When I was doing research on where to go on the island of Crete, there wasn’t too much information out there and what I did find was very sparse and not informative. This was the first trip my boyfriend and I went on and you know as the saying goes: traveling with your significant other is always a test of a relationship. Of course I wanted it to be perfect (spoiler alert: it wasn’t, but because of too packed an itinerary, not fighting so yay). It was with sense of trepidation that we set off from the village of Panormo, where we were staying, to explore Chania.
Note: Some posts on this site contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). I would not recommend something if I did not enjoy it. You can read my full disclosure policy here.
I’m so glad we decided to make our way to this town, despite not really knowing what we were getting ourselves into. I was so completely blown away by its stunning beauty. Chania (sometimes spelled Hania) is famous for its old town and Venetian harbour, both of which did not disappoint.
Hello gorgeous!
The harbour was built during the Venetian period between 1320 and 1356. Facing out from the harbour is the imposing lighthouse and breakwater. There is a Turkish mosque located on one side of the harbour and on the other side is the Firkas Fortress. The fourth side of the harbour is lined with tourist shops and restaurants, while rather generic, provided a fantastic view for lunch.
The famous lighthouse and breakwater. Fishing anyone?
As we walked to the old city, we somehow picked up a stray dog. He started following us around. It was rather unnerving. This was just the start of the trip so I wasn’t as accustomed to all the stray animals in Greece – especially all the cats! Through our trip and especially on the island, cats were everywhere. Often they would come up to you at a restaurant and beg you for food. At first I was rather wary and uncomfortable with their presence, but eventually I got accustomed to it and just ignored them.
Seriously?? Are you kidding me?!
Our first order of business was to find something to eat. With plenty of restaurants to choose from along the harbour front (probably most of which were tourist trap type places), we picked one that had a friendly waiter who didn’t push us and plenty of people seated out front. The view as we dined was fabulous. I stupidly ordered lamb – I’m on an island, I should have ordered fish – but it was still melt in your mouth delicious. We were offered complementary raki (a strong spirit), drinks (didn’t taste that great) and a small dessert (yum!). I was amazed at the hospitality of the waiter and restaurant in general. Meanwhile, I couldn’t take my eyes off the beautiful harbour in front of us.
I wish I had this view for every meal.
The waves and water were so violent and would regularly come up above the path that goes around the harbour. Some of the restaurants and bars that lined the harbour on the western side were flooding, with the water levels following the ebb and flow of the waves.
Don’t sit on that bench. You’re just asking to get soaked.
The waves were massive against what would be the equivalent of the Vancouver seawall. With no other islands to break up the waves, they crashed heavily into the concrete. There were some rocks and boulders stretching out about 10 meters to break up the water, but they didn’t do much to deter the big waves. The kids running around were having a blast chasing the waves and getting soaked.
I love that kid on the left. He was so excited!
While wandering the street that was right along the water, we had to be careful of oncoming waves. It was inevitable though and only a matter of time before we got completely drenched. With the warm sun and air, we were dry in no time.
The old town itself was a tangled web of narrow streets and passage ways, some overfilling with tourists and locals, others were completely void of a single soul.
Where is everyone?
Scrambling up and down the pathways of the city, I was reminded of Italy and in many ways, these streets did look and feel like we were lost in a Tuscan village. I especially loved the various balconies on all the buildings.
The day was hot, almost stifling at times. Going to Greece in the middle of summer is a BAD idea, especially if you’re like me and hate the heat. The streets of Chania were perfectly lined up with the wind coming off the ocean and the refreshing breeze was wonderful.
We wandered the city with no destination in mind, just exploring on foot. It’s a good thing we weren’t looking for anything in particular. Greek is just impossible! And I thought Hungarian was hard enough, but at least that uses the same alphabet. For the most part, street signs had Roman letters on it, like the sign in the below picture, but it was rather confusing to look and not be able to read anything.
Of all the places I visited in Greece, Chania was my favourite of them all which is why I had to share about it first. The winding streets of the old city and the gorgeous Venetian harbour charmed its ways into my heart. If I were to go back, this would be at the top of my list. I wish we had decided to stay in this town. I didn’t want to leave it! If you ever get a chance to go to a Greek Island, I’d definitely recommend you go to Crete and visit this gorgeous city.
Has a town unexpectedly and completely blown you away? Tell me about it!
If you’re new to Pack Me To, welcome! Stay on top of my adventures on Facebook and follow me on Twitter & Instagram.
The harbor area of Chania looks indeed like Venice. I’ve never been in Greece, but it’s on my list. Very informative post.
I haven’t been to Venice, but if it looks similar, then I need to get myself there asap. Thanks for reading Anda.
It’s been a long time since I went to Chania, it is beautiful though. You are right. Best not to visit in the middle of the summer, too too hot! 😀
Never again! Much too hot.
What a great find! Such a picturesque little town. I’ve been wanting to try out Crete for a while and this just confirms the options available there. And never regret ordering lamb in Greece – they know how to cook it better than most 🙂
I adore Greek lamb. Something about the way they make it – so good. This one was just average though, while my boyfriend’s fish was spectacular. Crete was overall a very pleasant surprise. I really enjoyed my time on the island and would definitely go back.
I really want to get to Crete. It just takes quite an effort…I love your narrative about it…and the cats.
Funnily enough, Crete was one of the few places where there were direct flights from Budapest to Greece. Made it easy to choose. Crete otherwise wasn’t really on my radar. I was really surprised by my time there though and would happily go back.
Gorgious!! I visited Crete when I was a teenager, so I’ve overlooked it so far to go back. But I guess I just have to sometime!
