- Chania
- Airport 14 km; west Crete beaches
- Rethymno
- Town beach; central location
- Distance between
- About 60 km, about 1 hour
- Heraklion from Rethymno
- About 80 km
Chania
Chania's Venetian harbour, old town lanes and covered market make it the most atmospheric town on Crete. It has its own airport and is the natural base for west Crete: Balos, Falasarna, Elafonisi, the Samaria gorge and the Akrotiri peninsula.
The town beach, Nea Chora, is small; for long sandy days you take a bus west.
Rethymno
Rethymno has a compact old town under the Fortezza fortress and a long sandy beach that starts at the edge of the centre. It sits roughly halfway along the north coast, which makes day trips both west (Chania) and east (Heraklion, Knossos) manageable.
South-coast beaches such as Plakias and Preveli are about an hour away.
Which to pick
For a short trip focused on western beaches and gorges, Chania. For a family beach holiday with day trips in both directions, Rethymno. With 10 days or more, split your stay.
Questions before you go
Is Chania or Rethymno better for families?
Rethymno, because its long sandy beach is right by the town.
Which has an airport?
Chania. Rethymno is served by Chania (about an hour) or Heraklion (about 1 hour 15).
Can I see both?
Yes. They are about an hour apart, so either works as a day trip from the other.
