Want to visit Crete and wondering where to spend your time: Chania or Heraklion or Rethymno?
I understand, all 3 are fascinating towns.
Find below my Chania vs Heraklion vs Rethymno battle results (with photos) covering:
- Charm and ease of exploring,
- Best monuments & museums,
- Best access to beaches,
- Best day trips,
- …
Where will you go?
Before my tips + photos, here are my favorites for Crete:

My favorite platform to rent a car in Crete: DiscoverCars

The unmissable boat tour: Gramvousa island + Balos Lagoon

Fun activity: Quad excursion off the beaten path

My favorite places to stay:
- Chania: see best rated hotels – e.g. Casa Delfino
- Palaiochora: see best rated hotels – e.g. Blue Horizon Hotel
- Rethymno: see best rated hotels – e.g. Leo Hotel

Chania vs Heraklion vs Rethymno – Comparison Overview
Chania or Heraklion or Rethymno – Short Answer
All 3 towns have a long history and a lot of charm. You can’t go wrong by staying at any of them.
I think the best way to explore Crete in depth is to do a road trip, and you should spend at least one night in all of them.
However, I understand you may want to stay in one or max 2 places during your holidays in Crete:
- If flying in just for a weekend, then choose Heraklion, because it is close to the airport and you can see a lot in 2 or 3 days
– See best rated accommodations in Heraklion - My absolute favorite of the 3 is Chania, it has a lot of charm and gives you access to stunning area such as the Balos Lagoon and Elafonisi pink beach
– See best rated accommodations in Chania - And if you are looking for a place to stay with easy access to the beach, good food and a central location to explore, then Rethymno is your best choice
– See best rated accommodations in Rethymno

Summary of my comparison
- Most charming streets = Chania
- Best monuments = Heraklion
- Best museums = Heraklion
- Best access to beaches = Rethymno
- Best experience Vibe / food scene / price / crowds = Chania
- Best day trips in the region = tie
Read further to understand the decision and see pictures.

Where are they located? Can I visit all 3? – Map
Below is a map to help you get oriented and locate those 3 major towns.
And the driving times (via highways) are:
- Chania to Rethymno = 1h10 drive
- Rethymno to Heraklion = 1h15 drive

Find all my favorite places (with GPS coordinates and practical tips) in my Travel Guide eBook that helps you easily plan your road trip around Crete:
Charm & ease of exploring – Chania or Heraklion or Rethymno (Winner Chania)
Streets of Chania

Chania is clearly separated into the old town by the coast, and the modern town on the slope of the hills.
The old town is the most beautiful in Crete, in my opinion.
The houses have colors and character. There are plants in the alleys, many taverns, and the town is oriented towards the beautiful harbor.
It has been able to become touristy while still keeping its charm.
Make sure to wander into the small alleys away from the harbor to discover more beautiful houses and get different perspectives.
To explore Chania, it is very simple on foot. It is rather flat and you don’t need any kind of transportation system.
Streets of Heraklion

Heraklion is more of a mismatch of buildings.
You will find historical building, next to modern ones and boring ones from the 60s.
The old town is mostly pedestrian, up from the Venetian port with large avenues, as well as smaller streets.
Lots of shops for tourists.
Heraklion is more spread out with some slopes.
You can still explore on foot, but you can also enjoy on of the hop-on hop-off bus – Get tickets
Streets of Rethymno

Rethymno also has an old city with narrow streets. It is quite nice, but somehow it does not have the charm of Chania.
It is quite small, so you will walk around it quickly, unless it is packed with tourists and you cannot move in those narrow alleys full of shops…
Rethymno is not as spread out as Heraklion, but it is all in length.
You can still explore on foot, but you can also enjoy the hop-on hop-off bus
My opinion
- Chania
- Rethymno
- Heraklion
Chania is the clear winner here. This town just has something special, a charm and laid-back atmosphere that are very enjoyable.
It is easy to walk around the harbor and throughout the old town.
Best monuments (winner Heraklion)
Monuments of Chania

The monuments in Chania are small but charming:
- The highlight is the Venetian port with the long dyke, the lighthouse and the fortresses
- At the Old Venetian port, you can also find the Küçük Hasan Pasha Mosque built by the Ottomans in the 17th century. It creates a fascinating contrast – the round shapes of the mosque vs the straight lines of the harbor,
- If you explore away from the harbor, you will find the Orthodox Cathedral, the Saint Nikolaos church, and more.
Monuments of Heraklion

Heraklion has a high concentration of buildings from different period. Most of them are around the old town:
- The Venetian port and its fortress,
- The city Walls,
- The Agios Minas Cathedral,
- The Saint Titus church,
- The Morosini Lions Fountain,
- The Venetian Loggia,
- …
And not far, just out of the city, you can find the famous ruins of the Knossos Palace.

