As of every year since 2004, our sea-view hotel in Chania is ready to welcome our guests to our beachfront studios in Crete. Like every year you can find the best offers and the impeccable service that ranks Despina Studios as one of the top hotels in Chania. 

Starting the season from 25 March 2022 and fully operating since November, you can easily find the best time for vacation in Agia Marina. This year we have an extra allotment for our beloved customers- Despina Studios will also be open (upon request) during the wintertime too, making it an ideal option for those who like to experience vacations in Chania during winter too!

As of every year, we will be waiting for you in our beach hotel in Chania!

Book your sea view studio now!

An ever-increasing number of people is having their vacations in Crete. And for a good reason: Top beaches in Chania, amazing gorges, and traditional Cretan hospitality make it an ideal destination. Winter in Crete although is something that many of our guests are also thinking about. Let’s see why!

Winter holidays in Chania- For the clever traveler!

Winter in Chania, and in Crete, in general, has a lot of perks. You may not experience the perks of swimming on crystal clear beaches in Crete but there are many things to do in Chania that will certainly arouse you. Museums, art galleries, cinemas, cafeterias, and rated restaurants can indulge you in our hospitality!

Omalos Chania Crete Snow on Omalos White Mountains

Mountains of Crete: Snow and fun

Mount Ida and the White Mountains in Chania are two of the most famous mountain ranges in Crete. And for a good reason: Standing at 2456  and 2453 meters accordingly, they leave tourists that spend their vacations in Chania and in Crete in Awe!

Especially for the white mountains, that extend into a very big part of Chania region, there are more than 20 peaks over 2000 meters! This means plenty of hiking opportunities as well as lots, and lots of snow during the wintertime. 

Snow-White Mountains of Crete-Winter in Crete-Winter Holidays and Vacation in Chania

Snow is something that even locals are aroused about and is perfect for the experienced travelers who will decide to hike or trek our mountains on their winter vacation in Crete.

Holidays during winter-Less people

Wintertime in Crete is not only snowy but also less crowded. The most typical winter months of the year are December– January, and February. While there are fewer tourist facilities available so are the people! This means that you can explore authentic Crete and especially the villages of our hometown, which are kept in pristine condition and are picturesque.

Entrance-of-Samaria Gorge in the Winter Winter Vacation Chania Crete Despina Studios Hotel Chania

Better Service

In addition, you will get far better-personalized services, and the accommodation will be cheaper too.  In general winter holidays in Crete will be 40% less expensive compared to similar vacations in the high season summer months!

Explore authentic Crete

Transportation is also easier during the wintertime as soon as you step into Crete. The road network will be far less congested and you can enjoy your time traveling through Crete and its 4 prefectures: Chania, Rethimno, Heraklion, and Ag. Nikolaos. There are numerous ways of seeing the everyday life in the villages and cities of Crete and low off-season months are a perfect opportunity.

White Mountains Chania Crete-Snow on the White Mountains

How to come to Crete in Winter. 

Although the plane routes are indeed fewer compared to the summer months, you will face no problems coming to Crete for the winter holidays. There are multiple routes every day from big cities like Athens and Thessaloniki. Those main airports will definitely have a flight from big European destinations, so it is only a matter of changing two planes in order to spend your vacation in Chania.

For the more adventurous, there are also boat routes every night from the central port of Greece (Piraeus ) that get you up to the port of Souda in Chania, only some kilometers away from our hotel’s location. Prices both for planes and boats will be also much cheaper compared to the summer months, and you will get the opportunity to bond with the locals on various occasions, thus experiencing Greece to the fullest!

Hotels in Chania in winter- A good bargain!

There are fewer hotels working during the wintertime, especially in the touristically advanced areas, but you will have no problems staying in a hotel in Crete. Many hotels are working upon request, and many are also open all year round. Our hotel by the sea is accepting requests for long stays, extended stays, and monthly stays during your winter holidays in Chania and can accommodate your winter experiences and holidays too with the same superb quality. 

Contact us now for rates and availability all year round Or Check Online 

For those who desire to wander around Chania town center on foot, our town offers some unique experiences at a very close distance. There are many museums in Chania area and other places of historical and folklore interest ready to assure you an unforgettable journey with Despina Studios being your starting point.

Museums in Chania: First things first. 

Assuming you decide to walk to the old Venetian port, there is a big, bulky burgundy-colored building. That is the Chania naval museum and for big measure· facing the lighthouse, it is the building on its left. At a nominal cost, you can visit the naval museum and adore some maritime thesaurus from Greek maritime history and tradition and learn about the types of boats and equipment from many centuries ago.

