Holidays in Chania

An introduction to Chania

History buff or wine buff, inveterate shopper or untiring sightseer, townie or beach-lover, couple or family … match any or all of these categories and you'll love holidays in Western Crete. Crete's second city, Chania, is bursting with charm and character, stuffed with shops and market stalls, and filled with a feast of restaurants and tavernas. And along with Minoan ruins, Byzantine churches, Venetian merchants' houses, a Turkish minaret and a 17th century lighthouse …there's a handful of discos and an open-air theatre too.

And holidays in Chania aren't restricted to the streets – however intriguing they may be. There's a gently shelved beach to the west of town, with sea-front snack-bars so you can spend the whole day by the splash of the waves. And the water's edge is just as much a magnet after dark – when the atmospheric harbour becomes the place to party or to people-watch …the bright lights of its bars and eateries bouncing off a midnight-blue sea.

In and around the town are well designed hotels and carefully restored island houses, so for couples and families alike, summer holidays to Chania can combine coast and countryside with cosmopolitan buzz. The Althea Village Hotel and Archondisa townhouse are good examples – each a blend of Cretan style and contemporary comfort.

And don't panic if you've left it late. Deals on last minute holidays to Chania could still bag you a bargain.

Find the cheapest late deals to Chania leaving in the next six weeks.