Chania Charm: A Luxe Guide to Crete, Greece's Coastal Jewel

Wandering & sight-seeing

For five days and four nights, I found myself wandering the streets of Chania, Crete: a slowed-down, beauty that was shown in every corner. My days began with roaming through neighborhoods, where romantic floral alleys gave beauty to simple walkways.

Being a foodie

I savored and enjoyed every bite of authentic local cuisine, from fresh seafood at four and five-star seaside restaurants to decadent dishes in elegant dining rooms. Each meal felt like a celebration of Cretan flavors.

Canale Restaurant in the old town by the lighthouse is a gem for seafood platters and vegetarian options. Almy Vita Restaurant is an aesthetically pleasing and top-tier brunch selection that gives you an opportunity to sit by the sea and lighthouse.

Nightlife

A hidden gem like Beans & Tales Spritzeria Cocktail Bar, a boutique, aesthetically pleasing vibe with charismatic bartenders that cracked jokes and gave more insight on the city, made the experience more enjoyable.

Between indulgent meals within an oasis, I discovered cafés that felt like home, and peaceful neighborhood beaches like the Nea Hora Chania Marina that gave those who lived there a “vacation vibe” in their backyard.

Other beaches with hidden, huge rocky areas are spread throughout the city, giving an opportunity for mindfulness and fun photoshoots with my friend.

Cultural discoveries

Chania is a very culturally rich city, so my friend and I indulged in centuries-old churches that showed how sacred and meaningful the community is. One of my favorite moments was the seaside walk to the iconic lighthouse, where the ocean breeze carried the scent of salt and sun, and every turn offered a picture-perfect view.

I went to the Chania Maritime Museum of Crete and saw bits of history, beautiful artifacts, and people who gladly took the time to teach us the language to get around the city better.

Bringing Chania with you

Shopping became its own adventure as my friend and I wandered the boutique-lined mall strips, uncovering high-quality skincare treasures that felt like secret souvenirs. (Fun fact: Greece is known for their top-tier natural skincare ingredients and regimens.)

Chania wasn’t just a destination—it was an experience of sensory delight, cultural connection, and timeless charm, a place I left with my heart full and my suitcase a little heavier.

The Old Port quickly became my stage for unforgettable dining experiences.

• At Canale Restaurant, I dined seaside as the sun melted into the horizon, savoring five-star Mediterranean platters piled high with fresh seafood, followed by decadent desserts that came with artful cocktails.

• Kavouras Tavern Restaurant, perched right along the lighthouse seaside, offered a cozy four-star setting with refreshing cocktails and satisfying vegetarian dishes, a perfect place to watch the harbor life unfold.

• Mornings at AlmyVita were pure indulgence: five-star brunch spreads in a stunning, airy ambiance, paired with inventive cocktails and rich Greek yogurt-based smoothies, all while gazing out toward the lighthouse.

• For a more laid-back taste of Crete, Thraka Chophouse Restaurant serves up simple yet perfect comfort, chicken souvlaki sandwiches warm from the grill, and tangy feta cheese appetizers, enjoyed in the breeze of their outdoor seating.

• Evenings often found my friend and I at Beans & Tales Spritzeria Cocktail Bar, just a short walk from Chania Center. The five-star drinks were as beautiful as they were delicious, served in a chic space with an atmosphere that seemed to take over with good energy and effortless style.