The 11 things to do in Canée

Did you plan to go to Crête? So, visiting La Canée is a must. Come and discover the essential things to a wonderful stay!

Visiting La Canée, also named Hania or Chania, is discovering a city with multiple influences. Located west of Crete, it is one of the most touristic cities on the island. It was the capital of Crete until 1971, replaced by Heraklion.

The city was built on the ancient city of Kydonla, then experienced the Byzantines, Venetians and Ottomans, before being attached to Greece. With a rich history, it is unique in its kind.

So what do you do in La Canée? Come and wander in its alleys, taste local gastronomy and delight you with its thousand and one facets!

1. The Venetian port

This is beautiful small port is a reference in tourism. Described a circle arc, it is surrounded by Venetian style houses, very colorful.

On one side, the Janissary Mosque , with pale pink domes, is the oldest mosque in the Crest. It is now closed to worship and houses exhibitions. On the other side, strong Firkas , built in the 17th century, which was a Turkish barracks and served as a prison. Finally, the Venetian lighthouse remains the port’s emblem.

2. The Maritime Museum

Installed in Fort Firkas, the Maritime museum is very appreciated by the little ones as big ones. It retraces the naval history of Crete since the Bronze Age. The supports are multiple (videos, photos, objects). The cockpit of a Greek ship is reconstituted and many models give life to the explanations.

3. Old town

When you want to visit La Canée, the old town is a must. It is organized in 5 quarters. Enjoy it to walk through the maze of alleys, lined with colorful houses all prettier than others. The neighborhoods of Topanas, with its ramparts, and Evraiki, the old Jewish quarter, have been well restored and have a lot of charm. The Kasteli district did not have the same treatment, but remains very important historically: it is in one of its streets that the remains of the ancient city of Kydonla have been updated.

4. The Archaeological Museum of La Canée

You can't visit La Canée by passing by Archaeological Museum . It is sheltered in the Basilica of Saint Francis. You can admire the ancient treasures discovered in the Kasteli district, dating from the Minoan city of Kydonla. These pieces are rare and precious.

5. The beaches

What to do in La Canée if you need rest between two visits? In Crete, the beach remains the inevitable activity for farniente. You can enjoy the turquoise blue sea, fine sand... Some prefer beaches equipped with sun loungers and with all the comforts nearby. Others favour more wild places, closer to nature. In any case, in La Canée, you will find your happiness!

The beaches Falassarna and d Elafonissi are essentials. They are located several dozen kilometres from La Canée, but are one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Falassarna is an incredible crystalline water. And the famous Elafonissi, with its pink sand on the blue sea, is mythical.

The beaches Koum Kapi Beach and Nea Chora Beach are just a fifteen minute walk from the Venetian port of La Canée, ideal for a small dive at the end of the day.

Well, if you want to party on the beach all night, go to a party at a party Platanias !

You're done walking around the beaches and wondering what to do in La Canée? We still have some wonders, keep reading!

6. A boat ride

Once the tour of the beaches of La Canée is done, another must-have for you: the boat ride! Indeed, renting a boat in La Canée , you offer you the opportunity to discover the Cretoise wonders while avoiding the tourist agitation.

If you don’t have the boat permit, you can use the services of a skipper who will reveal the most beautiful corners of the island throughout the trip. With a bit of luck, you can even enjoy it to swim in the heart of magical places, the time of an unforgettable day with your loved ones.

7. The church Agios Nikolaos

Located in the Splanzia district, church Agios Nikolaos is a beautiful symbol of the history of the city. You can observe a campanile (or bell tower) and a minaret. This church was built in the 14th century by the Venetians. When the Ottomans arrive, they convert it into a mosque and build the minaret. Then, at the beginning of the 20th century, it became an Orthodox church.

You can also discover the different religious influences of the Crest by visiting the Orthodox Cathedral, later transformed into a soap factory, but which has preserved its sacred character. The Catholic Church of the Assumption and the synagogue Etz Hayyim are also witnesses of the island history.

8. The great Venetian Arsenal

Located in the Chionès district, this gigantic place was intended for the construction of the Venetian galleys (batches of the 14th century, measuring around thirty-five meters in length for seven and a half meters in width). At the time, he had seventeen hangars. Today, there are seven. Not to be missed: in the main building of the arsenal, the reproduction of a 15th century Minoan ship before Jesus Christ is exposed. You can take a walk to the lighthouse and have a coffee in one of the many nearby establishments.

9. The covered market of La Canée

What to do in La Canée to discover traditional products such as olive oil, honey? Turn around market of halls No doubt. It is rare that Cretan markets are covered. Also, this is a reference in Crest. It is arranged in the form of a cross and welcomes nearly eighty exhibitors every day. You can't visit La Canée without tasting Cretan cuisine! Enjoy your lunch in one of the many establishments. The dishes are tasty and authentic!

10. The throats of Samaria

If you're a fan of hiking and breathtaking landscapes, you're probably wondering what to do in La Canée to take a full view of it. So... Gorges de Samaria are for you. Located in Samaria National Park, they hide in the White Mountains. A true corner of paradise for local fauna and flora, they are open to the public from May to October. However, this trip requires a good physical condition.

To get there, you can go by your own means. There are two circuits: along, 18 km, and the shortest starting from Agia Rouméli . This village is only accessible by boat.

If you want to make it simple, many organizations offer a key day in hand, with a start early in the morning (about 6 a.m.).

11. To do and see also around La Canée

The size of the island of Crete makes it easy to cross. If you stay for a few more days to take the time to visit La Canée, take the opportunity to discover these other wonders:

• A traditional olive oil mill (you will have to sink a little off the beaten paths)
• The ancient Aptera (city dating from the Hellenistic period)
• The fort of Koules (Vitian mistress in Heraklion)
• The castle of Frangokastello (built by the Venetians for defense)
• Balos (a breath-taking lagoon)

How to get to La Canée?

Several possibilities offer you to reach La Canée. The first, the plane. There is an international airport next to La Canée. Depending on your city of departure, you can have a stopover in Athens in particular. Count three hours for a direct flight from Paris, and a minimum of five hours with a stopover. Once you land, you just have to take a taxi or get your car rental to visit your hotel.

You can also make it Heraklion , and take a bus that will lead you to the La Canée bus station. To effectively compare possible flights, use Ulysses which will get you in one click the best options depending on your departure city.

If you wish, you can choose the ferry from the port of Pirée (Athens) . The journey, for a period of 9 a.m., takes place at night.

To travel to La Canée

It is very difficult to park in La Canée. The old town is pedestrian. We advise you to move with the public transport or taxi .

If you have rented a car, you can try to park on the free parking lot behind the Venetian port, but it is very coveted. There are other paid parking spaces.

If you come from another city and have no means of locomotion, bus pass very regularly and connect the main cities of Crête.

Where to stay in La Canée?

So that you can enjoy the atmosphere as much as possible, we recommend you book your accommodation in the old city. The location will be ideal for visiting La Canée. Many of the Venetian houses in the old town have been restored. They are now splendid small charming hotels. To find your accommodation according to your availability and at the best price, think about using a Compare hotels who, regardless of your selection criteria, will submit the most interesting offers.

Conversely, if you need peace after your day, opt for a reservation outside the city.

If you prefer to enjoy comfort as at home, you will find your happiness on Airbnb among many studios and apartments.

Know that it is a very popular destination, so it is best to book your stay before departure.

So, ready for departure?