Chania Must See – What to See & Do in Chania, Crete
Welcome to Chania Must See
Wondering what to see in Chania? You’re in the right place – but this isn’t your typical tourist guide.
Chania Must See is for travellers who want more than just a list of sights. It’s for those who wish to explore Chania and the island of Crete through the eyes of a local.
My name is Angelos Katsikandarakis, and I’m from Chania. I’m not a tourist guide, nor do I work in the tourism industry. Still, I love travelling worldwide and enjoy helping other travellers with helpful, practical tips. That’s why I created this guide: to share everything worth seeing, doing, and tasting—with accuracy, personal experience, and the most reliable information I can offer.
I have personally visited every place featured here, meaning what you read is honest, trustworthy, and well-written. You’ll learn about both the highlights and the downsides.
This guide is not just for tourists. It’s also for anyone who wants to stay in Crete long-term or discover Chania more profoundly and meaningfully – beyond the obvious.
Whether you’re visiting Chania for the first time or have been here, I’ll help you experience the region more authentically and connect with it like a local.
What’s new in Chania Must See
Crete: Where Every Moment Becomes a Memory
From the Cretan Sea in the north, across the towering White Mountains and Mount Psiloritis, to the Libyan Sea in the south, Crete enchants with the power of its contrasts.
Traditional villages, ancient olive groves, dramatic mountain trails, wild gorges, sun-drenched plateaus, and rare beauty beaches compose a setting where nature, history, and tradition remain beautifully untouched.
With its bold dialect, rich flavours, timeless customs, and heartfelt hospitality, Crete isn’t just a destination – it’s an experience that stays with you. It’s not a place you visit but one you carry within you long after you’ve left.
Prepare to explore Western Crete and uncover the wonders of the Chania region – a land of stories, flavours, and unforgettable moments.
Chania prefecture: where nature and culture meet
A land where mountains meet the sea, traditions thrive, and every village has a story to tell.
The Chania prefecture covers the entire western tip of Crete, spans over 2,300 square kilometres, and is home to more than 140,000 residents. To the east, it is bordered by the region of Rethymno and embraced by the Cretan and Libyan Seas. Chania offers a stunning mix of mountains, gorges, coastlines, and traditional villages.
The region is divided into seven municipalities, each with its own unique character – from remote mountain villages and charming coastal settlements to the vibrant city of Chania.
Chania is home to some of Crete’s most iconic attractions: the 16th-century Venetian lighthouse, the legendary Samaria Gorge – the longest in Europe – the magical pink beach of Elafonisi, the exotic Balos Lagoon, and the majestic White Mountains that dominate the landscape.
These world-renowned landmarks attract thousands of visitors yearly, but there’s so much more to discover.
main photo by Francesco Ungaro
