese, and oregano), kalitsounia (cheese or herb pies), boureki (zucchini and cheese casserole), and gamopilafo (rice cooked in meat broth). Don’t forget to try the local wine, raki (a strong spirit), and loukoumades (honey dumplings).

Visit the Monasteries: Chania has a rich monastic tradition, dating back to the Byzantine era. Some of the most notable monasteries are Agia Triada (Holy Trinity), which is a 17th-century complex with> a church, a museum, and an olive oil factory, Gouverneto, which is one of the oldest monasteries in Crete and has a cave with a bear-shaped stalagmite, and Chrysopigi, which is the patron saint of Chania and has a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary.

Experience the Nightlife: Chania has a vibrant and diverse nightlife, catering to all tastes and preferences. You can enjoy a relaxing drink at one of the many bars and cafes along the harbor, or dance the night away at one of the clubs and discos in the old town or the nearby resorts. You can also catch a live performance of traditional Cretan music and dance, or a modern concert or show, at one of the venues and theaters in the city.