Photo by Михаил Прокопенко from Pixabay
From atmospheric jazz bars to chilled cafe bar-restaurants, glamorous outdoor lounges, and vibie late joints, there is an impressive array of entertainment venues for all tastes, moods and dispositions, whether at the heart of the old city or on the beach. Here are our handpicked suggestions for the top bars in Chania.
Surrounded by water and adorned with Venetian, Ottoman and Jewish gems of buildings, Chania on the island of Crete, is as post-card pretty as it gets. Yet, howbeit iconic, it’s not one of these tourist destinations that lack real soul. Chania is a vibrant modern city brimming with life – a place to live, laugh, work, play and love against the stunning backdrop of mountains, sea and historic, multicultural architecture.
If you’re the type of traveller who’s interested, beyond sightseeing, to get immersed into the local rhythms and cadences, here’s all you need to know about the city’s favourite haunts.
Top bars in Chania
Synagogi
Housed in the eerie ruins of a medieval Jewish synagogue in the heart of the Old Town of Chania, the namesake Synagogi bar is one of the most popular spots for locals and visitors alike, with good reason. Atmospheric ambience aside, it serves cocktails that tingle the senses and may be customized according to your tastes and whims. The music is generally cool and there is the occasional uplifting live set. The bar’s personnel is attentive and friendly and there are a lot of nooks and crannies that’ll draw your attention – check out, for example, the funky collage in the WC.
Fagotto Jazz Bar
This is one of the oldest jazz bars in the country, that’s still alive and kicking in the heart of Chania’s Old Town in a historic Venetian building dating from the 15th century. Since its opening in 1978, Fagotto has been frequented by renowned Greek and international artists as well as world-famous personalities including Olof Palme. With atmospheric jazz lives and a characteristically nostalgic aura, it is also a firm favourite of locals and in-the-know visitors alike. Though it’s first and foremost known as a bar, from April to October, Fagotto also serves breakfast with homemade local delicacies.
Bras de Frères
Located in a renovated old building on the (hipper) east side of the old town, Bras de Frères bar is more than just a place to see and be seen. Serving inspired cocktails to a clientele who’s ready and primed for a good party, it regularly features some great lives from Greek bands as well as various cultural events. Music choices are generally uplifting and the atmosphere is elevated and fun. The service is impeccable too.
Carte Postale
Perched atop Profitis Ilias hill, near the Graves of Venizelos and just a few minutes drive away from the Old Town of Chania, Carte Postale boasts sweeping views over the city and the sea – which may be admired whether outside on its sizeable boho-chic veranda or indoors from its large glass windows. Open for breakfast, brunch (that’s thoughtfully served until 14:00!), lunch and dinner, it offers a mouthwatering fusion of Mediterranean and Cretan cuisine, as well as an array of decadent desserts. It also features sumptuous cocktails and a great variety of wines from the Cretan, Greek and international vineyards. There is a large atmospheric marble bar inside – just the spot to savour a drink with your date; while the service is top and the overall ambience relaxed and friendly.
Boheme
A few steps from the bustling square of the old port, in a Venetian building that once housed the monks of the Monastery of Saint Francis, Boheme boasts a gracious, cosmopolitan aura.
There is a huge 400-year-old plane tree in the flower-filled courtyard generously offering a repost from the sun if you’re here for breakfast or lunch – all dishes are made with the best of the island’s produce and bursting with flavours and taste. Dinner is also served, along with inspirational cocktails and picks from an extensive wine list consisting mainly of labels from Cretan producers. Boheme also features special gastronomy events and the occasional zestful live.
Summertime Beach bar
On the long sandy beach of Georgioupolis, which is some 30 minutes away from the Adeste Luxury Villas in Chania, Summertime is a classic, old-school beach bar with soul-lifting sea views. With tables just a few steps away from the water, it serves an array of tasty snacks including omelettes, pizza, burgers and salads, along with freshly-made juices, milkshakes, and coffee, as well as cocktails and drinks from morning till late. Music choices suit the atmosphere – but you can always take your loved one by the hand for a moonlit stroll along the coast. This spot is also good for families with small kids, as the waters here are shallow and the sands soft.
Did you like this post? stay tuned to our blog for more insights, tips and advice on what to see, shop and do in Chania and the island of Crete!
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