Chania is one of Crete’s four regional units, covering much of the western part of the island. It is also one of the most popular destinations in Greece, with hundreds of accommodation options to choose from.
You’ll find hotels in every category, rooms and apartments to rent, holiday homes and villas. The first and most important decision, though, is choosing the right area to stay in.
This guide will first help you decide which part of Chania suits you best and then point you towards some of the best places to stay in each area.
Quick Answer: Where to stay in Chania
- Chania Old Town: the most picturesque area, ideal if nightlife is important to you
- Chania city centre: a convenient base with easy access to nightlife and a wider choice of larger hotels
- Nea Chora (New Town): a good option if you want to stay close to the city centre but also within easy reach of the beach
- Chrissi Akti & Agioi Apostoloi: ideal for families with children, with beaches nearby and only around 15 minutes by car from the city
- Agia Marina & Platanias: large beach resorts with plenty of hotels, restaurants, cafés and bars
- Gerani & Maleme: best for older travellers and families looking for a quieter, more relaxed holiday
- Paleochora: ideal if you want laid-back days by the sea, plenty of beaches nearby and a lively nightlife scene
1. Chania Old Town – the most picturesque area to stay
Chania Old Town, centred around the Old Venetian Port, is the most picturesque part of the city, attracting plenty of people from morning until late at night. It is particularly suitable for travellers who want the city’s main sights, restaurants and nightlife within easy reach.
Pros
- Some of Chania’s most important sights are here, including the Lighthouse, Küçük Hasan Mosque, the Venetian Shipyards, the remains of Ancient Kydonia and the recently renovated Municipal Market.
- The Old Town has pretty much everything: shops selling local products, clothes, shoes and accessories, souvenir shops, cafés, bars, restaurants and tavernas. It is also right next to the modern part of the city.
- It is one of the best places to stay if nightlife matters to you and you want to be able to walk back to your hotel afterwards.
- Nea Chora and Koum Kapi beaches are both within walking distance, although the exact walking time depends on where you are staying in Old Town. They can also get quite busy in summer.
Cons
- Parking can be difficult if your hotel does not provide a parking space, especially in August.
- Most accommodation consists of boutique and smaller hotels, so it is a good idea to book well in advance.
- Accommodation tends to be more expensive during the peak summer months.
Recommended accommodations in Chania Old Town
- (€€€) Elysia Boutique Hotel: A great choice if you want to stay in Chania Old Town without compromising on comfort or luxury. It has a central location close to the Old Venetian Harbour.
- (€€) Porto del Colombo: A charming hotel combining classic décor with modern comforts. A particularly good choice if you would like views over Chania’s Old Venetian Harbour.
- (€) El Greco Hotel: A good-value hotel on one of the prettiest streets in the Old Town, also known for its excellent breakfast.
2. Chania city centre – a convenient place to stay
The modern city centre lies around the Old Town and is one of the most practical areas to stay in Chania. It is a good choice for travellers who want to be close to the action and within easy reach of shops, restaurants and nightlife.
Pros
- You are right next to the Old Town, which means easy access to both the main sights and nightlife.
- There are plenty of local and international shops, supermarkets, gyms, cafés and places to eat.
- You’ll find a wide range of accommodation, from larger hotels to rooms and apartments.
- The main bus station is nearby, with regular buses serving beaches and other destinations around Chania.
- Nea Chora and Koum Kapi beaches are also close by.
Cons
- Parking can be difficult if your hotel does not offer its own parking.
- It is not as picturesque as the Old Town and feels more like a city than an island destination.
Recommended accommodations in Chania city centre
- (€€€) The Chania Hotel Crete: One of the most stylish and luxurious options in Chania city. It has a very central location, while the pool, restaurant and parking make the stay even more convenient.
- (€€) Kydon The Heart City Hotel: One of Chania’s long-established city hotels, located just a few steps from the Old Town. It offers a comfortable stay in a very convenient location and also has parking.
- (€) Mosaic: An affordable place to stay with retro-inspired décor in the city centre. It is housed in a neoclassical building on a quiet street.
3. Nea Chora – a beach area close to the city
Nea Chora (New Town) is very close to both the Old Town and Chania city centre and has its own beach. It suits groups of friends, families and couples who want to stay close to the centre without giving up easy access to the sea.
Pros
- It has a sandy beach that is suitable for families with children.
- Both the Old Town and the city centre are within walking distance.
- There are several larger hotels as well as plenty of apartments and rooms to rent.
- A pedestrian promenade runs along the seafront and is lined with tavernas, restaurants and cafés.
- There are playgrounds for children.
- The area is also lively in the evening, mainly for dinner and relaxed drinks.
Cons
- It gets very busy, especially in July and August.
- Parking can be difficult if your accommodation does not provide a parking space.
Recommended accommodations in Nea Chora
- (€€€) Chania Flair Boutique Hotel: A particularly good choice for couples. This five-star hotel is right by the sea and has pools, a spa and an excellent rooftop restaurant.
- (€€) Sea & City Apartments: Fully equipped apartments and suites close to the beach, suitable for the whole family.
- (€) Minos Studios: Well-kept self-catering studios close to the beach and available at reasonable prices.
4. Chrissi Akti & Agioi Apostoloi – a good choice for families near Chania city
Chrissi Akti and Agioi Apostoloi are two neighbouring areas with many similarities. They are especially suitable for travellers who want easy access to beaches and water sports without being too far from Chania city. They are also particularly convenient for families with children.
