Khania

Khania

Greece

Wander through pastel-colored Venetian buildings and dine on fresh seafood overlooking the iconic lighthouse at this romantic Mediterranean harbor.

💱 Currency Euro (EUR)
🗣 Language Greek
🕐 Time Zone EET (UTC+2)
☀️ Best Time to Visit Apr–Oct
🚢 Typical Duration 7-14 nights
💰 Price Range From $1,051 pp
Port Type Port of Call
🚤 Tender Port Yes

Gateway to Crete's Venetian old town, stunning beaches, and authentic Greek island culture in the Mediterranean.

Cruises that visit Khania

Build Your Day in Khania

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 5:00 PM
Usually about 9 hours ashore
Getting around:
Old Venetian Port of Chania ... place lots of history great food and shopping must see for greece Historical landmark · ★ 4.8 · 40k
PALLAS Great quality food, delicious cocktails, fantastic service. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 9k
Botanical Garden of Crete The Botanical Gardens are one of my highlights of Greece, for sure. Botanical garden · ★ 4.7 · 8k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Canale Restaurant Chania The food was cooked to perfection and the atmosphere was incredible. Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 7k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM
TAMAM RESTAURANT CHANIA Amazing food, very knowledgeable waitstaff. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 6k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
Iguana Beach Too many people, but they have some type of activities for kids Public beach · ★ 4.4 · 6k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Chania Municipal Garden There is a cafe, a cinema and a kids library. Community garden · ★ 4.5 · 4k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM
Lighthouse of Chania It's a great place to look at the sunset from Chania. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 3k
Archaeological Museum of Chania | Αρχαιολογικό Μουσείο Χανίων The newest museum in Greece and one of the largest too. Archaeological museum · ★ 4.8 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM
ZARA Huge store with big variety and good offers. Clothing store · ★ 3.9 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Catholicon of the Venetian Monastery of St. Francis | Καθολικό Ενετικής Μονής Αγίου Φραγκίσκου Great costumes , great music and one specific celebrating vibe. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 2k 🕐 Temporarily closed
Bohème Everything was perfect- the food, the atmosphere, the service. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 2k 🕐 Closes soon · 2 AM
Sinagogi coctail bar Yummy signature cocktails, cool crowd, very friendly staff. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.6 · 2k
The Monastery of Karolos Great ambience and music, delicious and decently priced drinks Cocktail bar · ★ 4.5 · 2k
Colombo Kitchen & Bar Good drinks, great food, nice staff and calm surroundings. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12:30 PM
Κάπαρη - Ελληνική Κουζίνα | Kapari - Greek Restaurant Pappardelle w beef was amazing, best tzatziki I’ve ever had by far. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Fourogatos Food was excellent The atmosphere was amazing The service was fantastic Greek · ★ 4.9 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12:30 PM
Virgin of the Angels Monastery (Gouvernéto) Kids enter for free, adults 2,50€. Monastery · ★ 4.5 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Astrea Garden Food was amazing, service was on point and the atmosphere was very unique. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
Küçük Hasan Mosque How did Greece, and especially Crete, end up like this? Historical landmark · ★ 4.5 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 6 PM Fri
Ενετικό φρούριο Φιρκά | Firka Venetian Fortress ... venetian fortress, decorating the old venetian port of Chania. Fortress · ★ 4.6 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM
Oinoa The food was delicious, very high level, and the wine recommendations too. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 6 PM
OLEA Shopping Center ... shopping centre with several handmade and local production stores ... Shopping mall · ★ 3.7 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Fagotto Jazz Bar Chania Nice environment, good choice of alcohol drinks, and good music! Bar · ★ 4.7 · 1k
Bras de Frères Great drinks, the service is amazing and the barman is extremely friendly. Karaoke bar · ★ 4.5 · 1k
ABABA Amazing cocktails, wonderful atmosphere, friendly and helpful staff!! Espresso bar · ★ 4.7 · 1k
Porta Sabbionara One of the historical ports to old Chania. Historical landmark · ★ 4.4 · 1k
Melodica cocktail-bar Creative and delicious cocktails, good music, excellent outdoor space. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.9 · 1k
Bershka They also have modern styled clothes. Clothing store · ★ 4.1 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Βoulevard of broken dreams Very good atmosphere, friendly waiter, excellent music and great cocktails. Bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Kastelli archaeological site Ruins in the middle.of town. Historical landmark · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Lime Sips & Bites Great atmosphere, fantastic service, and one-of-a-kind drinks. Cocktail bar · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Closes soon · 2 AM
Chania Harbor View Nice place, nice view, typical Greece Scenic spot · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Anassa Bar & Bistro - very friendly staff - very special good cocktails - nice view on the bay Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM
360° Fine Dining The menu was outstanding and the beef melted in the mouth like butter. Fine Dining · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 6:30 PM
Chania Venetian Harbor Guardhouse Watching the waves from here is epic as well as the view of Chania Fortress · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Chania experience tours Def recommend for people visiting Chania for a stress free day tour. Tour agency · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM
Da Vinci Bar Club Friendly, great staff, great cocktails . Bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Closes soon · 2 AM
Byzantine Walls Of Chania The walls are in remarkable condition for their age. Historical landmark · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Anastasia Store Bought a stunning dress here for a very reasonable price. Clothing store · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Xamam Wear Wonderful shopping experience with lovely sales associates! Clothing store · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
KURKUTA they have different and affordable designer items. Souvenir store · ★ 4.6 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM
LA STRADA 1 the biggest variety of suitcases a have ever seen Shopping mall · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10:30 AM
Βαπτιστικά Diamanti In-store shopping Shopping mall · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9:30 AM
Amazon Souvenirs Shop Chania Nice market with friendly and good owner . Souvenir store · ★ 4 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10:30 AM
Statue of Spyros Kayales A nice place to visit to have a beautiful panoramic view of Chania Historical landmark · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Painted Wall of Minoan Theme Dedicated for the first civilization in Europe! Tourist attraction · ★ 3.8 · 0k
Byzantine Walls Perfectly integrated with modern building Fortress · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Venus Art and Jewelry Great staff and beautiful products. Shopping mall · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Khania

