Chania in brief
Chania is the base city for west Crete, and its old town and harbour hold many of the monuments. The municipal tourism service names the Egyptian lighthouse, the Venetian arsenals (Neoria), the Yali Tzami mosque and the Byzantine walls. The city is described as easy to explore on foot.
For a Balos trip, Chania works as a base with bus links rather than a place next to the beaches. The port of Kissamos is about 43 km away and the beaches are further. If you sleep here, plan the transfer carefully. If you want a shorter morning, a base in Kissamos is closer. See where to stay for the comparison.
From Chania to the beaches
Distances and the bus times of October 2026. The timetable is valid from 9 October 2026.
| Destination | Distance | By bus in October 2026 | Page |
|---|---|---|---|
| Port of Kissamos (Balos boats) | About 43 km | Chania to Kissamos Port at 08:15 and 15:30; back at 18:30 after the ships arrive | Boat trip |
| Kissamos town (Kasteli) | About 38 km | 13 buses a day, from 06:00 to 21:30 | Kissamos |
| Falasarna | About 59 km | 08:15, 09:00, 10:30 and 15:30, changing at Kasteli; return at 10:00, 11:00, 12:30 and 17:30 | Falasarna |
| Elafonisi | About 76 km | One bus at 09:00; back from Elafonisi at 16:00; about 2 hours 10 minutes | Elafonisi |
| Balos Lagoon by road | – | No regular bus to the lagoon | Getting there |
The buses to Kissamos leave from the KTEL station at the corner of Partheniou Kelaidi and Kidonias, near the Samaria Hotel. This is not the Venetian harbour. The timetable lists no fares, so check them when you buy your ticket. The bus time to Elafonisi is a figure from an accommodation provider, not a guarantee.
Our picks: Balos and beach trips from Chania
A boat cruise with bus pickup, a day trip with lunch and a bus to Elafonisi.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Balos and Falasarna day trip with lunch and loungers
Balos entry is included, along with lunch at Falasarna, a first beer or wine, loungers and umbrellas, and air-conditioned transport.
Check availability →
Balos and Gramvousa cruise with pickup
Boat tickets, an air-conditioned bus from set pickup points and free time at both stops are included. Bring the €1 environmental fee in cash.
Check availability →
Elafonisi by bus from Chania with a stop in Elos
Air-conditioned bus, a guide and free time at Elafonisi.
Check availability →Tours from Chania
Day trips from Chania to Balos, Gramvousa, Elafonisi and the west coast, with live prices and availability.
The old town and harbour
What to see when you are not on a beach day.
The lighthouse
The Egyptian lighthouse stands at the entrance to the harbour. A walk along the harbour front is the simplest first impression of the city.
The Venetian arsenals
The Neoria are the Venetian shipyard halls. They belong to the monuments that the tourism service lists for the harbour.
Mosque and walls
The Yali Tzami mosque and the Byzantine walls are part of the same walk through the old town.
Individual buildings may have their own hours and tickets. Check the current opening times and prices for each one before you go. Do not assume that a monument can be visited freely just because you can walk past it.
Planning a Balos day from Chania
Three ways, with the trade-offs.
By bus and boat
Take the 08:15 bus to Kissamos Port, board the boat and return with the 18:30 bus after the ships arrive. The timetable is valid from 9 October 2026, so check the current version. Boat fares are on the boat trip page.
By car
The drive to the port is about 45 minutes. For the lagoon by road, add the gravel track and the walk. Rental insurance may exclude damage on that track.
With a tour
Day trips from the city exist, but they differ in what they include. Compare the offers above and check the meeting point, the length and what the price covers.
Things to do in Chania around a Balos trip
Chania pairs well with a beach day.
A boat day to Balos and Gramvousa takes about 7 hours at sea plus the transfer. For the rest of your stay, the city gives you a harbour walk, the monuments above and a choice of beach days. Read about the other options on west Crete beaches, and plan your season with the best time to visit.
If you arrive by car, ask your accommodation about access and parking before you come. Access to the old town by car and free parking are not something to assume.
Chania: frequently asked questions
Can I visit Balos as a day trip from Chania?
Yes, but it is a long day. The port of Kavonisi is about 43 km away, and the boat trip itself takes about 7 hours. The October 2026 bus plan lists a bus to Kissamos Port at 08:15 and a return at 18:30. Check the current timetable before you go.
Where do the buses to Kissamos leave from?
From the KTEL station at the corner of Partheniou Kelaidi and Kidonias, near the Samaria Hotel, not from the Venetian harbour.
Is Chania walkable?
The municipal tourism service describes the city as easy to explore on foot, and many monuments are concentrated in the old town and around the harbour.
How do I reach Elafonisi from Chania without a car?
The October 2026 plan lists one bus a day at 09:00 and a return at 16:00. The ride takes about 2 hours 10 minutes. See the Elafonisi page.
Are museum tickets included on this site?
No. Museum and monument prices change, so check them with the sites themselves before you plan a visit.