Crete is the largest and most diverse island in Greece, offering breathtaking beaches, dramatic gorges, ancient ruins, traditional villages, and unforgettable landscapes. If you are staying in Maleme, near Chania in western Crete, this local travel guide will help you discover the best places to visit in Crete — all within easy reach of our hotel.
Below you will find the top beaches, historical landmarks, natural wonders, and day trips to plan the perfect Cretan holiday.
Old City - Venetian Port - Harbour ( in Chania - Hania - Canea ) - 17 km from Maleme )-is one of the Best Places to Visit in Crete, with its Venetian, Turkish, and Neoclassical buildings scheduled for preservation. However, a large part of it has already fallen into decay. Along the whole length of the waterfront, there are fish sellers, tavernas, ouzo, "tsikoudia " (raki), and drinks bars. There are also streets of knife-sellers, "stivanadika" (Cretan boot and shoemakers), and every type of traditional small trader. All around the Venetian harbour, with numerous picturesque narrow streets and architecture showing the influence of decades of foreign domination. The pretty Venetian Harbour and the Venetian lighthouse at the entrance of the Harbor are exciting sights to visit.
(Maleme is 17km west) This is where the day-to-day business of Chania goes on, with its shops, offices, the post offices, and the Street Markets every Thursday and Saturday. Inside the town, there are Venetian, Turkish, and neoclassical buildings. The public market (Agora) holds a master place in the center of the city, a brilliant cross-shaped building that was completed in 1913 and is in proportion with the one in Marseille. You can also visit the Municipality of Chania.
Chania Theriso (16 km from Chania & 29km from Maleme - 50 minutes Drive Maleme ) is a historical mountain village in a rugged but verdant landscape at the foot of the White Mountains. It is a point of departure for the ascent of the highest peak in the range, Pence (2,452m).
(2.5 km West of Chania and 14km from Maleme): A seaside community where the bathing is wonderful and there are caves which have been used as refuges during successive wars. It is a very popular beach for the locals. We highly recommend it.
📍Agii Apostoli Beach on Google Maps Click here <-
( 14km from Maleme ) They are among the most frequented beaches in the summer and are modern centers of tourism with comprehensive facilities.
Thodorou is the little island opposite the shore ( across from Agia Marina ). The island today has been designated a natural reserve, and Cretan wild goats ( Agrimi or Kri-Kri ) are taken there to breed.
Platanias (10.5 km West of Chania & 6 km from Maleme): This is a popular village with many bars, clubs, Shops , Restaurants, and mini-markets. Nice family accommodation is Frideriki Studios and Apartments. Also, you can visit Welcome to Platanias Village.
Maleme (17 km West of Chania): a seaside village. Also, you will find the German War Cemetery, famous for the Battle of Crete. Book your Maleme Hotels and enjoy your Holidays in Crete
Palaiochora (73.5 km West-South of Chania & 54km from Maleme): This is a very picturesque, large seaside village on the Libyan Sea. It is situated on the plain, and the houses descend to the water's edge. Also known as Kastelli Selinou - from the Venetian fort - it is considered to be the second " nymph of the Libyan Sea " after Ierapetra. The geographical location of the area, the climate, the excellent nature of the beaches, the sunshine, and also the wealth of Greek, Roman, medieval, and Byzantine monuments in its hinterland have resulted in its rapid development into a tourist resort. The sand and pebble beaches around it, whether crowded or empty, offer an opportunity to relax, even for the most demanding. You can also visit the site of Paleochora.
Sougia (67.10 km South of Chania & 55 km from Maleme) is a modern coastal fishing village with a protected harbor and pine-covered slopes around it. There is a pebble beach in front of the village, 1.5 km in length, with deep, crystal water. For those visitors who enjoy rambling, nature, and antiquities, there is a surprise.
(23.7 km West of Chania & 7 km from Maleme) is a seaside fishing village. To the right of the crossroads at Kolimvari, and 1 km down the road, is the Stavropygic Monastery of Gonia, an important national and religious center.
(42 km West of Chania & 20km from Maleme) It is the capital of the district of Kissamos and takes its name from the old Venetian castle there. Its fine beaches are of sand or pebbles, and the climate and sunshine make the area suitable for tourism
Falassarna (58 kms West of Chania & 35 km from Maleme) is an area of superb natural beauty and an archaeological site where many people gather during the summer. In the Tripadvisor is one of the Best Places to Visit in Crete and worldwide one of the 15 Best Beaches in the World.
(61 km West of Chania & 39,6 km from Maleme) With a rocky though not precipitous coastline and very clean sea. Also, you'll find many fish restaurants.
(72 km South-West from Chania & 89 km from Maleme). A white church and several cells lend diversification to the scenic beauty of this quiet, aesthetic area of Crete. According to tradition, the name owes itself to the fact that one of the 90 steps that lead to the nunnery is made of gold but cannot be seen by sinners.
