For many, holidays in Greece are about relaxing in sleepy villages or partying in nightlife hotspots, with rarely a glance at cities other than Athens… But why not consider shaking up your holiday cocktail and spending some time in a buzzing urban area of Greece? It is in cities such as Chania that the heart and soul of everyday Greek life is laid out in all its magnificence. Expect historic architecture, cafes filled with elderly gents playing card games, fascinating museums, the bustling atmosphere of a working harbour, as well as tasty, traditional dishes from family-run restaurants where recipes have been handed down from one generation to the next.

Booking a Chania holiday certainly doesn’t mean giving up the pleasures of days spent at the beach. The town’s main beach is mere minutes on foot from the harbour, with a number of others a little further away. The wider region has some of the best beaches on the island - book car hire in Chania and you can pop to your favourite seaside paradise whenever you fancy.

On Chania holidays, guests can choose from a wide range of excellent accommodation. There are plenty of the budget and mid-range self-catering apartments that are so prevalent on the Greek islands, as well as a range of independent guesthouses in historic buildings. If you are looking for all-inclusive holidays, Chania has a number of luxury hotels that cater for guests around the clock. Chania Town also boasts a few spa hotels ideal for those seeking utter relaxation alongside their sightseeing. But most of the hotels with pools are on the outskirts of town.

Cheap holidays to Chania, also known as Hania, are easy to find. Simply use the search tool on TravelSupermarket and we will compare a range of great value deals for you.

When to go?

The main season for tourism in Chania is between April and October. Find out what to expect of the weather during this time…

Average daytime temperatures begin to push past 20C in April, making it a perfect time of year for blazing a trail around the monuments of the city. They then stay above 20C until sometime in late October/early November thanks to the southerly position of Crete.

In the summer months of July and August, Chania sizzles with temperatures in the day hitting 30C and beyond.

What's on?

This Greek city has a lively, youthful soul, so expect plenty of good times and celebrations…

Battle of Crete celebrations; May: This battle took place on the island during the Second World War when Nazi forces invaded from the air, only to be repelled by the locals and the Allied forces. Starting on May 20 – the day of the initial invasion – a series of events take place to mark the momentous battle.

Chania Rock Festival; July/August: Heavy metal and rock come to Crete in summer for the biggest music festival on the island. Thousands flock here to rock out and there is high demand for hotels around Chania Town.

Summer Festival; July-September: A string of events is staged during the summer months, from art and theatre to music and dance.

What to do?

From lighthouses that have withstood the ravages of time to fragrant plants that quiver in the breeze, there is much to see in Chania…

Relaxing and taking in the local market stand

Relaxing: Breathe in the sweet scents and savour the hushed melodies of the Botanical Park and Gardens of Crete, which is a short drive out of the city.

Active types: Take an organised day trip to Samaria Gorge, just over an hour south of Chania by road. Located in the splendid White Mountains, this river-hewn gorge presents a challenging hike for even the fittest visitors.

Free and cheap: With a Venetian lighthouse, an old mosque, ancient city walls and plenty more besides, you can easily get lost amid the maze of wondrous buildings, shops, cafes and shady alleys of Chania’s Old Town. It costs nothing to wander around.

Shopping: One of the best spots in Crete for a hit of retail therapy, Chania offers shoppers lively markets and independent boutiques where they can pick up handmade trinkets and jewellery, clothes, and souvenirs, as well as fresh-from-the-farm cheeses or locally-made raki (Crete’s spirit of choice).

Nightlife: The harbour area is a good place to kick off your evening. There are plenty of sophisticated bars and music cafes, plus a handful of nightclubs.

Car rental is a cheap and great way to get around. Find out more on our Chania Car hire page.