Old Venetian Harbour
Walk the waterfront from the old shipyards towards the lighthouse and enjoy the harbour at different times of day.
Crete · Greece
Chania Ferry &
Chania Ferry &
Destination Guide
Explore Chania’s Venetian harbour, old town and western Crete, then plan the overnight ferry journey between Piraeus and nearby Souda.
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Discover Chania
Venetian harbour scenery, layered old-town history and a gateway to western Crete
Chania is one of Crete’s most atmospheric cities, centred on a Venetian harbour lined with old buildings, waterfront restaurants and the long lighthouse breakwater. The compact old town behind it rewards slow exploration through lanes shaped by Venetian, Ottoman and Greek history.
The harbour is the visual heart of the city, but Chania extends well beyond the waterfront. Museums, historic neighbourhoods, local food and nearby beaches make it an easy destination to enjoy without immediately hiring a car.
For travellers arriving by sea, an important distinction is that the main passenger ferry does not dock in the Venetian harbour. Conventional ferries use Souda, a separate deep-water port east of central Chania.
The Piraeus–Chania route is particularly useful for overnight travel between Athens and western Crete. Vehicle space, reserved seats and cabins can make the sea journey part of a longer island road trip rather than simply a transfer.
Chania is also an excellent base for western Crete. With more time, travellers can continue towards dramatic gorges, mountain villages and beaches along both the north and south coasts.
City highlights
What to see while you are in Chania
Chania’s appeal comes from the combination of a remarkably photogenic harbour, dense old-town streets and easy access to the landscapes of western Crete.
Chania Lighthouse
Follow the long breakwater towards one of Crete’s most recognisable maritime landmarks and wide harbour views.
Chania Old Town
Explore narrow lanes, restored townhouses, small shops and architectural traces from Venetian and Ottoman periods.
Archaeological Museum
See collections from western Crete in the modern museum complex at Chalepa, east of the old town.
Tabakaria
Walk the atmospheric former tannery district along the waterfront in Chalepa, now gradually being restored and reused.
Nea Chora Beach
Reach a convenient sandy beach west of the old harbour when you want swimming without leaving the city area.
Tours & experiences
Things to Do in Chania
Browse walking tours, food experiences, boat trips and excursions from Chania across western Crete.
Tours and activities displayed in this section are supplied through Viator. Availability, descriptions and prices are provided by the activity supplier and can change.
Arriving or departing by ferry
Chania ferry terminal at Souda
Passenger ferries serving Chania use Souda Port rather than the Old Venetian Harbour. The port lies east of central Chania and handles the conventional passenger and vehicle service connecting western Crete with Piraeus.
The Piraeus–Chania crossing is commonly operated as an overnight journey, so cabins, reserved seating and vehicle arrangements are important parts of planning. Check your live booking for the vessel, departure time and accommodation available on your date.
Foot passengers should arrange the transfer between Souda and central Chania in advance. Local buses and taxis are the usual options, while motorists can join the main road network directly from the port.
Passenger terminalSouda Port, east of Chania city centre
Directions to SoudaOpen Souda Ferry Terminal in Google Maps
Main routeOvernight passenger and vehicle service links Souda/Chania with Piraeus
Not the old harbourPassenger ferries do not use the Venetian sightseeing harbour in central Chania
Vehicle travelCars and touring vehicles can be booked on suitable conventional ferry sailings
Foot passengersPlan bus or taxi transport between Souda and your Chania accommodation
Plan your stay
Getting around Chania
Central Chania is best explored on foot, with buses and taxis useful for Souda and nearby beaches and a car valuable for wider western-Crete touring.
Walk the old town
The Venetian Harbour, old lanes, Nea Chora and central sights are easiest to explore without a vehicle.
Use local buses and taxis
Public transport connects Chania with Souda, beaches and many towns across western Crete.
Drive western Crete
A car gives the greatest flexibility for remote beaches, mountain villages, gorges and south-coast destinations.
Stay in Chania
Find Chania Accommodation
Stay around the old town, harbour or Nea Chora
The old town is ideal for atmosphere and restaurants, while Nea Chora offers beach access and modern districts can be easier for parking and road trips.
Common planning questions
Chania ferry & destination FAQs
Where do ferries for Chania arrive?
Conventional passenger ferries use Souda Port east of Chania, not the Old Venetian Harbour in the city centre.
Which ferry route connects Chania with Athens?
The main conventional route connects Souda/Chania with Piraeus, the principal passenger port for Athens.
Is Souda Port close to Chania old town?
It is a separate port outside the historic centre, so foot passengers should plan a bus, taxi or other transfer.
What are the best things to do in Chania?
Highlights include the Old Venetian Harbour, lighthouse, old town, Archaeological Museum, Tabakaria and nearby beaches.
Can I take a car on the Piraeus–Chania ferry?
Yes on vehicle-carrying sailings. Reserve the correct vehicle type and dimensions when booking.
Are cabins available on Chania ferries?
Cabins and reserved seating are available on suitable overnight sailings, with exact options depending on the vessel and date.
Does Chania have a railway station?
No. Crete has no passenger railway network, so use buses, taxis or a rental vehicle for land travel.
How long should I spend in Chania?
Two days gives a good introduction to the city, while four or more days allows worthwhile trips across western Crete.
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