10+1 reasons to visit Chania

With its stunning natural surroundings, Crete is among the most beautiful places in Greece. Each of its locations, and first of all Chania, is capable of capturing your heart.  A lovely and picturesque setting that is also romantic, retro-styled, rich in history and tradition. It also has delicious food and welcoming locals who always have a big smile and a warm heart. See the top ten reasons to visit Chania in the list below. Don't forget that Let's Drive can assist you in making arrangements for Chania car rentals so you can visit all the worthwhile attractions. Don't forget that with Let's Drive you can rent cars in Chania, so you can move around safely and easily. This way you will have the opportunity to discover secret places in Crete that will enchant you.

#1. The stunning and picturesque spots

The Küçük Hasan Mosque in the port of Chania
The Küçük Hasan Mosque in the port of Chania

Undoubtedly, Chania is a stunning city in southwest Crete that charms tourists with its beauty and picturesqueness. The Venetian influence blends with Cretan traditional architecture to give the old town's winding streets a distinctive personality. In Chania, there are lots of things to do. Like strolling along the beach near the city's charming harbor, taking in the wonders of nature, exploring the area, finding breathtakingly beautiful landscapes, and watching the sun set behind the lighthouse, one of Chania's most picturesque locations. These elements combine to create a place that has a rich history and authenticity and that you will always want to visit.

#2. The welcoming locals

Traditional lyre
Traditional lyre

One of the primary characteristics of the island and the Cretans is their hospitality. The islanders will treat you with an open heart and a sincere smile, kiss you with all their might, and welcome you as their own person, adding a new level of warmth to Greek hospitality. Chania will win you over from the moment you arrive thanks to its genuine cheeriness, distinctive regional dialect and traditional songs, “mantinades”, passed down orally.

#3. The breathtaking view

You can find a staggering variety of locations in Chania with breath-taking views. One of the most stunning, the Lighthouse, offers views of the Cretan Sea and is unquestionably a location worth visiting. With its many cafes and restaurants that look out over the sea, the Old Town creates a charming landscape. Another alluring location is Chania's port, which attracts tourists with its vibrant architecture and unique atmosphere. One of Chania's most well-known attractions, the Firka Fortress, offers a panoramic view of the old town and Venetian harbor as well as, of course, the setting sun. Chania's beauty will be captured in the best ways as you explore it more.

#4. The delicious traditional food

Cretan Dako
Cretan Dakos

Chania is not only a stunning location rich in history, but it is also a gastronomic haven for foodies. Chania is the perfect place for a distinctive culinary experience because Cretan cuisine is renowned for its freshness, variety, and authenticity. Try some of the regional specialties and dishes, including fried snails known as “hohlioi boubouristoi”, kalitsounia, traditional pasta, dakos salad, fine cheeses, olive oil and pies with herbs.

#5. The Cretan raki

One of the famous island’s beverages, raki is a significant component of the local way of life. It goes well with traditional meze and regional dishes and has a high alcohol content and strong flavor. Given that locals offer visitors raki as a sign of respect and appreciation, it is thought of as a representation of hospitality.   

#6. The wonderful beaches

The beach at Elafonissi
The beach at Elafonissi

Before wondering what things you can do in Chania, think about diving first into their enchanting beaches. Depending on your preferences, you can choose between Balos beach, Elafonisi, Falassarna, and Seitan Limani, all with heavenly waters and golden sand. You can choose Let's Drive for car rental in Rethymno in order to reach Chania comfortably and easily.

Also check: Explore the most beautiful beaches of Rethymno!

 

#7. The setting sun over the old port

The sunset at the Port of Chania
The sunset at the Port of Chania

One of Chania's most picturesque locations is the old port. The atmosphere as the sun reigns is distinctive with the backdrop of the Venetian fortress, the old mansions, and the vibrant fishing boats. While admiring the gorgeous sky colors, stroll along the beach and sip your coffee or beverage in one of the tourist shops. Keep in mind that Let's Drive, with its cutting-edge fleet of vehicles, is the market leader for car rentals in Souda, making it easy to learn all the reasons Chania is worthwhile to visit.

#8. The charming Municipal market

Municipal market
Municipal Market

The Municipal Market in Chania, one of the most well-known buildings in the region, was inaugurated by Eleftherios Venizelos in 1913. An architectural masterpiece that dazzles with its regional specialties and authentic cuisine, where intoxicating aromas and mouthwatering flavors take center stage. However, Let's Drive, the most dependable car rental company in Crete and beyond, is available for your transportation needs in Chania.

#9. The Samaria Gorge

The Samaria Gorge
The Samaria Gorge

The Samaria Gorge is one of the most well-known and impressive gorges in Crete and all of Greece, and it offers visitors an unforgettable activity with routes that cross rivers, little paths, and bridges while taking in stunning scenery and wonderful photo opportunities. It is situated in the northern section of the Chania region in the southern part of the island. It is 16 km long and ends at the beach of Agia Roumeli, where it meets the Libyan Sea. It is renowned for its breathtaking beauty and luxuriant vegetation.  A variety of rare plants, animals, and birds can be found in the gorge, which is a protected national park. Rent a car at the Chania airport and travel to the Samaria Gorge for the ultimate adventure.

#10. Festivals and events

Cretan Festival
Cretan Festival

Crete is known for its rich tradition, festivals, and celebrations. In the beautiful villages of Chania, you can experience authentic moments of celebration filled with music, dance, traditional food, and many events that attract visitors from all over the country and abroad. Accept the invitation and join the dance for an enjoyable pentozali!

You may also be interested: Be enchanted by the most beautiful villages of Chania!

 

#11. The Lighthouse of Chania

The lighthouse in Chania
The lighthouse in Chania

On your list of "things to do in Chania," be sure to include a visit to the impressive Lighthouse. It surrounds the entrance of the port and is a landmark for the area as well as one of the places to visit in Chania. It stands at a height of 21 meters and is made of stone. Besides being a popular spot for photography, it continues to provide its light to incoming and outgoing ships of the port.

Now that you know, plan your trip to Chania and don't forget that Let's Drive offers car rental in Heraklion, as well as in many other service stations, for all your transportation needs on the island of Crete.