Beautiful. Bright. Colorful. Relaxing. People use all of these words to describe Chania and more. It’s the second-largest town on the island of Crete and is the perfect destination if you want to slow down, relax and unplug from the modern world.
This small city lends itself to every type of holiday, from busy days filled with activities to slow, dreamy days where you spend your time sipping wine and watching life go by.
Chania is filled with history and historical buildings as well as great food, lots of unique shopping opportunities, and peaceful stretches of beach. So, no matter what you enjoy doing when you’re on holiday, you’ll find lots to keep you entertained.
Unfortunately, not many people know about this city so you won’t find as much information out there on the best places in Chania to stay. But that’s why we’re here to help.
With our Chania neighborhood guide, you’ll be able to find the best options for you, your travel group, and your wallet. And then you can get on with enjoying your stay knowing that you have the perfect base to come back to at night.
Backpacking Greece? want a quick pick? These are our top recommendations for places to stay in Chania.
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Best Airbnb in Chania: Penthouse with Breathtaking Views
One of the best things about beach vacations is waking up to the sound and the sight of the waves. And if this is what you want to do, then this apartment is one of the best places to stay in Chania.
It offers incredible views over the ocean and is comfortably spacious, clean, and beautifully decorated.
Best Hostel in Chania: Nikolas Rooms
This hostel in Chania offers well equipped, comfortable single rooms that offer a cozy and comfortable base for your stay in Chania. It’s well located in the middle of the city and close to historical sites as well as restaurants where you can try the local cuisine.
The rooms come in a variety of sizes to suit every travel group.
Best Hotel in Chania: Palazzo di Pietro
This is easily one of the coolest places to stay in Chania. Located right in the city center, it offers a traditional setting and accommodations. With a swimming pool, restaurant, and free Wi-Fi, this hotel contains everything you could need or want during your stay.
And the rooms are charmingly traditional but still contain all the modern conveniences.
Splantzia
Splantzia is part of the old city and one of Chania’s best neighborhoods if you want to be close to everything. It’s filled with restaurants, boutiques, and historic buildings and has a peaceful, calm vibe even with all the tourists who tend to gather there.
Nea Hora
Nea Hora offers Chania accommodation that’s a little cheaper than the city center but is still close enough to everything to be convenient.
Halepa
Halepa is filled with historic buildings and architecture that will take you back to the time of noblemen and kings. In fact, one of the most interesting things you can do in this area is to wander and check out the streets.
Kastelli
Kastelli is one of the best places in Chania to stay if you want to be close to everything. It’s a part of the old city and is actually the oldest district in Chania.
Chania is a fairly small city that was once several smaller villages that merged over time into one. As a result, you’ll find that many of the best areas to stay in Chania are quite different to each other.
You can’t really go wrong with any of the neighborhoods actually. This city is fairly small and compact, which will make it easy for you to find the best area in Chania to stay in.
Splantzia is one of the most popular areas. It’s located in the old part of the city, and is atmospheric and filled with traditional buildings and a peaceful, happy vibe that will encourage you to slow down and enjoy your time in the city.
Nea Hora is a little further from the city center but still within walking distance. The real attraction of this area is the beach, and this is the best neighborhood to stay in Chania if you want some serious sun and sand time.
If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Chania for families and want a calmer vibe, then try Halepa. This is a more refined local neighborhood, where you’ll find some of the city’s most elegant hotels and homes.
It’s perfect if you’re looking for a bit of peace and quiet during your trip.
And the final area to consider is Kastelli. This is part of the old city up near the old harbor, where most of the historic attractions are.
You’ll find a huge range of accommodation options in this part of the city at every budget point. It’s also the best choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Chania for nightlife as it’s filled with bars, restaurants, and clubs.
4 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in Chania
When you’re looking for Chania accommodation, here are the areas to focus on.
#1 Splantzia – Where to Stay in Chania First Time
Splantzia is part of the old city and one of Chania’s best neighborhoods if you want to be close to everything. It’s filled with restaurants, boutiques, and historic buildings and has a peaceful, calm vibe even with all the tourists who tend to gather there.
But it wasn’t always this way. Splantzia was once a poor area of the city that saw a lot of turmoil. During the Ottoman occupation, Greek Christians were tortured and executed on the tree of Splantzia in the center of town.
