Top Things to do in Chania Prefecture
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10 Things to do in Chania Prefecture That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Chania Prefecture, Greece including Greek National Football Museum, Samaria Gorge National Park, Elafonissi Beach, Balos Lagoon, Kedrodasos Beach, Old Venetian Harbor, Gorges of Theriso, War Shelter of Platanias, Elafonisi Viewpoint, Agia Marina Beach.
Restaurants in Chania Prefecture
1. Greek National Football Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 696 reviews
A unique Museum, the biggest one for a National Football Team, the Greek National Football Team, which was European Champions in 2004, located in the Old City of Chania and has over 1000 exhibits, balls from World Cup and Euro games, official shirts, photos and thw whole history of Greek football. BECAUSE OF CORONAVIRUS EPIDEMIC, THE MUSEUM WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE WHOLE MARCH.
Reviewed By che_ham
So glad we made the time to visit, this little museum is excellent, and can easily be visited even if you’re short of time. I’ve never been to a museum quite like this, it really is quite unique. We were limited on time, so were shown the shirts and memorabilia related to my team first - so I got to try on the shirts and get the pictures - then were shown the vast collection of international shirts worn by the greatest players of all time, and finally the lifting the Euro 2004 trophy given to Greece when they won the tournament. The personal touch here is what really makes it special though; being meeted and greeted as a friend, by someone with a genuine love of the game, and who delights in sharing this amazing collection that you can physically touch and feel, instead of the admiring-at-distance you expect of museums. A true home of world football.
2. Samaria Gorge National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,241 reviews
Believed to be one of the most scenic national parks in Europe, this gorge stretches more than 10 miles to the south coastal region and offers many hiking trails.
Reviewed By KatrienS955 - Ghent, Belgium
As the guidebook stated, as well as the brochure from the travel agent, this is a medium difficult hike. Doing it the standard direction, downhill, you start with a steep decline over a mostly rocky path. A walking stick might help for those not used to walk rocky mountain paths. The part in the national park is 13 km, the last 3 km to the Libyan sea is a paved path and easy. If you do it downhill, it is not a very arduous hike. Along the route there are plenty of water fountains, resting places quite a few with benches and 5 toilets, so in that sense it is a luxurious hike. The scenery is very nice, especially the narrow parts of the gorge. Try to find a group that starts early, as it is hot at the bottom of the gorge, making the hike more difficult. Also, the earlier, the fewer people you meet. I did large parts without seeing any other hiker. Our group had 1 guide who started the hike about half an hour after us, and mopped up those in problem, which did not happen in our group. He gave very good information about the hike as well as some times by which to ideally leave the larger resting places. Note that you do not need to hurry to catch the boat, as that leaves only at 17:30. At the end of the hike you can take a refreshing swim in the sea. Just know that the dark grey pebbles are very hot, even with a towel between you and the pebbles. There are parasols and strand beds for rent. If you do it from Chania, it will be a long day, as the boat takes an hour and then there is another 1h30 drive back.
3. Elafonissi Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14,358 reviews
Reviewed By Caligaltraveler
We rented a car from Chania and took this amazing drive to the countryside. The drive was quite long but so scenic and amazing. We stopped along the way and enjoyed the roadside vendors. Bought some delicious olive oils and olives. The eateries along the way were small, authentic and affordable. Once we arrived at the beach we were stunned. The water was crystal clear with no rocks or seaweed. You could wade out quite far before it got deep so this would be a very safe beach for kids. The beach sand was soft and clear of any debris and the colors of the water turning pink as the waves crashed really was spectacular. A must see and one of the highlights of our trip!
4. Balos Lagoon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10,155 reviews
Reviewed By marcotL403QV - Rome, Italy
The most beautiful beach in Creta (together with Elafonisi) and famous for its wild nature, with turquoise waters and white sands turning to amazing shades of pink in some places. Waters are shallow, perfect for kids and lovely for grownups too. A legendary lagoon is also worth stopping by. Beware the boats throwing thousands of tourists in the middle of the day, although that is a very practical way to reach the place without going by car on a bumpy road. Ferries go back and forth from Kissamos port, but there are multiple trips during summer time, so I’d recommend to take the earliest trip available and then move to the island of Gramvousa nearby when the beach gets too crowded !
5. Kedrodasos Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 545 reviews
One of the best beaches in Chania prefecture, quite untouched and unexplored. Many travelers use the area around the beach as a free camping spot. It is actually a cedar forest next to the beach. It is also a favorite beach for naturists. The road up to Elafonisi is quite good and then you need to take a non asphalt road for about 10 minutes. Then you also need to take a walk path for another 15-20 minutes. No matter the time you will need to go there, it's sure that you will enjoy that unique beach.
Reviewed By MrJDB - London, United Kingdom
Made the mistake of going to Elafonisi first which was beautiful but very very overcrowded with shallow waters. This beach is an absolute stunner; peaceful and an amazing landscape of trees and rocks down to the shoreline. Pack a lunch and water for a day of bliss.
6. Old Venetian Harbor
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,412 reviews
Reviewed By lovetrav_9 - Old Colwyn, United Kingdom
There is so much to see and do in this busy Harbour area including ample shops, bars, restaurants and cafes, boat trips, a museum, an art gallery and the lighthouse plus fabulous views to enjoy. It is also a great walking area. On top of all that, we had a superb lunch. Our time was sadly limited as we had to return to our hotel in Chersonisos, but had a most enjoyable visit and we definitely recommend.
7. Gorges of Theriso
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 159 reviews
Reviewed By iainbmay - Manchester, United Kingdom
The drive up from Chania to Theriso passes through the dramatic landscape of the Gorge with towering cliffs either side with shady tree lined river in the ravine. After around 20 mins you come out to the village which was the cradle of Cretan resistance to occupation. Drive further to the village of Zorvas and you can do a 3 hour hike into the high mountains. Breathtaking views .
8. War Shelter of Platanias
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 307 reviews
Local world war 2 musuem focused on the historical events that occured during the battle of Crete and more. Please note that the museum is now closed until further notice. Due to covid protocol we are not able to open the tunnels at this time, the museum is run by volunteers and we will reopen as soon as it is deemed safe.
9. Elafonisi Viewpoint
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 200 reviews
Reviewed By 175raimundask - Kaunas, Lithuania
Great beach, amazing views, very beautiful lagoon, everything is great, a must visit.There are also sunbeds (extra charge)
10. Agia Marina Beach
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,487 reviews
Reviewed By stellangeli - Nicosia, Cyprus
Sandy beach with plenty of space for kids to play and very nice beach bars for coffee, food and drinks
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