Old Venetian Port of Chania – History, Highlights & Best Things to Do
The Old Venetian Port of Chania is the most iconic place in the city — a harbor built in the 14th century, still alive with cafés, tavernas, museums, and some of the most atmospheric sunset views in Crete. Whether you’re visiting Chania for one day or staying for a week, the harbor is where most travelers return again and again: for morning coffee, golden-hour photos, evening strolls, and late-night drinks under the lighthouse glow.
This guide explains the history behind the port, what to see, where to eat, the best viewpoints, and how to enjoy the harbor like a local — including insider timing tips for avoiding crowds.
Read MoreBoutique Hotel Chania
Boutique Hotel Stay in Chania – A Personal Travel Note
Staying in a boutique hotel in Chania feels very different from staying in a large resort. These small hotels have personality, charm, and a sense of place. Instead of a long corridor with identical rooms, you usually enter a restored stone house, a Venetian mansion, or a traditional courtyard building. Because of this, every room has its own story and style.
Most boutique hotels in Chania combine old architecture with modern comfort. You may see wooden ceilings, handmade tiles, or balconies facing the sea. At the same time, you still enjoy soft bedding, quiet air-conditioning, and a calm, welcoming atmosphere. It feels elegant, but never cold or overly designed.
The service is another reason people choose boutique hotels. Staff know your name, notice details, and often share local tips you would never find online. Breakfast is not a buffet full of plastic packaging. Instead, you receive fresh fruit, local cheese, warm bread, and homemade cakes. As a result, you feel like a guest, not a room number.
Another advantage is location. Many boutique hotels are only a short walk from Chania’s Old Harbor, cafés, wine bars, and the little streets filled with shops. You can explore during the day, enjoy dinner by the water, and return to a peaceful terrace at night.
A boutique hotel in Chania is not always the cheapest option, and it is not the flashiest either. However, it offers something more meaningful: atmosphere, authenticity, and a slower rhythm that matches the spirit of Crete. It feels less like checking into a business and more like being invited into someone’s home — and that is what makes the experience memorable.
- Domus Renier Boutique Hotel
- Chania Flair Boutique Hotel, Tapestry Collection By Hilton
- SanSal Boutique Hotel
- Chania Hotels
- Chania Old Town Hotels
