Planning a cruise with a port stop in Chania, Crete? Here’s my travel guide that covers the best things to do, places to see, and where to eat in this waterfront city.
Chania is located on the northwest coast of the Greek island of Crete and is known for its charming Venetian harbor and old town, narrow alleyways filled with cafes and shops, and waterfront restaurants. The island is full of history and has been ruled by the Byzantine Empire, the Turks, and the Venetians before, in 1913, becoming part of Greece.
The picturesque city of Chania is a popular cruise port stop during a Greek cruise (Port of Souda) and we had a great time exploring, learning, and eating a lot of gelato!
Here’s a look at some things to do and see while in Chania.
How to Get to Chania from Souda Cruise Port
The port of Souda is located about 4 to 5 miles to the east of Chania and is very easy to reach using public transportation or a taxi. If you want to use the public bus you need to walk all the way through the port area and out to the main road. When you reach the main road you will see the bus stop to your right. You can purchase your bus ticket right from the driver. We took the bus into Chania but then decided to take a taxi back to port which only cost a couple of euros more, but it was much faster and we didn’t have to stand around waiting for the bus.
What to See in Chania
Old Venetian Port of Chania
Between 1320 and 1356 the Venetians built the harbor which includes the lighthouse of Chania and many shops and restaurants. Also along the waterfront are:
- Ottoman-era domed mosque, Küçük Hasan, which is now an art gallery
- Maritime Museum of Crete which houses maritime history from the Bronze Age to the present
- Firka Venetian Fortress is a 16th-century Venetian-built fortress with scenic harbor views
- Byzantine/Post-Byzantine Collection of Chania is a small museum that houses Byzantine art pieces, including mosaics, paintings, and coins
Wander Old Town
One of the best things to do in Chania is wander through the narrow streets of Old Town. You can spend hours browsing through shops, enjoying gelato, and eating.
There are four main neighborhoods that surround the Old Venetian Port of Chania that are great for wandering:
- Kastelli (right side of the harbor) is on a small hill with narrow, twisty alleyways;
- Topanas (left side of the harbor) is behind the Firka Venetian Fortress;
- Evraiki is the former Jewish Quarter (south of Tapanas) between the streets Chalidon, Zampeliou, Skoufon, and Portou;
- Splantzia (south of Kastelli) is the old Ottoman district.
Minaret of Ahmet Aga
One of only two surviving minarets in Chania, the Minaret of Ahmet Aga is located along Chatzimichali Ntaliani Street. The minarets are remnants of the over 200 years of Ottoman rule.
Other Things To Do in Chania
Nea Chora Beach is within walking distance of Old Town. It has a sandy beach with shallow water and nearby cafes rent sunbeds to use.
Gouverneto Monastery is located further from Chania, but it is a gorgeous 16th-century Venetian-style monastery featuring a courtyard, gardens, and paths that lead to nearby caves.
Old Chania Market is temporarily closed for renovations, however, if it is back open during your trip it’s a beautiful historic building that is full of vendors selling everything from cheese and meat to arts and crafts and souvenirs.
