At a glance
- Cruise ships dock in Souda Bay, around four miles or 15 minutes by taxi from Chania’s Old Town
- Chania is an ancient city, with roots in the Neolithic era; it’s been shaped by Minoan, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman influence
- Popular highlights include the Old Town, beaches, wineries, restaurants and archaeological sites
When I first visited Chania (pronounced ha-nee-AH), the pandemic wasn’t far in the rear-view mirror, and I would have happily settled for somewhere – anywhere, really – that had sun, sea and passably good wine.
I was pleased to find that this remarkable city had all that in abundance, plus plenty more for good measure. With the turquoise waters of the Aegean to one side and olive groves, vineyards and snowcapped mountains to the other, it served up fresh discoveries in every direction.
Here’s what I found on my visit, and how you can make yours an epic odyssey in its own right.
About Chania
As it turns out, I was hardly the first to be enamoured with Chania. Since the late 19th century, Crete's ancient ruins have proved irresistible to scholars, writers and archaeologists across Europe, and by the time modern mass tourism developed after World War II, the island had become one of Greece’s most visited destinations.
The cruise industry took note, and it became a standout stop on Greek Island itineraries, though for decades, most ships docked in the capital of Heraklion. From the 2010s onwards, however, improvements to Souda Bay’s port made it easier for cruises to reach the island’s second city, and Chania’s popularity among cruise passengers has climbed ever since.
Today, passengers come ashore here to stroll the city's compact, immensely walkable Old Town, take excursions to millennia-old archaeological sites, or simply sprawl out on one of the nearby beaches, frequently ranked among Europe's best.
Essential information
Where do cruises to Chania dock?
Cruise ships don’t dock in Chania itself. Instead, you’ll glide into the horseshoe-shaped bay of Souda, approximately four miles away.
The set-up of Souda Port is simple but serviceable, with toilets, an information kiosk, a bus stop and taxis.
You may want to look around and snap a picture of the Venetian fort on the islet across the way, but there isn’t much else to do here, so most travellers take the 15-minute cab or 25-minute bus ride into Chania.
Key facts:
- Currency: Euro
- Population: 55,000 in the city of Chania
- Time zone: EET (two hours ahead of the UK)
- Safety record: The level of crime is very low, according to the European City Safety Index
Helpful links:
The history of Chania
Chania's history stretches back over 5,000 years to the Neolithic era. By the time of the Cretan Minoan civilisation, a settlement known as Kydonia formed on the site. In the millennia that followed, a succession of occupying powers ruled the city, each leaving an indelible cultural mark.
After the decline of the Minoans, Kydonia eventually grew into a powerful city-state under the Greeks and later the Romans. Byzantine rule came next, bringing early Christian churches, followed by the Venetians, who transformed it into a thriving centre of commerce. The Ottomans succeeded them, adding mosques and new architectural flourishes to the cityscape.
In the 20th century, after a period of autonomy and the long struggle for Cretan independence, the island became a part of unified Greece. Apart from a brief German occupation during World War II, that status has remained unchanged.
Today, Chania’s Old Town stands as a testament to its storied past, its architectural layers forming an intriguing palimpsest.
What to do: For everyone
Wander Chania Old Town
The well-preserved Old Town is clustered around the city’s scenic harbour. Fishing boats and yachts bob in the clear water, while old Venetian shipyards, now home to museums and restaurants, beckon from the waterfront. Cobbled, bougainvillaea-hung alleys, meanwhile, are lined with artisan workshops selling ceramics, mosaics and paintings, guarded by cats lying languid in the sun.
After picking up a souvenir or two, there are plenty of local tavernas and cafés where you can sit with a Greek coffee or ice cream and watch the world drift by.
Better yet, walk out along the old sea wall to the Egyptian Lighthouse. It means clambering your way across some uneven stones, but I found it was the best place to take in the harbour.
DIY or with a tour: Either works, though going independently keeps costs down. A guided tour can be worthwhile, however, if you want more context and history as you wander.
Beach hop
Crete has an incredible number of beaches, and you could easily spend a whole summer hopping from one to the next. For many travellers, these are the main draw of the island, thanks to the Maldives-like turquoise water, romantic coves and family-friendly shallows.
If you prize convenience above all else, you’ll probably be best served by Agioi Apostoloi, which has several small, pleasant beaches and sits just 25 minutes by car from Souda Bay and 15 from Chania.
That said, if you’re willing to travel a bit further, you’ll find truly Edenic shores, and often the journey is just as entrancing, taking you past a tapestry of olive, carob and citrus groves, wildflowers and limestone bedrock.
Falassarna is around an hour away from port, offering crystal clear water and large swathes of golden sand, with plenty of room to spread out, even in peak season. It can, however, be exposed to the occasional Meltemi wind, which makes it excellent for windsurfers but less so for families.
