These two Venetian harbor towns are the heart and soul of northern Crete. They are similar in architecture but distinct in energy. This is where you should stay if you don’t have a car rental.
Watch the sun disappear at Chania's Old Venetian Harbor.
Day 1: Arrive in Chania, The Bustling Beauty
Chania is lively, authentic, and feels like a more rugged version of Mykonos.
- Stay: Book a spot in the Old Town to be close to the action.
- Eat: Grab chicken gyros at Kalamakia & Souvlakia (they call the pita “pie” here)
- Do: Take your gyros and a bottle of wine to the lighthouse at sunset. Enjoy the calm evening before strolling around the harbor.
Day 2: Spend the Day at Elafonisi Beach
- Beach Day: Take the 9am bus to Elafonisi to see the famous pink sand created by crushed shells and coral.
- The KTEL public buses departs from the Chania’s main bus station daily during the high season. The bus ride will take 2 hours.
- Pack some snacks and get there early to stake out your spot. There’s a snack bar on the beach if you want a cold drink or feeling peckish.
Discover all of the nooks and crannies of Old Town, Chania.
- Eat: Head back to Chania and clean up. Settle in for live music and kleftiko (traditional lamb) at TO XANI.
- Explore: Wander the streets of Old Town and take in the vibes.
Spend the day at Preveli Beach.
Day 3: Rethymno, The Chill Sibling
Rethymno offers a slightly more relaxed pace than Chania but with the same stunning Venetian backdrop.
- Stay: Jump on a bus and head to Rethymno. Book a night in Old Town and drop off your stuff.
- Beach Day: Head south to Preveli Beach. It’s famous for its palm forest and the river that flows into the sea.
- The KTEL public buses departs from the central bus station in Rethymno three times a day to Preveli during the high season. The bus ride will take 1.5 hours.
- Pack snacks. It’s a steep hike down, so consider taking the boat back to Plakias for a seafood dinner at Taverna Throubi instead of hiking back up.
- Eat: Grab a casual dinner at Stella’s Kitchen. Don’t get there too late, Mama Stella might run out. It’s like eating at a no-nonsense Greek mom’s house—let Mama Stella tell you what to eat (usually the fish) and enjoy the cake she makes every day.
Stroll Rethymno's the calm streets.
