Hike the Samaria Gorge
The legendary walk, and the reason a lot of people come to Chania in the first place.
Amazing Chania
A guide to Chania and western Crete
Chania: a realm of authentic island life, where purity, tradition and accessibility converge in a symphony of serene landscapes and unique villages.
Welcome to Crete
Pure Crete
Crete is the largest island in Greece, known for its stunning beaches, rugged mountains and rich history.
Located in the southern part of the Aegean Sea, Crete was home to the ancient Minoan civilization, one of the earliest in Europe. Visitors can explore historic sites like the Palace of Knossos, charming villages, and vibrant cities such as Heraklion and Chania. The island also offers delicious cuisine, warm hospitality and diverse landscapes that make it a unique destination in the Mediterranean.
On foot
Chania Old Town, a 5,000-year-old heart
Wandering the streets of the Old Town, you find yourself in a living time capsule shaped by Greeks, Venetians, Turks, Jews and Egyptians. This is no coincidence: Chania is built upon the ruins of ancient Kydonia, founded by King Minos.
Stroll through Topanas, among 17th- and 18th-century Venetian mansions, and you meet ornate doors, colourful facades, lush plants, stone balconies and grand archways. Jasmine and freshly baked delicacies fill the air, while traditional music echoes from hidden tavernas.
A walk along the Venetian Harbour is the best way to take the city in. The iconic Egyptian Lighthouse stands over the fishing boats and the waterfront cafés. History lovers can explore the Maritime Museum, the Archaeological Museum, the Etz Hayyim Synagogue and the Küçük Hasan Mosque. At the Municipal Market you can taste local cheeses, olives and honey, and in the evening boutique stores and artisan workshops give way to music-filled tavernas and rooftop bars.
Chania’s coastal beauty
The beaches, and how far they are
From the exotic waters of Elafonissi and the wild beauty of Balos Lagoon to the quiet serenity of Marathi and the golden sands of Agioi Apostoloi — there is a spot for every mood.
| Beach | What it is like | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Balos Lagoon | The wild one: a lagoon of shallow turquoise water on the Gramvousa peninsula. | 20 km from Villa Theta |
| Elafonissi | Pristine, shallow and famous for its pink-tinged sand. | 39 km from Villa Theta |
| Falasarna | Long open sand on the west coast, and the sunsets that come with it. | 20 km from Villa Theta |
| Marathi | Serene moments away from the crowds. | 18 km from Chania town |
| Agioi Apostoloi | An oasis of peaceful coves, ideal for a quiet swim. | 4.6–5 km from Chania town |
| Chrissi Akti | The organised beach: sunbeds, cafés and golden sand. | 4–5 km from Chania town |
| Nea Chora | A sandy beach in the city, with some of the best seafood tavernas in town. | 750 m from Amara Local Experience |
| Agia Marina | The village beach, a few minutes’ walk from Solar Apartments. | 300 m from Solar Apartments |
| Drapanias beach | Golden sun, clear water and a shoreline to walk along. | 2 km from Villa Theta |
| Krios, Loutro & Glyka Nera | Further along the coast, for the days you want to drive. | Southwest Crete |
Distances are those published on our own property listings. Where a beach is reachable from more than one property, the shortest published distance is shown.
Activities
Whether you want adventure or nothing at all
Chania is more than beautiful beaches — it is a place where culture, nature and outdoor fun come together.
Sail the coastline
A private boat tour to hidden beaches and crystal-clear water — we can arrange it.
Swim the Libyan Sea
Dive into the south coast, or try snorkelling and kayaking closer to home.
Mountain villages and wineries
Traditional villages inland, and local wineries — Pneumatikakis is 1.2 km from Villa Theta.
Cook Cretan
Join a cooking class and learn the secrets of Cretan cuisine, or taste your way through the Municipal Market.
Go up, not out
For the more adventurous: paragliding over the landscape you have been swimming in.
Getting around
Arriving, and moving on
Chania International Airport is 14 km from the city centre. The KTEL central bus station, 650 m from the Amara Luxury Suites and 650 m from Amara Local Experience, connects to Crete’s famous beaches — Elafonisi, Falasarna and the south coast among them.
Solar Apartments in Agia Marina sit 10 km from Chania town, with a bus stop nearby and the National Road 4.8 km away. Villa Theta, in Drapanias, has a bus stop 200 m from the door; Kissamos / Kastelli is 5 km away and Chania 34 km.
A rental car gives you the freedom to reach the hidden places at your own pace, and we can arrange one — along with a transfer from the airport when you land.
Nearest landmark, by property
| Amara Luxury Suites | Chania, Crete | Old Harbour, Chania — 650 m (City Balcony) · 1.4 km (Terrace) |
|---|---|---|
| Amara Porto Living | Chania Old Town, Crete | Venetian Harbour & Egyptian Lighthouse — In the Old Town, on foot |
| Amara Local Experience | Nea Chora, Chania, Crete | Traditional tavern — 55 m |
| Solar Apartments by Amara Living | Agia Marina, Chania, Crete | Agia Marina beach — 300 m |
| Villa Theta by Amara Living | Drapanias, Kissamos, Chania, Crete | Tavern & traditional café — 100 m |
Feel at home, live the island
Pick a base, then explore
City, coast or village — the collection covers all three, and each one puts a different part of Chania on your doorstep.
