Holidays to Chania

Chania is a beautiful port city located on the northwest coast of Crete, about 43 miles west of Rethymno and 90 miles west of Heraklion. The town is known for its narrow shopping streets, old port, and waterfront restaurants.

If you're planning to enjoy memorable city breaks in Chania, it's best that you book your flight to and hotel in Chania in advance. By booking your Chania flight and hotel together, you can save money and time. Whether you're looking to enjoy a weekend in Chania vacation or an extended trip, package holidays in Chania can make your itinerary planning simple.

Flights to Chania arrive at Chania International Airport (CHQ), which has excellent connectivity to other major destinations. If you're travelling from the UK, you can opt for a direct flight from London or Manchester to Chania.

EU citizens likely won’t need a visa to go to Chania. While the official language in Chania is Greek, you probably won't encounter much of a language barrier, as many locals can speak English. The time difference between Chania and the United Kingdom is two hours, and the city's currency is the euro.

Chania enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with warm and comfortable weather throughout the year. July is the hottest month, bringing highs of 31°C. January is the coldest month, with average temperatures around 8°C.

With package holidays in Chania during spring (from May to June) and autumn (September to October), look forward to pleasantly warm weather, perfect for sightseeing. If you're planning a weekend in Chania during this time, you can also enjoy some of Chania's most famous festivals, such as the Rethymno Wine Festival (June), Yakinthia Festival (July), Chestnut Festival (October) and Ohi Day (October).

With its cosmopolitan setting, Chania is happening and lively. There are plenty of bars and restaurants, ideal for a relaxing evening out. During city breaks in Chania, you can also party and dance the night away in the city's bustling discos and nightclubs. Bamboo Beach Bar, which offers great music and delicious food, is highly recommended.

Whether you’re looking for a souvenir or just window shopping, you'll find plenty of shops around the harbour. One of the best places to find a unique souvenir is the city’s covered market. No visit to this delightful town would be complete without a walk through the central market – the large selection of fresh local foods, meats, cheeses and seafood is sure to tickle your taste buds.

Chania provides a wealth of cultural and natural sites to be explored. Some of Chania’s rich heritage can be found at its medieval Venetian harbour, which was first used commercially and then converted into a defensive bastion to protect against pirates. The city's sparkling waterfront and gorgeous beaches along the coast make for an unforgettable holiday. Nea Chora and Kalamaki beaches are perfect for swimming and water activities. Some other ideas:

• Visit the island of Elafonisi and Chrysoskalitissa Monastery, two of western Crete’s most popular attractions.
• The Rethymno Lighthouse, Old Turkish Bath and Erofili Theatre are must-sees.
• You can also explore famous holy sites such as the churches of Agia Aikaterini and Agios Pavlos.
• If you're travelling with kids, be sure to visit Limnoupolis Water Park, home to fun water slides for the entire family to enjoy together.
• The Archaeological Museum of Chania, Maritime Museum of Crete, and Chania Byzantine Museum are also worth checking out.

If you also have time to explore the surrounding area, you can also rent a car in Chania.

What to eat in Chania

There are more than a hundred of upscale cafés and restaurants in Chania, and every place will surprise you with its original specialities. Glossitses is one of the most popular fine dining restaurants serving authentic Greek cuisine. If you're fond of seafood, you'll surely appreciate the romantic and cosy ambience of Akrogiali.

Be sure to try some regional delicacies, such as syglino (cured pork marinated with mountain herbs and spices), gamopilafo (a rice dish cooked in broth), tsigariasto (spring lamb seasoned with oregano, pepper, garlic and salt) and dakos salad (a classic dish made with sweet tomatoes and rye rusks). Another must-try dish is kalitsounia, a unique dish available in sweet and salty versions.

What souvenirs can you find in Chania?

Stivanadika in Skridlof Street, one of the area's most popular markets, is where you can find Cretan leather boots and other Cretan souvenirs. Cretan knives, a longstanding tradition on the island, also make great souvenirs. Other items to bring back with you from Crete include traditional Cretan costume and local olive oil, wine, and cheese.