Chania or Heraklion: uncover the best city in Crete for you

Chania and Heraklion are amazing Greek cities on the beautiful Island of Crete. They are both by the sea and combine the beauty of historic buildings with the convenience of modern shops and facilities. But, which would you choose as your local go-to city?

Chania or Heraklion: which one would suit you best?

Crete is the largest and most highly populated island in Greece, making it an attractive place to buy property. As well as being a beautiful island with plenty of places to explore. It also enjoys great weather for most of the year, due to its southerly location between the Aegean and Libyan seas.

When flying to Crete, chances are you will land at Chania or Heraklion airport. Both are on the north side of the island and are a short drive from the cities of the same name. Plus, a new Heraklion International airport is due to open in Kastelli in 2027. Both cities also have a ferry port with connections to Piraeus.

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The prefectures of Crete

Crete is divided into four prefectures. From west to east, they are Chania, Rethymnon, Heraklion and Lassithi. The prefectures are further divided into municipalities. Therefore, Heraklion and Chania are the names of the cities, the municipality (the area in and directly around the city), and also the name of the prefecture.

The prefectures cover a very large area and incorporate many villages. If you do a property search for Chania or Heraklion, you will often be shown property throughout the prefecture. Some of which may be a long drive from the city itself, so it is worth checking their location on Google Maps.

When buying a holiday home or permanent residence it can be very convenient to be located not too far from a city, hospital, and airport. Heraklion is the largest city and capital of Crete, while Chania was the capital until 1971.

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Heraklion

Heraklion.

Population of Heraklion Municipality: 173,993

Population of Heraklion Prefecture: 305,000

Size of Prefecture of Heraklion: 2,641km2

Heraklion Villages: 70 Heraklion Villages

Nearest airport: It’s just a 15-minute drive from the city to Heraklion International airport. The new airport for Heraklion, which is currently under construction, and is located 39 minutes drive to the south-east of the city, at Kasteli.

Hospital: Heraklion University General Hospital is ranked 3rd in Greece

Digital Nomads: There is Coworking Space in Heraklion https://greecefornomads.com/place-category/coworkings/

Heraklion city

Heraklion City (also called Iraklio) is a convenient size for exploring. As you walk around the town you’ll see fortresses, cathedrals, churches, and museums. In Heraklion’s Old Town, defensive stonewalls surround pedestrian-only streets. Like most cities, it can get very busy around the shops and squares, but it still has a character and magic about it.

Strolling around the town, you will come across fountains and other fine architecture in the Venetian style. The Venetian Loggia was once the meeting place for the city’s nobility. The town also boasts several museums, such as the Archaeological Museum, the Historical Museum and the Museum of Natural History. You should also see some of the beautiful religious buildings, such as the church of Agios Titos and Agios Minos Cathedral.

Heraklion harbour

At the Venetian port, the highlight is the Fortress of Koules. This Venetian castle is used to guard the entrance to the port and has thick stone walls made of stone. It has been restored many times and is a symbol of the town which attracts many visitors. You can also see the vaulted shipyard where ships were built in the Middle Ages.

The harbourside is a great place for a stroll at any time of day. A selection of seafood restaurants and grilled-meat cafes are dotted along the waterfront, offering lovely views as you enjoy your meal.

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Heraklion beaches

The northern and southern coasts of the prefecture have some amazing beaches, such as the former hippies paradise, and Matala beach. A short drive from the city is Kateros beach which is sandy and popular with windsurfers. 25 kilometres away is Agia Pelagia, which is a small village with several sheltered sandy beaches and the ruins of a monastery. Other popular beaches include Palaiokastro, Psaromoura, Gouves and Limanakia.

Heraklion monuments

The Minoan Palace of Knossos.

In the Heraklion prefecture, you will find two of the most important Crete monuments: Knossos Palace & Phaistos Palace. The Minoan Palace of Knossos is the largest of all Minoan palatial structures and is a world-renowned archaeological site. Plus, the remains of colourful murals, red columns and the glorious throne room are incredible to see.

The Minoan Palace of Phaistos is the second most important Minoan site, after Knossos. It is located on the east side of Kastri hill, and is set in beautiful natural surroundings.

Heraklion villages

There are many lovely villages within the Heraklion prefecture. These include the pottery village of Thrapsano, where ceramic vases are made in the traditional Minoan way. Also, near Heraklion there is Fodele, which has a sandy bay and Byzantine church. Other interesting villages within the prefecture include Zaros, with its small lake and birds; Vori, with its Ethnology museum, Agia Varvara with its splendid views; and Archanes, famous for its beautifully restored Cretan architecture.

Heraklion landscape

The Heraklion prefecture is mainly mountainous, with farmland located in the central and northern parts, near the coast and in the valleys. Heraklion also has a beautiful plain called Mesara, which is home to a variety of wildlife, including wild goats and birds, and has some of the most breathtaking views in Greece. Not far from the city, you can visit the vineyards of Peza and Archanes and the centennial green olive groves. The high peaks of Mount Psiloritis and Mount Diktys rise over the west part of Heraklion.