About Khania

Khania has emerged as a vibrant Mediterranean port of call, welcoming passengers from eight major cruise lines including Holland America Line, Disney Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Seabourn. With over 100 upcoming cruises and peak seasons spanning spring through early fall, this charming Cretan port offers excellent accessibility for travelers exploring the Greek islands and beyond. Most cruises calling here are seven-night itineraries that also feature popular stops like Mykonos, Santorini, and Istanbul, making Khania an ideal waypoint on broader Mediterranean voyages.

When your ship arrives in this picturesque harbor, you'll find yourself steps away from one of Greece's most enchanting Old Towns, where Venetian architecture and winding cobblestone streets invite leisurely exploration. Whether you're seeking authentic local tavernas, waterfront promenades, or cultural immersion, Khania delivers the quintessential Greek island experience that makes Mediterranean cruising so memorable. The port's popularity among premium and mainstream cruise lines alike speaks to its appeal as both a destination and a convenient embarkation point for longer regional explorations.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Venetian Harbor's Timeless Beauty

Stroll along Khania's iconic Venetian Harbor, where centuries-old architecture frames crystal-clear Mediterranean waters. The picturesque waterfront features the famous lighthouse, charming tavernas, and pastel-colored buildings that transport you straight to Venice. This UNESCO-protected old town is perfectly walkable from the cruise port and ideal for photography and leisurely exploration.

2

Fresh Cretan Cuisine & Wine

Savor authentic Cretan dishes at harborside tavernas, where local specialties like dakos, saganaki, and fresh seafood showcase generations of Mediterranean tradition. Pair your meal with regional Cretan wines produced from indigenous grape varieties. The old town's narrow streets hide family-run restaurants serving recipes passed down through centuries.

3

Samaria Gorge's Dramatic Landscapes

Experience one of Europe's most spectacular natural wonders with a guided hike through the stunning Samaria Gorge, featuring towering cliffs and pristine mountain scenery. Located just 50 kilometers from Khania, this UNESCO-protected site offers breathtaking views and an unforgettable outdoor adventure perfect for active cruise passengers seeking natural beauty.

4

Bustling Agora Market Experience

Immerse yourself in the vibrant covered market where local vendors sell fresh produce, aromatic spices, traditional cheeses, and handcrafted souvenirs. The sensory experience of wandering through narrow aisles filled with Cretan olive oil, honey, and local textiles captures authentic island life and offers perfect gifts to take aboard.

5

Ancient Minoan Civilization Discovery

Visit the nearby Archaeological Museum of Khania to explore treasures from the ancient Minoan civilization that flourished on Crete thousands of years ago. Alternatively, take a short excursion to the Minoan palace ruins at Knossos to walk among Bronze Age history and understand the sophisticated culture that shaped Mediterranean heritage.

Cruise Lines at Khania

Cruises Departing From Khania

Cruises Visiting Khania

Ship Schedule at Khania

Khania Location

Other Cruise Ports in Greece

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit Chania, Greece?

The best times are spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) with pleasant weather and lighter crowds.

What are the must-see sights in Chania's Old Town?

Visit the Venetian Harbour, the Old Town lanes, the Firkas Fortress, Agora market, and the Maritime Museum.

How can I travel to Chania from Athens?

Fly direct to Chania International Airport or take a ferry; flights are about 1 hour, ferries 6–9 hours.

Why should Chania be your base for exploring Crete?

It’s a convenient base for beaches, gorge hikes, and nearby historic towns.