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Introduction
Crete is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. With its rich history, captivating mythology, and delectable cuisine, it has something for everyone. When it comes to deciding between Chania and Heraklion, there are many factors to take into account. But fear not, we've got you covered with all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Whether you're looking to unwind on the beach, trek through picturesque landscapes, or immerse yourself in local culture and gastronomy, Crete has it all. So, get ready to discover the top cities of Crete and plan your perfect vacation!
Chania: Beauty Beyond Imagination
Chania is a place of stunning beauty and rich history, exuding a picturesque charm that's hard to resist. The old town, with its narrow, winding streets, is steeped in stories of the Venetian and Ottoman influences that once shaped it. Walking through the maze-like streets is a great way to uncover the tales of the past.
The old harbour, with its charming character and vividly coloured buildings, is the perfect representation of Greek culture at its finest.
Accessibility of Chania
The lovely old town of Chania is only 13.5 kilometres away from Chania International Airport. Tourists can easily access the airport from many parts of Europe. If you are looking for a cost-effective and trouble-free way of travelling, you can select the shuttle bus service that runs between the airport and the town centre.
The shuttle service is a convenient option that will only cost a few euros. Alternatively, you can choose to take a private taxi if you prefer more privacy. Private taxis are readily available outside the airport. The average fare for a taxi ride to the town centre is around €20-40.
Kiwitaxi is an excellent option to book a taxi.
Souda Bay
Chania can be reached conveniently via the nearest port of Souda. This port has a daily ferry service from Athens, and you can easily check the schedules online. During the summer season, numerous cruise ships also stop at Souda, providing visitors with an unforgettable experience.
Although public buses are available for transportation, there are fewer taxis at the port than at the airport, so it's recommended to plan ahead.
Heart of Chania
Chania Old Town is a perfect place for exploring on foot. Its highly walkable streets offer easy access to many interesting sights, which can be discovered by simply following your instincts. In comparison to its counterpart Heraklion, Chania's strength lies in its walkability, making it a top choice for those who love to explore on foot.
Chania, a vibrant city with an influx of tourists, is well-connected by public buses, and taxis are always available. Public transport in the city is operational throughout the year. If you wish to explore further near the coast to places like the stunning Rethymnon, KTEL buses are a great option. Additionally, if you want to venture out to places like Balos Lagoon, Samaria Gorge, and Elafonisi Beach, many agencies in Chania offer organized tours.
Affordability of Chania
Chania is a beautiful place to visit, but due to its popularity with tourists, it may be more expensive than Heraklion. However, this should not discourage you from visiting Chania as it still provides excellent value for tourists. Compared to other popular Greek islands such as Mykonos or Santorini, Chania is cheaper, and in some cases, it can even be more affordable than Athens.
Keep in mind that most places in Crete that are popular with tourists will usually come with a premium price tag, especially restaurants and bars with a view. To save some money, consider heading a few streets back to find where the locals go. Not only will prices be lower, but the quality will also be better most of the time.
Things To Do In Chania
Explore the Old Town: The old town of Chania is a maze of narrow streets and beautiful Venetian buildings. Take a stroll through its picturesque alleys and discover the hidden gems of the city.
Visit the Venetian Harbor: The Venetian Harbor is the heart of Chania and offers stunning views of the sea and the surrounding mountains. Take a walk along the harbour and enjoy a cup of coffee or a meal at one of the many cafes and restaurants.
Relax on the Beaches: Chania has some of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. Nea Chora Beach is a beautiful sandy beach located in the city of Chania, on the Greek island of Crete. It is a popular spot among tourists and locals alike, owing to its clear blue waters, picturesque scenery and easy accessibility.
Visit the Archaeological Museum: The Archaeological Museum of Chania is home to a vast collection of artefacts from the Minoan and Roman periods. It's a must-visit for anyone interested in history.
Walking to the Chania Lighthouse: Walking to the Chania Lighthouse offers a captivating experience due to its iconic stature against the sea backdrop, the journey along the Old Venetian Harbor with its historical charm, and panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and Chania's old town.
It's a sensory adventure perfect for history buffs, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking scenic walks.
These are just a few of the many things to do in Chania. The city has something to offer for everyone, from history buffs to beach lovers to foodies. Among these, the bougatsa is outstanding.
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Exploring Beyond Chania
If you're planning a trip to Crete, you might want to consider visiting Chania, a perfect location for exploring the western part of the island. Several tour operators offer pick-up and drop-off services at your hotel, but if you prefer to travel on your own, you can use the public transport system.
Just an hour's drive to the east of Chania, you'll find the atmospheric old town of Rethymnon, which is a little quieter than Chania. You can also get to Rethymnon by public bus, which is a convenient and inexpensive way to travel.
Do not miss out Margarites village! Margarites Village is near Rethymno town, and it's famous for its many pottery studios. This place is simply stunning.
One of the main attractions of Crete is its fantastic beaches, and one of the best ways to explore them is to take a day tour of Balos Lagoon. This stunning lagoon, which extends deep into the sea, is easily accessible by ferry. During the tour, you'll get to see some of the most picturesque parts of the island, including Gramvousa Island with an ancient castle.
Finally, you'll arrive at the Balos beach, where you can relax and soak up the sun.
