Visiting Chania on a Cruise Ship? Here's Everything You Need to Know

Visiting Chania on a Cruise Ship? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Author: Janice Vazquez | Last updated: December 13, 2023

An abundance of Chania's buildings around the Old Ventetian Port and a lighthouse on right at Chania Crete, Greece — *Chania Crete Old Port and lighthouse*

Chania, located on Crete’s westernmost side in Greece, is a captivating city known for its medieval town, stunning beaches, and historic castles. The capital city showcases a blend of Venetian and Turkish influences, particularly in its Old Town with maze-like alleys, Venetian mansions, and historic churches. Once the capital of Crete, Chania is situated along the Gulf of Khaniá, offering a rich cultural and natural landscape.

When visiting Chania via a cruise ship, it’s important to plan your activities carefully to avoid missing your departure time. To ensure a seamless trip, this travel guide provides useful tips and recommendations for exploring all that Crete has to offer.

Important Things to Know when visiting Chania via Cruise Ship

Chania has one nearby Port: Port of Souda (https://goo.gl/maps/fSDpnxbpXyiFRdpE6)
Proximity to Shops: It’s only a 15-minute drive to Old Town Chania. It’s approximately a 2-hour drive to Knossos Palace.
Proximity to Car Rental: Several car rental options are available within walking distance from the port. The Sixt Rent a Car is a 5-minute walk from the Port.

Click here to read about our 1 day adventure in Chania, Greece, where we saw the Egyptian Lighthouse, Firka Fortress, and Leather Lane.

Best Things to do in Chania

1. Shop for leather goods at Leather Lane (Skrydlof Street)

A sign that says Skrydlof Street aka Leather Lane in Chania Crete — *Skrydlof Street Sign*

Leather purses in colorful colors handing from a stand in Chania Crete — *Leather Lane Shop*

In the past, Leather Lane was once a quaint street dotted with shoemakers workshops. However, the workshops have now been converted into stores that offer a range of leather goods produced locally in Chania. If you’re on the lookout for high-quality leather goods such as belts, sandals, or purses, you can browse the shops for a great deal, and you might find yourself exploring the variety of options available.

Visit:

Admission: N/A
Opening Hours: Stores have their own hours
Time Needed: 1 hour
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/BzY81foh71KZ7FsD8

2. View the Egyptian Lighthouse

A stone lighthouse called the Egyptian Lighthouse in Chania Crete — *Egyptian Lighthouse*

The Egyptian Lighthouse of Chania was built in the 16th century by the Venetians. During the Turkish occupation, both the harbor of Chania and its lighthouse were disregarded and ultimately abandoned. However, in 1839, the lighthouse was restored by the Egyptians, and it remains in its current state. Today, you can take a leisurely stroll to the lighthouse, where you can observe Chania from a unique perspective. For those who wish to take in the stunning views at their own pace, benches are conveniently situated, offering a perfect spot to sit and unwind.

Visit:

Admission: N/A
Opening Hours: Not open
Time Needed: 30 minutes
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/XHKRenLxMsS2VqNp6

3. Visit the Firka Venetian Fortress

The Firka Venetian Fortress' walls and a Greece flag flying high above in Chana, Crete, Greece — *Firka Venetian Fortress*

The Firka Venetian Fortress was constructed in 1629 by the Venetians to protect the harbor and the town from enemy invasions. The origin name “Firka” can be traced back to the Italian word “ferro”, which translates to iron, referencing the iron gate of the fortress. During the Turkish occupation, the fortress served as an armory and later functioned as barracks for the Turkish army. Today, you can enter the fortress for free and enjoy spectacular views of the harbor and the town from atop the tower.

Visit:

Admission: Free
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 15:00 PM, closed Saturday, Sunday
Time Needed: 30 minutes
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/8WssWUzdfuJgtiKL8

4. Visit Presentation of the Virgin Mary Metropolitan Church

Presentation of the Virgin Mary Metropolitan Church with flags stringed from the lamp post to another lamp post — *Presentation of the Virgin Mary Metropolitan Church*

The Presentation of the Virgin Mary Metropolitan Church is a Greek Orthodox Church that was constructed during the latter stages of Ottoman rule from 1850 to 1860. The church comprises of three aisles, the central aisle is devoted to the Presentation of the Virgin, the south aisle to the Three Hierarchs, and the north aisle to Saint Nicholas. Today, you can appreciate the stunning architecture and explore the interior of the church.

Visit:

Admission: Free
Opening Hours: N/A
Time Needed: 30 minutes
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/NB71LptJYHTHhRY28

5. View the Archaeological Ruins of Minoan Kidonia

*Archaeological ruins of Minoan Kidonia Information Board*

Archaeological ruins of Minoan Kidonia under a wooden roof — *Archaeological ruins of Minoan Kidonia*

The Archaeological Ruins of Minoan Kidonia is an ancient site that dates back to the Minoan period from 3000 BC to 1450 BC. The site covers an area of about 5000 square meters and includes the remains of a large Minoan mansion, which is believed to have been the residence of a wealthy individual. The mansion was built using large stone block and had multiple rooms and a courtyard. Nowadays, you can explore the archaeological site and see the remains of the Minoan mansion.

Visit: