Chania City Guide

Local dishes like Dakos and Kalitsounia are must-tries. You can find good international food in Old Town. Vegetarian and vegan options are available. Many places stay open late, especially for souvlaki and seafood.

Nightlife centers on the Venetian Harbor and Old Town with bars, cocktail lounges, and clubs.

Strong coffee culture with traditional and modern cafes. Specialty roasters are growing.

Tipping is nice but not mandatory. Around 5-10% at restaurants and rounding up fares for taxis is common.

Buy SIM cards at the airport or stores. Vodafone, Cosmote, and Wind (Nova) are top providers. Cosmote has best coverage. ID is needed for activation. eSIMs are available with some providers.

Streets in tourist areas are kept clean with recycling systems active.

Some pharmacies rotate 24/7 service; minimarts in tourist zones often open late. Emergency medical help is available anytime.

Supermarkets like Synka, Lidl, and AB Vassilopoulos sell local and international products. The Municipal Market has fresh local produce and fish. Hours are typically 8 AM to 9 PM weekdays, and shorter on Saturdays.

Card payments work in most places, but some small tavernas and markets prefer cash.

ATMs are common around the Old Town and banks. Expect some withdrawal fees from your bank or local ATMs.

There are no major international schools. Public schools teach mainly in Greek.

Digital nomad community is small but growing. Meetups are occasional. Good Wi-Fi spots are present in cafes.

Municipal Garden and coastal promenades offer green areas for walking and running.

Safe running routes along the coast and in parks. Groups and races are held locally.

Gyms offer daily or weekly passes and standard facilities.

Tennis courts at clubs like Chania Tennis Club; padel courts are less common but available.

Padel courts can be found at some sports complexes.

Yoga studios provide classes in various styles, with some in English.

Gyms offer martial arts like BJJ and traditional wrestling. Drop-in availability varies.

No skiing near Chania or on Crete.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing are popular in warmer months with rentals and tours available.

Surfing is possible mostly on the north coast with seasonal conditions. Spots suit beginners and advanced surfers; rentals and schools exist but not widespread.

Good diving spots with clear water and rich marine life. Centers offer training and rentals. Best from May to October.

Chania has public hospitals like General Hospital Agios Georgios and private clinics. English-speaking staff is more common in private centers. Pharmacies are many and some open late or rotate for emergencies.

Tap water is safe to drink, though some people prefer bottled for taste or sensitive stomachs.

Playgrounds and kid-friendly cafes are common. Baby supplies are easy to find. Attractions include Maritime Museum, Limnoupolis Water Park, and Municipal Garden.

Generally accepting, especially in tourist spots. Inclusive bars exist. Legal protections are in place.

Pet-friendly with outdoor cafe seating and vets. Leash-required green spaces; pet import follows EU rules.