Is nightlife in Chania as great as it is during the day? If you’re troubled by this inquiry then no need to worry, because the answer is… absolutely YES! Relaxing by the beach, under the bright Cretan sun is definitely enticing, but being able to go out and having fun is just as important! We all love combing our experiences in new places with excitement and joyful moments. Thankfully, Crete is a versatile destination and has variant options for every taste and age. So, grab your phone and start making notes, as we’re going to share some of the top things that you can do at night in Chania!
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What to do in Chania at night
Nightlife in Chania has it all. From vibrant bars and clubs, to lovely tavernas and restaurants by the sea, the choices are simply endless. The city might be small, but the options for entertainment are many! No matter your age, you will undoubtedly find ways to have fun with your companions in this charming city.
Chania is about a 30-minute drive from Villa Marevista, so it won’t take you long to get there. Parking might be an issue though, as Chania gets extremely crowded during summertime, especially during high season (in July and August). It is after all, among the top-rated bucket list destinations and for a good reason. We highly advice you to avoid going downtown during late hours, as you might not be able to find an available parking spot close to the city’s center.
Having said that, let’s see now some of our all-time favorite things to do in Chania at night. And the best part? You can do these things any time of the year, whether it’s winter or summer!
Evening Walks around the Old Town of Chania
Want to take a long walk at a romantic setting with your significant one while overlooking the sea? Check. The Old Town of Chania (also known as Venetian Harbor) is the ideal place to do so! Narrow maze-like streets and alleys await exploration and hold the secrets of the past. You will simply feel compelled to make many stops in order to take lots of pictures. Specifically, the Venetian Harbor has numerous colorful buildings and is packed with shops, restaurants, cafés, bars and tavernas. Every step you take feels like you’ve walked into the past. The Venetian architecture prevails in all buildings and creates a scenic view to every visitor. There is no greater place to enjoy a casual walk at than the Old Town of Chania.
At its center, stands proudly the Lighthouse, a landmark and wonderful source of light that will guide you throughout your evening walk. The magnificent lighthouse dates back to the 16th century, and has gained everyone’s admiration. Make sure to walk along the narrow path leading towards it to admire the view from up close during sunset. Believe us, you will definitely love it! As you explore the Old Town, you can’t miss the beautiful sailing boats and luxurious yachts by the harbor. Some of them even offer boat tours to exquisite places around Crete (just make sure to make a reservation during daytime as you might not find anyone there at night). There’s even a traditional boat selling various souvenirs made from sea shells and not only! Don’t forget to make a stop to check out the fantastic craftwork.
Nightlife in Chania – Dining with a Sea View
If luxury is your thing, then you should definitely pay a visit to Chania’s high-class restaurants. Cretan cuisine combined with the delicate art of gastronomy come together and offer a fascinating tasting journey. In fact, Cretan gastronomy is among the healthiest diets in the world. The traditional cuisine boasts in authentic flavors and comes from old traditions that trace back to the Minoan times. Check out our article here to find out more information about this special diet.
If you are enjoying your time in the Old Town, then our top suggestions are Salis and Pallas. These high-class restaurants offer not only the best views but also exceptional local and international dishes to feed your soul. Undoubtedly, they are among the best options to dine in absolute luxury. On the other hand, if you’d rather keep it more casual, then check out the numerous tavernas found in every corner of the city. Grab a seat right next to the sea, pour a glass of raki and say “Ya mas” (“Cheers”) with the locals. The places Zepos and Chalkina are the all-time classics in this case. Cretans are loud people who love to laugh, sing and dance to the traditional music that plays in tavernas, so make sure to mingle with them in order to have a fantastic time! If you’d like to see even more dining options in Chania, then check out this article.
Dancing through the Night
No holiday would be complete without a wild party! Whether you wish to dress fancier or would rather go somewhere right after the beach, there are tons of options. Every summer, many beach parties and events take place both in the city center and on the outskirts to highlight your nightlife in Chania. The Chania Beach Party event is the among the hottest and most anticipating ones every summer! Who doesn’t enjoy a great party and drinking awesome cocktails up until dawn?
The city center has more bars than clubs which are just as great. They have variant music options, fantastic drinks and a lively atmosphere that signals “time to have fun”. Our top picks are The Monastery of Karolos, which features a lovely patio within a former monastery, and Klik Bar, where the real party begins!
Alternatively, you can visit the areas of Platanias and Agia Marina that are packed with tourists and numerous places to drink and dance. Some of the most popular ones are Eclipse and Splendid, where you’ll be able to mingle with people from every corner of the world! Feel free to check out more options on this article.
Conclusion
So, what do you think? Are you ready to enjoy nightlife in Chania? Of course, the choices are endless and it’s always up to you and your preferences, but One thing is for sure; you definitely won’t be disappointed by what this great city has to offer!