Holiday rentals and lettings in Chania

Chania is both an ancient town and Crete’s westernmost province. Fine wine, roaring festivals, unique lagoons, pink sand beaches, and thousands of years of history beckon you to this great land. Find a holiday rental in the Old Town of Chania among its labyrinth of narrow alleys and Venetian houses. Or why not choose from the many lettings lining the scandalously beautiful coastline stretching to the west? For a truly authentic Cretan experience, check out the holiday rentals inland in the footsteps of the breathtaking White Mountains, where the colours change with every chime of the clock.

Villas in the countryside of Chania are built among lush greenery and often afford unobstructed views over the mountain and seascapes. Private swimming pools and BBQs are the order of the day! Staying in the town? Villas in Chania Old Town come with sun terraces affording unbeatable birds-eye views of Chania’s wonderful architectural heritage.

Chania is in the westernmost part of the island of Crete, Greek’s biggest and most southerly island. Arrive on the island by plane or boat to the capital city Heraklion, and then take the gorgeous 2-hour drive to Chania.

So where are you going to stay? On the north coast with its stupefyingly beautiful coves and lagoons? On the south with its shallower and warmer waters, perfect for kids? In the interior in the heart of the moon-like white mountains rising 2,000 metres into the sky? Or in the town of Chania with its fine blend of Venetian and neoclassical architecture, great nightlife and wonderful shopping?!

On the northwest finger of Chania, Balos beach would like to see you now! Pure, fine white sand, shallow aquamarine, crystal-clear waters, an inimitable lagoon-like no other. Miss this at your peril. To the southwest, check out Elafonisi beach, a truly magical place comprising a small islet full of white and pink sandy beaches. Staying in the town of Chania and looking for a great local beach? Just 3 k from town, Iguana beach boasts clear blue water and lovely surroundings. It is perfect for children, sandy and with shallow water.

If you like your glass of wine at 5 o’clock then you’ve come to the right place! The renaissance of Crete’s ancient wine culture is catching the eye of wine enthusiasts around the world, and there are several tours you can take in Chania, none better than at the Manousakis Winery, an organic, boutique winery focused on handcrafted wine. Get an inside look at the winemaking process and the fascinating story of the winery. Then visit the tasting terrace and enjoy a relaxing glass of delicious wine as you sit among the delightful olive trees and orange groves!

The Old Port is lined with seafood eateries and cafés. It buzzes with tourists in summer and is totally enchanting at night. On the east side of the harbour, don’t miss the small mosque built back in the 1500s, which has been converted today into a small art gallery.

The Maritime Museum traces Crete's centuries-old relationship with the sea, traversing its many cultures, from the Minoans, through the Byzantine, Venetian, and Turkish eras, right up to the present day. Children will love the amazing models of ships!

If you are in Chania in the middle of summer, then don’t miss this roaring festival held at the Firka Fortress and Venetian Arsenali near the old harbour. The festival pays homage to both traditional and contemporary arts.

Delicious Greek dishes from seasonal produce come with a twist in Chania. The quintessential local dish is net-fresh octopus in a fennel and red wine sauce. And don’t miss the Cretan pilaf Chania style – served with slow-cooked tender and juicy chicken and lamb.

One of the most authentic things to do in Greece. The town of Chania is home to two open air cinemas, which show both blockbuster and cultural movies, many in English with Greek subtitles. A fine way to end another memorable day in Chania!