Exploring Chania, Crete: Your Ultimate Guide And Budget Breakdown
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 ก.ย. 2024
- Chania is a beautiful coastal town on the amazing island of Crete, Greece.
From the captivating charms of the Old Venetian Harbor to the labyrinthine backstreets
of the historic Old Town and the pristine shores of its beautiful beaches, we're
immersing ourselves in every facet of this coastal gem. Join us as we share a complete travel guide for visiting this area including insider tips, top sites to see, where to stay and exactly what we spent during out time here.
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Airbnb pricing is becoming more and more expensive, probably growing at 3x the inflation rate, hopefully the prices will stabilize soon otherwise it’d put the full time travelling experience in jeopardy in terms of affordability. We are planning to start our journey in 2026 an accommodation is what is concerning us the most. In the meantime we continue to appreciate your videos you are our continuous source of inspiration, could not thank you enough guys, cheers 🥂
We agree, the cost of accommodations is a concern for us as well. We are looking to do house sitting abroad started mid next year. We very much appreciate the comments and support that you have shown on the channel recently, Larry, thank you!
I cannot keep track of how many times I walked the exact same routes as Brian did. Where you stayed in Nea Chora is a nice little beach. Those military planes are F-16s from the 115th Fighter Squadron of the Hellenic Airforce. I listen to them almost every day since my office is adjacent to the runway where they blast their thrusters to take off. During tourist season the rental car companies do take you for a ride (pun intended). The pink sand beach Carrie referred to is called Elafonisi. The price of gas is made up of almost 75% taxes. As a US Navy employee I am very fortunate not to pay that tax. Very happy you guys made it to Chania. Not at all surprised that you liked it. Best wishes for you continued good health and safe travels.
Thank you for all the insights!!! Besides the bad Airbnb experience, we loved our time in Chania. And that walk will be with me forever!! Thank you again for all the support.
Hello, where do you suggest is the best place to position yourself in Chania? Beach side or by the harbour?
Love the info on issues relevant to solo travelers! Thanks for peppering in!
You're very welcome 🤗
Thanks for the video. We stayed 3 weeks in Chania last October and found the public buses to be great. It was 3 Euro per person to get to and from the airport. We took public buses from the main station to Elafonisi Beach (twice), a Chestnut festival in the countryside, a winery, an olive oil plant tour, Samaria Gorge, Heraklion, and several others. The coaches were really nice, efficient, and we found them to be a good price over renting a car. Cheers!
Thank you for the insights and adding to the channel!!
Cheers!!🍻
@LivingTheFlghLife please could you share details on how to get to the olive oil plant tour, winery and Samaria Gorge and where the coaches are located in Chania? We are going there shortly. Thanks.
What was the weather like in October?
@@ellenbolf8993 We had gorgeous weather the entire time -- in the 80's most days. We were there until the end of the season and took the second to last public bus to Elafonisi beach (Nov 2). The water was still great to swim in but there was hardly anyone. We also went there on 18 October and it was fabulous as well and not close to full capacity (based on the parking lot percentage). We had maybe one day of rain I recall in our full month in Greece (Oct 6 - Nov 7). Our first week was in Athens. I highly recommend that time of year. Note the Terra Creta olive oil tour had its last tour on October 14 that year as they closed for the harvest to process the olives. Cheers!
@@NathanielMoore-i4u Hello, I have attempted to respond many times, but the comment just isn't accepted by the platform. So, here is another attempt at a reply since my below reply went through. I will make it very short. We used the KTEL Central Bus Station in Chania. There is a direct daily bus to and from the Samaria Gorge. My wife wrote about this trip in detail and I will attempt to link to it in a separate comment. We visited the Manosoukis Winery and the Terra Creta Olive Oil plant for the tour. Just ask the bus terminal ticket agents for assistance for which bus if you are not sure. Sorry this is such a short and low detailed post, but not sure what is causing my other post to be rejected. All the best in your travels! Cheers
We loved Crete. We came here from California in 1971 for one week via the ferry from the port of Piraeus in Athens to Chania. There were 5 of us brand new teachers traveling together. On the return, we got into our van in Athens traveling to the country (then) of Yugoslavia . You two have done amazingly well with your budget to travel for a year. I chose a different method and got a teaching job in Europe for a year. Thank you for your videos and inspiration.