But a recent makeover has turned this into a popular, bohemian area loved by tourists and locals alike.
This is the best neighborhood in Chania to stay in if you love to wander and discover hidden corners of a city. It’s filled with tranquil cafes and hidden spots that only the locals and the intrepid discover.
This area is a melting pot of all the cultures that have passed through Chania, and that’s reflected in the food, the local culture, and the feel of its peaceful streets.
Best Airbnb in Splantzia: East Seafront Suite
If you’re traveling on your own or as part of a couple, this is one of the best places to stay in Chania. It offers close proximity to the beach as well as beautiful sunset views from the balcony.
Suitable for 2 guests, the apartment has clean modern furnishings and is within an easy walk from the old center of the city.
Best Hostel in Splantzia: Poco Loco Bed and Breakfast
Newly renovated, this hostel in Chania is a bright and slightly quirky place to stay while you’re in the city. It’s just a few minutes from all the charms of Old Town and offers 5 apartments that are fully equipped for a comfortable stay.
A full breakfast is offered in the gorgeous common area on the ground floor as well as a drink and snacks at the end of a long day.
Best Hotel in Splantzia: Harismari Cozy Hotel
With 5 well-appointed apartments available at this hotel, making it a great base when you’re staying in Chania. It provides a room service, laundry facilities, bicycle rental, and free Wi-Fi, as well as all the essentials for a comfortable stay.
This hotel is also located in the center of town, which makes it a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Chania for your first time.
Things to See and Do in Splantzia:
- Spend some time in Splantzia Square, the heart of the city.
- Check out what’s on at the performance arts theater Theatro Anatolikis Tafrou.
- If you’re a football fan, then learn more about the Greek version of it at the Greek National Football Team Museum.
- Head down to the market at Miden Agan for some of the best wine in Chania or just wander and see what catches your eye.
- Pick up some souvenirs or just sample the local food at the Old Chania Market.
- Check out the Agios Nikolaos, the church with a minaret that was imposed on it during the Ottoman occupation.
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Learn More Now!#2 Nea Hora – Where to Stay in Chania on a Budget
Nea Hora offers Chania accommodation that’s a little cheaper than the city center but is still close enough to everything to be convenient. This area is right along the beach, so you can enjoy the sun and sand, and it’s also within walking distance of the city center and all its sites.
Basically, this is the best in Chania to stay in if you want the best of both worlds!
As a beach destination, Nea Hora has a lot to offer in terms of restaurants, cafes, and boutiques. Tourists love the offerings here, which means that it can get fairly crowded, particularly in the peak season.
Nea Hora is also close to several interesting and popular tourist sites as well as some great hotels at every budget point.
Best Airbnb in Nea Hora: Steps from the Beach
Whether you’re trying to decide where to stay in Chania for one night or for a longer visit, you want to be close to the beach. And that’s exactly what this modern, comfortable apartment offers.
It’s suitable for 2 guests and includes a private bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and small patio. It’s 50 meters from the beach and within walking distance of the center of town too.
Best Hostel in Nea Hora: Constantinos Studios
These rooms are a great choice if you’re trying to decide where to stay in Chania on a budget and want to be close to the beach. It offers dorm rooms or studios at two separate locations only a few minutes’ walk from the beach.
The studios are equipped with a single or double bed and have a small kitchen and balcony.
Best Hotel in Nea Hora: Danaos Hotel
This is one of the coolest places to stay in Chania because it combines beach access with the city sites. It’s surrounded by popular restaurants, boutiques, and cafes and offers a Jacuzzi, bicycle rental, and tour desk.
The rooms are comfortable and include all the modern amenities as well as air conditioning. There’s also a bar and restaurant on-site for when you don’t feel like heading out to eat.
Things to See and Do in Nea Hora:
- Spend all day relaxing on the beach!
- Explore the local restaurants and boutiques for the best eating and shopping in the city.
- Learn about the history of the sea at the Nautical Museum of Crete.
- Explore the packed Archaeological Museum of Chania and experience the very long history of this area.
- Check out the Etz Hayyim Synagogue.
#3 Halepa – Best Neighborhood in Chania for Families
Halepa is filled with historic buildings and architecture that will take you back to the time of noblemen and kings. In fact, one of the most interesting things you can do in this area is to wander and check out the streets.
