Crete (Chania Area) holidays

Welcome to the Chania region on the western side of Crete, where it’s easy to spend your holiday hopping between old harbours, emerald-green gorges and lovely lakes. Add to that a whole host of history to unearth, plus a menu of Blue Flag beaches to work your way through, and you’ll find this picturesque part of Crete has every type of holidaymaker covered. Flagship spot, Chania Town, is about as charming as they come, so make sure a visit to this Venetian-flavoured gem is top of your list.

Crete holiday resorts

Did you know?

We also fly to the Heraklion Area over towards the east of Crete! Here you’ll find classic resorts like go-slow Gouves, elegant Elounda and party-mad Malia doing Greek beach holidays to a tee.

Have a look at Heraklion holidays

Euphoria Resort

Kolymbari, Crete (Chania Area)

Our rating

Based on 954 reviews

On-site splash park
Swim-up rooms available
Range of bars and restaurants
Close to the beach
Certified Sustainable Hotel

Iolida Beach Hotel

Aghia Marina – Chania, Crete (Chania Area)

Our rating

Based on 599 reviews

Close to the beach
Relaxing atmosphere
Spacious rooms

Giannoulis Grand Bay Beach Resort

Kolymbari, Crete (Chania Area)

Our rating

Based on 1051 reviews

Adults only
Great for Relaxation
Lovely pool area with sea views
Close to the resort centre
Certified Sustainable Hotel

Chrispy Waterpark Resort

Kolymbari, Crete (Chania Area)

Our rating

Based on 1248 reviews

Close to the beach
Great value for money
On-site waterpark

Domes Zeen Chania a Luxury Collection Resort

Chania Town, Crete (Chania Area)

Our rating

Based on 291 reviews

Perfect for families
Stunning beachfront setting
A relaxed ambience
Spacious rooms
Certified Sustainable Hotel

Porto Platanias Village Resort

Platanias - Chania , Crete (Chania Area)

Our rating

Based on 361 reviews

All Inclusive
Fantastic central location
Close to the beach
Waterpark
Certified Sustainable Hotel

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Language

Greek

Currency

Euro (€)

Time difference

+2hrs

Local beer

£2.80

Meal for two

£35.90

Average flight time

4 hrs

This charming town

Chania Town is a must-visit in this part of the island. Life buzzes around the ancient harbour and its pastel-coloured cafés, so spend some time here eyeing up the chalkboard specials. But don’t miss a walk around the cobbled streets behind, where you can try a Turkish hammam or pick up some produce from the indoor market.

Dreamy beaches

One thing that isn’t in short supply in Western Crete is top-notch beaches. First up is the baby-pink patch of Elafonissi – make sure you have your cameras ready for that one. And there’s the legendary Balos Beach. How do ice-white sand and turquoise sea sound? Windsurfers – windswept Falassarna is the spot for you.

Back to nature

Take a hike among the wild flowers, monasteries and goats of Samaria Gorge. It’s a serious trek, so be prepared to tough it out if you want to reap the scenic rewards. Castles, caves and forests are in plentiful supply on Crete's west coast, so adventure’s always around the corner. And the beautiful Lake Kournas has swim stop and photo op written all over it.

Platanias - Chania

Situated on the north-west coast of Crete, Platanias is the perfect blend of golden sand beaches, fascinating history and lively bars and restaurants.

Aghia Marina – Chania

From the second you sink your toes into its soft sands, you’ll fall in love with Aghia Marina.

Maleme

A peaceful holiday is on the cards if you book a break to Maleme.

Rethymnon – Chania

Holidays to Rethymnon offer up a little bit of everything. A charming mishmash of architectures and cultures perfectly complement the lively bars and swanky restaurants, giving you the best of both worlds.

Kolymbari

Between hillsides, green fields, whitewashed buildings and glittering, inviting waters, there’s Kolymbari.

Stalos

Embrace low-key life in Stalos. Set yourself up for a holiday away from the hustle and bustle of livelier resorts, with endlessly stunning seaside scenery to boot.