Elafonisi, meanwhile, is around 90 minutes away and was named the best beach in the world by Tripadvisor in 2024, thanks to its electric blue water, semi-secluded coves and famous pink sand. Just be aware it’s more of a soft blush than the intense tones you’ll see in heavily edited social media pictures.
DIY or with a tour: If you’re heading to Agioi Apostoloi, save your money for cocktails and ice cream. However, if you’re looking to go further afield, opt for a tour. Cabs add up quickly, and buses can be unreliable – the last thing you want to do is end up stranded and miss your ship.
What to do: For food and wine lovers
Manousakis Winery
Crete has a long history with viticulture, stretching back millennia to the Minoans, and today that legacy is alive and well. With over 60 wineries on the island, you have your pick of tours and tastings, but the family-run Manousakis Winery was my absolute favourite.
Situated around 30 minutes from port, it sits in a particularly picturesque corner of Crete, among groves of citrus and olives. Tours of the winery are both informative and complimentary, and you can also opt for wine tastings.
You can sample five, paired with barley rusk, olive oil and sea salt, for just €15 – though chances are you’ll also want to order their delicious dakos, made with grated tomato and mizithra goat cheese, and dolmades, vine leaves stuffed with rice and herbs.
My only regret wasn’t picking up another bottle of their muscat, which has a bright, floral profile with hints of stone fruit.
DIY or with a tour: Unless you’re planning on a more extensive Cretan culinary day out or pairing this with another stop, DIY works beautifully.
Salis
The sister restaurant of Manousakis, this harbourside spot is a great place to go if you can’t manage to get to the winery. Beyond its extensive wine list, you’ll find a relaxed, amiable atmosphere and beautifully prepared dishes.
Cretan cuisine is born of simple, sun-kissed produce, briny seafood and recipes passed down through generations, and the menu reflects that heritage with thoughtful, modern interpretations. From crisp pastry and savoury small plates to salads dressed in liquid gold, as locally produced olive oil is often called, this is Mediterranean fare at its best.
DIY or with a tour: DIY, naturally.
What to do: For history buffs
The Palace of Knossos
This is one of Greece’s largest and most significant archaeological sites, dating back around 4,000 years to the Bronze Age. It was the epicentre of the Minoan civilisation and is frequently considered the oldest city in Europe. It’s also closely tied to Greek mythology, from King Minos and the Minotaur to the story of Daedalus and Icarus.
The labyrinthian ruins are fascinating to wander through, evoking scenes of court proceedings and ceremonial rites from long ago. The site carries a lingering sense of mystery, too. Since its excavation in the early 20th century, it has revealed an extraordinary amount, yet it has also raised questions that scholars continue to debate.
The one thing that might give you pause is the distance. It lies near Heraklion rather than Chania and takes around two hours to reach from Souda port.
If you do make the trek, consider combining it with the Heraklion Archaeological Museum to make it worth your while. Housed in a 1930s modernist building, it holds one of Greece’s finest collections of antiquities, from Minoan jewellery and clay fertility figurines to Greco-Roman sculptures and intricate sarcophagi.
DIY or with a tour: We recommend a tour to remove the logistical hassle and ensure you return on time. Insights from an expert will also make the experience far richer.
FAQs
Which cruise lines visit Chania?
This is a popular stop on Mediterranean cruises, particularly itineraries exploring the Greek Isles. A wide range of cruise lines sail to Souda Bay (for Chania), from boutique and premium brands to larger, mainstream ones.
Cruise lines visiting Chania include Cunard, Celebrity Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Virgin Voyages, P&O Cruises, Marella Cruises, Viking, Holland America Line and more.
Where are the nearest medical facilities?
The General Hospital of Chania is around 20 minutes by car from Souda Bay (depending on traffic). For sudden illness or injuries, call 112 (or 166 for ambulance). Keep your GHIC card and travel insurance details handy.
However, for many non-critical ailments, you may be better off using your ship’s medical centre, especially since most cruise stops only last a day and onboard professionals can coordinate any follow-up care.
What is cruise season for Chania?
Most cruise ships sail between April and November, though you may find a select few sailings in the off-season.
What is the weather like in Chania during cruise season?
In spring, expect highs in the mid-teens to low 20s. In summer, temperatures are usually in the mid-20s to around 30C. In autumn, they hover in the mid- to high-20s in the earlier months before beginning to cool.
How do you pay for things in Chania?
The currency in Crete is the euro. Card payments are accepted in most restaurants and bars, but at smaller, family-owned spots or at kiosks, you may need cash. ATMs are pretty easy to find throughout Chania.
As usual, consider using a card from an app-based digital bank such as Monzo, Revolut or Starling. They often offer better exchange rates than traditional options.
Is English widely spoken?
Yes, especially in hospitality.
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