The ever changing landscape of high mountains, serpentine coasts, long sandy beaches, fertile valleys and steep gorges constitutes the ideal mood board for outdoor activities. Winter lovers and summer spirits discover physical challenging and visually exciting spots where they can try and excel at the favorite outdoor adventure.
Chania boasts some wonderful beaches that feature very appealing aquatic ecosystems and underwater treasures. The number of scuba diving schools of the municipality is a testimony of the memorable diving experiences left for the bold and adventurous. The entire northern bay of Chania constitutes a wonderful place for diving, thanks to the special biodiversity and morphology of its seabed making it must-dive destination Greek and foreign scuba divers.
One of the most popular outdoor activities that one may engage in, once in Crete, is trekking. People are flying over from all over the world to enjoy the trails that cross the Cretan mountains and the gorges, reaching remote beaches, sacred monasteries and picturesque villages. The European E4 trail is connecting all of the Cretan prefectures and is a fascinating trail from whichever point you take it. It is the No 1 way to savor and truly immerse into the Cretan countryside and be one with the landscape, the wild flora and indigenous fauna.
Hospitable mountain cabins of Chania, set on high altitudes like bird nests the mountain tops, provide the ideal shelter for climbers and visitors. Th trails are numerous yet for more demanding ascents, better book a professional guide, or join a group, since the White Mountains are quite challenging and for less experienced mountaineers it is easy to miss the trail and get derailed from course. Information is available in the local mountaineering clubs. Shelters on Lefka Ori (White Mountains): Kallergis, Svourichti-Chouliopoulos, