Two days in Chania are enough to soak up the atmosphere of this former Cretan capital, with its Venetian alleyways, nearby beaches, and fresh air. We’ve come up with several ways to enjoy a weekend here, depending on what you’re in the mood for: exploring historic sites, hiking, relaxing, or family outings. Each of our itineraries is based on our own favorite experiences there, so you can tailor your trip to suit your style.
With our itineraries, we’ll guide you through Chania. Make the most of your stay and form your own opinion of this destination with our practical tips and plenty of photos!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Practical Tips for Visiting Chania in 2 Days
What can you see in Chania in two days? Is that enough time?
In two days, you’ll have time to explore the old town, its Venetian harbor, and its museums, as well as go on an excursion or visit a beach, depending on the package you choose. That’s plenty of time to fully enjoy the local atmosphere.
Getting around Chania
You can explore the entire Old Town on foot: the Venetian Harbor, the museums, the churches, and the beaches of Koum Kapi and Nea Chora are all accessible without a car. However, we recommend renting a car if your weekend includes an outing outside the city, such as to Balos, Elafonissi, the Akrotiri Peninsula, or the Samaria Gorge. The roads along the north coast are well-maintained, although some mountain sections have sharp turns. Another option is to book an organized tour, which is convenient if you don’t want to drive.
Please note that parking in the city center can be difficult in high season: we recommend that you choose accommodation that includes parking.
Where to sleep in Chania
WHERE TO STAY IN Chania
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
The old town and the Venetian port
Hotel Azade – See prices, photos and availability
Halepan quiet area
Lagon Life Spirit Hotel – See prices, photos and availability
Nea Chora, with the long beach
AeliosDeign Hotel- See prices, photos and availability
Idea 1 – A Weekend of Venetian Heritage and History
This first itinerary is designed for those who, above all, want to immerse themselves in the city’s Venetian and Ottoman past. We’ve chosen to focus this weekend on the historic center, its fortifications, and its museums, even if that means skipping the more distant excursions.
Day 1 – 9:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.: Port Vénitien and the Old Town
Start your morning with a stroll along the Venetian Port, built in the 14th century. This port, which forms a semicircle lined with houses featuring pastel-colored facades, is, in our opinion, the jewel of the city. We were captivated by the atmosphere there, especially in the late morning when the light brings out the colors of the buildings. There you’ll discover the Janissary Mosque (Küçük Hasan), with its pale pink domes—the oldest mosque in Crete, now converted into an exhibition space. A stroll along the seawall will take you to the Venetian Lighthouse, built in the late 16th century and later restored in the 19th century on its original Venetian foundation.
Extend your morning with a stroll through the colorful alleyways of the historic center. You’ll pass by the Trimartiri Orthodox Cathedral, completed in 1860, whose name means “three martyrs” in Greek, referring to its three naves. Continue on to the less touristy Splanzia neighborhood, home to the Church of Agios Nikolaos: its unique feature is the coexistence of a bell tower and a minaret, a legacy of Venetian and then Ottoman rule. We recommend stopping for a coffee under the large plane tree in the square, where locals gather. See our article on the best attractions in Chania.
Day 1 – 2:00–4:00 p.m.: Firka Fortress and Maritime Museum
In the early afternoon, head to Firka Fortress, which has overlooked the waterfront since the 17th century. This military bastion, completed during Venetian rule, later served as a barracks under Ottoman occupation. We enjoyed the walk along the ramparts, which offers a breathtaking view of the harbor, the lighthouse, and the Cretan Sea. It was here that the Greek flag was raised in 1913 to celebrate Crete’s union with Greece. Inside, you can visit the Maritime Museum of Crete, which traces the island’s naval history back to the Bronze Age. Allow about 1 hour for the fortress and the museum.
Visit the official website for more information here. End your first day at the Venetian Harbor: the golden light of the sunset makes the facades look stunning. We recommend settling into one of the waterfront cafés to sample local specialties like dakos or spanakopita, paired with a glass of Cretan wine.
RENT YOUR CAR IN Crete
- Our preferred agency is Rental Center Crete
everything is included in the price and the service is excellent. No stress! - Choose a car with a decent engine for greater comfort on the few mountain roads.
- Book early for choice.