Pros
- You have easy access to four sandy beaches, with lifeguards and some organised sections with sunbeds and umbrellas.
- There is a park for exercising, a children’s playground, beach volleyball and tennis courts, as well as a surf and SUP school.
- There is a good range of hotels and other types of accommodation.
- You’ll find several beach bars by the sea as well as supermarkets nearby.
- Chania city centre is only around 10–15 minutes away by car, depending on traffic.
Cons
- The beaches can get crowded, as they are also very popular with locals.
- There are not as many places to eat within walking distance as in some of the other areas on this list.
Recommended accommodations in Chrissi Akti & Agioi Apostoloi
- (€€€) Mossa Well Being Hotel: A hotel combining comfort, luxury and a focus on wellbeing, located just a five-minute walk from three beaches.
- (€€) Anais Collection Hotels & Suites by GHH: A very good option for families. It is around five minutes on foot from the beach and also has a swimming pool.
- (€) Camping Chania: A fully organised campsite offering tent accommodation with all the necessary facilities. It is only five minutes from the beach on foot and also has a swimming pool.
5. Agia Marina & Platanias – two largest tourist resorts in Chania
Agia Marina and Platanias sit next to each other and have a lot in common. They are two of the largest tourist resorts in Chania, stretching along the coast and offering just about everything you could need during your holiday.
Pros
- There is a wide choice of accommodation, ranging from large all-inclusive hotels to small rooms and apartments.
- You’ll find countless places to eat, drink and go out, with something for almost every style and budget, from traditional tavernas and street food to upscale restaurants and beach clubs.
- The beaches are generally sandy, with relatively shallow water in many areas. You’ll also find organised sections with sunbeds and umbrellas, beach bars and lifeguards.
- Frequent buses connect both areas with Chania city centre.
Cons
- They are very touristy, which may not appeal to travellers looking for a quiet seaside holiday.
- Parking can be difficult if your accommodation does not provide a space.
- The sea can sometimes get rough during periods of strong northerly winds and swimming may be prohibited when conditions are considered unsafe.
Recommended accommodations in Agia Marina & Platanias
- (€€€) Porto Platanias Beach Resort & Spa: One of the most popular resorts in the area. It is right by the sea and offers all-inclusive stays, as well as swimming pools, restaurants and bars.
- (€€) Stefan Village Hotel: A great choice for families travelling with children. It has all the facilities you are likely to need, including a pool with waterslides, and is only a five-minute walk from the beach.
- (€) Manias Hotel Apartments: Simple but well-kept apartments with kitchen facilities, around 200 metres from the beach. A good option for families looking for an affordable stay close to the sea.
6. Gerani & Maleme – for a slower, more peaceful holiday
Gerani and Maleme are neighbouring seaside areas with a lot in common. Both are quieter than Agia Marina and Platanias, making them a good choice for families, couples and other travellers looking for a more peaceful holiday.
Pros
- Both areas are right by the beach.
- There is a wide choice of accommodation, from simple rooms and apartments to larger hotels.
- You’ll find a selection of places to eat and have coffee, relaxed beach bars and supermarkets.
- Frequent buses connect the area with Chania city centre.
- Their location is convenient for exploring western and southern parts of the Chania region.
- The overall atmosphere is quieter and more relaxed.
Cons
- The sea can often be rough because of northerly winds, and swimming may sometimes be prohibited.
- Nightlife options are limited.
Recommended accommodations in Gerani & Maleme
- (€€€) Silver Beach Hotel & Apartments: A beachfront hotel that works particularly well for families and travellers looking for comfort and peace and quiet.
- (€€) Oliva Beach Hotel: A stylish and attractive hotel by Maleme Beach, with a courtyard and swimming pool. It is a good choice for couples looking for a comfortable and peaceful stay.
- (€) Baladinos Apartments: A great option if you are looking for an affordable, laid-back place to stay by the sea. The beach bar is an added bonus.
7. Paleochora – an alternative base for a more relaxed holiday
Paleochora is a picturesque seaside village on the south coast of Chania, and it is a great choice if you want a slower holiday and plan to spend most of your time exploring the south-western part of Chania region rather than travelling back and forth to the city. It works particularly well for families with children, couples and travellers looking for a relaxed seaside atmosphere combined with lively nightlife.
Pros
- There are several beaches within easy reach. The sandy and organised Pachia Ammos Beach is right in front of the village, while Psilos Volakas, Grammeno, Krios, Anydri and Gialiskari are all nearby.
- There is a wide choice of accommodation, including rooms, small hotels and villas, some just a few steps from the sea.
- Paleochora has plenty of restaurants, tavernas, street-food spots, cafés and bars. The nightlife is surprisingly lively for a small seaside village.
- You’ll also find all kinds of shops and supermarkets.
Cons
- The main drawback is the distance from Chania city, which is around 1.5 hours away by car.
Recommended accommodations in Paleochora
- (€€) Blue Horizon: A beautiful place to stay right in front of Pachia Ammos Beach, particularly suitable for couples.
- (€€) Morpheas Rooms: A charming property in a quiet area close to Grammeno Beach. A good choice if you are looking for a more secluded stay.
- (€) Hotel Poseidon: A small hotel with well-kept rooms in front of Pachia Ammos Beach, offering accommodation at reasonable prices.
I hope this guide helps you find the right place to stay in Chania so you can make the most of your trip and enjoy every moment of your holiday!
And if you are the kind of traveller who likes going out at night, take a look at my more focused guide: “Where to Stay in Chania for Nightlife”.
