Old Venetian Port of Chania image

Old Venetian Port of Chania

Tourist attraction Historical landmark

One of the Best Places To Visits in Mournies


Address

Ag. Markou 8, Chania 731 32, Greece

Website

www.facebook.com

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (31.1K reviews)

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Working Hours

  • Thursday: Open 24 hours
  • Friday: Open 24 hours
  • Saturday: (Epiphany), Open 24 hours, Hours might differ
  • Sunday: Open 24 hours
  • Monday: Open 24 hours
  • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
  • Wednesday: Open 24 hours

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: port (27) restaurants (25) shops (20) visit (15) Chania (15) beautiful (15) recommend (13) town (12) lighthouse (12) walk (11)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Harley Q. 1 year ago on Google
    If you're visiting Crete and you've never been before then I suggest you definitely visit Chania, especially the old town where the port is located. You can park 5 minutes away on the outskirts and walk into town if you don't want to pay for parking and that's not to say you can see everything in 5 minutes. You will need at least a full day to get the grasp of most of this beautiful town. The port is absolutely awe inspiring and surrounded by various cafes and restaurants with a few of them offering special seafood dishes which are reasonably priced but not cheap. If you decide to walk to the lighthouse and have a pram or have trouble walking you will find it tricky because it gets very narrow. At one point you have the choice of climbing down some building sand or up onto the wall but it is worth the effort. We had a pram and there was a man selling oil paintings, we bought a painting and when he saw us struggling he offered to look after the pram. I think he would have offered without us buying anything as the Greek people are so wonderfully kind. There's a car park right next to the port and some children will insist on helping you park your car if you use it, they will want a tip for this but it does not pay for parking. My wife thought it did and paid them €10 and she regrets it to this day. Parking is €3.50 for 3 hours but if I remember you can pay for 6 hours. We moved the car after 3 hours and parked just outside the car park for free but it does get busy around mid day.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Harry F. 1 year ago on Google
    This old port is a gorgeous hub for incredible views, food, and shopping. Lots of touristy shops and tons of people, but even if that’s not your thing it’s still worth coming for the beautiful view of the Venetian lighthouse, old buildings and the authentic food. Sitting on a bench by the water is really magical as well.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Thomas D. 1 year ago on Google
    Great place to stroll at night (or during the day for that matter) but be aware that this is a very touristic and busy area. It's worth the visit for the nice buildings the very beautiful port and restaurants (a lot of restaurants) but a above all the nice sunsets you can enjoy from the port side. If you would like a nice view of the port itself I would like to recommend to go up to the lighthouse. Also make sure to visit the back alleys for nice little shops with craft works, leather and more...restaurants.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brian P. 1 year ago on Google
    Don't know where to begin. Place is absolutely beautiful, food absolutely delicious, people super hospitable, just the total package for a vacation! Highly recommend checking the area out. You could spend a month there, do something everyday, and not scratch the surface of what this beautiful country is about! Highly recommend the restaurant, Remezzo's!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Georgi G. 1 year ago on Google
    A great place to stroll along the dozens of cafes and restaurants, all of which look very welcoming. The place is popular during the day and almost overcrowded in the 19:00-23:00 period. If you're a group, try not to get lost from one another in the evening. Walking slowly along the boats on one side, seeing the beautifully-lit lighthouse, the atmosphere is great and relaxing. The small and narrow streets of the Old town are next to the harbour so you naturally enter it where getting confused and the direction wrong is just a matter of time. It makes a good impression that the local merchants are not aggressive trying to invite you inside and sell you something. Everything happens very naturally. I highly recommend you to visit it both during the day and the night, the atmosphere is always great. Just watch your step and beware of pickpockets.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Alessio D. 8 months ago on Google
    Beautiful location near the city center. It's full of good places to have something to drink or eat, with specialties from all over the world (although i reccomend to avoid food from your country, especially for Italians and in particular pasta) The sightseeing is good with a nice view of sea. There is maybe not too much to do nearby, but it's nonetheless a place to go at least once.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Fleur De T. 5 months ago on Google
