You have 3 trips in progress.   See all
Trip Planner:   Europe  /  Greece  /  Crete  /  Chania Prefecture  /  Chania Town  /  Old Venetian Harbor

Old Venetian Harbor, Chania Town

4.7
Must see · Marina · Landmark
Create an itinerary including Old Venetian Harbor
A remnant of the Venetian rule in Crete, Old Venetian Harbor sits at the heart of Chania's old town. Although this part of the city suffered massive damage during the bombing raids of World War II, the medieval harbor remains one of the most picturesque urban districts on the island. This old waterfront neighborhood contains some of Crete's finest Venetian mansions, restored and upgraded in the last few decades to accommodate boutique hotels, trendy restaurants, and elegant bars. The remains of the Venetian city walls frame a network of narrow backstreets extending from the harbor, where you can often find local artisans selling handmade crafts. Using our custom trip planner, Chania Town attractions like Old Venetian Harbor can form part of a personalized travel itinerary.
Improve this listing »
Create a full itinerary - for free!

Tours to Old Venetian Harbor

Old Venetian Harbor reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
6,539 reviews
Google
4.7
TripAdvisor
  • Very beautiful place! I've been here several times. I would really recommend to try any of the restaurants along the bay. And if you watch carefully you can sometimes spot sea turtles in the water. 
    Very beautiful place! I've been here several times. I would really recommend to try any of the restaurants along the bay. And if you watch carefully you can sometimes spot sea turtles in the water.  more »
  • Chania is a charming and historic port town in the northwest of Crete that captivated us from the moment we arrived. The old town, surrounded by Venetian walls, is a maze of narrow streets filled... 
    Chania is a charming and historic port town in the northwest of Crete that captivated us from the moment we arrived. The old town, surrounded by Venetian walls, is a maze of narrow streets filled...  more »
  • We went to this part of Crete during an excursion. What an absolutely beautiful place this is. No photographs do it any justice. It is a bustling town with shops galore. A shopper and tourist... 
    We went to this part of Crete during an excursion. What an absolutely beautiful place this is. No photographs do it any justice. It is a bustling town with shops galore. A shopper and tourist...  more »
Google
  • If you're visiting Crete and you've never been before then I suggest you definitely visit Chania, especially the old town where the port is located. You can park 5 minutes away on the outskirts and walk into town if you don't want to pay for parking and that's not to say you can see everything in 5 minutes. You will need at least a full day to get the grasp of most of this beautiful town. The port is absolutely awe inspiring and surrounded by various cafes and restaurants with a few of them offering special seafood dishes which are reasonably priced but not cheap. If you decide to walk to the lighthouse and have a pram or have trouble walking you will find it tricky because it gets very narrow. At one point you have the choice of climbing down some building sand or up onto the wall but it is worth the effort. We had a pram and there was a man selling oil paintings, we bought a painting and when he saw us struggling he offered to look after the pram. I think he would have offered without us buying anything as the Greek people are so wonderfully kind. There's a car park right next to the port and some children will insist on helping you park your car if you use it, they will want a tip for this but it does not pay for parking. My wife thought it did and paid them €10 and she regrets it to this day. Parking is €3.50 for 3 hours but if I remember you can pay for 6 hours. We moved the car after 3 hours and parked just outside the car park for free but it does get busy around mid day.
  • Great place to stroll at night (or during the day for that matter) but be aware that this is a very touristic and busy area. It's worth the visit for the nice buildings the very beautiful port and restaurants (a lot of restaurants) but a above all the nice sunsets you can enjoy from the port side. If you would like a nice view of the port itself I would like to recommend to go up to the lighthouse. Also make sure to visit the back alleys for nice little shops with craft works, leather and more...restaurants.
  • This old port is a gorgeous hub for incredible views, food, and shopping. Lots of touristy shops and tons of people, but even if that’s not your thing it’s still worth coming for the beautiful view of the Venetian lighthouse, old buildings and the authentic food. Sitting on a bench by the water is really magical as well.
  • Visually striking is the contrast between the Mosque, now an exhibition space, and the Venetian lighthouse. Beautiful views in the evening and early morning. The harbor is vibrant, there is a nice atmosphere. If you can sit at a table on the pier in the evening do so. At the pubs look for local beers, some are really good.
  • lot of restaurants in the area, some are bad tourist traps but also a lot of very good restaurants too. the place is beautiful. enjoy the evening and watch the sun goes down. there are also lot of shops here, great opportunity to do some power shopping. overall I give this 5 stars

Plan your trip to Chania Town

  • Get a personalized trip
    A full day by day itinerary based on your preferences
  • Customize it
    Refine your trip. We'll find the
    best routes and schedules
  • Book it
    Choose from the best hotels and activities. Up to 50% off
  • Manage it
    Everything in one place. Everyone on the same page.