The Ultimate Chania, Crete 5-Day Itinerary

Chania Itinerary 3–5 Days – The Complete 2025 Travel Guide

Here’s your ideal Chania itinerary summary:

• Day 1: Explore Old Venetian Port – stroll harbour-side, visit the lighthouse, Maritime Museum, and wander Old Town lanes.
• Day 2: Take a day trip to Elafonisi, in the cooler weather spend the day at a restaurant or visit the surrounding areas
• Day 3: Hike Samaria Gorge, this can be done anytime of year however May–Oct is the most popular time.
• Day 4: Visit Rethymno on a bus tour, or relax at beaches like Nea Chora or Agioi Apostoloi.
• Day 5: Experience vineyards and olive oil tasting, followed by an evening spa in Old Town.

This concise plan balances history, coastal beauty, nature, and Cretan cuisine—all in under a week.

Five Day Chania Itinerary

Day one: Arrival in Chania and wandering around The Old Venetian Port

Your vacation starts as soon as you check into your hotel; whether you arrive by ferry, plane or helicopter, try to arrive as early as possible to ensure you can spend the rest of the day exploring this great town. 

Once you check into your chosen hotel, spend the day getting to know the area by visiting the old Venetian Port, visiting many of the shops around this area, having lunch at one of the many great little restaurants and checking out one of the world’s oldest lighthouses which were built between 1595 and 1601 will have you busy until evening. 

SIDE NOTE: Other options for today are a guided tour of the Old Town or popping into The Maritime Museum for an afternoon of perusing.

Evening: you can ride a horse and carriage around the old town area and then have dinner at one of the restaurants overlooking the lighthouse. It is an early night, as you have a big day ahead of tomorrow. 

Day two: Day trip to Elafonisi Island

Today’s day trip will be spent at the famous pink sand beaches of Elafonisi Island. Elafonisi Island, located in southwestern Crete, is a place of sheer natural beauty that offers an unforgettable experience.

With its crystalline turquoise waters and shimmering pink sands, your day will be spent exploring, swimming and enjoying the beautiful beaches that make this one of the prettiest pink sand beaches in the world.

Evening: Arriving late tonight from your day trip will leave you hungry, but not to worry, you will have time to grab a bite at many of the restaurants around the old town. It is Europe, after all, and people eat late here – try a Gyros by the harbour front for an authentic greek meal.

Day Three: Exploring nature

Today will depend on your fitness level. You have a few choices. 

1. For those who love to hike, You can choose a guided hiking experience that will see you hike the Samaria Gorge; for hiking enthusiasts, the Samaria Gorge is a stunning natural gorge offering breathtaking views of towering cliffs, lush vegetation, and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Along the way, you will not only be able to see mountain goats see beautiful lush greenery but also learn a little bit about the history of this area.
2. If you want to explore the hillsides but do not want to hike, then try the Little Fun Trains trip to Therisos Gorge, where you will spend your day viewing the hilltops via a (yes, you guessed it) a little fun train. Stop by an olive factory where you will learn what can be produced from the many olive trees in the region, stop for lunch in a quaint little town and then head back to Chania, all within 3.5 hours. There are many other tours you can choose from, too.

Evening: Tonight, you will head out to West Crete to neighbouring Kertos Beach, where you can sit on the water’s edge and dine at one of the many restaurants. I highly recommend Kertos Seafood for its delicious calamari and traditional Cretan salad.

SIDE NOTE. You won’t regret the view if you can get there by sunset.

Day Four: A day trip to Rethymno

Today, you have two options: once you have caught the local bus to Rethymno, (you can purchase a ticket straight at the bus terminal). 

Option one: Then you will spend the day exploring the streets of this beautiful town. Whether you venture out on foot, visit sites like the Venetian Fortezza Castle, or jump on the on-off bus or the little train tour to explore the city.

Option two: Spend the morning on a private walking tour, including Phyllo Workshop and a Cretan breakfast, then spend the afternoon exploring the streets independently.

Evening: Once back in Chania from your day out in Rethymno, enjoy a night out on a sunset boat trip to Lazaretta, where you will not only learn about the history of Chania before heading back for a late dinner in one of the quaint restaurants in and around the back streets of Chania old town. I recommend Oinopoieio restaurant for its authentic Greek experience.

Day five: Vineyards and Olive Oil Tasting

Enjoy your final day of wine and olive oil tasting on your 7-hour tour. You will depart at 9 am and head out to wine and raki tasting on your first stop, combined with some of the local produce, to soak up your early morning tasting experience.

The second stop is another wine-tasting experience, including the local olive oil-tasting experience. You then head out to visit one of Crete’s oldest trees, a history museum and many olive trees before venturing back to Chania.

Evening: Tonight, you will take it easy and spend time in the old town, where you can indulge in many beauty treatments they offer or massages at Chania Old Town Apivita Spa. Book ahead of time as she gets swamped and books out quickly.

Hotel Recommendations 

Porto Veneziano Hotel 

The Porto Veneziano Hotel is a charming hotel located in the heart of Chania; this boutique hotel offers stunning views of the Venetian harbour and is just steps away from the bustling old town. The hotel boasts comfortable and well-appointed rooms, each beautifully decorated with modern amenities. 

Samaria Hotel 

Samaria Hotel is just a few steps away from the Venetian harbour and the city centre; this hotel offers a prime location for exploring all Chania has to offer. The hotel features a modern and stylish design, with spacious and well-appointed rooms that offer stunning views of the surrounding area.

The friendly and attentive staff provide exceptional service and are always ready to assist guests with any needs or enquiries. 

Top Tips & Logistics

• Car Hire: Essential for exploring beaches, gorges, vineyards.
• Best Seasons: Late spring and early autumn offer ideal weather, while Samaria Gorge trails run May–Oct
• Fitness Level: Gorge hike requires moderate fitness; beach days are easy and accessible.
• Transport: Buses to Rethymno and local beaches run seasonally—check ahead.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog. This post has given you the information you need. If you have any recommendations, tips or advice, I would love for you to share them in the comment section below!

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