    T he Old Venetian Port in Chania, Crete, is a timeless masterpiece! The charming blend of Venetian, Turkish, and Greek influences creates a picturesque waterfront. Cobblestone streets, vibrant shops, and historic landmarks make every stroll enchanting. Unwind at seaside cafes and soak in the rich history of the lighthouse. A must-visit destination, earning its 5-star rating for its unparalleled beauty and cultural significance. Tip: Explore the port in the early evening for a magical sunset backdrop, casting warm hues over the Venetian architecture and creating a truly romantic atmosphere. Fact: The Egyptian Lighthouse at the entrance of the port, built by the Egyptians in the 19th century, stands as a testament to the diverse historical influences that have shaped Chania. It's a captivating piece of maritime history against the backdrop of the Cretan seascape.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jasmine 7 months ago on Google
    Absolutely beautiful. I understand why this part of downtown is so popular - it’s stunning, especially at sunset - breathtaking! Numerous restaurants line the edge of the water. Plenty of room for foot traffic, although I visited near the end of September. I’m sure it’s much more busier during the summer months / tourist season. Any spot along the harbor is a good spot to view the lighthouse and watch the sunset. Inland of the harbor has many shops and restaurants hidden in every alley and main space.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Paul 9 months ago on Google
    Beautiful, old fortified harbour with unique lighthouse. Colourful buildings along the harbour with lots of good restaurants and lovely food at reasonable prices. Highly recommended.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Harry 11 months ago on Google
    The most beautiful harbour. What more could you want from a Greek holiday? This is the perfect place to walk around, shop, eat and sit in the sun. We visited on the local bus 4 times and would love to return again. A short walk to the national football museum is ideal. The boat trips along the harbour are all great and makes the most of the time you have
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ala' B. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful place in chania, a must visit! Great for walking, cafes are nice there. You can easily spend your day around… and also you can enjoy the fresh air and the great food
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michael R. 1 year ago on Google
    lot of restaurants in the area, some are bad tourist traps but also a lot of very good restaurants too. the place is beautiful. enjoy the evening and watch the sun goes down. there are also lot of shops here, great opportunity to do some power shopping. overall I give this 5 stars
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 E. C. 1 year ago on Google
    Visually striking is the contrast between the Mosque, now an exhibition space, and the Venetian lighthouse. Beautiful views in the evening and early morning. The harbor is vibrant, there is a nice atmosphere. If you can sit at a table on the pier in the evening do so. At the pubs look for local beers, some are really good.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kristopher M. 1 year ago on Google
    The port is a very picturesque location and worth a walk from city center bus stops to soak in the scenery and get a bite to eat or shop. Also in the vicinity is the Chania lighthouse which you can get to by walking along a sea wall. The significance of mentioning this is while walking along the wall is a very beautiful photo opportunity of the Port and mountains in the background
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lee M. 1 year ago on Google
    I fell in love with this place the moment I set foot in it. The people, shops, food, music, history and the scenery was all amazing. Even just sitting at one of the many restaurants having a little drink and watching the world go by was so relaxing. Everybody was smiling because the atmosphere is so welcoming, it feels like home. I would recommend visiting this place if your in Crete, I can't wait to go back myself.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tatiana S. 2 years ago on Google
    That is fantastic place to visit! Especially if you like Italian cities. There you can find beautiful harbor, narrow streets, many restaurants. Highly recommend to visit!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sandeep D. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful place in Chania (Hania) on the island of Crete (Greece). Great Port, amazing light house, beautiful Fort and fantastic food... Overall, it was a blissful experience visiting the place....
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 B. O. 1 year ago on Google
    I have been to a few countries and I have seen a lot of cool places, this old port is beyond amazing. The water was so clear, you can see the fishes flowing around at night, the scenery, the view, the lights, the food, and of course the beautiful people. I kept asking my friends if they have seen any police officer around, and the answer was no, that was how safe we felt. I absolutely enjoyed my time out here. If you plan on visiting, try to get hotel around there, you'll have more opportunities with less travel. I definitely recommend and will visit again. Please like this post if you find it helpful 😊 thank you.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lori M. 10 months ago on Google
    Although a very touristy spot, somehow it is big enough to be charming and amazing throughout the years I have visited. This is because of Cretan filotimo. Save your shopping for here, well worth it and the food, coffee and drinks... Time is irrelevant while walking the harbor. Mykonos harbor doesn't compare!

