Chania, Greece 🇬🇷
#727
35.512083, 24.019154
Nomad Score:
70%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Chania, a picturesque city on the northwest coast of Crete, Greece, is known for its beautiful harbor, Venetian architecture, and rich history. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 55,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 50-100 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 1.07 USD; ATMs are widely available, and credit/debit cards are accepted in most establishments. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Cosmote, Vodafone, and Wind, with competitive prepaid options. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular banks include Eurobank and Alpha Bank; online banking options like Revolut are widely accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | A range of options from hotels, hostels, and short-term rentals through Airbnb and VRBO. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely in urban areas, but carry cash for smaller transactions. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com are popular for short-term lodging. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel types include Chania Hostel and Samaria Hotel for affordable stays. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Hive54 Co-Working Space, with reliable internet and community events. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Kaffeine Cafe, known for its quiet atmosphere and great coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetups often organized via local Facebook groups or coworking spaces. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join the Chania Expats Facebook group to stay informed about local gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Use the local taxi app 'Taxi Chania' for reliable transport. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Sustainable transportation options available through Chania Bike Rentals. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Elafonissi Beach, approx. 75 mins by car, is a stunning option. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Aegean Airlines offers regional flights from Chania. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Ryanair and easyJet provide affordable international flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The E65 highway connects Chania to other areas of Crete. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Chania has a central bus station for intercity travel as trains are not available. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Single bus ticket costs around €1.50; monthly passes available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses (KTEL) connect Chania with other cities on Crete. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | General Hospital of Chania provides comprehensive medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Bali Center Chania offers various yoga classes and wellness treatments. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Club Chania has modern equipment and classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromats available, including Laundry Express. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | e-food is the leading food delivery service in Chania. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Cretan dakos is a must-try – a traditional salad with barley rusk. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Avocado Cafe offers a great selection of vegan and vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Kritamon for authentic Cretan sweets and pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Chania Market provides local produce and goods at reasonable prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local crafts and products can be found on marketplaces like Etsy. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermarkets like AB Vassilopoulos offer online shopping and delivery. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Old Town boasts numerous bars like Villa Kiriakos for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Chania's own Kydon Brewery offers local beer tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine bar Oinos serves a variety of local wines and tapas. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Explore local gyros and souvlaki stalls, especially around the Old Harbor. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Sette Bistro offer Italian dishes and other international fare. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Venetian Harbor and the lighthouse are iconic attractions. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Chania Archaeological Museum exhibits artifacts from the region's history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The old town features preserved Venetian and Ottoman architecture. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Cathedral of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary is notable. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | 'Chania Carnival' in February and 'Wine Festival' in September. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Old Town with its narrow alleys and shops is steeped in culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Municipal Garden hosts various cultural events and performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Chania's agora is an excellent place for local artisan crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be enjoyed at La Bodega or Sto Kafe. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Expect to see a range of vibrant murals in the Old Town. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cook in Chania offers classes to learn traditional Cretan cooking. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Chania's Contemporary Art Center exhibits local artists' works. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Grand Arsenal now serves as a cultural center. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cretan raki is a symbolic local drink representing hospitality. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Samaria Gorge is around 1.5 hours by bus – a popular hiking destination. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Samaria Gorge National Park is a UNESCO site and renowned hiking area. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | There are scenic coastal paths ideal for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at Profitis Ilias Monastery provides stunning vistas. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Lake Kournas, about 30 minutes from Chania, is a great spot for nature lovers. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some beaches permit bonfires, especially in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Courier services like ACS and ELTA are available for shipping. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Shops like Cretan IT offer phone and computer repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local parks often have ping pong tables available for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Greek language courses offered at the Hellenic Language School. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Chania Municipal Library offers quiet study areas. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural hub at Technopolis hosts various local events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Currently limited, but cafes typically offer gaming facilities. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos available in Chania, as the closest is in Heraklion. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €100,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €80,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €168,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,300 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €138,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €256,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €216,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 22% in Greece. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% for dividends paid to non-residents. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residence-based taxation; residents taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% for income above €40,000. |
| 🧾 VAT | 24%, with reduced rates for certain goods and services. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules exist for foreign entities. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Based on square meter value; payable annually. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 3% on property sales. |