If you are visiting Chania for the first time, a little planning before you arrive can make the start of your holiday much easier. Knowing how to get from the airport or port, how to reach your accommodation and what to do on your first evening means you can settle in without wasting time.

Chania is easy to explore once you get your bearings. The historic centre, Venetian Harbour, restaurants and shops are all close to each other, while the wider region offers beaches, villages and places that are worth exploring by car.

If you are staying at Patrelaki Stone Residence, this guide covers the practical details you need to know before arriving, along with a few simple ideas for your first hours in Chania.

Arriving in Chania

Most visitors arrive in Chania either by plane or by ferry.

Chania International Airport is located in Akrotiri, around 15 km from the city centre. It is the main airport serving western Crete and receives both domestic and international flights. The airport is officially named Chania International Airport “Ioannis Daskalogiannis”.

If you are travelling by ferry, you will arrive at Souda Port, around 7 km from Chania. Souda is the main port serving the city and has regular connections with Athens and other destinations.

Whichever route you take, it is worth deciding how you will reach your accommodation before you arrive. After a flight or overnight ferry, the last thing you want is to start looking for transport with your luggage.

From Chania Airport to the City

There are several ways to travel from Chania Airport to the city.

By Bus

The public bus is one of the more affordable options. The airport has a bus stop across from the Departures area, and buses connect the airport with Chania. Tickets can be purchased from the driver.

The KTEL Chania-Rethymno bus network also provides airport services. Routes and timetables can change depending on the season, so it is best to check the latest information before your flight.

The bus is a practical choice if you are travelling light and do not mind a little extra travel time.

By Taxi

Taxis are available at Chania Airport, with the taxi stand located close to the arrivals area.

For families, couples with several bags or visitors arriving late, a taxi can be the simplest option. You can go directly from the airport to your accommodation without changing transport.

If you are staying at Patrelaki, having your accommodation details ready on your phone will make the journey easier.

By Rental Car

A rental car makes sense if you plan to explore more than Chania during your holiday.

The city itself is easy to explore on foot, but some of the beaches and destinations around western Crete are much easier to reach by car.

You do not necessarily need to rent a car for the entire trip. If your first few days are focused on Chania, you could spend those days without one and rent a car later when you want to explore further.

Arriving from Souda Port

If you arrive in Chania by ferry, you will reach Souda Port.

From the port, you can continue to Chania by taxi, bus or rental car. The journey into the city is relatively short compared with travelling from the airport.

If you are arriving after an overnight ferry, you may prefer to go straight to your accommodation and take some time to settle in before starting your day.

This is also a good reason to have your accommodation and check-in information ready before you arrive.

Arriving at Patrelaki Stone Residence

Patrelaki Stone Residence is located in Agios Ioannis, a residential area close to Chania city centre.

The residence is around a 10-minute walk from the centre, so you can reach the city on foot while staying away from the busiest streets of the Old Town.

Before travelling, make sure you have your check-in details and any instructions you need for your arrival saved on your phone.

Patrelaki offers self check-in, which gives guests flexibility when they arrive.

Once you have arrived, there is no need to rush straight back out. Take some time to unpack, have a drink and get comfortable.

You can see the Patrelaki Stone Residence and its facilities before your trip.

What to Do on Your First Evening

Your first evening in Chania does not need a full sightseeing plan.

After checking in, one of the easiest options is to walk towards the Old Town and the Venetian Harbour.

The historic centre is compact enough to explore on foot, and the harbour is a natural place to start. You can walk along the waterfront, see the Egyptian Lighthouse and then continue into the narrow streets behind the harbour.

There are plenty of restaurants and cafés in the area, so you can stop for dinner whenever you feel like it.

The first evening is a good time to simply get a feel for the city.

You will probably have several days ahead of you, so there is no reason to try to see everything at once.

Exploring Chania Old Town

Chania Old Town is one of the main reasons visitors choose to stay in the city.

The area has a mix of Venetian, Ottoman and more recent architecture, with narrow streets leading towards the harbour.

The best way to explore it is on foot.

Start at the waterfront and then move away from the harbour into the smaller streets. You will find shops, cafés, restaurants and quieter corners away from the main tourist route.

The Splantzia neighbourhood is another interesting part of the Old Town, with a different atmosphere from the harbour area.

If you enjoy history, Chania also has several museums and historic buildings that you can visit during your stay.

For a wider introduction to the city, you can read our guide to why to visit Chania.

What to Do on Your First Full Day

After your first evening, you can start exploring at a slower pace.