  • 5/5 Pam R. 2 years ago on Google
    Chania port is very nice. We were here Nov 7 for 1.5 days. Not crowded. A lot of stores were closed in the old town probably because it was a Sunday but restaurant were open. Had a great time and delicious meals.

  • 5/5 Hans S. 8 months ago on Google
    This is a must visit place in the Crete island. There’s a touch of history with beautiful architecture. This area is filled with shops and restaurants whee you can take walks amidst them. There’s a paid horse ride service too. A busy and lively place

  • 5/5 Glenn D. 6 months ago on Google
    What a wonderful way to spend an afternoon! The many streets are filled with restaurant, cafe's, shops. As in most towns in Europe most streets are covered with trees and vines to provide shade and make the experience that much better. Beautiful town, I highly recommend a visit here.

  • 5/5 Apo 8 months ago on Google
    Chania was fantastic with lovely architecture and very relaxed atmosphere. There are a few museums to visit in around the main port. The main attraction for us was just taking a stroll around the port enjoying the picturesque buildings and landscape. We would love to go back and stay there for few days as there was plenty more to do in Chania and surrounding area that you can't do in just one day. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes around the port and a bit further off the busy tourist areas. We tried a few and all were very good. Even though it was peak tourist time in August we didn't struggle to find a place for our large party of 12 people. Service was very friendly and fast wherever we went. We drove to Chania and arrived just before 10:30 and were able to use the public car park by the port. By 11 in the morning it got very busy so would recommend an early start if you're visiting. There is the usual traffic for a city so it takes a little bit of patience getting in and out. Overall great day out and would highly recommend visiting Chania.

  • 5/5 Stefan K. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful part of Old Chania town. Looks more like some part of Venice then part of Greek town. A loot restaurants on the bank with waves splashing on sidewalk it can be very slippery so be careful while walking. If you go to the lighthouse trail on the half of it you can have a great view a take amazing pictures of the harbour. But also here you need to be careful because waves on a windy day can splash on you from the outside of trail walls.

  • 5/5 Vivek B. 6 months ago on Google
    This old port is spectacular. The place is full of restaurants and bars and other shops. The views are amazing with small and some big yachts. This bustling stretch of the port is full with all age groups. There are so many alleys around which are worth exploring. There is a nearby parking lot too.

  • 5/5 Θαν �. 2 years ago on Google
    Just walk your worries away by the sea! Very scenic port with view of the well known lighthouse of Chania. Food, coffee, drinks and entertainment for everyone. There is no way to come to Chania and miss to take a walk here! You can also take a ride on a horse wagon around the old city starting from here.

  • 5/5 Zara H. 8 months ago on Google
    Beautiful area to walk around with lots of restaurants and bars. You can find plenty of boat tour operators if you’re interested in doing a trip or exploring the waters.

  • 5/5 Andreea M. 9 months ago on Google
    Amazing day in Chania! The port deserves a 5 star. We had taken amazing photos and enjoyed a cold beer in the taverns nearby. If you get the chance to visit, remember to use sun screen as the sun is very strong.

  • 5/5 Julia S. 10 months ago on Google
    Great shopping and dining options! The Venetian influence is plain to see in the architecture, so different than other Greek isles. We would definitely recommend spending some time just wandering the small streets and enjoying the atmosphere.