Thank you for watching!! 😁
Greece was once a very cost effective country to visit. Although when we come back to Australia from Europe we are always shocked at how expensive our home country has become!
Another great video and glad you had a great time in Crete ❤
You make a great point. Greece has become more expensive, but nothing compared to when we return home. Thank you for the continued support!! ❤️
Another great video! You guys always deliver on the content. Crete is on our go-to list.
Thanks so much ❤️
Im so happy that you both are enjoying my home. Hope to meet you walking around. Beer on me!
We loved Crete - especially exploring the island. If I was to stay in one location for a month, it would be Chania. It’s lovely!
Thanks for the breakdown
Another great video. We will start our slow travel adventures this fall and Crete is definitely on our radar. On a humorous note, we’re considering a drinking game…take a drink whenever either of you says anything about boxes being checked. 😁 Keep up the great work! Cheers!
That could be a dangerous game!! It's funny, we are largely unscripted, so we don't even notice things like that until we edit the video. 🤣 Thank you for watching and commenting!!
Cheers!! 🍻
@@BrianandCarrie unscripted = authentic and approachable. Don’t change anything.
Loved the video! It brought back great memories of my time in Chania in 2021. I hope y’all made it to Rethymno while you were so close. I stayed there while in Crete in May and found the prices extremely reasonable in comparison. Thank you both for everything you do for us travelers!!
Unfortunately, we did not make it to Rethymno. The time went by too fast!! Thank you for watching our channel!! 😉
Good video. I know you didn't go to any places that charge admission but the archaeological museum outside of the main city center is wonderful and still definitely walkable.
Great to know, thank you so much for sharing 😊
Maybe you should add important names such as Nea Chora(downtown beach area) instead of just east/west. The buses on Crete are GREAT by the way!! A busstation in Chania centrally located straight up from the harbour. Crete/Chania is amazing!!
I spent eleven days in Crete in November 2022, and it was warm and sunny the whole time ☀. It rained for a short while in Heraklion one morning, but the clouds soon cleared. The temperature was 70 something every day, which is perfect for me. Took the bus from Heraklion to Rethymno, and days later another bus to Chania. They were air conditioned and comfy, so no problems there. Coach driver grumpy but hey, we're all human. Pretty much everyone else was incredibly kind and thoughtful. Crete is beautiful but the warmth and generosity of the people is as much a reason to return to the island. I would move there tomorrow, if I could ❤.
Beautiful city, you guys did a great job capturing it on film!
Thank you so much, Matthew! 😀
Extremely helpful. Thks
Great info. Thank you.
Great info. Love your videos. Cant wait to start traveling more and staying longer. Your videos help me plan.
So happy you enjoyed it and found it helpful. Thanks so much for watching 😊
I got deployed there once, as a kid in the Navy. It was insane, I didn't want to come home!
Great video guys.
Thank you!! ❤️
Another quality and informative video including the detailed associated costs. Greece is at the top of my bucket list, more for the islands than Athens to be frank. You have shown already a number of islands to spend some great times. Certainly the expenses this month are much higher than other places you have been - Portugal, Turkey and Thailand come to mind. Culturally I would expect it though to be much different. Cheers to both and safe travels to your next location!
Thank you, Robert!! We have arrived in Budapest!! 😊
We stayed for a month, rented a car and explored the entire island. So many beautiful places around the island, great hiking, and exploring non touristy areas
Chania was one of the places I was looking at going a couple years ago. It popped up on my radar because there were very cheap, well rated Airbnb's near the town center. I was surprised to hear that Chania was relatively expensive. I went and looked at the Airbnb's after your video and it does look like the prices have gone up. Bummer.
Unfortunately prices have gone up across the board 😞
Great review. I used to fly Boeing 767 charters in there for the US military, but never got to stay more that a couple nights. Always enjoyed it, and would like to spend more time there.
I used to fly on those charters when I was stationed there 👌
Thank you!!!
Glad y’all loved Crete! And hopefully one you can return to - so much more to see on the island!
Unfortunately, the first 8 days were tainted with a bad Airbnb and having to leave 5 days early we didn't get in as much as we had hoped we would. Chania is a beautiful city, and we would love to return to Crete again someday.
Yay, an outdoor video!
Thanks for another great video. I just noticed that this has been watched by 58000 people but only a small fraction of "likes" and Im sure its just that people dont remember to ""like" and/ or subscribe, even though they love the content. Maybe a quick reminder either onscreen or as part of your talk, just to remind everyone to do that, as it all helps your channel grow.Great work.