These days, the historic buildings keep company with mansions and villas as this neighborhood has become a beacon for the richest people in the city.
Halepa is one of Chania’s best neighborhoods if you want a quieter vibe. You’ll find some of the most expensive accommodation options in this area as well as lots of historical sites that reflect the most important political events in the city.
This area is also fairly close to the coast, so you won’t miss out on the beach while you’re there either.
Best Hotel in Halepa: Rodon Hotel
This hotel in Chania offers comfort and convenience at a budget price. It’s located close to popular attractions and has a stunning view of the city.
You can enjoy time on the sun deck or in the pool and each room includes a private bathroom, telephone, fridge, and view of the city. There’s even a kids’ pool which makes this a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Chania for families.
Best Luxury Hotel in Halepa: Sunlight Breeze Villa
This area is known for its luxury apartments and surroundings and this hotel in Chania doesn’t disappoint. The outdoor pool, comfortable rooms, and prime location make it well worth spending a little extra money for.
It’s close to some of the city’s best attractions as well as to the beach.
Best Airbnb in Halepa: Artistic Private Pool Villa
This beautiful villa is a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Chania with kids or a group of friends. It’s suitable for up to 6 guests and offers beautiful design and lots of large common spaces where you can socialize and enjoy the warm weather.
The owners have decorated the villa using art pieces and high-quality materials at every turn, making it endlessly fascinating to explore.
Artistic Private Pool Villa is one of our favourites in Chania but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.
Things to See and Do in Halepa:
- Just wander the streets and take in the mansions and luxury villas.
- Check out the house of Eleftherios Venizelos, which was the scene of some of the most important political events throughout the 19th century.
- Head up to the beach and walk beside the sea.
- Explore the beautiful palace and the Russian style Agia Magdalini church with its amazing dome.
- This is one of the best areas to stay in Chania if you like to eat, so make sure you head over to the Tabakaria area by the sea for the best fish taverns in the city.
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Buy an eSIM!#4 Kastelli – Best Area to Stay in Chania for Nightlife
Kastelli is one of the best places in Chania to stay if you want to be close to everything. It’s a part of the old city and is actually the oldest district in Chania.
This area was has lasted through long years of strife and trouble but was badly damaged during the Second World War. Despite that, it remains strongly traditional and is a fascinating glimpse into the very old culture of this part of Crete.
If you’re interested in history, then this part of the city is literally saturated in it. It’s popular amongst tourists but is still determinedly local with an authentic charm that is hard to beat.
And it’s also close to the beach and to all the other sites in the old part of Chania too, so you can spend your days exploring on foot. It’s also the best choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Chania for nightlife as it’s close to all the best bars, clubs, and restaurants.
Best Airbnb in Kastelli: Chania Old Town
Located right in the center of Old Town, this apartment is on a quiet street that offers peace and quiet. It’s close to everything, from the bus station to shops and restaurants and even the zoo!
This is what makes it the perfect choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Chania for one night or for a longer visit.
Best Hostel in Kastelli: Morfeas Hotel
If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Chania on a budget, this is a good choice. It’s located right in the center of Kastelli and surrounded by cafes, restaurants, and shops.
The city’s most popular landmarks are within walking distance and the rooms are warm and friendly and contain all the amenities you’ll need for a long or short stay.
Best Hotel in Kastelli: Suites Pandora
Located close to the old port, this is a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Chania with kids or with friends. It’s close to everything, which makes for convenient explorations, and offers bicycle rental and free Wi-Fi.
The charming traditional apartments include private bathrooms, a kitchenette, and an in-room dining area.
Things to See and Do in Kastelli:
- Explore the history of the city at the ruins of 4 villas that were once part of the old Minoan city of Kydonia.
- Head up to the Old Harbor for stunning views across the ocean.
- Spend a day relaxing on the beach.
- Get lost in the twisting streets and just see what you can find!
- Try the local restaurants and enjoy the unique tastes of this part of the world.
FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Chania
Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Chania and where to stay.
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Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Stay in Chania
This Chania neighborhood guide will help you have the trip of your dreams. You’ll be able to stay in a hotel, hostel, or apartment that suits your budget and your travel preferences and be close to everything you want to see.
And then you can just enjoy yourself. Chania is the kind of place where people come for two days and stay for two weeks, so expect to be reluctant to leave!
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