Chania stands out as Crete’s most charming and culturally fascinating city. It’s a place that many argue rivals some of the most picturesque areas of the Mediterranean and that’s dubbed Eastern Venice.
This city’s allure isn’t just skin-deep. It’s rooted in a history that goes back thousands of years, having drawn a diverse array of settlers and invaders – from Neolithic tribes to Minoans, Mycenaeans, Dorians, Romans, Andalusian Arabs, Byzantines, Venetians, Genoese, Egyptians, and Ottomans. Each society chose Chania for its prime coastal location and rich, arable land. All this left behind a rich palimpsest of cultural and historical influences for today’s visitors to discover.
Chania’s scenery is like flipping through the pages of a well-worn travel journal, with each corner telling a story and each vista more splendid than the last. The city’s coastline, with its crystal-clear blue waters, offers a view that could easily feed your soul and enrich your day your day. Venture into the heart of Chania, and a labyrinth of streets where every turn reveals a snapshot worthy of a postcard greets you – from vibrant markets spilling over with local produce to the serene beauty of old harbor fronts, where time seems to stand still.
It’s a visual feast that captures the essence of Crete, inviting wanderers to lose themselves in its beauty and history. Here, we have selected the best hotels from where you can savor beautiful views right from your room.
01
Cabanon Concrete Retreat
Cabanon Concrete Retreat in Kissamos west of Chania is our favorite “secret”. It presents a happy marriage of art and Hygge-like soul-nourishing simplicity, inspired by Le Corbusier. There are just two villas. Crafted by an artist and an art curator (Antoni and Sofia) they reflect the incandescent charm of minimalist living in nature, with a design that is deeply connected to the Mediterranean ethos. Residing in buildings that are created to merge indoor and outdoor spaces, guests are treated to sumptuous views of the surrounding olive groves. Cabanon is the essence of tranquil chic, inspired living amidst Crete’s stunning landscapes.
02
Domes Zeen Chania
Domes Zeen Chania is an idyllic beachfront escape, a ‘private coast’ with panoramic views of Chania and its vibrant life. Enshrouded by some – seriously tropical – greenery, this retreat combines a sense of plush privacy and space for contemplation with access to the multifaceted cultural wealth of the city. The property has unique accommodations like yurts and Bedouin inspired tepees (!) immersed in lush greenery, as well as bungalows inspired by homes in a Greek village, with the kafeneion coffee shop and square at their center. A dedicated kids’ area offers creative and cultural activities.
03
Ammos
Right on the edge of Glaros Beach, a stone’s throw from Chania, Ammos marries sleek, colorful modernity with the untouched beauty of the Cretan seascape. It effortlessly evokes a sense of carefree summer informality, family-friendly facilities, playful design and perfect service in a feet-in-the-water setting.
Each of the 33 rooms features unexpected decor and heartening views of the azure waters, offering as much privacy as connectedness. The hotel’s unique open-air fish tank, play area and lively decor echo the vivacity of Chania itself, offering a sense of vibrancy on the beautiful beachfront.
04
Domus Renier
When you step into the Domus Renier Boutique Hotel, an oasis of old school charm and soothing, understated luxury in the heart of Chania, you feel you’ve entered another world. It is located in the old town, with unrivaled views of the old harbor that change dramatically according to the light and climate. With its collection of nine artfully designed suites, inspired by the building’s Venetian past, the hotel mirrors the elegance and serenity of antique aesthetics, with touches of fresh modernity. The hotel also rents out the seafront five-room Glaros Luxury Villa, with a differebnt kind of amazing views.
05
Ambassadors Residence
The Ambassadors Residence stands proudly in the vibrant heart of Chania’s Old Venetian Port. Once the residence of German Ambassador Krüger and his wife, and built in 1890 before their arrival, the hotel has been masterfully transformed into a contemporary space without losing its historical depth. Each of its 13 rooms represent the goods Krüger traded in, like glass, fabric, cement, ceramics, metal, brick and stone. Resplendently elegant with a modern polish, the rooms have abundant natural lighting and incorporate organic textures and eco-friendly elements alongside traditional Cretan touches. The views of the harbor from this spot are nothing short of spectacular.
06
Alcanea Hotel
Tucked away next to the Maritime Museum, Alcanea is a luxurious hidden getaway in Chania, veiled by vines and vibrant bougainvilleas. A Venetian building that for 24 years was the office of Greek statesman Eleftherios Venizelos houses the hotel, offering guests a sense of the city’s history combined with lovely contemporary amenities. Its beauty unfolds across narrow steps and winding corridors, a complex of terraces and patios and well-preserved hand-carved stone facades. Most rooms offer remarkable views of the old harbor, while others look out to a serene interior courtyard; either way, a sense of comfort and peace prevade.
We Know What We’re Talking About
Alexia Amvrazi knows Greece like few others. She’s the Editor-in-Chief of the International edition of Travel.gr, the co-author of the guidebook ‘111 Places in Athens You Must Not Miss’, the former presenter of a 10-year daily radio show about Greek life at AIR FM and, for the past 15 years, the mastermind behind the always up-to-date Fodor’s Athens guide. She has a knack for recognizing beauty and potential and is a true citizen of the world.
