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
Crete is not just a destination – it’s a place that lives and breathes through its people, landscapes, and stories. We’ve walked its trails, tasted its flavours, and felt its soul. And we created Chania Must See to share all of that with you.
From the Cretan Sea’s crystal waters to the Libyan Sea’s raw beauty, the island reveals itself through striking contrasts: dramatic mountains and hidden beaches, ancient olive groves and untamed gorges, peaceful plateaus and lively villages where time seems to slow down.
Crete is a land of emotions. Its bold dialect, strong identity, and warm hospitality have touched us deeply – and we’re sure they will stay with you, too. This is where history isn’t just remembered but lived, passed from generation to generation.
Through Chania Must See, we invite you to discover Western Crete – especially the Chania region – through our own experiences. We only recommend places we’ve personally visited and loved. Let us guide you to the essence of Authentic Crete: a world of unforgettable tastes, meaningful encounters, and stories that stay in your heart long after your journey ends.
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
