Why Go Now?

The sea is still warm, there are fewer tourists, and the city feels a friendlier place for walking and exploring. With the grape harvest underway, this is also the perfect time to discover the local Roméiko grape variety. Once associated with low-quality wines, it has been rediscovered in recent years and is now producing excellent vintages. Put Dourakis Winery (Alikambos Apokoronas, dourakiswinery.gr), Manousakis Winery (Vatolakkos, manousakiswinery.com) and Karavitakis Vineyards (Pontikiana, karavitakiswines.com) on your itinerary – all offer guided tours and tastings.

A Walk to Remember

The stroll around the Old Venetian Harbor is the most rewarding walk you can take in Hania, as on it you’ll see all the layers of history that have shaped the city. Start from the Firka Fortress, pass the souvenir shops and tavernas, and stop at the Küçük Hasan Mosque (Yali Tzami). Continue past the Great Arsenal and on to the city’s most prominent landmark, the Venetian Lighthouse. The whole route is about 1.5 km.

Top Museums to Add to Your List

Since 2022, the Archaeological Museum of Hania has been housed in a striking modern building in the Halepa district, where the impressive architecture matches the wealth of its exhibits. The collection spans from the Paleolithic Age to Roman times, with artifacts from Gavdos, Minoan sites and other archaeological locations in western Crete. Sculptures, objects with inscriptions, jewelry, vessels and coins all tell the story of the region (15 Skra, open daily except Tuesday, 08:00-20:00, admission €15).

Just a few steps away, the Eleftherios Venizelos House Museum occupies the former family home of the great statesman. Venizelos lived here during his early years and returned periodically after 1927. Across 18 stops spread over three floors, visitors can explore his life and political career in detail (Elena Venizelou Sq., Halepa, Mon-Sat 11:00-17:30, admission €5).

What to Eat and Where

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Apostolis restaurant (@apostolis_restaurant)

In Hania, tavernas and restaurants serve everything from fresh seafood to hearty meats and traditional Cretan recipes. For local classics such as sfakiano yachni (lamb or goat stew), rabbit stifado (with plenty of onions), or pork with celery, head to Apostolis (1 Karaiskaki). At Evgonía (120 Mylonogianni) you’ll find daily specials alongside grilled meats and gamopilafo, the traditional Cretan wedding rice simmered in goat broth. Chrysostomos (corner of Defkalionos & Ikaron) offers wild greens salad with stamnagathi (spiny chicory); snails; savory herb pies; the local meat pie; vegetable boureki; and ofto (oven-roasted lamb). For seafood, make note of Kaïki (5 Akti Papadaki) and Maridaki (33 Daskalogianni).

Hotels You’ll Enjoy

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Domes Zeen (@domeszeenchania)

Right on the waterfront in the historic Tabakaria district, The Tanneries (19-25 Vivilaki, thetannerieshotel.gr) occupies four restored tannery buildings now transformed into 20 sea-view suites; it comes complete with a restaurant and spa. In the former German ambassador’s residence, built in 1890, the Ambassadors Residence Boutique Hotel (28 Akti Tombazi, ambassadorsresidenceHania.com) offers 13 stylish rooms and suites. To the west of the city, Domes Zeen Chania (Nea Chora Beach, marriott.com) is a large resort with pools, a spa, restaurants and every modern comfort.

Wild Spots Within Reach

October is still warm enough in southern Crete for a swim, and it’s the perfect chance to enjoy famous beaches without the summer crowds. Falassarna and Balos are about 51 km from the city, while Elafonissi is 73 km away. Prefer the mountains? Drive up to the Omalos Plateau, where rugged landscapes unfold and a coffee with views of the start of the Samaria Gorge is a must. Just 18 km from Hania lies the Botanical Park and Gardens of Crete, a 20-hectare oasis of plants from around the world, along with native birds and animals.

What to Take Home

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Bougatsa Iordanis (@bougatsa.iordanis)

Western Crete’s fertile land provides Hania with outstanding local produce. From the virgin olive oil of Kolymvari to cheeses from Sfakia, you’ll find quality goods in the city’s shops. For kalitsounia (sweet or savory mini pies) and full-sized homemade pies, head to the Lampakis Family Cretan Workshop (176 Papanastasiou). For bougatsa, try the legendary Iordanis (24 Apokoronou) or Bougatsa Hania (37 Apokoronou). For traditional rusks, stop at Drandakis Bakery (25 Eleftheriou Venizelou).

The Repeat Visitor’s Tip

In Hania and its surroundings, traditional kafeneia still endure, serving coffee and simple meze prepared on the spot. Seek out Bolanis Café (30 Emmanouil Pimplis), Bourbos (6 Episkopou Nikiforou), or, outside the city, Tou Xiri (Kampoi, Kerameia, 20 km from Hania), Mihalis’ Kafeneio (Armeni) and Petros’ Café (Litsarda).