Chania, Crete, is a favorite holiday spot for many families. Here are some suggestions for family-friendly activities in Chania when you want to explore a bit outside the hotel area.
Crete and the Chania coast have been a classic vacation destination for sun-seeking travelers since charter flights became popular in the 1960s.
For many, it is primarily the warm sunshine, salty waves, and a cold soda or beer by the pool that attract. But when you need a break from the sun lounger and want to get out of the hotel area, there are plenty of exciting things to do in Chania that are perfect for the whole family.
Here are some suggestions!
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Explore Chania Town
The old town of Chania is characterized by narrow alleys, bustling life, and historic Venetian and Turkish buildings. Stroll along the old Venetian harbor and settle down at one of the tavernas for a drink, snack, or ice cream. If you want to shop, there are plenty of stores selling clothes, shoes, bags, souvenirs, and jewelry.
At the far end of the harbor lies the Venetian lighthouse, built in the 16th century. You can walk along the old wall all the way to the lighthouse and climb up for a superb view of the area.
Nearby the lighthouse are several interesting buildings, such as Fort Firkas with the Chania Maritime Museum, and the mosque Kiutsouk Hasan with its pale pink dome.
Enjoy the View from Venizelos Graves
This small graveyard is a hidden gem located in a park on a hill about five kilometers from Chania town. Here you get a panoramic view of Chania town, the salty waves of the Aegean Sea, and the white limestone mountains (White Mountains) Lefka Ori rising in the background.
But who was this Venizelos?
Eleftherios Venizelos was a famous and beloved politician from Crete who led a revolutionary movement to liberate Crete from the Turks. He was Prime Minister seven times and died in 1936. His son, Sophokolis Venizelos, who was also Prime Minister, is also buried here.
In the park, you will also find the small white church Prophitis Ilias (Prophet Elias) built in the 16th century.
On the viewing platform stands a statue of another freedom fighter, Spyros Kagiales.
Fancy something sweet? Right next to the park is the café Koukouvaia, known for its legendary desserts.
Burn Off Some Energy at a Water Park
A trip to a water park is usually popular when traveling with children, and there are several to choose from on Crete. We visited Limnopolis, which was just a 10-minute drive from our hotel.
This water park is not huge, so it might be a bit boring for adrenaline-seeking teenagers. But for us with children aged 9 and 13, there was more than enough to fill a few hours with splashing and sliding.
There are places to eat and a kiosk inside the area, but you will likely get better prices at the store just outside the entrance.
Day Trips from Chania
Chania is a great starting point for many wonderful day trips, from some of Crete’s most beautiful beaches to small villages and caves. We had a rental car, but you can also sign up for tours through the travel agency or hotel.
Elafonissi Beach
The so-called pink beach is shallow and child-friendly, and is considered one of Crete’s most beautiful beaches. On the way, we drove through a mighty mountain landscape and several cozy villages.
Stavros Beach
At Stavros Beach, several scenes from the film Zorba the Greek were filmed. The beach itself is not so spectacular, but the rocky landscape around it is very special. This excursion can be combined with a climb up to Lera Cave.
Read more about Stavros Beach and Lera Cave.
Rethymnon
Rethymnon is Crete’s third-largest city and is an hour’s drive from Chania. The old town is cozy and colorful with bright pink flowers, green climbing plants, small shops with fun handmade souvenirs, and lively squares with restaurants and cafes. The Venetian fortress is one of the main attractions.
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