The best outdoor activities in Chania

Discover Chania, Crete: A Blend of Culture and Outdoor Adventure

Chania (also spelled Hania) is one of Crete's most captivating towns, a place where centuries of history meet vibrant street life and stunning natural surroundings. Located on the island’s northwest coast, Chania is best known for its charming old town, layered with Venetian, Ottoman, and Greek architecture. But it’s also the perfect base for discovering some of Crete’s top outdoor experiences — from hiking dramatic gorges to diving into turquoise coves.

Whether you're wandering through its narrow lanes or setting off into the mountains, Chania offers the ideal mix of cultural richness and wild nature.

Outdoor Adventures in Chania

Visit the Pink Beach of Crete - Elafonissi

A favorite beach to see for visitors is Elafonissi, also known as the pink beach. The color of the sand is a rosy pastel color due to the coral washing up on shore. With crystal clear waters, its the ultimate instagrammable beach spot.

Boat trips to remote beautiful beaches

A favorite activity in Chania is to book a boat tour. The beaches you will visit by boat, such as Lligas, and Glyka Nera, are only accessible by sea. Often, these beaches will have very few other people on them. The waters are a pristine, beautiful, turquoise and are surrounded by caves you can swim to. The boats can take you to other small waterfront towns, such as Loutro.

Swim at Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa

Two of Crete’s most iconic beaches are within reach of Chania. Balos Lagoon, with its surreal blend of white sand and turquoise water, is reachable by boat or a rugged hike (see previous page). Further south, Gramvousa!

Water Adventures

Take the opportunity while in Greece to scuba dive in the crystal-blue waters. Take surfing lessons, go coasteering, or sea kayaking for a view of the coastline. Stand-up paddle board, or take a diving cave tour to Elephant Cave.

Land Adventures

Explore Chania by horseback, or go hiking for the day. Jeep tours are also available for a relaxing, yet fun way to see the sights.

Go Airborne

Chania is an epic place to go paragliding. There is no better way to see all of Chania at once, while gliding through the breezy skies of Greece.

How to Get to Chania

Chania is easily accessible by air and road:

• By plane: Chania International Airport (CHQ) is 14 km from town and has direct flights from Athens and many European cities in summer.
• By ferry: Overnight ferries connect Chania (via the port of Souda) to Piraeus (Athens) year-round.
• By car: The Northern Highway (E75) links Chania with Heraklion, Rethymno, and eastern Crete.