Where to stay in La Canée and its surroundings?

Pack your bags in Crete and discover the best places to stay in La Canée during your holidays in the most picturesque Greek islands!

Second largest city Crete After Heraklion, La Canée is a charming cosmopolitan destination. Located northwest of the island, it was originally a Minoan city called Cydonia. Then it was successively occupied by Romans, Byzantines, Venetians, Turkish and Ottomans before becoming Greek in 1898.

You will also see during your visit how these peoples have influenced the city in terms of architecture, culture, gastronomy and history. Today, its sweetness of living, its exceptional heritage and its colorful landscapes make it an essential place during your visit to Greece.

You will be greeted by residents in the sense of exemplary hospitality and you will explore many sites that reflect the many facets of the city. From Venetian port to Janissary Mosque , passing through the archaeology museum and the Firka fortress, walk through the paved and flowery alleys of La Canée and discover its history with varied origins and its hidden treasures. Sometimes called Chania or Haniá, it is considered the most beautiful city on the island.

To prepare your trip, we offer a selection of the best places to stay in La Canée during your next stay.

Kasteli and the Venetian Port: the seaside district

Scented to the old town, Kasteli is the part of La Canée having suffered the most during the bombings of the Second World War. During its renovation, the archaeologists updated the remains of the Minoan era. Built in the form of a circle arch, the port is surrounded by beautiful Venetian houses with colorful facades and it is the ideal place for a walk by the sea.

Not far from there, do not miss the Janissary Mosque, the old port and church of Agios Nikolaos then climb up the small hill to enjoy a breathtaking view. You will have a wide choice of accommodation in the heart of Kasteli and we recommend staying in one of the small hotels held by local families for a room with sea views and an authentic Cretan experience.

Topanas and Evraiki: living and tourist areas

To the west of La Canée there are 2 districts very famous for their beauty and animation: Topanas and Evraiki (the former Jewish quarter). Flip into their effervescent streets at the edge of the labyrinth and let yourself be won by the dynamic atmosphere that reigns there day and night. Restaurants Scenic, craft shops, old houses and local shops blend here in perfect harmony.

Take a break to visit the Synagogue Etz Hayyim , the old fort Firka, Cathedral Trimartiri , the remains of the Renieri Palace and the Folklore Museum . Also take the time to admire the houses with sometimes Venetian architecture, sometimes Ottoman, with their large wooden doors and their flowered balconies. It is in Topanas and Evraiki that you will find the widest variety of places to sleep in La Canée — hotels, hostels and hostels — in renovated buildings that have kept their old hiding places.

Splanzia and Chionès: peaceful neighbourhoods

In the center of La Canée, behind Kasteli, Splanzia and Chionès are two neighbourhoods with a relaxed and popular atmosphere. The first is the old Turkish quarter where narrow alleys flow and the second is home to almost intact Venetian arsenals since the 14th century. You can go shopping at the local market, visit the museum of the national Greek football team, walk through the public gardens and discover the cultural centre of the city.

Take the time to survey the place 1821 — close to which is a sumptuous Greek Orthodox church built in 1860 — before joining Chionès where the replica of a ship dating from the Minoan era is exposed. Continue along the Sabbionara ramparts and you will pass in front of the former guard post of the Venetian port and the bastion Saint Nicolas de Molos, before arriving at the majestic lighthouse at the end of the pier. If you are looking for a place away from the tourist hustle where to sleep in La Canée, opt for accommodation located in Splanzia and Chionès. Calm and peace guaranteed!

Halepa: the historic and hupped neighbourhood

Old full town, Halepa is now attached to La Canée. Located all the east, this neighbourhood once housed the splendid classically-style residences of the surrounding population. Among them were the dwellings of Georges de Greece (high commissioner of Crete in the 1900s) and Elefthérios Venizélos (political man considered the founder of modern Greece). The historical importance of this district lies in the fact that it holds its name from the Chalepa Pact, which ended the Cretan revolt of 1878 opposing the inhabitants of the island to the Ottoman Empire.

Go to the conquest of the neighborhood and discover the Russian church Sainte Marie Madeleine, the old leather tanneries of the 19th century and the monastery of Gouverneto . Finish the day enjoying sunset from the terrace of one of the bars and restaurants overlooking the sea Tabakaria . If you are looking for accommodation in a residential rather than tourist area, it is in Halepa that you have to go, especially if you plan a way or long stay.