Chania International Airport: where to stay, areas and recommended…

Chania airport is on the Akrotiri peninsula, about 14 km from the old town: a longer-than-average distance for a Greek island airport, covered only by taxi or rental car, since there is neither a train nor a direct bus. The choice therefore depends more on the type of stay than on the distance: those who want the Venetian harbour and the alleys of the old town find most of the hotels there, while those who prefer a property with a pool and a beach while still staying just steps from the historic centre can look to the Nea Chora seafront.

Old town and Venetian harbour

City centre · 14 km from the airport, 20-25 minutes by taxi (about 25-30 euros); there's neither a train nor a direct city line, only a taxi or a rental car.

Best for: Travellers who want the Venetian harbour, the central market and evenings among the alleys of the old town within walking distance.

Pros

Venetian harbour, central market and the alleys of the old town reachable on foot from the hotels in the area
The Hilton Garden Inn is among the few chain hotels just minutes' walk from the harbour

Cons

The only connection from the airport is the taxi: no train, no direct bus
The harbour alleys are very busy and noisy on summer evenings

Recommended hotels in this area

Hilton Garden Inn Chania City: Opened in summer 2025 at the corner of Kidonias and Zymvrakakidon streets, 48 rooms over 6 floors; seasonal pool and gym, 5 minutes' walk from the central market and 6 from the Venetian harbour.
3 Sails - 2BR on Venetian Harbour with Balcony: Apartment with a balcony a minute's walk from the Venetian harbour and 8 from the central market; two bedrooms, convenient for families or two couples.
Four Seasons Homes: Renovated two-bedroom apartment in the heart of the old town, 11 minutes' walk from Koum Kapi beach; the name has no connection with the hotel chain of the same name.

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Nea Chora and the seafront

Neighbourhood · About 20 minutes by car from the airport; once in the area, the entrance to the old town is a 5-minute walk along the Nea Chora seafront.

Best for: Travellers who want a pool and a beach while staying just minutes' walk from the old town, in a high-end property.

Pros

Resort-level beach and pools, unlike the hotels in the alleys of the inner harbour
The old town is reachable on foot in 5 minutes despite the seafront location

Cons

5-star category, prices above the average of the harbour hotels
The Nea Chora seafront is less lively in the evening than the alleys of the Venetian harbour

Recommended hotels in this area

Hilton Chania Old Town Resort & Spa: 85-room resort on the Nea Chora seafront, 5 minutes' walk from the entrance to the old town; rooftop infinity pool, heated indoor pool and some rooms with a private sauna.

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