Villages · Long Read
The Last Chestnut Farmers of Elos: A Village That Refused to Disappear
Deep in the Kissamos mountains, where plane trees shade a single stone square and time moves differently.
Hand-Picked Properties
Villas & Stays in Chania
Not a directory. Every property on this list has been personally vetted or comes with unimpeachable local recommendation. We include the honest local tip you will not find on Booking.com.
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Xania's Choice
From €120/night
Kalyves · Apokoronas · 30 km from Chania
Kyma Haven
Beachfront Apartment
★★★★★
A luxury apartment 50 metres from Kalyves beach, with a private rooftop jacuzzi and panoramic views across Souda Bay. Wake up to the sound of waves, soak at sunset. One of the most sought-after direct-book properties in western Crete.
🔎 Local Tip
"Book direct at kymahaven.gr to save vs. Airbnb. The rooftop at sunset with a bottle of local wine is one of the finest evenings you will have in Crete."
50m from beach
Rooftop Jacuzzi
Sea views
Sleeps 4
Full kitchen
Air conditioning
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Hidden Gem
From €180/night
Olive Groves · Chania region · 15 km
Civara Chalet
Luxury Glamping
★★★★★
A luxury glamping retreat hidden among Cretan olive groves. Canvas meets marble: plush bedding, private bathroom, hot shower, starlit campfire. Genuine tranquility within 15 minutes of Chania town. The kind of place that makes you wonder why you ever stayed in a hotel.
🔎 Local Tip
"Bring a torch for the path at night. The campfire evenings are the highlight. Completely silent after 9pm — the stars here are extraordinary."
Olive grove setting
Private campfire
Plush bedding
Hot shower
Nature walks
Stargazing
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Old Town · Design
From €95/night
Vivilaki 4A · Chania Old Town · Steps from the harbour
Skins Concept
Boutique Apartments
★★★★★
A beautifully restored apartment in the heart of Chania's old town — steps from the Venetian harbour. Each 'skin' has a distinct design identity, blending contemporary interiors with the patina of a 400-year-old building. The kind of place that photographs itself.
🔎 Local Tip
"skin° is the flagship — 75m², sleeps a family. The building itself is 400 years old. Walk to the harbour in under 3 minutes."
Old Town location
Venetian building
Design interiors
75m² family option
Walk to harbour
Free WiFi
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Xania's Choice
From €350/night
Almyrida · Apokoronas · 25 km from Chania
Almyrida Collection
Luxury Villa · Villa Sapphire
★★★★★
Villa Sapphire sits high above Almyrida with uninterrupted views across Souda Bay. Three marble bathrooms, a private pool, a private chef on request. A serious villa for serious holidays in one of Crete's most beautiful positions.
🔎 Local Tip
"Book the private chef for at least one evening — the local seafood is exceptional. The pool can be heated for an extra €50/day (min 3 days), worth it in May or October."
Private pool
Souda Bay views
3 bedrooms
Private chef
SPA therapies
Car rental on request
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Harbour Views
From €140/night
Venetian Harbour · Chania Town · Lighthouse in view
Diamond Luxury Suites
Sea View Suites · Chania Harbour
★★★★★
Two suites — Hope and Cullinan — each with a private balcony overlooking the Venetian Harbour and a direct view of the lighthouse. Classical and contemporary, past and present, blending discreetly. The lighthouse is seconds away on foot.
🔎 Local Tip
"Ask for the Cullinan suite — the sea view is slightly better. The morning light on the harbour from your balcony is extraordinary. Breakfast from Iordanis bakery, 200m away."
Venetian Harbour view
Private balcony
Lighthouse steps away
2 suites
Old Town location
Perfect for couples