THE BEST OF CRETE
The most stunning shores
ZORBAS BEACH: Situated on the northern tip of the Akrotiri Peninsula, Zorba’s Beach is famed as the filming location for the iconic sirtaki dance scene in Zorba the Greek. The beach is peaceful, sandy, and simply stunning, with a selection of cafes and taverns nearby.
Distance from our hotel: 45 minutes on foot / 10 minutes by car.
MARATHI: A serene and peaceful beach tucked within Souda Bay, offering breathtaking views of the White Mountains. There are nearby bars, seafood restaurants, and water sports to enjoy.
Distance from our hotel: 25 minutes by car.
LOUTRAKI BAY: A lovely bay with calm waters, perfect for families and guests who prefer a laid-back beach bar atmosphere.
Distance from our hotel: 25 minutes by car.
SEITAN LIMANIA: A picture-perfect beach on the northwestern coast of Crete, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and rugged landscape. The steep, rocky path leading down to the beach takes around 15 minutes, but the stunning scenery makes it worth the effort. A boat cruise is recommended!
Distance from our hotel: 30 minutes by car.
ELAFONISSI: Famous for its shallow, turquoise waters and unique pink sand, Elafonissi is one of the most iconic beaches in Chania. Though it's not the easiest to reach, the views are unforgettable. The beach’s name is derived from “lafira,” meaning treasures that pirates once stole from passing ships.
Distance from our hotel: Approximately 1 hour by car.
FALASSARNA: Located in the western part of Chania, Falassarna offers a long, beautiful coastline with incredibly clear waters that feel like swimming in a natural pool. Locals and travelers alike flock to its pristine shores. Top beach bars include Liokalyvo and Playa Paraiso, with additional water activities available at Falassarna Water Activities.
Distance from our hotel: 1 hour by car.
GRAMVOUSA & BALOS: Balos Beach is famous for its white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters, with the rocky island of Gramvoussa and its Venetian castle visible from the shore. Balos is accessible by a 10 km track road from Kaliviani, requiring a 4-wheel-drive vehicle.
Distance from our hotel: Approximately 1 hour by car.
The best of dining
ALMYRIKI: A seafood and fish tavern located right on Stavros beach, offering a child-friendly, relaxed atmosphere with high-quality dishes.
Distance from our hotel: 10 minutes by car.
ALIBERTOS: A unique fusion of Cretan and Mediterranean cuisines in the Kounoupidiana area, just 20 minutes from our hotel.
Distance from our hotel: 20 minutes by car.
PATRELANTONIS: Situated by the beach of Marathi, this restaurant features a Mediterranean menu with delicious seafood salads and pasta.
Distance from our hotel: 25 minutes by car.
LOUKOULOS: A family-run Greek beach restaurant with great food and service, serving traditional Greek and Cretan dishes at its best.
Distance from our hotel: Approximately 25 minutes by car.
PALLAS-THEALASSA: Located in a historic building in the heart of the Old Port, this all-day café, bar, and restaurant offers a variety of international dishes, sushi, fresh seafood, and high-quality meats.
Distance from our hotel: 20 minutes by car.
PALAZZO AL MARE: Mediterranean cuisine with a modern twist, featuring seafood, fish, and meat dishes, located right across from the lighthouse.
Distance from our hotel: 20 minutes by car.
CANALE RESTAURANT: This all-day bar and restaurant is perfect for those who want to combine great dining with a fun atmosphere, offering elevated Cretan recipes.
Distance from our hotel: 15 minutes by car.
ALMY VITA: A newly opened restaurant that aims to elevate the fine dining experience in Chania, with a menu crafted by the famous local chef, Ektoras Botrini.
Distance from our hotel: 20 minutes by car.
MIHALIS TAVERNA: A famous fish taverna offering a wide variety of expertly prepared seafood and fish dishes.
Distance from our hotel: 25 minutes by car.
PERIPLOUS: A perfect spot for a relaxing and romantic dinner in the picturesque Tabakaria neighborhood, offering a Mediterranean menu that is light, delicate, and delicious.
Distance from our hotel: 25 minutes by car.