Elafonisi (78.5 km south-west of Chania & 57 km from Maleme).
⏱️ Elafonissi Beach – ~2.5h drive from Maleme . Away from the crowds and the reality of today, amidst the unsurpassed azure blue of the Mediterranean. The island, with its fine, reddish sand, is connected to the shore by a shallow channel measuring 0.50 -0.80 m. deep and 800 m. long.It's like paradise and has been voted number one again in 2026 as the Best Beach in the World on TripAdvisor.
Balos Lagoon Gramvoussa has its wonderful sandy beaches, shallow water, tamarisks, and springs with drinking water. Above the island are the ruins of a Venetian castle, built in 1597. Out on the horizon, the little island of Agria Gramvousa, inaccessible at times of rough seas. You have to make a day trip with Gramvousa Daily Cruises, which is one of the most spectacular Places to Visit in Crete and Chania.
is the high plateau of the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) , 1080 meters.From there begins the Samaria Gorge.
Gorge Samaria Gorge is one of the most beautiful places in Europe, it is 18 km long and between 3 and 300 meters in width. It was proclaimed a nature reserve in 962 to protect the vegetation, birds, and animals there, in particular the Cretan wild goat (Kri-Kri). In 1980, it was awarded a prize by the Council of Europe as one of the most beautiful places on the continent. Passage through the gorge is permitted from the beginning of May to the End of October. The route through to the exit - the Gates - takes 6 - 8 hours. You can visit the Samaria National Park website.
(South-East of Chania), a beautiful seaside village with a particular color. One of the few places on Crete where you won't see vehicles.
(72 km South of Chania, and about 85 km from Maleme) It is a historic village built like an amphitheater by the beach. Sfakia is a wild, mountainous area, dominated by the mountain massif of the White Mountains. Full of Gorges, ravines, wild mountain peaks, and difficult passes. The people of Sfakia never allowed the Turks to get near their wild mountains. Anything you need to know about Sfakia .
Frangokastello (80 km southeast of Chania, and 93 km from Maleme), the beach of Frangokastello is one of the best spots in Crete, with fine sand and crystal-clear water (with good snorkeling opportunities). Next to the beach is the Castle.
📍Frangokastello on Google Maps Click here <-
( 69 km from Maleme , about an 1 hour 43 minutes drive ) The road climbs upwards, narrow and full of bends, and then runs parallel to the Imbros Gorge. One of the narrowest, deepest, and most imposing gorges on Crete, it is 7 km long, 2-3 metres wide, and 300 meters deep.
Akrotiri Peninsula (6 km northeast of Chania) interposes itself between the Gulf of Chania and the Gulf of Souda. There you will also find (in Profitis Ilias) the tombs of Elefterios Venizelos, A simple memorial that recalls the first revolutionary movement which took place in 1897. You have to visit this place because the View out over Chania Gulf and towards the White Mountains is unique. 16 km from Chania, you will find the monastery of Agia Triada.
Stavros (is 16 kilometers from Chania and 40km from Maleme, 44 minutes drive) is well known for the film, Zorba The Greek.
Kalathas ( 35 km from Maleme , about 36 36-minute drive ) is located on the Akrotiri peninsula with a lovely sandy beach.
Marathi Beach( 49 km from Maleme , 42 minutes drive) is the perfect place to swim.
Souda (just 7 kilometers from Chania, 26 km from Maleme, about 25 25-minute drive) is the harbor for West Crete. There also is British- New Zealand and Australian War Cemetery from the Second World War, The Battle of Crete. Also if you travel by a Cruise Line in Souda Port.
(14 kms from Chania ) It is a small village opposite the island of Souda.
(17.5 km east of Chania and 36 km from Maleme) It is a seaside and riverside village smothered in greenery and extending along a sandy beach.
Almirida (22 km east of Chania) is a seaside fishing village.
(25.1 km east of Chania) It's a picturesque place with traditional houses.
(38.5 km east of Chania, 55 km from Maleme and 48 minutes drive ) It is a coastal village with moderate tourist facilities, built on the mouth of the river Almirou, which flows down from Lake Kournas.
Lake Kournas (48 km East of Chania , 58 km from Maleme, and a 51-minute drive). This is the village and Lake Kournas. This is the Only lake on Crete, which collects water from the mountains around it.
(77 km from Maleme, about 1 hour and 8 minutes drive) It is a nice seaside city with a Venetian castle. You must visit Rethymno and also their webpage, The Prefecture of Rethymno.
(36 km South of Rethymnon and 105 km from Chania, about a 1-hour 33-minute drive ) It is a seaside settlement and much-frequented tourist resort, built along the gulf of the same name, which is enclosed by Cape Krios and Cape Kako Mouri.
