CHRIS & KRISTINA'S INSIDER GUIDE TO CHANIA

Beaches, Bites, Beyond

We want everyone to have the trip of a lifetime! Here are some of our top picks for beaches to chill on, best spots to eat, fun activities, and where to dance the night away. Get ready to soak up the Cretan sun, eat like a local, and have a blast!

Follow these Instagram Pages for more recommendations: Explore.Crete, CreteUnlocked, InstaChania, Crete_locals

Best Beaches around Chania

Best Beaches Close by (10-20 mins):

Nea Chora (walking distance from old town)
Koum Kapi Beach (no chairs but good for a dip, steps from C&K's homes)
Agoi Apostoli and Chrissi Akti ("Golden Beach")
Marathi Beach, Loutraki Beach
Kalamaki Beach
Souda Beach
Kalyves Beach, Kalathas Beach
Agia Marina & Platanias (beaches & bars area)
Omprogialos Beach
Stavros Beach (seen in the movie Zorba the Greek)
Best Beaches for families & small kids: Nea Chora, Marathi Beach, Loutraki, Agoi Apostoli, Chrissi Akti (Golden Beach), Kalathas Beach, Kalyves, Stavros, Falassarna, Almyrida. See here for details

Organized Beach Areas, Chairs & Restaurants:

Cabana Mare, Red Havana, Ammos & Ilios (in Agia Marina)
Me Gusta,
Rodakino
Gorgana Beach Bar
Sunbaboo Beach Bar
Salavantes
Piato Piato
Sohoro Beach Bar (Platanias)

Beaches Further away, but worth it:

Balos Lagoon - world famous, we're heading here on our beach day!
Falassarna Beach - we're heading here on our beach day! Stop at Gramvousa Restaurant for amazing farm to table meals.
Seitan Limania ("the goat beach")
Elafonisi ("the pink sand beach") - group drive/bus

Restaurants & Food in Chania

There are too many amazing places to eat in Chania! Listing a few of our top recommendations here:

Best Gyros & Quick Eats:

Pita Goal (a local favourite! next to bride & grooms)
The Chop (our spot!), Delish, Pork to Beef Wild, Grill & Bread, Alterna Canteena, Mafioza Pizza, Laganon Fresh Pasta, Maiami

Best Views of Chania:

Thalassino Ageri (insta famous, make reservation)
Pallas rooftop, Canale
Koukovaya for a dessert at Sunset, Carte Postale, or Nymphes next door

Best Traditional Eats & Experience:

To Antikristo, Perperas, Thalassino Ageri, Chrisostomos, Ta Neoria, Tammam, Oinopoieion, The Well of the Turk (Old Town)
Drakiana, Arhondiko Taverna (Agia Marina)
Gramvousa Restaurant (incredible place to stop if going to Elafonisi or Falassarna)
Adespoto Music Taverna, Enhordo (live music & greek experience)
The Greek Cookout Experience (eat, dance, smash plates!)

Upscale Eats:

Pallas, Senal, Salis, Orearte Gastro Bar, Moms Gastro Bar, Albi (old town)
Periplous
360 Fiine Dining, The Five (Nea Chora)

Best Brunch & Cafes:

The Jar Cafe n the park, great for families
Ginger Concept, Boheme, Sandbar, Little Monkey
Anassa Hotel (where we got engaged!)
Red Jane Bakery, Kafeneio Fix

Best Dessert:

Bougatsa from the famous Iordani's , or Bougatsa Chania is a must
Oh La La Dessert & Ice Cream
Koukovaya, overlooking Chania

Chania/Crete Activities

Shop til you drop in Chania's old town
Explore Chania Farmers Markets - every Saturday near the Kriti Hotel, or Monday on Giamoudaki (the centre of Chania)
Hit all of the breathtaking, social media famous beaches!
The Greek Cookout (dinner experience)
Take a Day trip: Lake Kournas, Agios Nikolaos - Voulisma Beach & Elounda (near Heraklion), Matala (famous beach & caves)
Beautiful Wineries: Dourakis, Manousakis

Family & Kids:

Catch a movie at the outdoor movie theatres
Minoan's World 3D Experience (Museum)
Waterparks - Limnoupolis
Glass Bottom Boat Tours - Captain Nick's, Captain Nestor's

Chania Nightlife

Chris & Kristina's Favourite Bars:

Synapse Gathering Bar, Bar Raki , Vazaki mini bar (outdoor)
The Monastary of Karolos, Bar Sinagogi (open air)
Senso (club)
Cabana Mare, Red Havana (Beach Clubs in Agia Marina)

Shisha, Casual Drinks:

Avli, Maiami, Qalyan (Local Favs in Koum Kapi next to CK's houses)
Vermuteria, Senal
Bras Des Freres (karaoke)