Beaches

Each resort has its own patch of beautiful beachfront. They don’t tend to get too touristy either, unless you’re around the old town of Chania. Prepare to chill out or even watch in awe as locals take on water sports. Fancy setting sail on a boat trip too? No problem. See all beaches (13)

Adelianos Kampos Beach

Adelianos Kampos (Chania, Crete) , Crete (Chania Area)

This sand-and-shingle stunner stretches right along the Cretian coast from Adelianos Kampos to Rethymnon. It boasts shallow, sparkling waters which make it perfect for families with little ones. There are...

Aghia Marina Beach

Aghia Marina – Chania, Crete (Chania Area)

Smooth sands and bright blue seas is what it’s all about in Aghia Marina. This chilled-out resort opens up to an expanse of sunny spots, so put down a towel and relax, or take an afternoon stroll in the balmy...

Sights

Chania’s known for its historic sites and old churches. The Venetian Harbour is a great place to start, with its lighthouse and old walls to tick off the list. Ancient Aptera Theatre is a knockout excavation in Kalyves. Keep your eyes peeled for Theodorou Island, and go underground to discover fascinating caves. See all sights (16)

Samaria Gorge

Crete (Chania Area)

Taking a hike through this stunning gorge is a must-do while you're in Crete. Situated in the National Park of Samaria, in the White Mountains, the gorge is open to the public from May until October. The walk...

Visit the Old Town

Rethymnon – Chania, Crete (Chania Area)

Situated in the heart of Rethymnon, the charming Old Town is filled with rich history and impressive architecture that entwines influences of the Turkish period with the Venetian-renaissance style. Spend an...

Activities

Museums are in their masses. Get nautical and learn about the area’s maritime history, or even dig into its Venetian past. If you’re less fussed about culture and just fancy full-on fun, there’s a water park for an all-thrills day out. The botanical gardens make for an enchanting walk, too. See all activities (11)

Aqua Creta Limnoupolis Water Park

Crete (Chania Area)

Rides and slides for the whole family? Tick! Aqua Creta Limnoupolis Waterpark has everything you could want in an aquatic day out – a massive central pool, snack bars, lazy rivers, freefall rides,...

Archaeological Museum

Rethymnon – Chania, Crete (Chania Area)

Opened in 1991, this modest museum features many ancient Minoan artefacts. Discover the mystical relics of the Clay Larnax, the figurine of the Minoan goddess and the marble statue of Aphrodite. Built by the...

Eating and drinking

Mouth-wateringly tasty Greek food? Check. Whether you’re staying in a quieter resort or Chania old town itself, you’ll find handfuls of great Greek tavernas. These traditional restaurants are often family-run, and serve incredible souvlaki, gyros, meze platters, stuffed vine leaves, honey-drizzled, flaky pastries, and so much more. See all eating and drinking (3)

Fine Cretan cuisine

Rethymnon – Chania, Crete (Chania Area)

The choices of eateries in Rethymnon is vast. It's a great spot to try the delicious Greek dishes on offer. In the traditional tavernas nestled along the Venetian harbour and the streets, indulge in dishes such...

Restaurants

Adelianos Kampos (Chania, Crete) , Crete (Chania Area)

Taste authentic Greece at one of Adelianos Kampos’ traditional tavernas. From gyros filled with juicy meat and drizzled with fresh tzatziki sauce to net-fresh fish. There’s a range of dining options...

Nightlife

Expect casual nights out. The general vibe is low-key – a couple of beers or glasses of wine in local restaurants is the done thing. If DJ sets in hip bars is the only kind of evening out you’re after, then hit Chania old town and keep an ear out for loud-and-proud venues. See all nightlife (2)

Beach bars

Stalos, Crete (Chania Area)

There are a few casual, characterful bars in Stalos. Some spill out on to the sands too, so you can enjoy an ice-cold tipple as the sun goes in. The main thoroughfare is easy to get around by foot. Hop from one...

Great Old Town bars

Rethymnon – Chania, Crete (Chania Area)

It may not be as buzzing as Malia, but Rethymnon town has a lot to offer when it comes to a great night out. There are plenty of bars, clubs and cafés near the harbour that plays music late into the evening. Or...