Top 4 Itineraries in Chania

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Chania.

If you only have a few days, Chania weekend getaways are the perfect option. A 3 to 5-day stay in Chania offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in Chania are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Chania’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Chania offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover Greece's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

For sun seekers, beach vacations in Chania offer the perfect escape. Whether 5, 7 or 10 days, spend them unwinding on sandy shores, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and soaking up the coastal beauty.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Chania truly unforgettable!

If you’re as convinced as we are that Chania belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Chania are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in Chania and start planning your next trip!

Discover the perfect Chania itinerary with our handpicked list. Whether you're in Chania for a short stay or a longer visit, there's an itinerary for you.

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these 4 itineraries will help you experience the best of Chania without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Chania!

A scenic 12-day road trip through Irakleio, Rethymno, Chania, Krasi, and Psychro is one of the best ways to experience Greece. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 12-day itinerary means that Chania can easily be combined with other top destinations in Greece without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Irakleio, Rethymno, Chania, Krasi, and Psychro by public transport, renting a car in Greece opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 12 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Heraklion

• Arrival city: Irakleio
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Heraklion, e.g., GDM Megaron Luxury Hotel
• Sightseeing: Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Heraklion. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Irakleio and Kallithea

• Destinations: Irakleio and Kallithea
• Driving distance: 15.93 km, approx. 1 hour and 15 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Heraklion, e.g., GDM Megaron Luxury Hotel
• Sightseeing: Rocca a Mare Fortress, Natural History Museum of Crete, Holy Cathedral Temple of Saint Titus, Knossos Palace, and Morosini Fountain
• Recommended tour: Private Day Tour Knossos-Lassithi Plateau

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Rocca a Mare Fortress, Natural History Museum of Crete, Holy Cathedral Temple of Saint Titus, Knossos Palace, and Morosini Fountain. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Irakleio and Kallithea, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest.

Day 3: Discover Rethymno

• Destinations: Rethymno
• Driving distance: 86.31 km, approx. 1 hour and 37 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Rethymno, e.g., Nautilux Rethymno by Mage Hotels
• Sightseeing: Rethymnon Municipal Garden, Neratze Mosque, Guora gate, Rimondi Fountain, and Venetian Fortezza Castle

Spend the day exploring Rethymnon Municipal Garden, Neratze Mosque, Guora gate, Rimondi Fountain, and Venetian Fortezza Castle. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace. End the day by checking into a new hotel, conveniently located in central Rethymno.

Day 4: Experience Chania

• Destinations: Chania
• Driving distance: 62.12 km, approx. 1 hour and 31 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Chania, e.g., Hyperion City Hotel
• Sightseeing: Presentation of the Virgin Mary Metropolitan Church, Old Chania Market, Greek National Football Team Museum, Trimartiri, Chania's Cathedral Church, and Kastélli
• Recommended tour: Chania: Elafonisi & Falasarna Private Tour w/olive oil tasting

Continue your journey through Chania, where you can explore Presentation of the Virgin Mary Metropolitan Church, Old Chania Market, Greek National Football Team Museum, Trimartiri, Chania's Cathedral Church, and Kastélli. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot. Wrap up the day by checking in at a hotel in the heart of Chania.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Dimos Kissamoy

• Destinations: Dimos Kissamoy
• Driving distance: 148.48 km, approx. 3 hours and 20 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Chania, e.g., Hyperion City Hotel
• Sightseeing: Topolia Gorge, Elafonisi, and Cave of Agia Sofia
• Recommended tour: Minoans World 3D Museum & 9D Cinema

Drive through Dimos Kissamoy, stopping to visit Topolia Gorge, Elafonisi, and Cave of Agia Sofia. Don't forget to embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems along the way.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of Chania

• Destinations: Chania
• Driving distance: 7.18 km, approx. 30 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Chania, e.g., Hyperion City Hotel
• Sightseeing: Eleftherios Venizelos House, Lighthouse of Chania, and Tampakaria
• Recommended tour: The 7 Villages of Apokoronas Tour – Explore East Chania Mainland

Spend time discovering Eleftherios Venizelos House, Lighthouse of Chania, and Tampakaria, with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture.

Day 7: Spend Time in Agios Nikolaos

• Destinations: Agios Nikolaos
• Driving distance: 203.9 km, approx. 3 hours and 9 minutes
• Accommodation: 2-star hotel in Agios Nikolaos, e.g., Hotel Port 7
• Sightseeing: Fisherman’s Crypt, The Abduction of Europe, and Cretan Olive Oil Farm
• Recommended tour: Cave Of Zeus

Explore Fisherman’s Crypt, The Abduction of Europe, and Cretan Olive Oil Farm at a relaxed pace. Make spontaneous stops for sightseeing, photography, or lunch at a family-run restaurant. Finish the day by checking into another comfortable hotel in the center of Agios Nikolaos.

