Crete is undeniably an island of unique beauty that satisfies even the most demanding traveler’s needs. Many argue that all its charm lies in the prefecture of Chania, which welcomes visitors all year round. The enchanting sea, the fairytale villages and the historical parts of the Cretan city confirm its popularity, every time you visit. Reaching the best destinations of Chania is not always easy, even if you have to drive for just a little distance, especially if you are visiting the island for the first time.
The best way to move comfortably and safely is to rent a car in Chania through Let's Drive. Your experience will be more authentic, since you will escape from the tourist clichés and you will have the opportunity to learn the secrets of the locals, about places where tourist buses don't go.
The port of Chania and the Old Town are the number one visiting spots for tourists. The seaside villages are at their best during the summer, since they combine the blue waters of the Cretan and Libyan Seas with the traditional island architecture. A must-visit destination that you need to have booked early enough to find the ideal room, is Marathi Chania. It has two beaches with white sand, separated by a picturesque harbor. One of the reasons that make it popular, especially among foreign tourists, is that it is located just 8 km from Chania airport. You can start your tour of the prefecture by renting a car at Chania airport!
Platanias is also famous, as it is one of the most beautiful villages of Chania with a long coastline. It is a highly touristic area with blue-green waters, luxury hotels, water sport rentals, clubs and beach bars.
The city remains lively during the winter, as it has over 150,000 permanent residents, many public services and universities. Many visitors choose to go to the mountain villages of Chania, still unspoiled by tourism, with a strong vibe of Cretan tradition. These are three villages that stand out:
• Omalos is 38 kilometers from Chania and is surrounded by the high peaks of the White Mountains.
• Asi Gonia has an altitude that exceeds 400 meters. It has a permanent population of 600 inhabitants, it is 35 kilometers from Rethymno and 55 from Chania. If you arrive in Rethymno by boat, choose to rent a car from Rethymno to make your tour much more comfortable and enjoyable.
• Stylos is known for historical monuments and water springs that turn the village into an impressive attraction all year round. You will find it at the northern foothills of the White Mountains and 11 kilometers from the port of Souda. Some of the monuments you will see are the Church of The Virgin Mary Zerviotissa which dates between the 11th and 12th centuries, as well as ruins of the Minoan civilization at the Azoires site. Renting a car from Souda is the ideal way to start your tour of Chania, as soon as you reach the port.
In the Venetian harbor, you will redefine the meaning of romance, even if you are traveling alone. Even on a cloudy day, this place awakens feelings, even to those who have long forgotten them. The best strolls take place early in the morning when the city is asleep and the harbor is empty.
Chania is also the perfect place for romantic beaches: Try to avoid it during August, when it gets really crowded, but do not miss Elafonisi, with its pink sand and the most exotic colors in the water.
The famous Balos stands out as one of the most photographed beaches of Crete. The lagoon of Balos is located at Cape Gramvousa and you can reach it by road or by boat from Kissamos.
Landing in Heraklion by plane? Make sure to rent a car in Heraklion to get to the beaches without depending on public transportation.
Nature and History have made sure to carve a rich list of attractions in the city. No matter how many days you choose to stay, renting a car in Chania will give you more time and comfort to get to know them better. Make a list and connect to your GPS to see them all!
• The most famous gorge in Europe is that of Samaria, with a length of 15 kilometers. To go through it you need to have the right shoes, good company and a lot of patience. Depending on the time you are willing to spend here, you will need an average of 6 hours to cross it. Other famous gorges are Imbros with a length of 11 kilometers, in Chora Sfakion and the one in the village of Therisso, also known as the gorge of Eleftherios Venizelos.
• The Maritime Museum was built by the Venetians as a fortress for the port and it is of exceptional importance.
• At the Archaeological Museum of Chania you will see over 3500 exhibits, from prehistoric times, the Minoan period, etc.
• The Monastery of the Holy Trinity of Tzagarolo is one of the most important and richest monasteries of Crete. It was named after Ieremias Tzagarolos who undertook its restoration. Nearby is another famous monastery, that of Our Lady of the Angels of Gouvernetou.
• The Kandanos War Memorial is here to remind visitors of the horror of the Nazi atrocities when they passed through the area in 1941.
• If you want to learn about stivania, the traditional black boots worn by the Cretans, and other types of local art, visit Stivanadika (stivania-making) area, located in the Old Town.
With Let's Drive, renting a car is easy, fast and safe. Find out everything you need to know, and choose our pickup and delivery service at the location that best serves you. Get to know the popular prefecture of Crete, without missing a kilometer of beauty and tradition.
