Chania is on the north coast in western Crete has to be one of Greece’s most beautiful towns. The cobbled streets are filled with boho-chic boutiques selling clothes, ceramics, and local artworks, and it’s a favorite destination for holidaying Greeks in August.

 

• Old Harbor, Chania’s historic importance stemmed from its location as a port, and still today, the deep, curving harbor, which gained its present appearance under the Venetians in the 14th century, is its main tourist attraction. Filled with wooden fishing boats and ringed by a promenade lined with seafood eateries and cafés, it buzzes with visitors in summer, and is totally enchanting by night.

 

• Maritime Museum of Crete, this museum traces Crete’s centuries-old relationship with the sea, from the Minoans. Spread over two floors, the collection includes video presentations, amazing models of ships, paintings, photos, and nautical equipment.

 

• Botanic Park & Gardens of Crete, with its warm, sunny climate and rich, fertile soils, Crete grows olives and grapes, and even farms tropical fruits, such as avocados and bananas. In this carefully tended park, at the foot of the White Mountains, a meandering two-kilometer path takes you through a garden planted with exotic flowers and fruit trees from all over the world, with everything clearly labeled. There are plenty of shady spots with benches amid fragrant herbs such as sage, mint, and thyme.

 

• The Monasteries of Akrotiri Peninsula, the rocky peninsula of Akrotiri, is home to three monasteries. Agia Triada, founded in 1612, is set amid tended olive groves and orange orchards, and centers on a cloistered courtyard and a lovely church – you can buy olive oil made by the monks. A short drive away stands the fortress-like Gouverneto, founded in 1537. Even if the monastery is closed, the location is beautiful. From here, a footpath leads past Arkoudiospilia (Bear Cave), an abandoned sixth-century monastery, built into a cliff.

 

• Elafonissi, on Crete’s isolated southwest coast, this stunning beach lies about a two-hour drive from Chania. The colors here are amazing – the sand takes on pink hues in certain light as it is made up of tiny pieces of shells and coral, and the sea is turquoise-blue. You can wade through ankle-deep water to an islet. Complete with sunbeds and umbrellas to hire plus a canteen for snacks, Elafonissi is ideal for families with kids due to the warm, shallow sea. It does get very busy, but most day trippers leave at 4pm, after which it is blissfully quiet.

 

• Samaria Gorge, Crete’s mountains are cut by deep gorges, the longest of which is the 18-kilometer Samaria. It makes a challenging hike, which you can do independently or as part of an organised excursion. Entrance to the gorge is at the village of Omalós. The path is steep and uneven at first, descending through dense pinewoods. Deep inside the rocky gorge, the footpath winds around large boulders, and at its narrowest point, the “Iron Gates” (Síderoportes), the Samaria is only four meters wide. Also, be sure to wear stout footwear and carry plenty of water. The gorge opens out to the sea at the village of Ayía Rouméli, with a black sand beach where you can swim.