Things To Do

Visit the Old Town of Chania

The main attraction in the Old Town of Chania is the Old Venetian Port, with plenty of restaurants, coffee shops and bars, as well as shops that are open till late at night! Enjoy a day walking up and down the harbor, grabbing a bite to eat and a refreshing Espresso Freddo coffee, or visit at night for a delicious dinner followed by drinks at the waterfront.

Enjoy Falasarna Beach

You will visit for the wedding, so make sure to spend a day enjoying the amazing sandy beaches by Falasarna! In September the weather is still pretty warm and perfect for a swim. There are multiple places that offer sun-beds for rent if you need them -the wedding venue being one of them! The area also offers a variety of activities, like parasailing and paragliding.

Visit Elafonissi Beach

Elafonissi beach is the bride's personal favorite! The waters are crystal clear, and the sand is pink at spots. It is about an hour's drive from Chania and Falasarna, but 100% worth the trip! The roads are tight with lots of twists and turns and there are a limited number of sun-beds when you get there so be prepared. There are restrooms and showers to rinse off, and there are beach bars offering a variety of refreshments and snacks.

Visit Balos Beach

Balos beach is another beautiful beach to have on your list! The recommended way of accessing the beach is by ferry from Kissamos Port, to avoid a difficult hike from and to the parking lot. Check with the locals before planning your day trip to avoid windy days.

Samaria Gorge

For the lovers of hikes and nature, this is the place to visit while in Crete! Be prepared for a slightly difficult hike that will test your knees. The average walk takes 6-7 hours and is not recommended for inexperienced hikers.

Food 🏺🍷 Recommendations:

Arismari Restaurant

Arismari (stands for rosemary in the local dialect) in Old Town of Chania is the perfect spot to eat, drink, people-watch and all that right by the water. Try their "sioufihta" pasta with local apaki, and if you are brave, order a rakomelo (raki alcohol warmed up with honey) carafe for the table. It tastes delicious, but you will not realize when it hits, you've been warned!

Gramvousa Restaurant

Fresh produce straight from their own garden, need we say more? Their menu is overwhelming, but seriously no matter what you pick you will not be disappointed. Their kalitsounia are amazing, Korina's mom will always go for the one with the wild herbs filling. Anything from their wood oven; we mean it. Maybe the gramboussian lamb first, but anything really.

Cretan Food to Try

• Dakos • Chochlioi boubouristi (Fried snails) • Staka (Cream of butter spread) • Kaltsounia (Fried pastry with cheese or herbs filling) • Any pie • Skoufixta (Pasta) • Apaki (Smoked pork) • Stamnagkathi (Leafy greens, by themselves or accompanying meat) • Kreatotourta (Meat pie) • Antikristo (Cretan way of barbecuing meat) • Raki (Local alcohol made from grapes)

Greek Food to Try

• Choriatiki (Greek salad) • Tzatziki and tyrokafteri (spreads) with pitas • Saganaki (Fried cheese) • Moussaka • Pastitsio • Souvlaki (Try traditional pork gyros with tomatoes, fries, onions and tzatziki!)

Explore Crete outside of Chania:

Look, we get it, this is a long list -but we have a lot to suggest! Maybe you want to spend a week in Crete, who are we to judge? Here's a few recommendations for the rest of the island:

Visit Preveli Beach

Preveli Beach is accessible by boat (recommended) or by car followed by many-many steep steps down from the parking lot. The beach and the palm forrest along the river are simply mesmerizing!

Visit Knossos

Visit the archeological site of Knossos, a major center for the Minoan civilization and the home of the Minotaur -Greek Mythology fans this one's for you!

Visit Phaistos

The second most famous archaeological site in Crete, for the remains of a Minoan palace.

Visit Palaikastro

The village where the mother of the bride is from, we could not exclude it from this list! Palaikastro is a picturesque village on the opposite side of the island of Crete, close to Sitia, with a population of ~1,227. The area includes much quieter and less known beaches, like Chiona, Kouremenos, Ermoupoli, and Vai.

Visit Vai Beach & Palm Forrest

Vai is the largest palm forest in Europe, covering an area of approximately 250,000 square meters and more than 5000 palm trees.

Moni Toplou Winery And Wine Tasting Room

Doesn't get more picturesque than that, try the wine and thank us later!