(Found you through #SundayTraveler)
Hopefully you get a chance to go back. The island is so beautiful!
it looks wonderful – those cool afternoon breezes must have been refreshing!
They were amazing! We sat in a park for awhile reading, and it was so comfortable having the ocean air on our faces.
Adelina, looks awesome! Peaceful looking and it also seems like a nice slow pace of living.
Thanks Ryan. It did look very comfortable. I would love to spend more time just wandering there.
…If there was ever a town that took me by surprise, it would be Llanes, a fishing port in the Costa Verde of Asturias (Spain)…It’s nestled in between the Cantabric Sea and the Picos de Europa mountain range, and it’s perhaps the most beautiful little town I’ve ever seen in Spain: The beaches are white, the sea is a beautiful dark blue, and the buildings and boats along the harbor are very colorful, :-)–If you need to see pics click here (http://thepumpkinshead.wordpress.com/2013/03/15/el-norte-dia-2-llanes-comillas-and-santander/)!!…
Thanks for sharing Betty! Hopefully one day I’ll make it to Spain and get to hang out along the waters.
This looks like a lovely spot, thanks for sharing it! Crete is a big enough island that I imagine it would have sheep and goats on it so even if the lamb came from NZ you could always imagine it was local!! Greek lamb is so delicious; I agre with Dave that you should never regret ordering it!
I love Greek lamb. The way they make it is just so delicious. I ordered it cause I loved it that much, but it was just okay. My boyfriend got a fish dish that was fantastic.
What a pretty place!! I love that picture of the narrow little street… I love towns like that! I can’t wait to read more of your Greece posts! Greece is a country I REALLY want to visit someday!
Thanks Anna! The narrow streets were so much fun to explore. You never know whats going to pop up around the corner.
I remember visiting Chania during our honeymoon and loving it. I should have devoted a lot more time to Crete, it’s such a beautiful place full of all sorts of sights, from culture to nature. I can’t believe how rough the sea was in your pics, but I’m sure a little splash would be welcome on a hot summer’s day!
The water was SO welcomed! It really was unbearably hot. I wish I had spent more time on Crete. There is a lot to discover on the island. I’d be back for sure.
What a beautiful place! I could sit there and eat lamb and fish all day with that view.
I’m wishing I’m doing that right now.
I just live the blue colours and the buildings! Looks so beautiful, warm and sunny! Bron
Sorry I mean “love” x
Agreed! It’s so gorgeous. Perfect juxtaposition.
Beautiful photos and sounds like you had a lovely time. I would likely spend half of my time trying to pet all of the stray cats, haha!
Thanks Lauren! I’d be too scared of getting scratched I think. They’re definitely cute though.
I’m looking forward to visiting Greece in October. I’ll definitely have to make time to go to Crete. I love all the narrow streets with little shops. It’s amazing how high the water level is. Thanks for sharing..
Ooh! I think Greece in October will be the perfect time to visit. Enjoy! I hope you get to go to Crete and visit Chania.
Your pictures are so wonderful I couldn’t help but sigh. Although we haven’t been to Crete, this reminded me so much of parts of Italy and Greece – I’ve got some major travel lust right now. I also had a good chuckle at your comments about the cats – they are literally everywhere in this part of the world 🙂
I really didn’t expect to see so many cats! It was so hard not to give them food when they come up to you to beg for some. I had a kitty once so I was pretty comfortable with them. Dogs, not so much.
Beautiful photos, a magnificent harbor and charming streets 🙂
Thanks Rachel! It’s such an adorable little village.
What a beautiful place! I love the thought of exploring all those narrow windy streets.
Thanks Rachel. Chania indeed is gorgeous and aren’t those windy streets cute?
Gorgeous little village! It’s not what I expected from Crete. I’d have assumed it’d be more of the whitewashed village look, not like something from Italy. That lunch view is indeed fantastic, and I think my kids would definitely be positioning themselves to get drenched by a wave. I’ve never specifically thought about heading to Crete, but your photos and tales of Chania have made an impression.
I had thought I’d see a lot of whitewashed villages too, but nope. Crete was really different from most imagines I had of the Greek islands. Your kids would love chasing those waves I think. I probably would have joined in too if there were less rocks around.
Looks like a beautiful place and lovely photos! Yes, the summer heat would definitely damper my enthusiasm so visiting at a cooler time would definitely be best.
Yup. I don’t know whose bright idea it was to go in the middle of summer, but never again. Lesson learned.
What a scenic town and it does look like it’s an Italian village. Your lunchtime view was gorgeous and I love those little alley ways you discovered. Chania looks like a hidden gem. Beautiful photos!
Chania is definitely little known. I would love to just hang out in the village for a couple weeks and relax. The perfect place to do it.
Looks like a lovely town. Love that waterfront promenade with all the restaurants. And you sure haven’t made mistake ordering that lamb.
The view alone was worth that meal. The promenade was gorgeous.
Even if the whole trip didn’t go perfectly, this still looks absolutely gorgeous 🙂
This brings back so many happy memories! My husband and I went to Greece on our honeymoon and spent five nights in Chania. It’s one of my favorite places I’ve ever been! We wandered the narrow lanes by day, had sunset cocktails atop the old fort and ate at one of the many incredible restaurants every night. Our favorite one was inside an old Turkish bath. Now I want to go back!!!
Oh wow! What a beautiful place to go for your honeymoon! I wish I had more time there just to wander and enjoy life there 🙂
Wow!! That place looks amazing, I would love to visit. Even for the soaking, huh?!
I’m new here to the #sundayTraveler. I love the city it looks awesome!