Turquoise lagoons, pink-sand beaches, the legendary Samaria Gorge and a Venetian harbour that glows at sunset — western Crete at its most beautiful.
Chania is the western region of Crete — a land of dramatic coastlines, high mountains and some of the most famous beaches in the Mediterranean. Its capital, Chania town, is a maze of Venetian alleys, colourful houses and seafront tavernas around an old harbour and lighthouse.
Spend a day sailing to Balos lagoon, hike down the Samaria Gorge, swim at Falasarna at sunset or join a local family for a Cretan cooking class in a mountain village. Local hosts on Beautiful Crete are ready to show you how.
The places everyone talks about — and the local hosts who can take you there.
A turquoise lagoon and a Venetian fortress on a wild island — best reached by boat from Kissamos.
Shallow, crystal-clear water and famous pink-tinted sand on a protected nature reserve.
A full-day hike through towering walls down to the Libyan Sea at Agia Roumeli. Usually open May–October.
Venetian alleys, the lighthouse, the Firkas fortress and the busy waterfront — magical in the evening.
A long sandy beach with deep blue water, famous for some of the best sunsets in Crete.
Car-free Loutro, coastal paths and boat rides between small villages along the south coast.
Chania is one of the oldest continuously inhabited towns in Europe — every era left something behind in its streets.
Hotels, villas and guesthouses in Chania, run by local hosts.
Boat trips, gorge hikes and day excursions across western Crete.
Diving, cooking, fishing and more — straight from the people who run them.
May to October for beaches and boat trips. Spring and autumn are perfect for hiking — Samaria Gorge usually opens from May.
Chania International Airport is on the Akrotiri peninsula, close to town. Ferries from Piraeus arrive at the port of Souda.
A car gives you the most freedom; local buses connect Chania town with Kissamos, Paleochora and the gorge. Boats to Balos leave from Kissamos.
Message any host directly from their listing — ask about dates, prices or what's best for your group. No account needed, no booking fees.