Day 8: Explore Plaka

• Destinations: Plaka
• Driving distance: 31.32 km, approx. 53 minutes
• Accommodation: 2-star hotel in Agios Nikolaos, e.g., Hotel Port 7
• Sightseeing: Plaka Beach, Spinalonga, and Spinalonga fortress
• Recommended tour: Private Full-Day Knossos-Lasithi Plateau-Cave of Zeus from Elouda

Continue your road trip through Plaka, enjoying the flexibility to explore Plaka Beach, Spinalonga, and Spinalonga fortress and nearby points of interest.

Day 9: Wander Through Pacheia Ammos and Ierapetra

• Destinations: Pacheia Ammos and Ierapetra
• Driving distance: 57.3 km, approx. 1 hour and 18 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Ierapetra, e.g., Enorme Santanna Beach
• Sightseeing: Archaeological Collection Of Ierapetra, Monumental Ancient Olive Tree Azoria, and Archaeological Site of Gournia

Visit Archaeological Collection Of Ierapetra, Monumental Ancient Olive Tree Azoria, and Archaeological Site of Gournia as you navigate scenic routes. Take time to enjoy local markets, trails, or viewpoints that catch your eye. At the end of the day, check-in at a comfortable hotel in central Ierapetra.

Day 10: Uncover Itanoy, Toploy, and Dimos Siteias

• Destinations: Itanoy, Toploy, and Dimos Siteias
• Driving distance: 169.62 km, approx. 3 hours and 21 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Ierapetra, e.g., Enorme Santanna Beach
• Sightseeing: Ancient City Itanos, Toplou Monastery, and Vai Beach

Continue your exploration of Ancient City Itanos, Toplou Monastery, and Vai Beach, taking your time to enjoy scenic drives or leisurely strolls that add to the adventure.

Day 11: Journey Through Krasi and Psychro

• Destinations: Krasi and Psychro
• Driving distance: 150.46 km, approx. 3 hours and 11 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Heraklion, e.g., GDM Megaron Luxury Hotel
• Sightseeing: Monumental Platanos, Cave of Diktaion Andron, Cave Of ZEUS, Panagia Kera Kardiotissa Monastery, and Mnimeiakos Platanos
• Recommended tour: Mythical Escape: Zeus Cave & Knossos Palace with Lassithi Plateau from Heraklion

Take in the highlights of Monumental Platanos, Cave of Diktaion Andron, Cave Of ZEUS, Panagia Kera Kardiotissa Monastery, and Mnimeiakos Platanos, with plenty of opportunities to pause for a break in charming villages or serene natural settings. Conclude your day with a stay at a different hotel in the heart of Heraklion.

Day 12: Bid Farewell to Heraklion

• Departure city: Ηράκλειο
• Driving distance: 1.21 km, approx. 15 minutes
• Sightseeing: Church of Agios Minas

Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Heraklion. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along this route is around 858 EUR, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Chania.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Chania for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

Enjoy a 5-day city break in Chania with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

With a long list of top-rated attractions in Chania and Chania's widest selection of tours and activities at your fingertips, it's easy to plan a travel itinerary filled with unforgettable moments and discoveries.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 5-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of Chania without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in Chania

Arrive in Chania and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town, discovering highlights like Old Chania Market.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. To Maridaki is a top-rated recommendation. Say 'cheers' and set the tone for an amazing vacation ahead!

Day 2: Discover Chania's Most Iconic Attractions

Enjoy your first full day in Chania by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic Agios Nikolaos Redan, Lighthouse of Chania, Firka Venetian Fortress | Enetiko froyrio Firka, Old Venetian Port of Chania, and Chania palio limani.

One of the best ways to quickly learn how to navigate the city is to join one of the many great city sightseeing tours in Chania. Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of Chania in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 4: Explore the Local Flavors of Chania

Start the day with breakfast at a local cafe before you head out to explore. Eleftherios Venizelos House, Tampakaria, and Plateia Eleutherias are attractions you could discover today.

Afterward, enjoy lunch or visit a local market. Spend the afternoon shopping for unique souvenirs to memorialize your city break in Chania.

For a fun and interesting evening, check out the food and drink tours in Chania. Take the opportunity to sample local specialties and learn more about the food culture of Greece!

Day 5: Savor Your Final Moments in Chania

Spend your last few hours in Chania soaking up the charm of the city at your own pace. Stroll through favorite spots or revisit local markets before bidding farewell to the city.

We recommend booking your transfers from Chania in advance.

For more inspiration, explore the complete selection of city breaks in Chania, all including pre-planned itineraries you can customize to suit your style. Start with a ready-to-go Chania travel plan and make it your own by selecting tours, accommodations, and more.

A 12-day beach vacation in Chania offers the perfect mix of sun, sand, and relaxation.

