Hotels near Chania Old Town and Venetian Harbour

Chania's Old Town wraps around a horseshoe-shaped Venetian harbour built between 1320 and 1356, with the Egyptian-era Faros lighthouse anchoring the breakwater. Wander the lanes of Topanas, Splantzia and Kasteli to find Ottoman-era hammams, the 17th century Yali Tzami mosque on the waterfront and craft shops selling Cretan leather sandals on Skrydlof Street (Stivanadika). The harbour walk is roughly 1.5 km end to end, and tavernas line the western quay - try kalitsounia (cheese-stuffed pastries) and grilled octopus while watching the sunset turn the lighthouse pink. The Maritime Museum sits at the western tip and costs 4 EUR.

Pro Tip: Skip dinner on the harbour and walk 5 minutes inland to Splantzia square for half the price and double the local atmosphere.