Naval Museum, Firkas Castle, and Egyptian Lighthouse on the Venetian Harbor in Chania, Crete.

Walking just outside the naval museum in Chania old Venetian port, you will have the chance to step on Firkas Castle which also has a historic value, as it was the castle on which the Greek flag was lifted on 1 December 1913, celebrating the long-suffering desire to connect with the Greek nation as a whole. 

After finishing your tour of the museum and Firkas Castle we truly suggest that you walk to the other side of the old Venetian port facing east. There you can find a row of some old long and narrow buildings called Neoria in which we used to repair and refurbish ships and boats the previous centuries. By approaching the end of the old Venetian harbor (opposed side of the naval museum) you will find 3 conjoint Neoria, one of them is fully renovated and operates as a cafeteria. Right next to it there is a fully renovated replica of the famous ancient Greek ship called Trihrhs or Trireme.

Neoria- Chania old Harbor- Despina Studios Agia Marina Chania

This specific ship took part in the transfer of the Olympic Flame from Crete to Athens mainland during the Olympic games of 2004, so it also has a historic value. You can also admire many more exhibits in the area, as it operates as a maritime and traditional shipbuilding museum. 

Vacation in Chania: Visiting Picturesque districts and museums in Chania. 

You can also extend your walk on foot or by taking a short ride on a taxi or bus to Chalepa Area, a picturesque and historically upper-class neighborhood 3 kilometers from the old Venetian port. The new Archeological Museum of Chania has opened its doors in 2022 in the area of Halepa too,  and is also a must-see!

Tampakaria Chania- Chalepa Region – Ταμπακαριά Χανιά

Most of the embassies and many houses of politicians were in this area in the past century, and now the area is full of hotels, shops, and taverns. What matters is that you can also explore the house of one of the most prominent Greek politicians named Eleftherios Venizelos 

This politician was so famous throughout Greek Contemporary history that he doubled Greece in size after the Balkan wars and World War One. Needless to say that our initial central airport in our capital, Athens is named after him. 

Eleftherios Venizelos and Venizelos Graves: A sightseeing in Chania opportunity.

His house is in a very central part of Chalepa and now operates as a museum, having many historical documents and personal items of the person who was accountable for the unification of Crete with Greece. Highlights of your visit will be the admiration of the original blood-stained jacket he wore in the assassination attempt which happened in Paris in 1920, and also the original car with intact bullet holes up to this date of the second assassination attempt against him,  which happened in 1933 in Athens.

Venizelos Graves-Panoramic View of the city of Chania- Museums in Chania are in close vicinity. 

Eleftherios Venizelos died in 1936 and is Buried 4 kilometers away from his Chalepa house on top of Profitis Ilias hill, in a place well known as Venizelos Tombs, which is another sightseeing opportunity in Chania as there lies also his son, Sofoklis Venizelos, a well-known politician of the onward era.

We suggest that you hire a taxi or take a bus for the short ascending ride, as the panoramic view of Chania is breathtaking and also you can stop for a small snack with an impeccable view in the various local cafeterias which are at a close distance from the tomb site. 

Guided tours of Chania area, of our island’s military and contemporary history, are being organized by a certified historian (BA In contemporary History) and you can extend your knowledge about our island and its history by reserving one of the journeys that we offer through our beachfront hotel in Chania.

Apart from all the other experiences, one can experience in the Chania region there are many monasteries in Chania established centuries ago which are rich in Historic, folklore, and archaeological interest.   Our municipality offers many religious-related sights that allow guests to interact and explore our nation’s Orthodox history, culture, morals, and customs. Furthermore, more of the sights presented below can be accessed free of charge, and being orthodox is optional, so this activity is ideal for the multinational crowd as well. 

Monasteries in Chania: Starting with the most prominent.

Gouverneto and Agia Triada Monasteries are amongst the most well-known Monasteries in the vicinity and information, as well as exclusive hints for the excursion, are readily available on our blog update about the alternative hike routes. 

Agia Triada Monastery Chania-Front View Entrance- Monasteries in Chania

Very close to the old Venetian Port of Chania you can experience the big and famous Orthodox Church called Trimartiri at Halidon Street. Something most tourists don’t know is that the exact opposite of this church there also is a Catholic Church and a Folklore Museum in immaculate condition. In order to find them all, you have to do is to follow the stoned arcade exactly opposite the big Trimartiri church we talked about earlier. 

