Chania, orLa Chania, is a town in Crete, popular with travelers thanks to its charm and cosmopolitan feel. Located in the northwest of the island, it was once a Minoan city called Cydonia. It therefore has a strong history spanning several centuries, with Venetian and Ottoman influences. But where to stay in Chania to discover and enjoy all that it has to offer?
Today, Chania has preserved its original charm, with narrow streets, a Venetian harbour and buildings with typical architecture. Many of these have been converted into hotels where you can stay, particularly in the historic center. There’s also plenty of accommodation within walking distance of the city center. The region also offers seaside accommodation for enjoying the coast’s sublime beaches.
In this guide, we’ll give you some advice on where to stay in Chania, including location, practicalities and prices.
Main information
Before going into the description of the places to target when selecting accommodation in Chania, here are the essentials to know from a tourist point of view. They should give you a better idea of the city and its constraints.
Our favorite places to stay
For those in a hurry, here are our favorite places to stay in Chania:
- $ this hotel, one of the cheapest you can find in Chania
- $$ this accommodation, well located and very good value for money
- $$$ this luxury establishment, 2 steps from Old Town, is one of the best places to stay in Chania
Map of different areas of Chania to stay in
To give you a quick overview of the different places we recommend to stay in Chania, you’ll find on the map below all the Chania accommodation recommendations we’ll be sharing in this guide. You can also use it to locate the various neighborhoods we’ll be detailing.
The essentials for choosing where to stay in Chania
Where to stay in and around Chania
Let’s get to the heart of the matter with a review of the main areas where we recommend staying in Chania.
Accommodation in the historic heart of Chania
Old Town is one of the best places to stay in Chania. Many Venetian houses have been converted into hotels, adding a certain charm! Indeed, the historic center is home to many buildings with architecture typical of the period.
With its lively bars, restaurants and tourist attractions, this is the place to enjoy the atmosphere and the main sites of interest. These include archaeological museums, the Agios Nikolaos church and the Firka fortress. And if you want to relax on the beach, you can reach the Koum Kapi beach, a ten-minute walk from the old port.
Old Town comprises several small districts where it's worth staying during your stay. In any case, it's easy to get around the whole area on foot. You can stay near the Old Venetian Port if you want to enjoy both the historic center and the seaside. Just a stone's throw from the port, the Venetian quarter of Chania, with its picturesque and atypical allure, is very lively and boasts a wide variety of accommodation.
If you prefer a quieter place to stay, opt for Splantzia, formerly the Turkish Quarter. There's a wide choice of accommodation on offer at various, often affordable, rates. It's close to the city's main market and 1821 square, where you'll find the Greek church of St. Nicholas.
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In Splantzia, this aparthotel occupies a fully restored 17th-century Venetian building. It features traditional suites with balconies and a lovely shared courtyard.
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Just a 10-minute walk from the beach and right in the heart of Old Town, this aparthotel is the ideal place to stay. It occupies a building dating back to the 19th century and has retained a certain charm. Bars, restaurants and shops are just a few steps away.
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The Scala de Faro luxury hotel offers modern, tastefully decorated rooms with a breathtaking view of the Old Port. Situated in the heart of Old Town, it is nevertheless isolated from the surrounding noise.
Koum Kapi, a quiet waterfront area
Situated to the east of Chania and a 10-minute walk from Old Town, Koum Kapi is a quiet place to stay. Its beach is one of the town's most popular. Take a stroll along the coast before taking a dip in the crystal-clear water!
The charming site is home to a number of bars and restaurants where you can stop for lunch after a swim, or enjoy a drink in this popular local spot. You'll enjoy a breathtaking view of the sea and part of the Venetian ramparts. In fact, you can stroll along them and stop off at one of the restaurants for some delicious seafood.
In terms of accommodation, there isn't much on offer, but there is plenty within an affordable price range. There are hotels as well as apartments, often just a short stroll from Koum Kapi beach.
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The hotel is a 1-minute walk from Koum Kapi Beach. Rooms offer lovely sea views and access to a private garden. Old Town is a ten-minute walk away.
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Just 100 meters from Koum Kapi beach, this relaxing 4-star hotel offers a large restaurant, free parking and an outdoor pool. The town center and Old Town are within easy walking distance.
Staying in downtown Chania
Chania center, otherwise known as the city center, is a pleasant and convenient place to stay in Chania. The area is well served by buses, and you can rent a car from one of the many rental agencies, particularly those located on Kidonias Street.