Monuments of Rethymno

Rethymno also has a lot of historical monuments but they are more spread out:
- The Gate Porto Guora,
- The Rimondi Fountain,
- The Venetian Loggia,
- The Venetian harbor and its lighthouse
- The Venetian Fortress
- The Neratze Mosque
- The city wall ruins
My opinion
- Heraklion
- Chania
- Rethymno
This ranking can be challenged. All 3 towns have interesting monuments… I just think those in Heraklion are a bit more grandiose.
Best museums (winner Heraklion)
Museums of Chania

Chania has a great variety of museums, for everyone’s taste:
- The Archaeological Museum with prehistoric displays
- The Maritime Museum with its collection of ship models and reconstructed rooms (2 sections at each end of the harbor)
- The Byzantine Collection – a very small museum with beautiful artefacts
- The Folklore Museum with lots of textiles and scenes of Greek life
Museums of Heraklion

In Heraklion is where you can find the most important collections around Crete, especially from the Minoan civilization. They try gathering them all.
- The Archaeological Museum of Heraklion is a must visit. The collection is impressive, even better that the one in Athens, in my opinion. Don’t miss the famous Phaistos disc, that is still a mystery!
- The Koules Fortress, built by the Venetian in the 13th century. Inside you can see old cannons, weapons, amphorae and items used around the fortress.
- The Natural History Museum about animals and ecosystems
- The Museum of Christian Art
- The Historical Museum of Crete about the culture and traditions
- The Municipal Museum of the Battle of Crete and the National Resistance
- The Museum of Ancient Greek Technology
- The Municipal Art Gallery
- …
Museums of Rethymno

In Rethymno:
- The highlight is the Archaeological museum. It is small but with interesting pieces
- Wax Museum
- The Museum of Contemporary Art
- THe Paleontology Museum about the Ottoman past
My opinion
- Heraklion
- Chania
- Rethymno
Nothing can beat the archaeological museum of Heraklion. It is full of unique pieces. Plus, you have a large variety of museums in town to please everyone.
Best access to beaches (Winner Rethymno)
Chania beaches

Chania does not have a beach right in the town center. However, you have a couple of options just 15min walk away.
- To the East is Koum Kapi beach (on the picture) with nice rocks and soft sand
- To the West, you will find Neo Chora Beach with an organized section
- And further to the West, you can find a few beautiful cove beaches: Chrissi Akti, Agioi Apostoloi and Iguana beaches. The last 2 are protected from strong winds.
Heraklion beaches

You will not find a beach inside the town (whatever article you are reading, the beaches listed are outside of the town).
- The closest beach West of Heraklion is Ammoudara. A very long beach with brown sand.
- While the closest beach East is Karteros Beach or a little further Arena beach
- If you have a car, you can find other options within a short drive such as Fodele beach in the photo above.
Rethymno beaches

Rethymno is the most “beachy” of the 3 towns.
The beach is not wide, but it stretches all along the east of the town with hotels across the road the entire way.
So you can easily walk from the old town to the beach.
My opinion
- Rethymno
- Chania
- Heraklion
Rethymno is the only of the 3 where you can just step from town to the beach.
Best experience – vibe / food scene / crowds (winner Chania)
Chania vibe

As I wrote before, Chania as a special atmosphere.
Even if it is bustling with tourist activities, it keeps its charm, and you can still breathe.
There is a large choice of restaurants and tavernas. You can enjoy a romantic dinner by the harbor or find a quick place to eat in the narrow alleys behind the harbor.
Heraklion vibe

Heraklion has less of a specific vibe. This is probably because of the mismatch in buildings and the size of the town.
In terms of restaurants, you can everything you may want here – again, it is the largest town.
However, you won’t find tavernas with the same charm as those in Chania by the port.
Rethymno vibe

The food scene in Rethymno feels more touristy. The line of restaurants on the waterfront is more overwhelming than in Chania.
You can find some great options, but again, not with the same ambiance as in Chania.
However, if you are looking for nightlife, Rethymno is your best bet. It is home to many unique bars (as it is a Universty town and not only for tourists).
My opinion
- Chania
- Rethymno
- Heraklion
But it is, of course, a very personal opinion.
Best for day trips (tie)
If you are staying longer than a weekend, you may also explore the region.
Let’s have a look at the best day trip to enjoy around each of the cities.
You can book group tours or rent a car to explore them at your own pace.
Need to rent a car in Crete?
My tips:
- Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
- Prefer a compact car for the narrow streets in villages
- Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!

