Your stay — OliveNest
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Chania.
The Property — OliveNest
OliveNest is a straightforward 3-star hotel near Chania’s old harbour, all whitewashed walls, blue shutters and a small pool. The lobby smells of geraniums and bleach, and the front desk hands out paper maps without being asked. It’s for independent travellers who want a clean base within walking distance of the Venetian port and the market, not for anyone expecting resort pampering.
Cronache di Chania
Chania was built by the Minoans, then refounded by the Venetians in the 13th century as a fortified trading hub. They left the old harbour, the lighthouse and the narrow alleyways of the Topanas district. The Ottomans added mosques and a covered market when they took over in 1645. Today Chania is a relaxed, cultured city where a crumbling Venetian palazzo might house a souvlaki joint or a boutique gallery, and the old town hums with cafés and tourists from May to October.
Best Time to Visit
Guida completa di Chania →Best months
May, June and September: the sea is warm enough to swim, the midday sun is fierce but the evenings are cool, and the crowds haven’t peaked or have already thinned.
Peak / festival surge
July and August: temperatures regularly hit 35°C, the old town is shoulder-to-shoulder with tourists, and hotel prices double. The main driver is European summer holidays plus the Chania Rock Festival in late July.
Budget shoulder season
Late April and early October: rooms drop to half the July price, the island is quieter, and the temperature sits around 22–25°C—good for hiking the Samaria Gorge before it closes or after it reopens.
Weather & packing
Chania’s coastal location means the Meltemi wind can sweep in without warning, dropping the temperature sharply in the evenings. Pack a windproof jacket or a light jumper even in high summer, and always bring sunblock with a high SPF.
Live City Briefing — Chania
- Chania’s new bus station near the old harbour is now fully operational, so buses to Falasarna and Balos beaches depart from the purple platform east of the car park.
- The municipal market (Agora) reopened in late 2025 after a two-year renovation; the butchers and spice stalls are still there, but there’s now a small wine bar in the north arcade.
- From July 1, 2026, the city has introduced a ban on private vehicles in the Venetian harbour area between 7pm and midnight; taxis and hotel drop-offs are exempt, but you’ll need to walk from the perimeter gates.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to OliveNest, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
To get the best experience at OliveNest, consider requesting a room on the upper floors (4th, 5th, or 6th) with a view of the old town. These rooms tend to be quieter due to their distance from the street and potential noise from the service entrance. The hotel's lift is likely to be on the ground floor, so rooms on higher floors will have less disturbance from lift noise.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms near the service entrance or lift on the ground floor, as they may experience noise from staff and guests. Additionally, rooms facing the street in the lower floors (1st-3rd) might be exposed to some street noise, especially if you're a light sleeper.
Best views
Old town views from the upper floors (4th, 5th, or 6th)
Quietest floors
4th-6th floors
🔊 Noise notes
Possible street noise in lower floors, especially near the old town's historic area. Also, be aware of potential noise from the service entrance and lift on the ground floor.
Insider tips
Request a room with a balcony to enjoy the views of the old town and make the most of your stay. If you're arriving by car, be prepared for limited parking options in the area, and consider arriving early to secure a spot.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — OliveNest
Free, 50 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Serves all floors, no stairs-only historic sections
Complimentary PressReader, no physical papers
24/7 check-in, early check-in from 10:00, late check-out until 13:00 (€20 fee)
Available in reception area, €5 per bag per night
Step-free access, wheelchair-friendly entrance, no structural limitations
On-site parking available, €20 per night, nearest public car park is 'Chania Park' €15 per day, no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: €1.50 per night per person
Deposit & card hold: €50 deposit at check-in, €100 incidental card hold for credit cards, €300 for cash payments
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: Εκκλησία Μεταμόρφωσης Σωτήρα, Άγιος Ραφαήλ (1.0 km · ~13 min walk)
- Church: Άγιος Αντώνιος (1.3 km · ~16 min walk)
- Church: Άγιος Ιωάννης Θεολόγος (1.4 km · ~17 min walk)
- Church: Αγία Παρασκευή (1.5 km · ~19 min walk)
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Euro, EUR
Travellers can exchange currency at banks or currency exchange offices in the city centre, with better rates at ATMs. Be cautious of poor rates at airport bureaux and tourist areas.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, with many businesses also taking contactless and mobile payments. Some smaller shops and traditional tavernas may still require cash.
Tipping in Greece is generally low, with 5-10% in restaurants and bars, and rounding up taxi fares for a tip.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →A traditional Greek coffee from a street vendor or a local café costs around €2-3.
A traditional souvlaki or gyro from a street food stall costs around €5-6.
A hearty Greek salad or moussaka at a local taverna costs around €10-12 for a main course.