Heraklion property prices

At the beginning of 2024, an apartment (75m2) on Crete cost around €150,000, and a 200m2 house cost around €399,000. But prices are very dependent on location and the condition of the property. In Heraklion City, the average apartment price is €213,000 and the average house price is around €500,000. However, in one of the villages €250,000 could buy you a two-bedroom detached house or a luxury apartment near the coast.

Small two-bedroom villa with pool, Kalidonia, Chania €195,000

Click on the image to see more of this lovely home.

Two-bedroom home, €269,000

Stone cottage within walking distance to the beach.

Two-bedroom villa, €280,000

A property under construction near the beach.

Village house with views of Heraklion €320,000

Take a look at this village house on the foothills of Mt. Giouhtas.

Three-bedroom villa, €349,000

This property enjoys sea and mountain views.

Chania

Chania.

Population of Chania Municipality: 88,525

Population of Chania Prefecture: approx. 150,000

Size of Prefecture: 2,376km2

Nearest airport: Chania International Airport “Daskalogiannis”, 23 minutes drive from Chania city centre.

Hospital: Chania General Hospital “St. George” opened in 2000. it is located just off the National Road, on the outskirts of the city, in the village of Mournies.

Digital nomads: Check out the “Digital Nomads Crete” facebook page, There is a “Workhub” coworking space in Chania.

Chania villages: There are seven municipalities within Chania, with several villages.

Chania city

Chania (Hania or Χανιά) is the second-biggest city in Crete. It’s very picturesque with a charming Old Town and great for those who love Greek cuisine.

Chania Old Town

Go for daydreams in the charming streets.

The Old Town has influences from many civilisations throughout the ages. A mix of Venetian, Ottoman, and neoclassical buildings reflects the city’s rich past. It is an enchanting maze of old city streets and everyone was drawn to the lively municipal market to buy food. After a long renovation project, local people are eagerly awaiting its reopening in the summer of 2024.

Kondylaki is the main street of Evraikì (the ancient Jewish ghetto) and is the place to buy gifts and souvenirs. The traditional street of shoemakers, called Skrydlof or Stivanadika, is also worth a mooch around to see quality leather goods. In addition to custom-made bags, belts and sandals, you’ll find handicrafts, and souvenirs.

Take a stroll

After a morning shopping head to the main square of the Splantzia district, where you will find several cafes and restaurants with outdoor tables. Here you can also admire the Church of Agios Nikolaos, one of the oldest monuments in the city.

Walking along the walls of the ancient Venetian Port, you can enjoy a superb view of the Egyptian Lighthouse and the Ancient Arsenal. Or you could take a stroll in the Municipal gardens and spot native birds and Cretan goats.

New Chania

The modern part of the city has expanded very quickly, which does cause some traffic jams at busy times. Most locals live and work around the modern part of the city, as opposed to the Old Town. Although it’s less traditional, it has some interesting buildings, and narrow lanes to explore. Work has also just begun on a new open mall at Plateia 1866 Street, in the east of the city.

Chania port

The ancient Venetian Port of Chania is very popular with tourists as it is surrounded by restaurants, cafes and tavernas with outdoor seating. You can enjoy your morning coffee with a view of the Firkas Fortress and the Egyptian Lighthouse. Firkas Fortress was built in 1629 at the entrance to the Venetian Port to protect the city from pirate attacks and was later used as a prison by the Turks. Today the fortress houses the Maritime Museum of Crete.

Chania villages

Even though the prefecture of Chania is a popular tourist area with several luxury resorts, there are still plenty of authentic and traditional villages too. It’s possible to enjoy a pleasant walk or drive between villages through beautiful scenery.

The inland villages are especially fascinating, both for their landscape, and their character. Most are untouched by tourism and maintain their traditional features. In these villages, you will see people living an old way of life and can taste food typical of the area. The Cretan villagers are generally laid back and very friendly.

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Chania coast

The Chania prefecture has coasts to the north, the south and the west. In the north, there are three large bays: the Gulf of Kissamos, Souda and Chania Bay, which are largely sheltered from the wind. The windier northern and western beaches are mostly sandy.

Chania beaches

There are many great beaches to choose from such as Balos with its turquoise waters and white sand. Falasarna is another popular beach with plenty of amenities and water sports. Then there is the famous Stefanou or Seiton Ports formed between two rocks. Other popular beaches include Stavros and Menies. By car or boat, you can discover so many beautiful beaches from the north to the south of Chania prefecture.

Our trusted partner, A Home in Crete, has a number of gorgeous properties for sale there.

Chania landscape

The Chania prefecture is largely mountainous, with the most impressive sight being the White Mountains. The highest peak reaches 2,453 metres, and the tops are always covered in snow. Among the mountains are small fertile plains, valleys and canyons, with small rivers and streams flowing through them. The most famous is the Gorge of Samaria, which is designated as a National Park.

Chania property prices

In Chania City, the average cost of a 75m2 apartment is €197,000 and the average price of a 200m2 house is €500,000. However, Chania does have some very upscale areas, which will have an impact on the house price averages. Halepa, for example, is a suburb of Chania town and is full of impressive mansions and neoclassical houses. If you look inland or along the coast €250.000 might buy you a two-bedroom villa, or a sea view apartment.