Chania area holidays

This part of Crete’s got more than its fair share of beaches, including around a dozen squeaky-clean Blue Flag numbers. You can soak up some sun with a drink in hand at one of the bar-backed coves, or sprawl out on a quiet, roomy stretch of sand. Getting between the most popular spots is easy, too, thanks to a coastal bus route.

Maleme Beach is one of the Chania area’s biggest stretches, unravelling like a ribbon for just over a mile. You can hire sunloungers and parasols, or just flick down a towel on one of the lesser-trodden sections of sand. The further west you walk, the fewer crowds you’ll have to share the beach with.

Chania’s top-notch beach scene is no secret – the region’s known for having one of the best coastlines in Greece. But if you’re hoping to dodge the tourist throngs and settle in for a day of stress-free sunbathing, you do have options. Tavronitis Beach is a 30-minute drive from Chania Town. The sand-and-shingle sweep here is largely crowd-free, and a mountain backdrop adds to its serene vibe.

Chania Town’s covered market is a must-visit if you’re after a low-cost lunch or some local produce to take home with you. From thyme-infused honey to locally made cheese, there’s plenty on offer here. You’ll find it on Mousouron Street six days a week, in the mornings and evenings.

If you fancy nabbing yourself a new handbag or a fresh pair of sandals, Skridolf Street, in Chania Town, is the place to go. It’s been nicknamed ‘leathermaker’s lane’, so there are no prizes for guessing what sort of goodies are on offer here.

You won’t find your Guccis and your Pradas in this part of Greece – instead, independent designers steal the spotlight. Chania Town’s packed full of jewellery stores selling unique pieces that’ll set you back anything from 100 euros to a couple of thousand. Some of the best ones are dotted along Chalidon Street, near the harbour.

If a leisurely dinner and a few glasses of wine sounds like your idea of a perfect evening, head straight for Chania Town. The low-lit streets of the old town line up plenty of cosy restaurants, while the waterfront spots by the marina sort you out with front-row tickets to the island’s sunsets.

Chania Town scores highly on the nightlife front, too – you’ll find glitzy cocktail bars and live music joints around the harbour. Over in Platanias, the town centre’s dotted with more of the same, along with a small crop of nightclubs.

This dish is Crete’s take on a risotto – think rice boiled in stock mixed with butter. In Chania, it’s traditionally made with chicken and lamb, and is a mainstay on wedding breakfast menus.

Boureki’s a popular dish all over Crete, and Chania’s version has been dubbed the tastiest of the lot. It’s a vegetarian affair, consisting of potatoes, courgette and cheese wrapped in filo pastry and served with a Greek side salad.

This porridge-like dish – made from goat’s milk and flour – is surprisingly versatile. While you’ll spot it listed as a side dish in Greek restaurants, locals often pour it over chips or spread it on bread for a snack.

Wild fennel grows all over the Chania area, so if you dine at a place with a seasonal menu, you’re likely to spot this ingredient somewhere in the line-up. As for fast food, fennel pies called marathopites are a popular pick.

If you like strong spirits, tsikoudia will be right up your street. It’s made from grape skins, and is super-punchy. A lot of locals keep a bottle in the freezer and sip it slowly with dinner, but you can drink it as a shot, too.