Hire Car Chania Airport

Chania is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Greece and definitely a highlight for most Crete visitors. It is probably one of the 3 towns you will arrive in, when you visit Crete.The “ Ioannis Daskalogiannis ” (CHQ) is Chania’s International Airport and is located 15 kilometres from the city center.
Recently Fraport has expanded and modernized the whole airport making it easy to navigate through.

Protos Car Rentals Chania Airport pick up and return procedures are very fast and convenient.

Hire Car Souda Port

The “Souda Port” which is located 10 kilometeres from the city center, has also been upgraded in recent years, to accommodate the growing number of Cruise Ships arriving in Chania.
You can easily pick up or return your rental car for free at an designated parking area at the Harbour of Chania.

You can pick up your rental car from either location with absolutely no additional costs, as well as from the Chania city center or your accommodation.

Chania Town, the jewel of West Crete

Being the second biggest city in Crete, it attracts a lot of visitors mostly throughout the summer months, although being a popular all year round destination for greek and foreign travellers.

If you plan to visit Chania with your partner, your family or just by yourself, don't hesitate, this place is suited to every holidaymaker's taste.

Chania offers a great variety of sightseeing attractions, cultural highlights, fun activities,
shopping, entertaining nightlife, family activities and of course plenty of delicious Cretan and mediterenean food options.

A little history about Chania Town

At first there was a small city-state town called ”Kydonia” that was built during the early Minoan period. Evidence of the existence of this settlement was even found in Knossos.

At 1100 BC, after the end of the Minoan period settlers from mainland Greece arrived in Crete.

At 69 BC Kydonia was defeated and conquered by the Romans but was granted independence.

Later in the early byzantine period Arabs ruled Kydonia and called it “Al Hanim”, although years later in the second byzantine period it was retaken by Christians and was renamed to “Greek Chania”

After the fall of Byzantium Chania was given and ruled by the Venetians.
Once again the name was changed and was now called “La Canea”.
At the beginning the relationship between Cretans and Venetians was difficult, leading to Cretans losing their religious identity but later on the situation improved.

During the first months of the beginning of the Cretan War(1645-1669) the Ottoman empire captured “La Canea”. The city remained under Ottoman control until the late 19th century leading to an ethnic mix and immense religious and cultural changes.

In the early 20th century interethnic violence led to the departure and mass migration of muslims.

Chania was finally back in control of the Greek people.

5 Best Things to do in Chania Town

There are plenty of things to do depending on your likings and the type of vacations you like to do. We collected a few things that could be fun for everyone.

1)Explore the narrow alleys of the old Town

You have probably read that everywhere by now, but exploring the colourful back alleys of Chania is a must.
Strolling through these narrow corridors will make you imagine what life in this town must have been centuries ago.
Worth noticing as well are all the various architectures of historical structures you will come across, built by various civilizations that lived in Chania throughout the centuries.
Other than that you will come across plenty of instagrammable photo opportunities, little shops that sell goods, arts and crafts and charming little cafes and restaurants.

2)Take a walk to the lighthouse of Chania

The first thing you will probably see arriving at the old harbour of Chania is its stunning Venetian lighthouse. It is not only one of Greeces oldest lighthouses but one of the oldest in the world.
It was firstly built by the Venetians, then rebuilt by Egyptian troops during the Ottoman occupation. ( sometimes referred to as Egyptian lighthouse )
You can reach the lighthouse walking along the long mole that protects the harbour and enjoy splendid views of the old harbour.
If you have small kids or a stroller i would not recommend you the walk, as the mole can be very bumpy.To have the best experience it is recommended to go in the evening when the sun is setting or when it's already dark. There are plenty of sitting opportunities, so take a wine or snack with you and enjoy this romantic spot.

3) Enjoy a fabulous dinner at the Tabakaria area

Tabakaria area used to be an industrial area for leather production. Nowadays there are only 2-3 traditional leather productions left. To get there you can either walk along the coastline, take the public bus or a short taxi ride.
When you are there look out for the taverna “ thalassino ageri ”. It is a traditional seaside taverna that offers a romantic atmosphere in a picturesque painting-like scenery.
If you want to enjoy fresh Cretan fish, this is the place to go.
Book your table in advance and go when the sun is setting or later in the evening.

4) Have a fun night out in Chania old town

Summer nights in Chania old town are exciting and lively. There are plenty of bars that vary in size and music style. From posh seaside cocktail bars and lounge cafes along the marina to atmospheric bars in the old town. Most of them stay open until late after midnight and are located in close proximity to make bar hopping even more fun.
Some of the best places that we recommend are : “The monastery of Charles”, “Nama”, Synagogue”, Pallas ,”Boheme”

5) Visit the Maritime museum of Crete

The Maritime museum of Crete which is located at the western end of the old port of Chania is relatively small but highly rated and popular. The museum mainly showcases Greek and Cretan naval history(although you will also find models of American warships too) through a big and detailed collection of models, amazing artefacts and historical footage.
The entry fee is 3-4 Euro and you can also join the 1hour guided tour. This unique museum is a great way to get out of the hot summer sun and also visit the Firka fortress in which it is situated.