  • 5/5 ANA CAROLINA PIUSSI M. 9 months ago on Google
    The old port it was the main entrance to the town in the old ages. Now it is the main attraction of the city, full of bars, restaurants and shops. The view it is really pretty. You can walk around and enjoy the vibrancy of the town. The sunset has the best spot. It is the place To Go.

  • 5/5 Julie S. 9 months ago on Google
    Beautiful town. Many places to see and places to eat. The port is gorgeous all day long. We really liked going here for a stroll, dinner, ice cream and a snoop in the shops. Easy to get to - just jump on the bus if your staying in Agia Marina.

  • 5/5 Nirjal K. 10 months ago on Google
    We went there in the golden hour just before sunset it looked beautiful for taking pictures. There we very few people. We already was familiar with some history regarding the place feom the free audio guide from on the ferry trip to Balos few days earlier so some imagining a bit of history of the port was interesting.

  • 5/5 Barbara Ashworth - A. 10 months ago on Google
    Beautiful Chania. So intriguing walking around the small residential streets behind the harbour. Lovely restaurants all around and so many shops to look at. Didn't get to the botanical gardens, maybe next time.

  • 5/5 Jordana N. 11 months ago on Google
    If you like exploring hidden treasures, I would highly recommend visiting the old Venetian Port! If you have been to Italy, it will 100% remind you of being there, it was the strangest feeling. There are lots of restaurants along the waterfront, with breathtaking views. There are the typical touristy shops but there are lots of local shops with clothes, jewellery, local delicacies and lots and lots of food. Just a short walk out of the main street and away from the port itself, there are lots of shops if you fancy some retail therapy! Worth a visit! I would have gone every day if I could have.

  • 3/5 Peter K. 1 year ago on Google
    Cigar from your own box... Touristic, many restaurants of decent quality, Staff of several resraurants seems to be in a competition to 'spoil' the customers unquestioned with appetizers and drinks 'on the house' but charge €15 for 'service' on the bill..

  • 5/5 Μαρια �. 2 years ago on Google
    A magical place. Many stores and restaurants but of course in winter most are closed. I love walking around and discovering every street.

  • 5/5 Denise Refalo C. 10 months ago on Google
    Rustic charm surrounded by the med sea. I suggest you head for the back streets of this old town port for a more authentic experience. Lots of shops, selling souvenirs, clothing, leather, local crafts and art galleries, restaurants and ice cream shops, musician playing. live music. We visited in June 23, I preferred going through the street in the morning as it can be very busy at night. Also accessible if one has mobility issues.

  • 4/5 Joseph H. 2 years ago on Google
    An old lighthouse at the end of a long stone windbreaker is one of the current prominent features that attracts photographers. There are other interesting landmarks but these tend to blend in with the surrounding buildings. There is an interesting promenade which encourages you to explore the many eating houses and enjoy the tourist features. A number of horse drawn carriages await customers, with the well groomed horses looking restless in the warm weather. This area is well worth a visit purely from the picturesque scenery and enjoying a mid-day snack at one of the eateries.

  • 5/5 Tracy S. 1 year ago on Google
    What a lovely place. Really vibrant and busy, plenty of restaurants and shops, gorgeous clear water and quaint old streets to explore. They run boat trips from here too. Although I did see people in wheelchairs, because of the historic nature of the place, it is not all accessible. Parking is outside of the port itself, but once parked, everything is at hand. The downside is you have to carry your bags to your hotel if you are staying overnight. Would recommend a visit.

  • 5/5 obywatel2x 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful place worth every minute. Nice architecture, lots of souvenir shops, restaurants and coffee shops. Free parking near the port. Saturday around 11 was quite busy but no problem to find car space.

  • 5/5 honey h. 1 year ago on Google
    The harbour is beautiful, the water crystal clear and from time to time some spaces without the crowds. Super walk along the coast line and pretty houses and scenery. Visited during midday.


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Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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