Old Venetian Harbor, Crete, Greece

4.5 (6.538 reviews) Spent 2-3 hours Ranking #2 in Crete Marinas • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Much more beautiful and preservered than we initially expected!

While European coastal cities really to to overcommercialize and scare away tourists with overwhelming amounts of cheap beachwear, fake Irish pubs and restaurant waiters trying to lure you in by constantly chatting you up (any time of the day), there are beautiful spots that manage to preserve their original shape and splendour while still incoporating modern elements. In Chania both seems to be the case. While tourism and accompanying tourist traps are never far away here, the old Venetian harbor managed to preserve the aesthetics of the past. One can take great sunset walks here and while our visit in 2020 was strongly influenced by the pandemic and subsequent diminishing numbers of visitors, did we really feel the local identity and culture of the people of Chania. Don't skip the city for bigger Heraklion or the beaches - make sure to indulge in this beautiful harbor that the Venetians have set their eyes on centuries ago.
Crete review images

Address

Agiou Markou 8 Akti Tompazi, Chania Town, Crete 731 32 Greece

Website

http://www.allincrete.com/chania-old-venetian-harbour/

Current local date and time now

Sunday, May 05, 2024, 15:11

User Ratings

4.5 based on (6.538 reviews)

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69%

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26%

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Reviews

4Byron A 5:00 PM Nov 6, 2022
Very Picturesque
The Old Venetian Harbour is the iconic centrepiece of the beautiful city of Chania. If you are arriving by taxi you will be dropped off a short distance from the Harbour as there are no vehicles allowed in the old town. The Harbour is so picturesque and clean, surrounded by a good selection of lovely bars and restaurants where you can rest out of the sun and people watch. Behind the Bars and Restaurants are charming, narrow alleys with unique shops with local products for sale. Walk around the Harbour to the lighthouse and take in the Venetian architecture walking by the Vali Mosque and the Firka Venetian Fortress while soaking up the atmosphere. As you walk around the Harbour you’ll come across floating shops selling their produce. I found the prices of the Bars & Cafes on the front a little expensive but as you’d expect from a prime spot with a lovely view. If you don’t care for the ambiance you’ll find the prices cheaper as you move away from the tourist areas. Yes, as you’d expect it is touristy but it is a beautiful place and well worth the visit.
4julie1653217 5:00 PM Jun 28, 2022
Lovely place to visit
Chania Venetian harbour and old port area are lovely to wander around day or night the lighthouse and castle are all worth visiting Chania is a really nice place to visit this was out first time here and we were very impressed. Plenty to see loads of places to eat and drink at more expensive on the port front but that's to be expected. Easy to walk around as it's mainly flat. Good transport to and from the airport €2 pp public bus Each way takes about 20/30mins. Nice walk to beaches either way from port.