Highlights of the best beach vacation itinerary in Chania:

• Beaches: Spend your days at Iguana Beach, Golden Beach, and Nea Chora Beach.
• Accommodation: Enjoy a relaxing stay close to the beach at places like Hyperion City Hotel for easy access to nearby dining and activities.
• Beach activities: Dive into beachside fun with options like surfing and kiting or windsurfing, and more.
• Dining experiences: Savor the flavors of the coast at Alexandros / O Assotos Yios, To Maridaki, and OVELISTiRIO O MiTSOS, and other nearby dining spots.
• Nightlife: Enjoy live music and late-night entertainment at bars like Enigma Stoupa, Home Seaside | Cocktail Bar, and Diamond Beach Club Moudania, and more.
• Cultural experiences: Explore Old Venetian Port of Chania, Old Chania Market, Holy Trinity (Agia Triada) Tzagaroli Monastery, Lighthouse of Chania, Gouverneto Monastery, Eleftherios Venizelos House, Ancient Theater of Aptera, and Greek National Football Team Museum, local markets, and souvenir shops.

With a well-planned 12-day beach vacation itinerary in Chania, you can fully unwind, knowing your time is optimized for some of the best local beaches and daily activities.

Day 1: Begin Your Beach Escape in Chania

Arrive in Chania, settle into your hotel, and take in the sea breeze as you prepare for 12 days of relaxation and adventure. Enjoy a refreshing swim at Iguana Beach or explore the attractions near your accommodation as you settle in Chania.

Day 2: Relax at a Top Local Beach

Enjoy a day under the sun at Golden Beach, a top beach in Chania. As evening approaches, head to one of the best restaurants in the area to taste the freshest local dishes.

Day 4: Ride the Waves with Thrilling Water Sports

Enjoy a fun-filled day of water sports at Agii Apostoli. Alternatively, try out popular activities in Chania to add some adventure to your day. End the evening with a meal at a local restaurant and soak up the unique atmosphere.

Day 5: Relax at a Local Beach

Start your day by lounging by the crystal-clear waters of Koum Kapi Beach, one of the best beaches in Chania. Add a cultural twist to your beach trip in the afternoon by choosing from a wide selection of cultural tours in Chania.

Day 6: Explore the Local Scene

Spend a sun-filled day at SunSet Beach. In the afternoon, explore the local scene by visiting Old Chania Market, Greek National Football Team Museum, and Plateia Eleutherias. As the day winds down, enjoy a meal and a refreshing drink while admiring the beautiful views.

Day 7: Unwind by the Beach

Relax and rejuvenate with a beach day at Iguana Beach. Bring a book, lounge under an umbrella, and enjoy the day at Sabbionara Bastion, Lighthouse of Chania, and Firka Venetian Fortress | Enetiko froyrio Firka, with a refreshing drink in hand. As evening falls, enjoy a beachside dinner.

Day 8: Discover Local Culture and Sunset Views

Soak up the sun at Golden Beach. In the afternoon, dive into the local culture with visits to Koumos, Ancient Theater of Aptera, and Kalives beach. As the sun sets, have a picnic on the beach and create some amazing memories.

Day 9: Savor Local Flavors

Enjoy a relaxing day at Nea Chora Beach. If you want to take your day to the next level and indulge in the local foods and drinks, by joining one of the available popular food and drink experiences in Chania.

Day 10: Embrace Beach Serenity

Spend the day enjoying the inviting waters of Agii Apostoli. Enjoy the beach’s peaceful vibe and go out for a refreshing swim or a visit to Eleftherios Venizelos House and Tampakaria for a bit of activity. Cap off the evening with a sunset dinner on the shore or a trip to a local bar.

Day 11: Engage in Water Adventures

Spend an exciting day at Koum Kapi Beach, where water sports await to fill your day with fun. Dive into an adventure by exploring nearby attractions making the most of your beach experience.

Day 12: Say Farewell to Chania

Wrap up your trip with a leisurely morning exploring any missed highlights in Chania. Pick up last-minute souvenirs, grab a coffee at a beachfront café, and savor one last view of the sea before you say goodbye. Then, choose from many convenient transfers in Chania to make your departure easier.

For more beach vacation ideas, explore all beach vacations in Chania. Whether you're seeking a brief escape or an extended stay by the sea, these trips offer pre-planned, customizable itineraries, making it simple to enjoy the best of Chania's coastline.

A 3-day weekend getaway in Chania offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life.

However, with a well-planned Chania itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the city in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.

With 3 days to spend, this is the perfect Chania weekend itinerary for your trip:

Day 1 - Arrive in Chania

Arrive in Chania around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.

• Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
• Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, for example, visiting Old Chania Market, and soak in the surroundings.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.

Day 2 - Discover Chania’s Famous Sights

Maximize your first full day in Chania with sightseeing, food, and drinks.

• Morning: Visit Eleftherios Venizelos House early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
• Afternoon: Continue to Firka Venetian Fortress | Enetiko froyrio Firka, stopping by Lighthouse of Chania for a break and some photos.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.
• Tip: Use part of the morning to join one of the many city sightseeing tours in Chania and get a guided journey through the top attractions in the city.

Day 3 - Depart from Chania

Make the most of your last few hours in Chania before your departure.

• Morning: Grab a light breakfast at a local bakery or café and take a final stroll nearby.
• Afternoon: If you have time, do some last-minute sightseeing.

For more ideas, explore our complete selection of weekend trips to Chania. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable Chania itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

As you explore Chania, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Chania for you.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Chania in a way that feels truly unforgettable!