Things To Do
Elafonissi Beach
Elafonissi Beach is one of Crete’s most famous natural wonders, known for its soft pink-tinged sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. The beach is shallow and calm, making it perfect for swimming and relaxing, while the surrounding protected nature area adds to its unspoiled beauty. In June, Elafonissi is especially enjoyable with warm weather and fewer crowds, offering a truly postcard-perfect escape.
Balos lagoon
Balos Lagoon is one of Crete’s most breathtaking landscapes, famous for its white sand, shallow turquoise waters, and dramatic views where the sea meets wild, untouched nature. Reaching Balos by car involves a scenic drive followed by a walk down the mountain to the lagoon, which offers incredible panoramic views along the way. Alternatively, visitors can choose a relaxing boat trip from Kissamikos (Kissamos) Port, arriving directly at the lagoon and enjoying the journey by sea.
Falassarna beach
Falassarna Beach is a wide, unspoiled stretch of golden sand known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning natural beauty. Less crowded and more laid-back than some of Crete’s more famous beaches, it’s ideal for swimming, relaxing, and enjoying one of the island’s most spectacular sunsets over the sea.
Vai Beach
Vai Beach is a unique and exotic destination on Crete, home to Europe’s largest natural palm forest. With its golden sand, clear blue waters, and lush tropical feel, it offers a beautiful setting for swimming and relaxing. Located in eastern Crete, Vai is perfect for those looking to combine a beach day with a scenic drive through a less-explored part of the island.
Preveli beach
Preveli Beach is a truly unique destination where a freshwater river lined with palm trees meets the turquoise sea. Known for its dramatic scenery and natural beauty, it offers a mix of beach relaxation and light exploration along the riverbanks. The combination of crystal-clear water, lush greenery, and surrounding cliffs makes Preveli one of Crete’s most memorable beaches.
Stavros Beach
A calm, family-friendly beach in a sheltered bay near Chania, famously featured in Zorba the Greek. Its gentle waves and soft sand make it perfect for children, while the green-blue waters, framed by the mountain opposite, create a peaceful and scenic spot. With sun-beds, umbrellas, and nearby tavernas, it’s an ideal place for a relaxing day by the sea.
Agioi Theodoroi - Once a year opportunity
You can visit Agioi Theodoroi islet near Chania, only once a year on June 8th, on the day of Saint Theodore, for a religious service, with limited access allowed by boat from nearby villages like Agia Marina/Platanias to attend the service and explore marked areas under supervision. Most of the year, access is prohibited because it's a protected nature reserve for endangered Kri-Kri goats and rare birds, but you can take boat tours around the island to see its dramatic cliffs, ruins, and snorkeling spots.
Samaria Gorge
Samaria Gorge is one of the most impressive natural landmarks in Crete and one of the longest gorges in Europe. This spectacular hike takes you through dramatic rock formations, shaded forest paths, and narrow passages, ending near the Libyan Sea. June is an ideal time to visit, offering lush scenery and comfortable hiking conditions before the peak summer heat. For opening hours, tickets, and practical information on how to get there, please visit the link below.
Knossos Palace
Knossos Palace is the most important archaeological site in Crete and the center of the ancient Minoan civilization, considered the oldest in Europe. Located near Heraklion, the palace offers a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric life through its impressive ruins, frescoes, and architectural remains. It’s an easy and enriching cultural visit that can be comfortably combined with a day in the city. For visiting information and to avoid queues, visit the link below to reserve tickets in advance.
Manousakis Winery
Manousakis Winery Tour offers a delightful introduction to Cretan wine culture. Visitors can explore the vineyards, learn about traditional and modern winemaking techniques, and enjoy a tasting of high-quality local wines paired with regional flavors. It’s a perfect activity for wine lovers or anyone curious to experience the rich flavor traditions of Crete. For booking and more details, visit the link below.
