Chania, Crete

Steeped in history, this tiny city is interwoven with the narrowest of cobbled streets that can be both a delight to explore, and a problem to get around if you are dragging luggage. Bounce partners with local businesses in over 100 cities to offer you safe and convenient luggage storage that will leave you free to enjoy your adventure. Drop off what you don’t need and travel light with Bounce.

About Chania

This tiny city on the North West coast of Crete has endured conquest by the Romans, rampaging Muslim armies, Byzantine colonization, marching Crusaders, and being sold to the Venetians. As if that were not enough, in more recent times, it has been ransacked by the Turks and heavily bombed during World War II.

Today it is a peaceful fishing town that seduces tourists as much with its sunshine and beaches as it does with its ever-present historical influences.  Although it is the second largest of Crete’s cities, with a population of just over fifty-five thousand, it has more of a large village feel about it than that of a city. 

Here the pace of life is slow and you can engage with the locals, sunbathe on wide-open beaches, or dine on delicious cuisine that has been refined by a thousand different influences.

Things to do in Chania

There is much to do here, but it is almost impossible when you visit a city that has been so heavily molded by the tides of history not to at least dip your toe into some of it.

• Discover how much the sea plays a part in the island’s history by visiting the Maritime Museum. Many countries have maritime museums but Chania's unique position, on what was once one of the world's most travelled sea routes, means that it has a much broader history than most. In addition to displaying all of the different cultural and religious influences that were carried to them on the waves, there is also a section dealing with boat building.
• Gothic churches hold an element of appeal in their own right, but the Church of San Francesco not only offers you the beauty of its own ancient architecture, it also houses the Museum of Architecture of Chania. So many cultures brought their differing architectural tastes and desires to this island that this is a fascinating place to pass a few hours. Here you can lose yourself in time viewing intricate mosaics, ancient sculptures or simply admiring the building itself.
• If you have kids and they are starting to become a little museum-averse after all of this, turn the tables on them with a visit to a museum built with them in mind. Minoan’s World describes itself as a place where history and entertainment meet. They have a 3D guided tour followed by a 9D film that will entertain the younger members of your party while surreptitiously educating them at the same time.
• You are probably ready to re-establish contact with the real world by now and a stroll around the Old Harbor is the perfect place to experience some of Chania’s current charms. Watch the fishing boats return while enjoying a glass of wine or a meal at one of the many harborside restaurants. On the far side of the harbor, you will be able to see the delightful stone lighthouse, designed and built by an Egyptian architect in 1839.
• Grab some fresh produce at the municipal market and while you are about it, enjoy authentic Cretan life. The market covers 4000 square meters and is a great place to purchase local fruit and vegetables if you are staying in self-catering accommodation. The climate provides ideal conditions for growing a wide variety of produce and then, of course, there is the fresh fish.

Transport options in Chania

Much of Chania is accessible on foot and this is probably the best way to experience most of it. This is especially true of the old town, where the narrow-cobbled streets make vehicle transport complicated.

• Buses are a common way to get about. Prices vary according to the distance covered, but you can save money and time by purchasing tickets from one of the many ticket kiosks.
• Taxis are easy to find and they will be able to offer advice on what to see and where to go.
• There are most of the usual rental car options if you feel like exploring further afield, and the low density of population means that driving on the island is not a harrowing affair. 

Luggage storage options in Chania

Let's face it, dragging bags around when traveling can be a nuisance. Combine that with tiny narrow streets and cobbled paving, and suddenly a safe storage option becomes a necessity. Here is where Bounce comes to the rescue. They allow you to store your bags in complete peace of mind while you explore with only the basics.

Activities and attractions near Chania

• Samaria Gorge is a great escape into the rugged country for the hiking enthusiast. It is situated 42 kilometers from Chania, and the hike itself is 18 kilometers. Although the terrain is rough, once in the gorge, most of the route is downhill. Catch a ferry to Sfakia and then jump on a bus to get back.
• Elafonissi Beach is 73 kilometers from Chania and you can join a tour or hire a car and drive yourself. Whichever option you opt for, the outing will be worthwhile. The beach is made of crushed shells and is almost pink in color, which contrasts perfectly with the turquoise waters of the Med.
• Akrotiri Peninsula is the location of three stunning monasteries. Surrounded by olive groves and orange orchards, they offer a peaceful place to walk around, and you can also purchase olive oil made by the local monks.