MAIAMI: A stylish brasserie decorated with handmade pottery by Alexandra Manousakis, offering great vibes and a unique setting at the corner of the Old Port in Koum Kapi.
Distance from our hotel: 20 minutes by car.
OASIS: Known for serving the oldest and most flavorful souvlaki in town, this small but charming eatery uses only the finest ingredients.
Distance from our hotel: 10 minutes by car.
IORDANIS BOUGATSA: Famous for its unbeatable secret recipe of crunchy cheese pie topped with sugar, a Chania classic since 1924.
Distance from our hotel: 10 minutes by car.
TARTUFO FORNERIA ITALIANA: Offering original, handcrafted pizzas baked in a traditional Italian oven for that perfect crispy crust.
Distance from our hotel: 20 minutes by car.
TA HALKINA: Another fantastic spot for authentic handcrafted pizzas, baked to perfection in a special Italian oven.
Distance from our hotel: 20 minutes by car.
Unique Sightseeing
THE VENETIAN LIGHTHOUSE OF CHANIA: Located at the end of the pier, at the entrance to the harbor, this iconic Venetian lighthouse is considered the symbol of Chania. While you can walk along the Venetian walls, entry to the lighthouse itself is not permitted.
Distance from our hotel: 40 minutes by car.
THE MARITIME MUSEUM OF CRETE: Housed within the Venetian Firka fortress at the entrance of the Old Harbor, this museum offers a fascinating look into Crete’s maritime history. The location is historically significant, as it was here that the Greek flag was raised on December 1st, 1913, marking the union of Crete with Greece.
Distance from our hotel: 40 minutes by car.
THE ARCHEOLOGICAL MUSEUM OF CHANIA: Situated in Chania’s Old Town, this museum is one of the island’s cultural gems, offering visitors a deep dive into Crete’s rich archaeological history.
Distance from our hotel: 40 minutes by car.
THE TOMBS OF VENIZELOS: Perched atop a hill with panoramic views of Chania, the tombs of Eleftherios Venizelos, a key political figure and former Prime Minister, and his son Sophocles Venizelos, are located here.
Distance from our hotel: 20 minutes by car.
BOTANICAL PARK & GARDENS OF CRETE: Nestled in the White Mountains of Crete (Omalos), this park is home to a variety of Mediterranean trees, vineyards, and aromatic herbs, offering a stunning natural escape.
Distance from our hotel: About 1 hour by car.
AGIA LAKE: A paradise for birdwatching enthusiasts, Agia Lake is home to over 200 species of migratory and native birds, as well as dragonflies. Despite being artificial, the lake is part of the Natura 2000 network for its rich biodiversity.
Distance from our hotel: 45 minutes by car.
VAMOS: A charming, untouched Cretan village with stone houses and cobbled streets, Vamos offers an authentic glimpse into rural life. The surrounding area, with its wild landscapes and nearby monasteries, is a true Cretan gem.
Distance from our hotel: About 1 hour by car.
LAKE KOURNAS: A serene and protected area under the Natura 2000 Network, Lake Kournas is perfect for a peaceful walk around its turquoise waters.
Distance from our hotel: 1 hour by car.
ARGYROUPOLIS WATERFALLS: Gushing from the chapel of Agia Dynami, these small waterfalls are surrounded by lush greenery. The area is also home to several taverns serving traditional Cretan dishes.
Distance from our hotel: About 1 hour by car.
SAMARIA GORGE: Renowned for its breathtaking beauty, Samaria Gorge is the longest gorge in Europe, stretching 16 km. It’s carved by a river running through the majestic White Mountains, ending at the shores of the Libyan Sea.
Distance from our hotel: 1.5 hours by car.
THE NEW ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM OF CHANIA: Located in Halepa, this museum is a significant cultural landmark, showcasing an impressive collection of archaeological treasures.
Distance from our hotel: 40 minutes by car.
HALEPA: Once a hub for diplomacy and the home of Chania’s high society, Halepa is famous for its opulent mansions and lush gardens. It was the residence of Eleftherios Venizelos, whose former house has been turned into a museum.
Distance from our hotel: 40 minutes by car.
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