Where to stay in Chania: Old Town, Halepa, Akrotiri and beaches

Chania is one of the few Greek destinations where the choice of accommodation fundamentally changes the character of your holiday. An overnight stay in a Venetian mansion within the alleys of the Old Town is nothing like a resort in Apokoronas or an apartment in Nea Chora, next to the fish tavernas. So, where to stay in Chania depends on one thing: whether you want the city, the sea, or both.

In this guide, we analyse each area, what you gain and what you lose in each, and suggest fourteen accommodations that we checked one by one to ensure they are operating and located where they claim.

Chania at a glance: what you need to know before booking

Chania is the second largest city in Crete, with approximately 55,000 inhabitants in the municipality and nearly 110,000 in the wider area. Built on ancient Cydonia, it passed through the hands of the Venetians (1252-1645) and the Ottomans, and the result is Greece's best-preserved Venetian city: 16th-century walls, arsenals, narrow streets with light-coloured plaster, and the lighthouse at the harbour entrance, one of the oldest surviving lighthouses in the Mediterranean.

The city operates in zones. The Old Town is enclosed by the Venetian walls and divided into districts with distinct character: Topanas, Splantzia, Jewish Quarter. Outside the walls, the new city spreads out with its market, the Municipal Market of 1913, and commercial streets. To the west lies Nea Chora, an old fishing neighbourhood with a city beach, and to the east Halepa, the aristocratic district of neoclassical buildings and old consulates.

“Ioannis Daskalogiannis” Airport is located in Akrotiri, 14 km from the centre, a 20-minute drive. Souda port, where ferries from Piraeus arrive, is 7 km away. Rethymno is 60 km east and Heraklion 140 km, approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes via the northern road axis.

The beaches are the second reason to visit. Within the city, there are Nea Chora and Koum Kapi, while to the west begins a series of sandy shores: Agia Marina, Platanias, Maleme, Kolymbari. Further afield are the famous landscapes of the region — Elafonisi at 75 km, Balos and Falasarna at 55-60 km, Seitan Limania in Akrotiri just 20 km. The Samaria Gorge, with an entrance in Omalos at 42 km, requires a full day and a return by boat from Agia Roumeli.

Gastronomically, western Crete has its own customs: Chania boureki with pumpkin and mizithra cheese, kalitsounia, chochlioi boubouristoi (snails), apaki (smoked pork), Chania graviera PDO, and raki after the meal. The Municipal Market and the shops around Splantzia are the best spots to sample local products without tourist prices.

A practical detail that directly affects accommodation: the Old Town is almost entirely pedestrianised, with limited vehicle access. If you arrive by car, you will have to leave it in a car park outside the walls and carry your luggage over cobblestones. Many accommodations there offer partnerships with private car parks for 8-12€ per day.

Which area of Chania suits you

Old Town and Venetian Harbour: for first-timers

If you're coming for two or three nights and want to walk everywhere, stay within the walls. You'll have the harbour, restaurants, museums, and nightlife within a ten-minute radius. The downsides are parking and noise: choose a room in Topanas or the Jewish Quarter rather than a first-floor room above a bar on the waterfront.

Halepa: quiet elegance ten minutes from the centre

Halepa is the choice for those who want atmosphere without crowds. Neoclassical buildings, trees, Eleftherios Venizelos' house, and views of the bay. It is about 2 km from the Venetian Harbour, a 20-minute walk or five minutes by taxi.

Nea Chora: beach within the city

West of the Old Town, Nea Chora offers the best combination: an organised sandy beach with sun loungers, fish tavernas on the coast, and a ten-minute walk to the harbour. Ideal for families who want to swim without a car.

Akrotiri and Seitan Limania: for couples with a car

On the Akrotiri peninsula are the most luxurious resorts in the area, the historic monasteries of Agia Triada and Gouverneto, and the impressive Seitan Limania. It is also the most convenient zone if you have an early morning flight.

Platanias and Apokoronas: for classic seaside holidays

To the west, Platanias and Agia Marina offer long beaches, all-inclusive hotels, and vibrant nightlife, 11 km from the city. To the east, Apokoronas (Kalives, Almyrida, Georgioupoli) is quieter and greener, with villas and family-friendly accommodations.

14 accommodations in Chania that we checked one by one

1. Domus Renier Boutique Hotel
A 15th-century Venetian mansion right on the harbour, with a few high-spec suites. One of the most atmospheric accommodations in the city.

• Average cost: 220€ per night

2. The Tanneries Hotel & Spa
In the historic tanneries of Halepa, with a pool, spa, and sea view. Combines industrial architecture with modern design.