- If you prefer international brands, compare prices on DiscoverCars
Day 2 – 9:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m.: Archaeological Museum
The Archaeological Museum of Chania is a must-see for anyone seeking to understand the rich history of western Crete. Now housed in a modern building in the Chalepa neighborhood, we found the display of the artifacts to be particularly well-curated and informative. There you’ll discover pottery, sculptures, jewelry, and sarcophagi that bear witness to the sophistication of the Minoan civilization—the very same civilization that built the famous palaces of Crete between 2600 and 1150 B.C. Some of the artifacts on display come from excavations in the Kasteli neighborhood, where the ancient city of Kydonia once stood. The museum is located outside the old city; plan to take a taxi, bus, or car to get there more easily.
- Allow between 1h and 1h30 to visit all the collections.
- The museum is closed on Tuesdays.
- Visit the official website for more info here.
Day 2 – 2:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.: Boat tour from the Venetian Port
The coastline around Chania offers a wide range of water activities. From the Venetian harbor or the surrounding area, you can set out on boat trips along the coast, explore coves inaccessible by road, or observe the seabed. Boat tours range from 2 hours to a full day, depending on the package you choose. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season, to wrap up this heritage weekend with a nautical twist.
Idea 2 – A Weekend in Nature and Hiking
If you prefer the great outdoors to museums, this second option alternates between mountain hikes and walks on the Akrotiri Peninsula. We found it ideal for those who like to end their trip with slightly tired legs but eyes full of beautiful scenery. This itinerary is the most active in our selection: it’s a good fit if you’re used to walking and ready to start early.
Day 1 – Hike through the Samaria Gorge
The Samaria Gorge is one of the longest and most famous hikes in Crete. It’s a 16-kilometer trail through the heart of Samaria National Park, in the White Mountains (Lefka Ori)! We were impressed by the majesty of the steep cliffs, which narrow to as little as 3 meters wide in some places. The trail begins at an elevation of 1,230 meters and ends at the coastal village of Agia Roumeli, on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Allow between 5 and 8 hours for the hike, which is mostly downhill. The trail is generally open from May through October, but the opening dates depend on weather and safety conditions. It’s recommended to set out early in the morning, as the hike is demanding and the terrain is rocky and uneven. Bring plenty of water and refill your bottles at the springs along the route. Note that this option is best suited for experienced hikers and involves a very long day, with an early start and a return at the end of the day.
We recommend planning this hike for the very beginning of the weekend, in case the weather conditions prevent access on the scheduled day. The easiest option is to book a guided tour! See options from Chania
An alternative if you don’t want to go on a full-day hike: explore the Theriso Gorges by car. Located a few kilometers south of Chania along a scenic road carved into the rock (a 30-minute drive), these roads lead to the mountain village of Therisso, steeped in history. We enjoyed this short excursion—perfect for a half-day—which offers a striking contrast between the coast and the inland countryside. The village has several taverns where you can enjoy traditional Cretan cuisine in a lush, green setting. If you don’t want to drive, book the tour of the Therisso Gorges
OUR GUIDE TO Crete
To plan your road trip:
- 5 Maps to Help You Find Your Way
- 76 selected locations
- 150 photos to help you decide
- Lots of practical tips
Read more >>>
Day 2 – The Akrotiri Peninsula
The Akrotiri Peninsula, east of Chania, is home to several natural sites you can explore in a single day to wrap up your weekend at a more leisurely pace. In our opinion, you’ll find the most beautiful beaches near the city there. The best known is Seitan Limania Cove, nicknamed the “Cretan fjord”: you’ll be amazed by its turquoise waters nestled between steep cliffs. Be careful: the access road is steep and winding, and the descent to the cove is via a very steep and slippery trail. The beaches at Marathi and Kalathas offer more accessible alternatives. The peninsula is also home to the Agia Triada (Holy Trinity) Monastery, founded in the 17th century and surrounded by olive groves that produce its own olive oil and wine.
We recommend that you take the car to get between the various beaches and the monastery. Allow half a day to a full day, depending on the number of sites you wish to visit.
Idea 3 – A Relaxing Weekend by the Lagoons
This third package is designed for those who come primarily to enjoy the sea. We’ve built it around an excursion to one of Crete’s most spectacular lagoons, followed by a more relaxed day on the beaches near Chania. Nea Chora is the best choice for a proper swim close to the city center; Koum Kapi is better suited for a relaxing break by the sea.
