Chania

[VStitch]

Hoping to go to Crete and stay in or very close to Chania early summer. If you’ve been, what would you recommend as your must see or do’s? Travel about either walking, public transport, or organised trip. TIA

Went two years ago and Chania was lovely, beautiful port, independent shops and restaurants, great maritime museum and a day trip to Knossos. Would also recommend the nearby botanical gardens, another day trip, and a fab vegan restaurant around the corner from the harbour. Went with two teens and we all had a great time, although the teens swerved the day trips in favour of the pool/beach.

We went a few years back for us we wasn't totally bowled over by it but everyone is different and we had 2 young DC with us. Chania is a lovely place, beach is great and some nice tavernas etc to eat out at. The hotel for us was more of an older adults hotel so for the kids this wasn't great.
We went to Elafonisi (AKA the pink beach) Beach and did the snorkelling etc which was a lovely day out but very hot.

Thank you both! I’m pescatarian and also love vegan and vegetarian food so thanks for that tip! No kids just adults. Definitely want to visit Knossos and Samaria Gorge.

We went a couple of years ago and it's a lovely place.
We did a trip on the little fun train. They have a few different routes but we did one where we went to a wine tasting and then up to a monastery in the mountains.

Aaah I love Chania ❤We have been a couple of times. We stayed about 30 min drive away in Kokkino Chorio which is a gorgeous little village up in the hills. So peaceful and beautiful views and sunsets. Unfortunately the villa we stayed in has closed down now so can't send you the link but have a look at others in the area.

Also Plaka, Kalyves and Almyrida 😊All lovely little beach resorts with traditional restaurants and not too touristy (unless this has changed in recent years!).

We did the Samarian Gorge (loved it but very hot!), Rethymnon (lovely to visit for the day - lots of culture, restaurants and little back streets to meander) and Elafonisi beach all by car.

Chania is lovely. We stayed in a hotel in the centre for a long weekend. The seafood restaurants at the harbour are amazing. Lots of little old winding streets to explore. You can get cheap buses to the beach. I'd happily holiday there every summer.

Thank you all so much for these latest replies! Not yet booked but will be going ahead. I wont be hiring a car (too nervous) but I love going on public transport or by organised day trips as someone else can take the strain and navigate! Certainly plenty to enjoy especially for a first time visit.

We did a cookery class up in the mountains and visited Aptera Roman ruins, and an old monastery with olive press wheels etc. All organised through a personalised tour package but those sorts of things were great. All close by to Chania.
The new archaeological museum there in Chania is also excellent, very very new and def worth a visit.

Thanks @Talipesmum these sound right up my street too!

Great!
A bit more info - here’s where we did our cookery class: https://www.theolivefarm.gr/ - it was lovely, outdoors under shade, all quite hippy and relaxed.

Here’s the monastery with old olive oil presses: https://www.incrediblecrete.gr/en/place/the-monastery-of-saint-george-in-karydi/

Here’s more info on the Roman ruins https://creteinsider.com/ancient-aptera-crete/

Aptera is also right next to a large Ottoman fortress with wonderful views across Souda bay.

Thanks for taking the time to post those links! I’m gathering quite a varied list (plus will spend time lounging about in the beach)