Packing for Chania is easy, but it is not quite “beach holiday” packing. Within one week you might walk on slippery cobblestones, hike a gorge, swim at a rocky cove and visit a monastery that will not let you in wearing shorts. People bring three pairs of sandals and forget the four things that matter: proper walking shoes, water shoes, mosquito repellent and a scarf.
| Shoes | Walking shoes with grip + water shoes (+ trail shoes for gorges) |
|---|---|
| Must-haves | Sunscreen, hat, repellent, refillable bottle, light layer |
| Monasteries | Shoulders and knees covered, for men and women |
| Cash | Useful for villages, beach canteens and parking |
| Plug | European two-pin (type C/F) |
Clothes
Light cotton and linen, and less than you think: the wind dries washing in an hour. Two swimsuits, so one can dry. One slightly nicer outfit for dinner is enough; Chania is not formal. Add a light layer for windy evenings at the harbour, even in summer, and a proper jacket from October.
For monasteries: keep a light scarf or sarong in the car. At active monasteries such as Agia Triada and Gouverneto on Akrotiri, both men and women need covered shoulders and knees. Sometimes there are wraps at the entrance, but do not count on it. Gouverneto is closed on Wednesdays and Fridays; other monasteries have their own hours.
Shoes: The Decision That Matters Most
- Old town: trainers or walking sandals with a grippy sole. The polished stones are slippery, especially after the morning wash or rain. Leave thin-soled sandals and heels at home.
- Water shoes: the item visitors most often wish they had brought. Rocky coves such as Seitan Limania and Marathi have sea urchins, and in August the sand gets hot enough to burn. They are sold here but cost more, so bring them from home.
- Gorges: for Samaria (16 km, a steep descent on loose stones), trail shoes or boots you have already worn in. Many of the injuries there come from twisted ankles in the wrong shoes.
Sun, Heat and Mosquitoes
The sun here is strong from May to October. In spring, the cool breeze tricks people into the worst sunburns of the year. Bring high-factor sunscreen (cheaper at home), a hat and good sunglasses. Bring a refillable bottle: there are drinking water points inside Samaria, but not in Imbros or most other gorges, so carry 2 litres.
Mosquitoes are active from June to September, especially in the evening near gardens and water. Pack repellent in your hand luggage, because the first evening on the balcony is when most people get bitten. Plug-in devices are sold in every supermarket.
Money and Documents
- Cards are accepted almost everywhere in town, but carry some cash for villages, beach canteens, sunbeds and parking.
- Avoid Euronet ATMs, which have high fees. Use bank ATMs, and when asked, always choose to be charged in euros, not your home currency.
- Students and over-65s: bring ID for museum discounts. Under-18s and over-65s enter Samaria free.
- Keep your rental voucher on your phone and as a printout. Some small offices still prefer paper.
Tech
A power bank, because your phone is your map and camera for long beach days. Download offline maps, since signal disappears in gorges and on parts of the south coast. Bring a plug adapter if you come from the UK, US or outside Europe.
What to Leave at Home
- Heavy clothes between May and September.
- Smart leather shoes that will slip on the stones.
- Expensive jewellery for beach and boat days.
- A suitcase full of “just in case”. Laundry is quick, and almost everything is sold here.
Where to Stay in Chania
If you stay in the old town, you will walk on stone all day, so good shoes matter more than anything else in your suitcase.
FAQ
Can I buy what I forget?
Yes: sunscreen, repellent, water shoes, towels and basic clothes are easy to find. The things that are hard to replace are prescription medicines and worn-in hiking shoes.
Do I need a jacket in summer?
Not a real one, just a light layer for windy evenings or a boat trip.
Packing for Each Day Trip
- Samaria Gorge: trail shoes, 2 L water, snacks, cash for the ticket (€10) and the boat back.
- Elafonisi and Falasarna: shade (umbrella or tent), water and food. Seasonal canteens exist, but they are basic and get busy.
- Balos: shoes with grip for the 20–30 minute path, plenty of water; there is almost no natural shade.
- Akrotiri: a scarf for the monasteries and proper shoes for the path down to Katholiko and Seitan Limania.
Getting Around
There is no Uber or Bolt in Chania. Buses cover the main routes, but for remote beaches and villages you need a car.
Local tip: The most useful thing to bring is a small backpack or crossbody bag that closes properly and fits water, sunscreen, cash and your phone. You will carry it every day.