The area is home to a number of hotels offering a variety of rates. On the whole, prices here are more affordable than elsewhere. And it's not hard to find a place to stay here, as the accommodation on offer is pretty massive.
The must-see in this area is certainly the famous Cretan market hall at the entrance. This covered market is a reference point for the whole of Crete and welcomes numerous exhibitors every day. Stop by during your stay and take advantage of the tastings on offer! Honey and olive oil have pride of place, and there are numerous stands selling seasoned olives of all kinds.
When it comes to shopping, Chania Center is the place to be. Near Andrea Papandreou Street, you'll find a number of popular stores, including H&M, Sephora, Marks & Spencer and The Body Shop. There are also a number of restaurants in all four corners of the district, serving a wide variety of cuisine. Pizzas, falafels, Greek specialties or simple fast food... the choice is wide!
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This establishment is ideally located, close to both Nea Chora beach and Old Town, which can be reached in ten minutes on foot. The building was completely renovated in 2021. Underground parking is available.
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The Plaza is located near the municipal art gallery and Etz Hayyim synagogue. It offers fully-equipped family rooms. A well-located hotel offering good value for money!
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A charming and atypical place to stay in Chania! Some rooms overlook the municipal gardens. Located in the heart of the center, next to the municipal market and a 5-minute walk from Old Town.
Stay by the sea near Nea Chora Beach
Nea Chora Beach is one of the city's most popular beaches. Very popular with families staying in the area, it is appreciated for its cleanliness and fine sand. Sunbeds and umbrellas can be rented for a small daily fee.
Along the beach, you'll find lively bars and Greek restaurants. All in all, this is the place to stay if you're looking for a relaxing vacation. The area remains relatively untouristy, with very few places of interest.
Nearby accommodation is often very affordable and has the advantage of being ideally located, just a few minutes' walk from the beach. It's a great place to stay if you're on a budget, or just want to stay by the sea. What's more, the area to the west of Chania is well placed. You can reach Old Town or Chania Center in around twenty minutes on foot. Alternatively, there are regular bus services to the area.
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Conveniently located within walking distance of local bars, cafés and minimarkets. Nea Chora Beach is also close by, just a 1-minute walk away. The hotel offers modern, well-equipped rooms with views of the White Mountains.
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Just a few steps from Nea Chora beach, Christina Beach offers rooms with balconies and sea views. A flower-filled garden is available, as is an outdoor swimming pool.
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The hotel is ideally located, halfway between Nea Chora Beach and the center of Old Town. There's a pretty courtyard with a snack bar and an outdoor swimming pool.
Accommodation in other areas of Chania?
If you move slightly away from the center of Chania, you'll discover some lovely neighborhoods where to stay. Here you'll find good accommodation, restaurants and shops of all kinds. Halepa, to the east of town, is a very upmarket area, and accommodation here may require a certain budget.
Located around 10 minutes' drive from Chania Center, it was once home to the residences of a wealthy population. Notably that of Eleftherios Venizelos, a man considered to be the founder of modern Greece, as well as the home of George of Greece, Commissioner of Crete in the 1900s.
It's also prized for its beautiful buildings and interesting sights. These include the Gouverneto monastery and the Avlaki gorge. You can also visit the Orthodox church of Saint Mary Magdalene.
If you return to the west of Chania, you'll find a second district halfway between Nea Chora Beach and the Venetian Old Port. The Old Town quay can be reached in around ten minutes on foot. The area is not very touristy and has more of a quiet residential feel. There are, of course, some shops and amenities, but few restaurants and bars. The good thing is that you don't have to spend a lot of money to stay here.
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This charming hotel offers independent suites and a shared veranda with sea views. Located in a leafy area of Halepa, just a stone's throw from the historic mansions, it's an ideal place to stay in Chania.
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Ideally located in Halepa, 750 meters from the seafront, this 5-star hotel boasts a large restaurant, gym and bar. A swimming pool and spa are also available.
Summary
Now you know where to stay in Chania! You’ll find a wide variety of accommodation, some offering excellent value for money. The advantage of a destination like this is that you can easily walk between the areas of interest from your accommodation.
In short, every area mentioned in this guide is well located. All that’s left for you to decide is whether to stay a few steps from the sea for a lazy vacation, or in the heart of Old Town to discover its historic charm. Or in Chania Center to enjoy the atmosphere of the city center.
All in all, Chania is a charming destination where to stay in Crete for a few days. Its various historic sites and monuments attract many visitors, especially during the high season. That’s why it’s a good idea to plan ahead and find the perfect place to stay