This video has received almost 15,000 views with almost 900 likes! 😁 We have also received many new subs from this video which we are very grateful for. We have multiple on-screen subscribe reminders pop up but maybe we need to make them more noticeable? We should give verbal reminders occasionally as well. Thanks, Anna, for watching and looking out for the channel! 😊
Great and informative video! Thank you for sharing your experiences. The content in your videos is really good. Please keep it up. Excited to see where you will be next.
Thank you, Sarah! We really appreciate the comments. ❤️
I totally get Carrie's wincing about the cost, I would be too. But we also want to visit the islands of Greece, and it is great to have some insight into what that would cost.
Yes, a bit pricey but totally worth it 😊. Thanks so much for watching.
I appreciate these sit-down "recap" videos, but usually they follow after a few of your fun "walk & talk" videos where we get invited along to play virtual traveler and see & hear a destination as you explore it. All we saw of Crete (at least so far) is the "Bad Airbnb" video, and this recap. Speaking only for myself, I really like the "walk & talk" videos the most. But obviously it is your channel, and you should film and publish as you see fit. I'll keep watching! Safe travels!
We were definitely up against it with the Airbnb fiasco. We lost about 13 days of productive time. We also like to give as much information as possible in our videos and that becomes difficult to do walking through crowds of people all day. We have received a lot of positive feedback which makes it difficult to know which direction is best. We will be doing a little of each and try to experiment with some ideas that can accomplish both. TH-cam is hard!! 🤣 Thank you for your input and continuing to watch our channel.
Cheers!!🍻
Hi guys, once again, this is a very informative video. I like that you shoot from the hip and say what a place is like. I don't like seeing these videos where everything is so perfect that you must visit. Most of these people are there for a few days and have no idea. I used to rent an apartment in Halkidiki in northern Greece, which I went to on my days off from my job in what was once the Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. It was expensive then, especially for seafood, so it must cost a fortune now.
I also worked in Slovakia for five years and often visited Budapest. I love Hungarian food, so I am interested in how you like it. My wife, who is Slovak, made Gulas today, and it was excellent. I look forward to next week's video and hearing what you think of Budapest. By the way, speaking Hungarian is nearly impossible.
Hi, Mark! I can tell you that we are having a wonderful time here in Budapest, we went out for a traditional dinner today and it was amazing!!
We do like to keep it real about places that we visit. We would hate to paint the wrong picture and have someone visit based on our advice and be disappointed.
We have only been here a few days. The Budapest video won't be out for another week or possibly two. 😁
Great video. We loved Chania and were there for 3 weeks in April. Thank you.
So happy you enjoyed it 😊. Thanks so much for watching.
Thanks for a nice video about Chania, and tips for where to stay. Planning to visit Chania in October. We were thinking of renting for a couple of days to see some other part of the island.
That's a great plan! Thanks so much for watching 😊
i love you guys!
❤️😁
You two are great and it's nice to see your subscriber growth. Just letting you know that "transportation" was misspelled (minute 20) when you were detailing costs. Stay cool and have fun...cheers!
Another fine video and timely for us as I'm in the process of booking a month's stay in Crete next March split between Heraklion and Chania. We're renting a car for the entire month and I found one for less than $400. It will be our first time in Crete and we can't wait.
Wow ❤
That will be amazing and nice find on the rental car. Off season helps a lot for sure. Cheers!!
Great video as always. Stay safe and enjoy.
Thank you, Greg!
good job pivoting!
Thank you so much ❤️
From Chania area these places are a must for beach & hiking lovers
Elafonissi Beach
Balos Beach
Gramvousa Island
Yes, Crete is an amazing place!!
Was there last October, loved it!
We loved it as well!! Thank you for watching!! ❤️
Ill be out there in a couple weeks. A short 10 day trip. Normally, I do a month at a time in one country. No time, this time……but I’m sure I’ll love it. Good video, thanks.😊
You'll love it!! 10 days is better than nothing! Safe travels!!
Seeing you use Fare Drop I just watched Kara and Nate’s company fun trip on fabulous private island of a billionaire. I enjoy your videos. An immense amount of great info for traveling. Surely I’d be a slow traveler enjoying the sights!! 🌸🌺🌸
Wouldn't that be amazing 😍. Thanks so much for watching and following along.