Catholic Church in Chania- Despina Studios Agia Marina, Chania, Crete

Unknown monasteries in Chania- Our top picks.

Going further away from Chania’s old centre -but not very far away-, in 5 kilometres distance we find another orthodox Monastery called Moni Chrysopigis which is also available for pilgrims daily.

Very close to Chrysopigis monastery, and actually part of the monastery’s assets is the priory of Saint Kyriaki. Saint Kyriaki Priori is close distance from your Chrisopigi Monastery and is also a nice opportunity for hiking as numerous caves were transformed as places of worship and a natural environment ideal for hiking, relaxation, and worshipping god. You can see the location of the monastery as well as the numerous caves, shrines, and small chapels that surround it to broaden your trip around the numerous monasteries in Chania 

Korakies Monastery in Chania, Akrotiri- Religious Tourism in Chania

Searching for monasteries in Chania: Going further away…

 Stretching our journey further away near the Akrotiri area, you can also find another diligent Monastery which is known to locals by the name Korakies. The small park that surrounds the monastery makes it ideal for a family retreat.

Korakies Monastery in Chania

Now, if you don’t want to spend much time away from Despina Studios you can travel short distances to the west near the Kolymvari area, where you can visit the Orthodox Academy of Crete which played a vital role for orthodoxy as it hosted the 2015 Pan orthodox session with Ecumenical Patriarch present.

Combine Monasteries in Crete with astounding beaches in Chania!  

For those who want to explore north Crete and especially visit   Elafonisi beach, we truly suggest a stop at Chrysoskalitisa Monastery which is a historical monastery build in the 17th century. The state of the monastery leaves guests in awe, especially because it combines the religious part with the untouched environment, as well as the unobstructed views of the Libyan sea. We suggest that you visit a couple of those places during your stay, especially in addition to some other places on a part of a daily excursion.

Orthodox Church and Monastery in Chania- Trimartiri Church

The best way to explore this part of our multifarious region is by car, and you can ask the hotel manager in the reception area for exclusive prices on car deals with car companies we collaborate on. Despina Studios is located in a very central location in the prefecture of Chania, making it an ideal beachfront and sea view hotel for any type of excursion, especially when seeking monasteries in Chania. We invite you to make a room reservation and explore the undiscovered Crete with us!

Unkown Hiking Tours in Chania:

    Without a doubt, Chania offers a wide variety of options for hiking in Chania and for those who seek adventure. Samaria Gorge and Irini Gorge belong to Cretan natural heritage and are places that cannot be seen elsewhere in the European region and can be booked at an honest price from the reception desk during your stay in Despina Studios.

Hiking in Chania: The unknown -off the beaten path- hiking options.

  However, the peculiarity of the Cretan soil offers some little-known hiking and climbing opportunities that will remain unforgettable. Despina Studios lies in a strategic place for small trips to some very interesting hiking sites. We can suggest two mostly unknown routes in the Akrotiri region in which guests can experience some moderate difficulty hiking and combine it with some ecstatic sightseeing and some lunch in local taverns by the side. Akrotiri region is on the north of Chania and it’s the land that surrounds Souda Bay. It is also the region where the main airport is located, from whom you most likely landed in Crete. 

Agia Triada Monastery Chania-Front View Entrance- Byzantine Monasteries and hiking  in Chania

Hiking and Relaxation visiting Monasteries in Chania: 

In this region, and a close distance from the airport heading north you can reach the small but very historic Agia Triada Monastery dating back to the 17th century A.D. You can enter the small but well cared for monastery for a nominal cost and you can enjoy some wine tasting or buy some bio olive oil from the monastery shop that sells original traditional made monastery products. Guests can also wander and experience the vast vineyard areas that belong to the monastery and are at a proximate distance, right in front of the monastery. 

Agia Triada Monastery- Gouverneto Monastery

By continuing the journey north for a couple of kilometers in rural roads you can also visit the Gouverneto Monastery which has been there since the 16th century A.D.   Very close to the monastery premises there is a path that leads to the unknown Avlaki Gorge in which you can hike in a medium difficulty path. This Gorge can be finished in 1 hour approximately and is in descending order that leads to the ancient first monastery and a cave in which a well-known hermit-saint lived all his life.

