Cheap holiday Chania

When is the best time to go?

May and September are ideal: 22 to 28 degrees, a warm sea and far fewer crowds than July and August, with prices up to 30% lower. In May the wildflowers bloom and the Samaria Gorge trails are at their best. October is still pleasant for beach weekends (23 degrees), though the gorge closes by then.

The best areas in Chania

• Splantzia The most authentic part of the Old Town, just behind the harbour. Venetian and Ottoman heritage side by side: the Agios Nikolaos church has both a bell tower and a minaret. The plane-tree square (Plateia 1821) is perfect for coffee with locals, free of touristy souvenir shops.
• Halepa The former diplomatic quarter, a 15-minute walk east of the harbour. Opulent 19th-century mansions beneath jacaranda trees, few tourists and the Venizelos museum dedicated to the great Greek statesman born here. Quiet, with beautiful evening walks.
• Koum Kapi Just outside the Venetian walls on the south side of the Old Town. Its own small beach (free), a row of waterfront terraces and a relaxed atmosphere. The adjacent Tabakaria district has authentic, cheaper fish restaurants well below harbour prices.
• Nea Chora The 1.5 km city beach west of the Old Town, a 10-minute walk from the harbour. Well-organised, popular with Greek families and far less touristy than the harbour promenade.

Top 5 things to do in Chania

• Venetian Harbour and Egyptian Lighthouse The harbour is free to visit. Walk the full breakwater to the white lighthouse (1839, built by Egyptian craftsmen): 20 to 25 minutes return and at sunset the best free viewpoint in Chania.
• Archaeological Museum of Chania Housed in a former Venetian Church of San Francesco. Entry €15 (reduced €8, free for EU citizens under 18). Minoan frescoes, the golden bee pendant from Chrysolakkos and Greek and Roman finds from across western Crete.
• Samaria Gorge Europe's longest gorge: 16 km, from 1,227 metres altitude down to the coastal village of Agia Roumeli. Entry €10 per person. Season April to late October. Walking time 5 to 7 hours downhill; take the KTEL bus (around €7) from Chania to the starting point Xyloskalo and the boat back (around €15).
• Elafonisi Beach Pink sand from fine coral debris, turquoise water and a near-island reachable knee-deep. Entry free (Natura 2000 area), parking €3 to 5, sun beds €8 to 12. KTEL bus from Chania around €7.50, 2 hours' drive.
• Balos Lagoon Spectacular emerald lagoon at the north-western tip of Crete. Best route: boat from Kissamos (€30 to 40 return including a stop on Imeri Gramvousa island). Or drive yourself via a rough track and walk 1 km steeply downhill (free, small entry of around €1).

Flights + transport from the Netherlands

Transavia flies 6 to 7 times per week direct from Schiphol to Chania (CHQ) in around 3 hours 35 minutes in summer. easyJet operates 2 to 3 times per week in season. There are no direct flights from Eindhoven; the best option is the train to Schiphol and direct from there. Indicative return fare: €130 to 280 when booked early, higher in August. Airport to centre: KTEL bus €2.50 (30 min) or taxi at a fixed price of €23 (20 min). A rental car is strongly recommended for Elafonisi, Balos and the Samaria Gorge. Book via DiscoverCars for a rental car on Crete, typically €25 to 45 per day.

What does a Chania holiday cost?

Hostels (2026) from €35 per night in a dorm, budget hotel (private room) €45 to 60, boutique hotel in the Old Town €80 to 150. Food is excellent value: gyros €3.50 to 5.50, bakery lunch €2 to 4, dinner at a taverna €12 to 20 per person. Archaeological Museum €15; Samaria Gorge €10; Elafonisi and the harbour are free. One week (7 nights, direct flight, budget hotel and eating out daily) realistically costs €580 to 750 per person.