When were you there? My wife was there at the end of May with her best friend. We’re huge fans BTW
We were there in May as well 😊. Thanks so much for watching and following along.
Nice video! Love all the information. Have you put out your yearly travel places? Didn’t know if I missed it somewhere.
Yes, we did that video a few months back. I'll leave the link below, but we are heading to Mexico in the fall and Argentina and South America in January. th-cam.com/video/GDj2flhoPsU/w-d-xo.html
We follow many TH-cam Nomads but youo 2 are the ones that inspired us to take that leap in 2025. We're old geezers so need to do a big more "fussing" to make it happen. I would love to see a detailed itinerary of areas of towns you have stayed and the time of year you were there. We seriously need some inspiration along these lines! I'm also curious about the meals you make. Any chance of giving some ideas/recipes? Thanks for putting these togetheer!
Hi, Susan. Thank you for the kind words. We have been adding the time of year to our recent videos, however, I forgot on this one! 😁 We just left so we were there for the month of May. We do discus the best time of year to go. Our recipes are fairly similar to what we eat back in the US. Chicken, vegies, rice, spaghetti, tacos, etc. Most places that we go you can find what you need. Thank you again for watching!! ❤️
Beautiful place. Crete has not been on my to visit list, but may need to reassess. Go Dawgs!
It is a very beautiful island, well worth adding to your list. Thanks so much for watching 😊
Awesome video, thank you!
Thank you, Joe!
Love this video!
Thank you!! ❤ 😀
Hi guys, great video! If you are planning to come to Macedonia - I'm more than happy to be your local guide
Thank you so much 😊. We hope to make it there at some point.
What a beautiful harbor. You two definitely pivoted in May. Well done. 👍
Can you see yourselves returning for a full month in a couple of years?
We have been playing around with our travel itinerary to see how long it would take to do different regions of the world. 🌎
The 4- 6 months window looks the best but geared at meeting up with our daughter who plans on studying in Europe. So much cheaper than here in the States.
Super interested how much you'll be able to fit in your 3 month window. But again you two are pros. 😉👍
Have you seen the travel wheel Iggy is putting together for Mexico? Slow world travel
We look forward to our new 3 month plan and seeing how it works for us. Not sure about returning to Chania, we loved it but so many places yet to see 😊
I’m trying to work out which side you were on that you preferred. Were you staying west of the old town? Thanks for such a great overview. Looking forward to visiting Chania in October!
We preferred staying close to Nea Chora Beach. Easy walk to old town and close to the beach!!
@@BrianandCarriethanks so much for getting back!
When I'm focusing on the Greek retirement fantasy, I've settled on Paros, but Crete is very high on the list of possibilities.
We look forward to checking out Paros at some point. Thanks for watching 😊
Hello, great video! What is your opinion about Chrisi Akti Beach area. I understand it is about 30 minutes walk to the Old Town? Did Brain reach their it his nice walks?
There are a couple of beach restaurants that look nice and the walk to old town in easy but yes, about a 30-minute walk. We would prefer being closer to old town, more restaurants options and a nice grocery store for a longer stay.
Very informative 🙂
Thank you, Sandra!
I have a suggestion, if you dont mind. When it comes to names of towns or food. Could you label or subtitle, and then do a phonetic pronunciation. Thanks. Good video. 😊
It will be under consideration. 😁
Great video, sad that you have to go 6 days earlier from there , it’s a very beautiful place there , we visited 2 times and next year is booked , we stay a way from Chania but we rent a car and drive around .
Leaving early was disappointing but after our bad experience with the Airbnb host, we were ready to move on. Chania is a beautiful place!
Thanks for the video guys 😊 Carrie I think I recall you saying sometime ago you use an online fitness videos - is there any in particular you would recommend? Thank you
You're very welcome 😊. I use numerous ones on TH-cam. Growingannas is great and has a wide variety as well as some other yoga channels.
Thank you for your time and posting. Jets are a guy thing. :) After much homework, I'm going with ExpressVPN for Vietnam. I thought the kids in the background were great along with that lady in the swimsuit. And I found out that there is pickleball in Vietnam. :) And I'll be sticking to hotels in VN. Just more convenient and easy.
Thanks so much for watching 😊
Hi. We will be in Crete one day on a cruise. Are there any inexpensive tour available in the port? We are 3 people. Than you.
