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It's hard to ignore Chania's rich Venetian heritage. A honey-hued lighthouse still punctuates the wide harbour like a full stop – it's a remake of the 16th-century one first raised by the city's erstwhile Italian masters. You can delve deeper into that story with a jaunt through the maritime exhibits of the Nautical Museum of Crete, a whirlwind of model ships and mind-boggling navigation tools. The Archaeological Museum of Chania deals with an altogether older history – prepare to be wowed by a menagerie of Minoan pots and Roman busts and gold-leaf diadems, courtesy of the ancients.
Chania isn't just a town. It's a whole region. It represents a colossal cut-out of Western Crete, one that abounds with things to do for the budding adventurer. Take to the coast roads and head west and you'll soon leave behind the popular resort strips for a land of wild peninsulas and paradisiacal lagoons. Beaches like Falasarna and pretty towns like Kissamos all beckon en route. Hiking and biking in the nearby mountains also promise to get the adrenaline pumping. You could even seek out a Chania holiday rental in the countryside, surrounded by olive farms and rustic hamlets.
The sun shines in Chania for much of the year, but the mercury doesn't creep high enough to warrant beach days until May time. That's when visitors start flocking down to Chania holiday rentals in earnest, and when most seasonal flights begin to touchdown in the city's airport. The upshot is that Chania is best visited between spring and autumn, with months like June, July and August claiming the hottest temperatures and the likes of September and October better if you want to avoid the crowds.
You'll be able to see the formidable ridges of the Lefka Ori – the White Mountains – rising above Chania from the cobbled squares in the town centre. They're so-called for the shimmering limestone that crowns their top. Adventurers might want to delve a little deeper between the peaks, to discover carved wonders like the Samaria Gorge and its smattering of wild Cretan goats. Alternatively, the coastline to the west is one long string of gorgeous beaches. Many are backed by resorts towns, but some are secluded, occasionally punctuated by a peninsula that hides beautiful sites like the Balos Lagoon.
Chania is filled with scenic beaches with soft sand and clear waters for families and couples. Holiday homes are available near places like Nea Chora Beach, a quiet beach with gentle surf for swimming, and Chrissi Akti, a lively beach with seaside amenities and a family-friendly atmosphere. You’ll also like Agii Apostoli beach, a sandy beach in a deep cove that offers sheltered swimming.
Fly into Chania (CHQ-Ioannis Daskalogiannis), the closest airport, located 7.1 mi (11.4 km) from the city centre.
The tranquil locations and fascinating Venetian history of Chania makes it ideal for a couple’s retreat. Holiday homes are available near romantic places like Eleftherios Venizelos’ House, a commemorative museum honouring the prominent 20th-century Greek politician, and the Municipal Art Gallery, an upscale gallery with unique artwork from local and global artists. You could also spend some time at Agioi Apostoloi, an island resort area with picturesque beaches and scenic coves.
Yes, our 2021 property listings offer a large selection of 2,964 vacation rentals near Chania. From 1,491 villas to 2,131 houses, find a unique house rental for you to enjoy a memorable stay with your family and friends. The best places to stay near Chania for a holiday or a weekend are on Vrbo.