The old town and waterfront areas are popular for street food, with many vendors selling traditional Greek cuisine.
Popular supermarket chains in the area include Lidl, Alpha Beta, and Sklavenitis.
Affordable shopping options can be found at local markets, such as the Chania Municipal Market, or at high-street stores like H&M.
A 24-hour public transport ticket costs €4, and buses run frequently from the airport to the city centre.
Avoid eating at touristy areas for higher prices, and opt for local tavernas or street food instead.Use public transport or walk/bike whenever possible to save money and experience the city.Haggle at local markets to get the best prices for souvenirs and shopping.
Good to know — Chania
Type C/F · 230V
safe
$1 ≈ €0.88 · EUR
Emergency Contacts
ChaniaFor general emergencies in Greece, dial 112 (works in English). For Chania-specific assistance, the tourist police (Chania office) can be reached at +30 28210 27072. Local hospitals: Chania General Hospital 'Agios Georgios' (+30 28213 42000).
💡 Save these numbers in your phone. In life-threatening emergencies, call immediately.
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Chania, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at OliveNest
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Sorta Apartments (stop: Agia Marina) → Chania Old Town (stop: Venizelou Square)
💡 Buy a 24-hour ticket for 3.50€ if you plan multiple trips; the bus runs along the coastal road and gets packed in summer—stand by the rear door.
Sorta Apartments → Chania Old Town
💡 Use Taxi Chania app to avoid haggling; taxis in Crete rarely use meters for short hops—agree the fare before getting in.
Chania International Airport (CHQ) → Chania City Bus Station (near Sorta Apartments)
💡 Get the KTEL app for real-time schedules; the bus drops you a 7-min walk from Sorta Apartments, but luggage space is tight.
Chania International Airport (CHQ) → Sorta Apartments, Chania
💡 Book through the Welcome Pickups app for a fixed rate of 30€; local taxis often don't have card readers.
Informazioni su Chania
Wikipedia ↗Chania (Greek: Χανιά, Khaniá, pronounced [xaˈɲa] ), also sometimes romanized as Hania, is a city in Greece and the capital of the Chania regional unit. It lies along the north west coast of the island Crete, about 70 km (43 mi) west of Rethymno and 145 km (90 mi) west of Heraklion. The municipality ...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at OliveNest?
To get the best experience at OliveNest, consider requesting a room on the upper floors (4th, 5th, or 6th) with a view of the old town. These rooms tend to be quieter due to their distance from the street and potential noise from the service entrance. The hotel's lift is likely to be on the ground floor, so rooms on higher floors will have less disturbance from lift noise.
Which rooms should I avoid at OliveNest?
Avoid rooms near the service entrance or lift on the ground floor, as they may experience noise from staff and guests. Additionally, rooms facing the street in the lower floors (1st-3rd) might be exposed to some street noise, especially if you're a light sleeper.
Is OliveNest noisy?
Possible street noise in lower floors, especially near the old town's historic area. Also, be aware of potential noise from the service entrance and lift on the ground floor.
Which rooms have the best views at OliveNest?
Old town views from the upper floors (4th, 5th, or 6th)
What are insider tips for staying at OliveNest?
Request a room with a balcony to enjoy the views of the old town and make the most of your stay. If you're arriving by car, be prepared for limited parking options in the area, and consider arriving early to secure a spot.
What time is check-in at OliveNest?
Check-in at OliveNest is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does OliveNest have Wi-Fi?
Free, 50 Mbps speed, no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at OliveNest?
€1.50 per night per person
Where can I eat cheaply near OliveNest?
A traditional souvlaki or gyro from a street food stall costs around €5-6.
What is the cheapest way to get around from OliveNest?
A 24-hour public transport ticket costs €4, and buses run frequently from the airport to the city centre.
When is the best time to visit Chania?
May, June and September: the sea is warm enough to swim, the midday sun is fierce but the evenings are cool, and the crowds haven’t peaked or have already thinned.
Principali attrazioni a Chania
💡 Walk up the ramp inside the main gate for a photo spot over the harbour. The small museum inside costs €4 but the ramparts are free.
💡 Go mid-morning when stalls are fully stocked. Don't buy olive oil from the first stand – compare prices at the back. Free tasting of olives and cheeses if you ask politely.
💡 At sunset, sit on the low wall by the palm trees near the beach volleyball court. The light hits the old town walls perfectly. No entry fee, no facilities – bring water.
💡 Visit at sunrise to avoid crowds and get clean photos. The lighthouse path is free but gets busy after 10am.
💡 Walk 10 minutes west along the coastal path from the harbour. Avoid the area near the central drain pipe – swim further east.