Chania is an amazing town that you can explore and there are excursions you can find along the marina that don't cost too much. Enjoy your cruise and happy travels! 😊
Looks like a great place to visit 😂😂 Airbnb is??? I still use them occasionally but we travel right now in our camper!!!!!
Our first Airbnb was our worst experience ever!! We go into more detail in a previous video. The second one was good, but we are looking for other options.
Ah Crete - the land of the fabled Bronze Age Minoan civilization; one of history’s most alluring and enigmatic! You must visit Knossos! Be safe!
Thanks so much for watching 😊
I have not heard you mention details in your videos about medical care/facilities etc. I have underlying health conditions so access to good 24/7 health care/emergency rooms is vital.
Hi, Kimberly. We know that hospitals are always available wherever we go. Fortunately, we have never had to use one so can't speak on it.
You got ripped off on the haircut. 😂😂😂😂. Just kidding. Coming for a month in November. Hows the weather during that month?
We haven't been there in November but imagine that it will be good enough to enjoy this beautiful city! Thank you for watching and safe travels!! 😊
Did you stay in the Koum Kapi area? Is that what you meant by the east side of town?
If Koum Kapi is the east side of town, yes.
@@BrianandCarrie thank you for your reply. I hope you don't mind me asking but did you by any chance stay at Philoxenia Residence? Just asking as going to Greece for the first time for a week and would really like it to be a pleasant experience so not asking for detail but would just appreciate a yes or no please. Also would you mind sharing where you stayed at your second accommodation? That area looked really lovely. Have been watching your videos and find the information you share so helpful and professionally executes. Thank you so much.
We no longer disclose our accommodations. Prices and hosts change often so your experience may not be the same as ours. We would recommend staying close to the main beach in Chania.
@@BrianandCarrie Thank you, appreciate your reply. We have never used Airbnb, just other booking platforms or friend recommendations. Our children have always said they've found Airbnb too much hassle usually. But yes you're correct people's experiences do differ.
Was that Bryan on the second level to the lighthouse 😅
It was and I wasn't even scared!!! It was about a 6-foot drop, you could easily roll an ankle that high!! 🤣
good❤
Guys would you see you prefer Chania over Lindos?
We would prefer Chania, there's a lot more to do.
How do you guys choose your destinations?
We did a video recently about this topic, Joe. I'll leave the link below, but it is all budget related. Greece wasn't budget friendly, but we came from Turkey so getting here was an inexpensive ferry ride. We try to balance everything out. th-cam.com/video/xulQ3Qv5YwU/w-d-xo.html
yeah, don’t get gouged by AirBnb overcharging … 😏😏
We were planning to go to Crete but after watching your video We decided to go to Turkey instead. I think will be cheaper and perhaps less crowded in July. Do you agree?
July and August are the busiest in Chania, unfortunately. At least, that was my experience when I lived there.
We love Turkiye! Cost of housing has increased by a lot recently, but you get more value for the dollar elsewhere.
Am I going to be ok with a 2 year old and a stroller 🥹 I wish he would still fit in a carrier. If he’s not strapped in he will jump in the water 😅
We've all been there!! 🤣 You should be fine in most parts of Chania pushing a stroller.
Woww 🍺🍺
My recommendation: Rent a E-Bike and geht around. Much fun and affordable .Avoid june/ juli/ august. Greetings
Accident risks exceedingly offset any potential savings although I agree that is very fun
We love walking, but we saw plenty of people using that option 😊
I used to run into SOUDA BAY US NAVY BASE when working on a ship that hauled fuel for the military
Chaina was one cute town, had a very nice marina with a lot of big sailboats
Mark Wiens does travel food all over the world. He visited Chania and had a great time, he is the happiest guy to find new food I ever run into. Is hilarious ! www.youtube.com/@MarkWiens/videos
And ROTA SPAIN, US NAVY BASE next to Cadiz Spain, a nice walkable town
Glad to see AIRBNB crashing, they brought it on themselves, lot better options - talk to the locals !
Mark Wiems is one of the best!! Thank you for the comments!!
Cheers!! 🍻
@@BrianandCarrie I crack up laughing as he eats local food and his eyes BUG OUT !
Yeah! He has 12m followers!! 😯
Fantastic and knowledgeable video x
Thank you, Tony!