Best day trips from Chania

Chania is located to the West of the island, so most day trips will be in this area. The East is a bit too far away for day trips.
Highlights include:
- The Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa island – it is accessible only by boat or 4WD. The scenery is fascinating, wild with stunning colors, see my article.
– Check out tour options and availability - Elafonisi beach and its famous pink sand – see my article
– Check out tour options and availability - The famous Samaria Gorge Hike and its giant walls, for the fittest
– Check out tour options and availability - Driving Therisos Groge, visiting Falasarna beach, spending some time at Kournas lake, visiting the hidden beach of Seitan Limani, admiring the Crete Botanical Garden…
- And many activities such as cooking class or food tours, Paddleboarding, paragliding and more…
Best day trips from Heraklion

Heraklion has a great location to explore the Center and the East of the island, especially historical sites.
Highlights include:
- A tour to Spinalonga island and its fortress with history and scenery! Read my article.
– Check out tour options and availability - Day trip to Santorini (Heraklion is the easiest option with the most choice) – learn more in my article
– Check out tour options and availability - Day trip to the South Coast and the white beaches of Chrissi island
– Check out tour options and availability - Exploring the Lassithi Plateau and Psychro Cave (Zeus cave)
– Check out tour options and availability - Don’t forget to pre-book your ticket for the Knossos Palace to save time – Buy here
Best day trips from Rethymno

Rethymno is very centrally located on the North Coast and it is the town that gives the fastest access to the South Coast.
Highlights include:
- The Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa island (slightly longer than from Chania, but still worth it)
– Check out tour options and availability - The Arkadi Monastery, the most fascinating and historical in Crete – read my article
– Check out tour options and availability - Preveli beach where mountains and a river meet the sea – fantastic views!
– Check out tour options and availability - The famous Samaria Gorge Hike and its giant walls, for the fittest
– Check out tour options and availability - The day trip to Santorini – some boats depart from Rethymno
– Check out tour options and availability - And Heraklion, Chania, Elafonisi, Knossos… since it is central
- And some fun activities such as Quad biking, Sailing on a pirate boat, aqua plus water park, food tours…
My opinion
- Tie
The entire island is beautiful. You cannot go wrong.
I think you should stay some time in Chania to explore the West, and some time in Heraklion or another town to explore the East.
Or if you are ready to drive a little bit longer, you can stay in Rethymno as it is more central.
Accommodations
All towns have a wide variety of accommodations, from luxury hotels, to hostels and rental apartments.
Accommodations in Chania

Here are some suggestions for you:
- Luxury – Casa Delfino Hotel and Spa with a lot of charm! – Check out pictures and availability
- Boutique Hotel – Residenza Vranas with fantastic views – Check out pictures and availability
- Hostel – Cocoon City Hotels is well located in the center – Check out pictures and availability
- Apartments – The Semeli Studios close to the beach – Check out pictures and availability
- Family – Palazzo Duca with spacious suites sleeping 4 – Check out pictures and availability
- or Check out the best rated accommodations in Chania
Accommodations in Heraklion

You can find accommodations either in the city center or near the beaches, outside the city center.
Here are some suggestions for you:
- Apartment – I stayed in a beautiful rental apartment with lots of character close to the Venetian fort: Dio Downtown Boutique Apartment. The owner was really nice – Check out more photos and availability
- Hostel – So Young hostel is located in the center just 4min from the Museum – Check out photos and availability
- Boutique Hotel – The Veneziano Boutique Hotel is located in a historical building and it has kept a lot of charm – Check out photos and availability
- Luxury – The GDM Megaron is located in a historical monument. It overlooks the old port – Check out photos and availability
- or Check out the accommodations in Heraklion Amoudara near the beach
Accommodations in Rethymno

Here are some suggestions for you:
- Apartment old town – I stayed at Sea Front Studios old town – it is a small apartment with a terrace. It is right in the old town and they have a parking system (10min walk). The location was great to explore the city however the welcome was not the best I had in Crete – Check out photos and availability
- Apartment beach front – The Golden Coast Seaside apartments are modern accommodations just 3km from the city center – Check out photos and availability
- Boutique Hotel – if you are looking for rooms with character, Leo Hotel is set in a listed 1450s Venetian house – Check out photos and availability
- Luxury – Rimondi Boutique Hotel is a small hotel in the heart of town with a beautiful pool and 5 star facilities – Check out photos and availability
- or Check out the best rated accommodations in Rethymno
Want to see more of the best Crete has to offer?
- 40 best landscapes in Crete (in pictures) – read article
- 20 best things to do in Crete – read article
- The 27 best beaches in Crete – read article
- The most beautiful archaeological sites – read article
- The most beautiful churches and monasteries in Crete – read article
- The best destinations in Crete, where to stay – read article
- Advice for planning your road trip in Crete and your itinerary – read article
- Tips for driving around Crete – read article
- The most beautiful boat trips around Crete – read article
- Which side of Crete is best? – read article
Planning a trip to Crete?
Check out my travel guide eBook to help you plan:
And keep track of your own trip!

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