A good first full day could begin with breakfast and a walk through the centre before deciding what you want to do next.

You might spend the morning exploring the Old Town and the harbour, then head to a nearby beach in the afternoon.

Another option is to keep the whole day for Chania and visit some of the city’s museums and neighbourhoods.

There is no need to follow a strict schedule.

Chania works well for both planned sightseeing and slower days where you simply walk around and stop wherever looks interesting.

Should You Rent a Car?

This depends on what you want to see.

If you are staying mainly in Chania, you can manage without a car. The Old Town, harbour and many central areas are easy to reach on foot.

If you want to explore the wider Chania region, a car becomes much more useful.

Popular beaches and destinations outside the city can take more time to reach by public transport, while having your own car allows you to choose when to leave and how long to stay.

Before renting a car, think about your itinerary rather than assuming you need one for the whole holiday.

If you are staying for a week, for example, you might spend the first two days exploring Chania and then use a rental car for the rest of your trip.

What About Parking?

If you decide to rent a car, check parking before booking your accommodation.

Parking in and around Chania Old Town can be limited, particularly during the summer months. Some parts of the historic centre are pedestrianised, so you may need to leave your car outside the Old Town and continue on foot.

A property in a residential area can make things easier, especially if you want to use a car for day trips.

This is one of the practical advantages of staying slightly outside the historic centre.

A Simple First-Day Plan

If you do not want to overthink your arrival, keep the first day simple.

• Morning: Arrive in Chania and travel to your accommodation.
• Afternoon: Check in, unpack and take some time to rest.
• Early evening: Walk towards Chania Old Town and the Venetian Harbour.
• Evening: Have dinner near the harbour and explore the streets around the centre.
• Later: Walk back to your accommodation and get some rest.

The following day, you can start planning beaches, day trips and the other places you want to see around Chania.

Useful Things to Know Before You Arrive

A few small details can make your first day easier.

Keep Your Accommodation Details Handy

Save the address, check-in information and contact details on your phone before leaving the airport or port.

It is also useful to keep the information available offline in case your mobile connection is slow.

Bring Comfortable Shoes

Chania Old Town is best explored on foot. You will be walking through narrow streets and around the harbour, so comfortable shoes are much more useful than anything formal.

Do Not Plan Too Much for the First Evening

Travel can be tiring, especially if you have arrived after a long flight or ferry journey.

Give yourself time to settle in. A simple walk and dinner are enough for your first night.

Keep Some Flexibility

You may arrive with a long list of places you want to see.

That is fine, but leave some room to change your plans.

Weather, traffic and how you feel on the day can all affect your schedule. Having a little flexibility usually makes a holiday more enjoyable.

Why Staying Close to Chania Centre Helps

Location becomes particularly useful when you are visiting Chania for the first time.

Being close to the centre means you can explore the city without having to organise transport every time you want to go out.

At the same time, staying just outside the busiest part of the Old Town can give you more privacy and a quieter place to return to.

Patrelaki Stone Residence is in Agios Ioannis, around a 10-minute walk from Chania centre. The house has two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen and private outdoor areas, together with Wi-Fi, air conditioning and heating.

If you are still comparing accommodation options, our guide to renting a house in Chania explains what to look for before choosing a holiday home.

Questions Before Your Stay

How far is Chania Airport from the city?

Chania International Airport is around 15 km from Chania city centre. You can travel into the city by bus, taxi or rental car.

How do I get from Chania Airport to the city?

You can take the public bus, a taxi or a rental car. The best option depends on your arrival time, luggage and travel plans.

Is Chania easy to explore without a car?

Yes. The historic centre, Venetian Harbour and many central areas can be explored on foot. A car is more useful when visiting beaches and destinations outside the city.

How far is Patrelaki Stone Residence from Chania centre?

Patrelaki Stone Residence is around a 10-minute walk from Chania centre.

Is Patrelaki suitable for a first visit to Chania?

Yes. Its location in Agios Ioannis gives guests easy access to the city while offering a quieter residential setting away from the busiest parts of the Old Town.

What should I do on my first evening in Chania?

A simple walk around the Venetian Harbour and Old Town followed by dinner is a good way to start your stay. There is no need to plan a full sightseeing programme on your first night.

Do I need to rent a car for my whole stay?

Not necessarily. If you are spending your first days in Chania, you can explore the city without a car and rent one later if you decide to visit beaches or other areas of western Crete.

If you are planning your first stay in Chania and want a private house within walking distance of the city centre, you can discover Patrelaki Stone Residence and see whether it suits your plans.