Charma Brewery
For a true taste of the island, head to Charma Brewery in the lush valley of Zounaki. Known for being the first craft brewery in Chania, they produce fresh, unfiltered, and unpasteurized beers made with crystal-clear water from the White Mountains. You can enjoy a guided tour of their state-of-the-art, eco-friendly facilities before settling onto a spacious terrace for a tasting flight. There’s also a terrace and restaurant on site, where you can relax with a cold Charma beer paired with delicious local dishes while taking in views of olive groves and orange trees. For more information, visit the website linked below
Lafkas Brewery
Founded by a Greek-Belgian couple, this charming microbrewery produces handcrafted, unfiltered, and unpasteurized beers that blend Belgian expertise with Cretan passion. Guests can enjoy their signature beers on the scenic beer patio, which offers views of the White Mountains. It’s a perfect, laid-back afternoon activity for beer lovers and those looking to explore Chania beyond the traditional tavernas. For more information or to book a tour, visit the link below.
Olive Tree Museum of Vouves
A charming, family-owned site in Ano Vouves, featuring a small museum that showcases Cretan olive-growing history and traditional tools. The highlight is the Ancient Olive Tree, one of the oldest in the world (2,000–4,000 years old) and still producing fruit. A simple, short visit with fascinating history and beautiful scenery.
PALLAS
A trendy restaurant and lounge on Chania’s Venetian harbour promenade with modern, creative cuisine that blends local ingredients with global influences. Housed in a historic building with stunning sea views, it’s a great spot for brunch, lunch, dinner, cocktails, or a sunset drink. The atmosphere is stylish yet relaxed, perfect for both casual meals and special evenings. For more information, visit the link below.
Kariatis Restaurant
A stylish and elegant dining spot built into the old Kastelli wall overlooking Chania’s Venetian harbour. Known for its inventive menu that blends international influences (with highlights including fresh seafood, sushi, pasta, and creative dishes made from quality local ingredients), this long‑standing favourite also offers an excellent wine list and a lovely atmosphere for dinner by the water. For questions, menu options and to book a table (bottom of the page) visit the link below.
Ginger Concept
A stylish all‑day café and restaurant in Chania’s Old Town with a creative, cosmopolitan menu that blends Mediterranean and international influences. Popular for brunch, lunch, dinner, cocktails, and light bites, it’s known for its relaxed yet chic atmosphere, outdoor seating, and variety of fresh, flavourful dishes and drinks from morning through evening. For questions, menu options and to book a table (bottom of the page) visit the link below.
Mirai Sushi & cocktail bar
Mirai Sushi & Cocktail Bar – A lively fusion sushi and cocktail bar tucked into a charming pedestrian street in Chania’s Old Town. It offers fresh sushi, sashimi, Asian-inspired dishes, and creative cocktails in a relaxed yet vibrant setting, perfect for dinner or drinks after a day of exploring. A modern twist on traditional flavours makes it a fun and unique experience. For a reservation, call the number provided above.
Leventis Taverna
Leventis Taverna is a multi-award-winning, family-run restaurant established in 1995. It is widely considered one of Crete’s most authentic dining destinations, celebrated for its authentic, generationally passed-down recipes. The restaurant is also known for its spectacular setting: a rustic, hillside location with an outdoor terrace that provides breathtaking, picturesque panoramic views of the surrounding olive groves and Cretan mountains, highly recommended for sunset dinners. For more information, refer to the website linked below.
Chrisostomos
An award-winning Chania classic serving authentic Cretan cuisine with a focus on recipes and ingredients from the Sfakia region. Dishes are prepared in a wood-fired oven using locally sourced lamb, goat, wild greens, and seasonal produce, giving each plate rich, smoky flavor and true island character. The warm hospitality and rustic atmosphere make it perfect for a relaxed meal of local favorites.
Fourogatos
A beloved local gem that bridges traditional Cretan flavors with modern gastronomy. Named after the rare Cretan wildcat, this highly-rated spot is acclaimed for its farm-to-table philosophy, utilizing premium local oils, mountain herbs, and artisanal cheeses. It is the perfect destination for high-quality, regionally-inspired dishes paired with a refreshing breeze and panoramic Aegean views. To book a table, you can call the number listed above.
