We have one day in Chania, Greece, and I don't yet have a plan for a way to spend the day. We are there on a cruise, and none of the excursions interest me. Any ideas?
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
524 posts
Well, it's been over 30 years since I was in Chania, but my advice is the same for any place you only have one day to spend. Approach it leisurely, not in gotta-see-checklist fashion; try to FEEL the place. Walk around, explore, if there's a market go see it, explore some more, enjoy your meals, hang out at street cafes and people watch, try to strike up a conversation with local folks, etc. And DON'T do this with a bunch of co-cruiseshippers. Strike out on your own. You only have a little time, so go for the quality, not the quantity, of experience. Have fun. Chania is a great town.
Posted by
Dallas, Texas, USA
4 posts
We were just in Chania a few days ago. The city is a very casual, laid back place. Very pretty so make sure you have your camera. I would suggest walking around to the lighthouse that "fronts" the entrance into the harbor. You'll get a great view of the city front from here. Plus, the lighthouse is old and cool. From a birds-eye view, you'll need to get to the west side of the city and then wrap around to the breakwater which you can walk on to get to the lighthouse. (Once you're in the city, this will become pretty obvious.) From the city center, to get to the lighthouse and back will take about two hours. (Can be done quicker, but two hours should give you a nice pace.) There is also an indoor market near the city center that is kind of neat. (Though it's basically the same shop over and over again.) james & erin
Posted by
Fort Collins, CO, USA
24 posts
The boat will dock in Suda--a 10 Euro taxi ride to Chania. We were there last week and rented a car in Chania and drove to Knossos (ruins). It was a beautiful drive along the coast and amazing ruins.
Elaine
Posted by
OP
Lakeville, MN, USA
29 posts
Thanks for the great ideas and advice. You've been very helpful.
Posted by
Dallas, Texas, USA
4 posts
yes, your ship will dock in suda and you'll need to take a taxi over to the old town. the harbor and lighthouse i referred to are in the smaller, quaint harbor that fronts the old city. just wanted to clarify.
Posted by
New Berlin, WI, US
156 posts
With just a day I wouldn't bother renting a car and trying to see much. Cab into old town, poke around the shops, have a drink on the waterfront, wander the back "alleys" relax and enjoy the ambience. You'll love the people of Chania.