Palace Knossos: (156 km from Maleme and a 2 hours 10 minutes drive )The archeological site of Knossos. By far the largest of the Minoan Palaces, it thrived over three-and-a-half thousand years ago at the heart of a highly sophisticated island-wide civilization. Here it was in the legend that King Minos ruled and that his wife Pasiphae bore the Minotaur - half-bull, half-man- you can visit the official site of Knossos.
Aptera Ancient City : (31 km from Maleme and about 30 30-minute drive )The archeological site of Aptera, located 13 km east of Chania, overlooking Souda Bay. It is an ancient city from 3500 - 1070 BC from the Minoan Period. You will find a Monastery, a Fortress, an Ancient Theatre, and a Public Bath Complex from the Roman Times
The Archaeological Museum of Chania (21 km from Maleme and about a 30-minute drive) is located in the historical area of Chalepa. A total area space of 6000 m2, with fantastic Views of the Chania area on the upper floors
Menies Beach is a hidden gem, located on the Rodopou Peninsula, 33 km from Maleme and about 1 1-hour drive. You can get there by Boat on a day trip from the port of Kolimbari, or by car through a rough road
At Hotel Mike & Apartments, you’re perfectly located to explore all these amazing places. Comfortable rooms, friendly staff, and expert local advice make your Crete adventure unforgettable.
Book Your Stay at Mike Hotel and Apartments Today
Latest Update 20/02/2026
Explore the finest attractions in Chania and Crete. From pristine beaches and ancient ruins to scenic gorges and charming villages, experience the magic of Crete.
Turquoise waters and exotic scenery make Balos Lagoon one of Crete's most photographed beaches.
Famous for pink sand and shallow waters, perfect for families and nature lovers alike.
Long sandy stretches ideal for sunsets and water sports on Crete's west coast.
Hidden between cliffs, this dramatic beach features deep blue waters and unique rock formations.
Calm waters and soft sand make Stavros a family-friendly favorite near Chania.
A peaceful and organized beach with shallow waters and natural beauty.
Lively and well-equipped, this beach is perfect for relaxation and seaside dining.
Known for nightlife and water activities, Platanias is vibrant yet scenic.
The heart of Minoan civilization, Knossos Palace showcases the grandeur of ancient Crete.
Explore ruins with spectacular views over Souda Bay, blending history and scenery.
Historic remains beneath modern Chania, reflecting the island’s rich past.
Ancient city ruins perched on a mountain, offering breathtaking vistas.
Remote ruins accessible by scenic hiking or boat, steeped in history.
Explore remnants of a once-bustling harbor near Falassarna Beach.
The iconic heart of Chania, with Venetian architecture, cozy cafes, and vibrant nightlife.
A grand fortress offering panoramic views and insight into Crete's Venetian past.
Seaside castle steeped in legend, perfect for history enthusiasts.
Defensive fortress at the Chania harbor entrance with stunning views.
Historic walls built during Venetian rule, ideal for cultural exploration.
One of the Mediterranean's oldest lighthouses, a perfect photography spot.
The longest gorge in Europe, a must for hikers seeking awe-inspiring scenery.
A shorter, easier alternative to Samaria Gorge, surrounded by nature.
Less crowded, yet equally stunning gorge ideal for hiking and adventure.
Scenic gorge connecting Chania to Therisso village, rich in nature and history.
Majestic mountain range perfect for trekking, photography, and nature lovers.
The only natural freshwater lake in Crete, ideal for relaxation and paddle boating.
Beautiful park showcasing Crete’s flora, fauna, and eco-tourism attractions.
Charming village offering authentic Cretan culture, local cuisine, and artisan crafts.
Historic village surrounded by mountains, perfect for peaceful exploration.
Renowned for traditional music, weaving, and Cretan heritage.
Remote coastal village offering untouched landscapes and local hospitality.
Seaside town with relaxed vibes, lovely beaches, and charming streets.
Historic monastery symbolizing Cretan resilience and heritage.
Venetian-era monastery near Chania, renowned for its architecture and history.
Perched on a hill with panoramic sea views, known as “the monastery of the golden step.”
One of Crete’s oldest monasteries, surrounded by cliffs and lush nature.
Picturesque streets, Venetian architecture, cozy restaurants, and vibrant nightlife.
Venetian and Ottoman influences blend in charming streets and squares.
The capital of Crete and gateway to Knossos Palace, bustling with history and modern life.
Peaceful coastal town near stunning beaches and ancient ruins.
Top highlights: Balos Lagoon, Elafonissi Beach, Knossos Palace, Samaria Gorge, and Chania Old Town. These iconic destinations combine history, nature, and authentic Cretan culture for an unforgettable visit.
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