TAMAM RESTAURANT CHANIA
Housed in a restored 15th-century Venetian bath and former Ottoman hammam, Tamam is a Chania landmark offering a sophisticated fusion of Cretan and Eastern Mediterranean flavors. Renowned for its high-quality local ingredients, it provides a uniquely historic, award-worthy dining experience within its atmospheric domed interior or along a vibrant cobblestone alleyway. For further information of to resve a table, please visit the website linked below.
Throumbi
Located in the vibrant Chatzimichali Ntaliani alley, Throubi is a Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice winner known for its "New Cretan" farm-to-table cuisine. The restaurant is particularly celebrated for its premium grilled meats and creative small plates, blending rustic traditions with modern culinary techniques for a top-rated global dining experience. Due to its reputation among locals and visitors, we suggest to try to make a reservation by calling the number listed above.
MITSOS-BBQ
A must-visit spot for meat lovers with perfectly grilled meats all cooked with great flavour and care over charcoal. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, with shaded outdoor seating under vines and attentive. Locals and visitors alike appreciate the excellent value, fresh ingredients and classic Greek BBQ experience, often finished with a complimentary raki or dessert. For information about the menu and opening hours, you can refer to the website linked below. To make a reservation please use the number provided above.
Antigoni Restaurant
A classic waterfront Greek and seafood tavern tucked away at the quieter end of Chania’s Old Venetian Harbour. Known for fresh, grilled fish and traditional dishes like fish soup and local specials sourced from nearby fishermen, it offers a relaxed, seaside setting with lovely views — especially around sunset. Many guests praise the generous portions and friendly service, making it a great spot for enjoying classic Greek flavours by the water. For other information and to book a table, please visit the website linked below.
KAIKI
A long-standing, family-run seafood taverna in Nea Chora, popular with locals for its simple, honest cooking and consistently fresh catch. The menu focuses on grilled fish, seafood meze, and classic Greek flavours served just steps from the beach. Casual and authentic, it’s a great spot for a laid-back seaside meal that feels local. As the place gets busy during the summer season, we suggest you call, in advance, the number provided above for a reservation.
Argentina Kapenekis
Located in the seaside village of Kolymvari, this family-run restaurant is a multi-award-winning destination celebrated for its mastery of fresh seafood, blending traditional maritime heritage with a sophisticated farm-to-table philosophy. Renowned for utilizing premium local ingredients and high-quality catches, it offers a top-tier dining experience in a serene coastal setting, making it one of the most respected seafood landmarks in the Chania region. For more information and to book a table, visit the website linked below.
Psarokaiko Chania
Located on the seaside in the Souda area, this contemporary fish tavern is renowned for its commitment to exceptionally fresh, locally sourced catches and refined Cretan maritime recipes. With a serene, modern atmosphere and tables set right "near the wave," it offers a refined yet soulful maritime experience, highly rated for its professional service and stunning Mediterranean views. To book a table, please call the number offered above.
Παντός καιρου Pantos Kairou
For a truly authentic taste of Crete, this rustic taverna is famous for its 'mama-style' cooking and massive portions, serving up incredible traditional dishes like slow-braised lamb and savory meatballs in a warm, unpretentious setting. It is the perfect spot for a relaxed dinner where the raki flows freely and you can experience genuine Chania hospitality away from the harbor crowds. For larger groups or on busy days, we suggest to call the number listed above for a reservation.
Machalas
A third-generation family taverna that has been serving authentic Cretan flavors by the sea since 1936, located on the peaceful waterfront setting where you can enjoy fresh seafood, like their highly-rated grilled shrimp or sardines, while listening to the waves. With its warm, personal service and family recipes, it is a beautiful, relaxed spot for a memorable dinner away from the main harbor crowds. For more information and to make a reservation, visit the website linked below.
Kouzina e.p.e.
A local gem that offers a unique, 'home-cooked' dining experience. Every day, the shop offers a rotating selection of fresh, seasonal Cretan specialties made from local ingredients. Here you can enjoy traditional Greek and Cretan dishes — from slow-cooked classics to vegetarian options — all prepared with care and a modern touch. It is a perfect spot for a relaxed lunch where you can enjoy authentic Mediterranean flavours alongside the locals. During the busy season, we suggest you call the number provided above to make a reservation.