Other renowned beaches in the Chania Region include Elafonissi Beach, famous for its stunning pink hues and crystal-clear blue waters, and Falassarna Beach. These beaches are exceptionally picturesque, and you have the option to arrange an organized tour for transportation.
If you're up for a challenge, you can embark on a 16 km trek from the mountains to the sea down the Samaria Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The gorge is a popular destination for hikers, but it is not for the faint of heart. Make sure to wear your hiking boots and bring plenty of water, as the trek can be quite challenging.
If you decide to trek the gorge, it's advisable to book an organized tour so that you don't have to backtrack up the gorge to get back to your car.
We recommend checking out these popular tours when looking for something to do in Chania Region:
From Chania: Full-Day Samaria Gorge Trek Excursion
Chania: Old Town Highlights Guided Tour with Street Food
Chania: Private Sailboat Day Trip with Food and Drinks
The Miracle of Wine and Olive Oil: Day Tour from Chania
Where should I stay in Chania Town?
Our recommendation for accommodation is one of the most popular hotels in Chania town:
Atlantica Amalthia Beach Hotel
More attractions you should visit nearby:
Ancient City of Aptera
Botanical Park and Gardens of Crete
The Capital City of Heraklion
Nestled on the northern coast of Crete, Heraklion (also known as Iraklion) is a vibrant city that serves as the capital of the island. Boasting a population of over 180,000 people, Heraklion may appear to be a bustling metropolis at first sight, but in reality, it is a treasure trove of history and culture.
With a rich and storied past that dates back more than 7,000 years, Heraklion is home to countless archaeological sites, museums, and monuments that are just waiting to be explored. Whether you're interested in ancient Minoan civilization or the Venetian and Ottoman occupation of the island, Heraklion has something to offer every history buff and culture enthusiast.
Heraklion is not just a city of the past; it is also a thriving modern metropolis that offers a wide range of attractions and activities. From trendy cafes and restaurants to lively bars and nightclubs, there is no shortage of entertainment options here.
And if you're looking for some sun, sand, and sea, you won't have to travel far; the popular beach resort of Malia and the family-friendly beaches of Eastern Crete are just a short drive away.
Accessibility of Heraklion
Heraklion is the biggest city on the island of Crete and its capital, with the largest and busiest airport on the island. It's a popular choice for tourists throughout the year. However, during summer, it can be quite crowded. One significant difference between Heraklion and Chania is the port.
Although Chania also has a port, it is not as busy as Heraklion's passenger and container port. Passenger ferries from all over the Greek islands dock here, with Santorini being the closest of the Cycladic islands.
To get a taxi from the port or airport, you should expect to pay no more than €20-30 to go anywhere in the centre of Heraklion. The historic centre is located within the ancient fortifications of the city and is entirely walkable on foot. It is recommended that you do so in this area rather than driving because traffic is heavy, and the roads in the old centre are stressful.
If you want to explore Heraklion and its surrounding areas, public buses are an excellent way to connect. They run from early in the morning till late at night and are an affordable way to reach the surrounding coastline. When travelling by bus, bring cash and small change as drivers often cannot break big notes and rarely accept cards.
But if you prefer a hassle-free option to go further afield without worrying about organising public buses, you can find easy and reliable taxis throughout the city.
Affordability of Heraklion
Heraklion is a Greek city that has become a favourite destination for budget-conscious travellers. Despite its large size, the city offers affordable prices on food and lodging, especially during the off-season. The local vibe and the city's student population keep prices low, so visitors can enjoy a comfortable stay without breaking the bank.
When it comes to food, Heraklion has many homely cafes that offer coffee, pastries, and small plates at reasonable prices. You can also find cutting-edge eateries that serve high-quality international cuisine. While some of these restaurants may be more expensive, visitors can easily keep their food costs low in this city.
The nightlife in Heraklion is also quite affordable, thanks to the large student population. During the summer, beach bars are a great option, and prices are much lower than on other Greek islands.
What are the must-see sights in Heraklion?
Heraklion has plenty of affordable attractions that are worth exploring. By wandering around the old town, visitors can explore many interesting sights that are well-signed with plenty of information and are completely free.
The city is also the cultural centre of the island, with plenty of museums worth exploring. The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion is the most expensive in the city, with a ticket price of €12 (although this is significantly reduced in the off-season). However, nearly every other museum in the city costs around €5, making them accessible to budget-conscious travellers.
Heraklion region has many must-see sights, including the Palace of Knossos, which is the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on Crete and is considered Europe's oldest city.
The city's Venetian walls, Koules Fortress, and Morosini Fountain are also popular attractions.
Heraklion is also a good base for exploring the eastern part of the island, including Sitia and Agios Nikolaos.
Where should you stay in Heraklion?
We suggest opting for accommodation at one of Heraklion's highly sought-after hotels, such as:
What activities are available in Heraklion?
Consider exploring these well-recommended tours when seeking things to do in Heraklion:
Heraklion: Knossos Palace Skip-the-Line Guided Walking Tour
Heraklion: Dia Island Sailboat Cruise with Swimming and Meal
Agia Pelagia: Quad Safari-Family Tour
Hersonissos: Sunset Catamaran Trip with Finger Food & Drinks
Heraklion: Food Tastings Walking Tour
More attractions you should visit nearby:
Agios Titos Church
Palace of Malia
