Crete is a popular Greek island tourist hotspot, and one of the most visited destinations has to be Chania. Located on western Crete's northern coastline, it is a beautiful town filled with cobbled streets, authentic boutiques and traditional restaurants. Once the capital of the island, Chania has a long history dating back to the Bronze Age, which makes it a particularly fascinating place to explore
The best way to discover the best of this part of Crete is to arrange car rental in Chania. This allows you to explore at your own pace and to get off the beaten track to see some of the sights which aren't accessible with public transport.
The Old Harbour in Chania itself is certainly worth a visit. Its promenade is home to countless cades and eateries while its waters are packed with wooden boats. The lighthouse in the shape of a minaret and the modern yachting marina are all worth visiting here.
If you love natural attractions, the Botanic Park and Gardens of Crete cry out to be explored. Right at the bottom of Crete's White Mountains, this park is filled with fruit trees and exotic flowers as well as shady spots where you can relax and breathe in the wonderfully fragranced air.
When you arrange car rental in Chania, you can head further afield to the Akrotiri peninsula 10km to the east of the city. Here, you'll find three monasteries where you can see olive groves, orange orchards and ancient cloisters. Katholiko is perhaps the most interesting, being built into the face of a cliff down a path of 140 steps.
If your idea of a fun Crete vacation involves relaxing on a peaceful beach, you'll enjoy a day trip to Balos, one of the island's most spectacular stretches of sand. The white sands are paired with a stunning green lagoon which is perfect for swimming, especially if you're with children. This spot is also famous for having been visited by Prince Charles and Lady Diana while they were on their Honeymoon.
One further spot to discover by car is the 18km Samaria Gorge which represents a challenging hike for those who like to stay active on holiday. Enter the gorge from Omalos village and discover the uneven path through the pinewoods. You may even be lucky enough to see the wild kri kri goats!
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