Day 1 – Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa Island
Balos Bay is undoubtedly the most spectacular beach in Crete. This lagoon with its turquoise waters is located in the northwest of the island and can be reached from Chania on a day trip. Like us, you’re sure to be captivated by the shades of blue in this crystal-clear stretch of water, bordered by fine sand and backed by rocky cliffs. The contrast between the shallow waters of the lagoon and the deep blue of the open sea is striking. During this excursion, you’ll also discover the island of Gramvousa and its Venetian fortress.
Plan on spending a full day on this excursion. Access conditions to Balos may change to protect the natural site: when booking, check whether the boat drops you off directly, stops nearby, or requires a walk to reach the site. Please note that this is a very popular excursion: we recommend booking in advance to guarantee your spot on a boat! View available options and book now
Alternative: a trip to Elafonissi. Elafonissi is one of the most famous beaches in Crete. Its light-colored sand takes on a pinkish hue in places due to tiny fragments of seashells. Its crystal-clear waters create a remarkable landscape. The beach is about a 1-hour-and-20-minute drive southwest of Chania, along winding but well-maintained mountain roads. The area is also ideal for families thanks to its shallow waters. See excursions to Elafonissi from Chania
Day 2 – Beaches Near Chania
For this second, more relaxing day, stay close by: the beaches of Nea Chora and Koum Kapi are within walking distance of the old town. Nea Chora Beach is just a 15-minute walk from the Venetian Harbor. We enjoyed how easy it was to take a quick dip there, in a more relaxed and local atmosphere than in the historic center. Koum Kapi Beach, just east of the old town, offers clear, shallow water. See our list of the best beaches in Chania
Idea 4 – Family Weekend
Traveling with kids to Chania? This itinerary combines excitement, swimming, and leisurely walks, all at a pace suited for young children. We found it particularly well-designed to keep both kids and adults entertained without too much driving.
Day 1 – Water Park and Pirate Cruise
The Limnoupolis Water Park (Aqua Creta), located 7 km southwest of Chania in the village of Varipetro, is a must-see attraction for children. It features 11 water slides, including the Free Fall, the Black Hole, and the Triple Twist, as well as a pool for younger children and a 206-meter lazy river lined with caves and waterfalls. We found this park to be particularly family-friendly. Visit the official website for more information here.
If the kids still have energy, you can end the day with a pirate boat cruise in Souda Bay. Otherwise, save this activity for the next day or swap it out for a quiet evening in the old town.
Day 2 – Family-friendly beach and monastery in Akrotiri
The Akrotiri Peninsula, east of Chania, is a great spot for a family outing. Kalathas Beach, with its shallow waters, is an accessible option well-suited for young children, unlike Seitan Limania Cove, whose steep descent makes it less suitable for children. You can then visit the Agia Triada (Holy Trinity) Monastery, founded in the 17th century and surrounded by olive groves that produce its own olive oil and wine. We recommend traveling by car between the beach and the monastery.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
- Get away from it all with Region Lovers’ beautiful destinations!
- Once a month
- Advertising-free
What You Need to Know for Your Weekend in Chania
Weather and crowds in Chania
Chania enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate year-round, with temperatures rarely dropping below 10°C (50°F) in winter. The best time to visit is from May through October, but in July and August, temperatures are high and popular sites like Balos and Elafonissi are very crowded. The months of May, June, September, and October offer a good balance between pleasant weather and moderate crowds. If you choose to visit the city during the off-season, you’ll enjoy a quieter atmosphere and lower prices. Please note, however, that some attractions close in the winter, including museums and the water park.
Adjusting Your Itinerary When It Rains
If it rains during your weekend in Chania, don’t panic—the city is full of indoor activities. You can visit the Archaeological Museum, the Maritime Museum of Crete inside the Firka Fortress, or the Byzantine Museum, housed in the Venetian Church of San Salvador. See our list of the best museums in Chania
Where to Eat in Chania
Chania is brimming with great places to eat, from family-run taverns tucked away in the narrow streets of the old town to creative eateries set in charming tree-lined courtyards and seafood restaurants along the waterfront. We tried several restaurants there and were won over by the diversity of Cretan cuisine, from traditional slow-cooked dishes to more contemporary fare. Check out our selection of the best restaurants to eat at in Chania here.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Crete
- Best of
What to do in Crete
Most beautiful landscapes
Most beautiful cities
Most beautiful beaches in Crete
Best archaeological sites
Best museums
- Practical advice
When to go?
How to rent a car in Crete
Driving tips
- The must-dos
Attractions in Chania
Attractions in Rethymnon
Attractions in Heraklion
Matala
Balos Lagoon
Spinalonga Elafonissi
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