• Average cost: 190€ per night

3. Alcanea Boutique Hotel
A small boutique hotel at the edge of the Venetian harbour, with a view of the lighthouse. Rooms with stone and wood, excellent breakfast.

• Average cost: 195€ per night

4. Monte Vardia Hotel
Perched on the hill of Topanas, with panoramic views of the harbour and the Cretan Sea. Quiet despite being in the Old Town.

• Average cost: 170€ per night

5. Oniros Residence
A restored residence in the Old Town with large rooms, also suitable for families. Good balance of price and location.

• Average cost: 140€ per night

6. Samaria Hotel
A central hotel next to the Municipal Market, with a rooftop pool. The most practical option if you arrive by car and need parking.

• Average cost: 135€ per night

7. Halepa Hotel
A historic hotel from 1902 in Halepa, with a garden and pool. Quiet area, a 20-minute walk from the harbour.

• Average cost: 125€ per night

8. Hyperion City Hotel & Spa
A modern hotel in the new city, with a spa and easy access to parking. A good base for longer stays.

• Average cost: 130€ per night

9. Lilium Luxury Suites
Suites near the centre, with kitchenettes and modern amenities. A practical choice for couples who want independence.

• Average cost: 120€ per night

10. Theta Seaside Boutique Chania
Next to the sea, with modern rooms and a view. Combines beach access and proximity to the city.

• Average cost: 150€ per night

11. Aloe Boutique & Suites
In the Kato Daratso area, near Agia Marina beach, with a pool and quiet surroundings.

• Average cost: 115€ per night

12. Domes Noruz Chania
A luxurious adults-only resort in Kalamaki, with a large pool and high-standard design. For relaxing holidays.

• Average cost: 300€ per night

13. Mirabile Luxury Suites
Suites with private pools in a quiet area outside the centre. Ideal for couples with a car.

• Average cost: 210€ per night

14. Rodon Hotel
An economical and clean option near the centre, with simple rooms. A good solution if your budget is limited.

• Average cost: 75€ per night

When to go and how much it costs

The season in Chania starts in April and lasts until the end of October. July and August are the most expensive and busiest months, with prices up to double those in May, and mandatory bookings months in advance for good accommodations in the Old Town.

The ideal months are May, June, and September: warm sea, temperatures around 26-30 degrees Celsius, fewer crowds in the alleys. October remains pleasant for walks and hikes, although many seaside hotels close after the middle of the month. Winter is quiet but lively, as the city operates all year round.

Indicative prices: a standard room in the new city 70-95€, a boutique hotel in the Old Town 140-200€, a suite with harbour view 200-260€, a seaside resort 180-320€. In the Old Town, add 8-12€ per day for parking.

Practical tips for staying in Chania

• Noise: rooms above the waterfront and around Splantzia have music until late in July and August. Ask for an internal room if you are a light sleeper.
• Parking: confirm before booking if the accommodation has a partnership with a car park and how far it is from the pedestrian street's entrance.
• Without a car: prefer the Old Town or Nea Chora. For Elafonisi and Balos, there are daily buses and excursion boats from the harbour.
• With children: Nea Chora and Apokoronas have shallow beaches and fewer stairs than the mansions in the Old Town.
• Flights: if you are leaving very early, a night in Akrotiri saves time and stress.

If you are planning a tour of Crete, combine this with our guide on where to stay in Crete overall and our suggestions for Heraklion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best area to stay in Chania?

For a first visit, the Old Town is the best choice because everything is within walking distance. If you want peace and quiet, prefer Halepa, while for beach holidays, Nea Chora and Apokoronas work best.

Do I need a car in Chania?

Not for the city itself. You will need it if you want to visit Elafonisi, Balos, Falasarna or mountain villages at your own pace. Alternatively, there are organised tours and buses from the central KTEL station.

How far is the airport from Chania city centre?

The airport in Akrotiri is 14 km away, which is approximately a 20-minute drive. There is a bus to the city and taxis with an indicative cost of 25-30€.

Is Chania expensive in August?

Yes. In August, prices increase by 60-100% compared to May, and good accommodations in the Old Town sell out early. If you have flexibility, June and September offer the same experience at a significantly lower cost.

How many days do I need for Chania?

Two days are enough for the city. To add Elafonisi or Balos and a hike in Samaria, plan for four to five days.

Where to stay in Chania with children?

Nea Chora offers a beach within the city, while Apokoronas and Platanias have family-friendly hotels with pools. Avoid mansions with winding staircases in the Old Town if travelling with a buggy.