Chania by night – where to eat and drink.
It’s a September night and I am sitting on the sofa of my studio apartment, organising my summer photos. Seems like summer holidays and warm nights are far away from me now.
I am looking at the pictures of a particular night in Chania. Usually I don’t shoot pictures during the night because they are often blurry, but that evening I decided to take a chance.
I and my cousin went for some smoothies at the old port and eventually, we ended up taking pictures of the old town.
We sat at AlCanea, a cafe-bar just next to Maritime Museum, and watched the colours of the sky until sunset.
Then we strolled around and took pictures of the old town. Chania by night has a touch of magic. The medieval architecture of the old town is captivating. With a blend of Venetian, Turkish and traditional modern architecture, it makes it one of the most picturesque places in Greece.
The old town of Chania has a variety of options. Amongst the plethora of restaurants, there are also tourist shops and boutiques.
Even though many would agree that in such a tourist place, you won’t easily find value for money. Probably the best value for money will be found in rural Crete.
But I do believe that the sense of being at the Venetian Harbour is also an important aspect. It is wonderful and it is such a romantic place to be!
At the end of the day, you will taste the magical aura of the old town.
Some of my recommendations are:
For dinner
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Tamam Zampeliou 51, Chania 731 31 google maps
this family-oriented restaurant has been loved by locals and tourists for decades now. They serve traditional meals with recipes inspierd by Greek families. Built by the Venetians around 1400 this building operated as a public bath and later on as a Hamam. It is located in the old port of Chania.
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Semiramis Skoufon 8, Chania 731 00 google maps
Located in one of the beautiful alleys of the old port. Semiramis is an open-air restaurant with a wonderful courtyard. They serve traditional Greek food with fresh local ingredients, accompanied by live music.
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Mesostrato Zampeliou 31, Chania 731 31google maps
Located in the very heart of the old town. Mesostrato occupies a 16th-century Venetian building and it has a beautiful courtyard with trees. They serve Mediterranean and Greek dishes with vegan options as well.
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Pallas Akti Tompazi, Chania 731 00 google maps
Pallas has a distinctive atmosphere and a luxurious sense of comfort. The building that houses Pallas, was named one of the best building of Crete after the Archeological Service. It’s an all-time classic choice by locals and tourists for years now. The restaurant is on the rooftop with stunning views across the old port for the ultimate romantic experience. They use Cretan products to create dishes with a touch of modern Mediterranean twist.
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Palazzo al mareSt 36, Sourmelis 38, Chania 731 32google maps
SItuated at the Venetian Harbour of Chania, with excellent views of the port and the lighthouse, Chania’s landmark. They serve Mediterranean food and a variety of fresh seafood.
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Lithos Kountourioti 7, Chania 731 00 google maps
Lithos is right in the heart of the harbour and they serve Mediterranean and European cuisine with vegan options. The service is highly attentive and friendly.
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Kritamon Kondilaki 38-40, Chania Town, Crete 731 31 google maps
a wine bar-restaurant that serves European and Mediterranean cuisine with vegan options as well. It is located at the old port of Chania with a beautiful veranda. Very friendly and knowledgable staff, with fresh and tasty food made of local products.
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Serenissima Skoufon 4, Chania 731 31google maps
A gourmet choice in the lanes of the old port. Serenissima serves creative Mediterranean cuisine in a luxurious setting that marries traditional flavours with modern cooking techniques.
For drink
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Pallas Akti Tompazi, Chania 731 00google maps
Pallas is popular with young and trendy locals and it is an all-time classic choice for every time of the day. With astonishing views to the port, Pallas has a buzzing atmosphere from day to early hours in the morning.
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Fagotto Aggelou 16, Chania 731 31 google maps
A charming jazz bar that is located behind the Maritime Museum in the old port of Chania. A perfect choice if you are looking for a relaxing cocktail in a romantic and atmospheric setting.
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Avalon Akti Kountourioti 3, Chania 731 31google maps
An authentic rock pub that is located at the very heart of the Venetian Harbour. If you are into rock music, then this is the perfect choice for you from morning until night. The music will make you want to come back again and again (or never leave)!
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Synagogi Par. Kondilaki, Chania 731 31 google maps
Much like Pallas, Synagogi follows a buzzing atmosphere with music in a beautiful historic building inside the lanes, that is loved by locals and tourists for decades now.
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Kritamon Kondilaki 38-40, Chania Town 731 31 google maps
For wine lovers, this chic wine bar-restaurant is a delight. The veranda is gorgeous and their very friendly and knowledgable staff will help you with wine recommendations while the ambience is very relaxing and cosy.
What do you like the most about Chania by night?
Until next time ♥
***Featured image was taken by Frida (check my previous blog post here) ♥