Continuing the gorge in descending order guests will be driven to a small unknown cove that monastics used to transfer goods via boats. There is an excellent chance to have a bath and enjoy a homemade snack on some crystal clear waters. After your bath, we suggest two options: 

Sea View -Hiking in Chania  – Gouverneto Gorge Akrotiri

  The first is to ascend the same Gorge you hiked on your way to the sea and leads to the Gouverneto Monastery with an approximate time of travel to be 1.5 hours and then continue your exploration by car. The other alternative is to take another small path near the beach, which is the end of the gorge, and head west to the famous Stavros beach, the exact site where many Zorba the Greek scenes were filmed.

Approximate hike time is an added 1-1.5 hours and guests should bear in mind that they have to assure transportation from Stavros because the choice of traveling all the way back to the Gouverneto Monastery,  if you came there with your rental car, is excruciating because of the ascend and total distance, making it an unpopular tourist choice. Whichever option you choose, the natural habitat, the scenery, and the sea views will guarantee you a cheap but unforgettable excursion.

Gouverneto Monastery Gorge- Avlaki Gorge Chania- Way to the chapel “Arkoudiotissa”

For more information, and for transfer options such as guided transfer or car rental options, guests can reach the hotel manager in the reception desk area or stay with us and choose your extras on our reservations page. 

 Chania is without a doubt amongst the most famous tourist attractions in Europe. There are many activities on Crete and most of our tourists adore and admire the island’s tranquility, traditions, nightlife.  the majestic Greek sun, and beaches. Yet, for many Battle of Crete is on top of the things that they want to do in Chania, and we now elaborate further, 

Things to do in Chania: Enjoy the contemporary history.

However, the things that one can do in Chania region are plentiful. For those especially interested in the past and history, Chania has to offer the chance to visit the sites where the famous Battle of Crete occurred in World War 2. The almost intact environment contributes to the whole experience and is a must for history enthusiasts or for many people whose relatives may have participated in this famous battle, especially people from the British Commonwealth.

Maleme Airport Commemoration for World War 2 – Battle of Crete Military Vehicles

 The fact that distances between sites of interest in Chania are very proximate makes the retreat fast, easy, and a perfect idea for a half a day tour. In a very proximate distance from Agia Marina, heading west is Platanias where guests can visit the famous  War Shelter of Platanias.  Guests can see a variety of WW2 military equipment such as artillery, shovels, original military uniforms, and various ammunition and also have a chance to wander the 170 meters long· war shelter. Guests can also continue their journey heading 5 kilometres west in the battle sight from which the Battle of Crete is more pronounced. 

History speaks for itself: The airfield of Maleme in Chania

The Airfield of Maleme is the main entrance in which most German paratroopers landed in WW2 in order to occupy the island.  Maleme Airport is still present to this day and most of the property now belongs to the Greek Special Forces, however, guests can visit it and also can visit the British commemorative monument which is at a close distance.

Maleme Airport Battle of Crete-Despina Studios Beachfront Hotel in Agia Marina, Chania, Crete

South of the airfield there lies Hill 107 which is the burial ground of the axle forces and is well known as the Maleme German War cemetery where approximately 4. 500 German Soldiers are rested. The cemetery is well cared for and guests can see a panoramic view of the Maleme Airfield which lies in front of them facing north.  For those who have time for a daily excursion, we also recommend a visit to Galatas Village where the famous Battle of Galatas occurred and played a vital role in the war flow of things. 

Meleme World War 2 German Cemetery in Maleme, Chania, Crete- Battle of Crete 1941-1944 Deutscher Soldatenfriedhod- Maleme-

Lest we Forget:  Battle of Crete Commonwealth war cemetery. 

Later in the evening guests can travel to Souda Bay where the CommonWealth War Cemetery lies and is the corresponding burial ground for approximately 1500 allied soldiers. Guests can finish their day by sightseeing at the beautiful Souda Bay and have a meal at many of the neighbouring local taverns present there.

British Commonwealth war Cemetery Chania Crete- Souda Bay

The Battle of Crete is considered amongst historians as a Pyrrhic Victory of the Germans. Even though they accomplished their goal of the island occupation, their casualties were so immense they had a strategic impact on the axle forces in WW2 onward.  This happened primarily due to the courage and strength that locals and allies showed during the battles in various villages of Chania inland.   

Maleme Airport Battle of Crete Memorial

Guided tours with a professional guide with a BA in Contemporary history can also be arranged upon request and combined with your vacation stay. You can organize your trip at the reception desk upon your arrival.

Museums in Chania- Sfakia world war 2 private museum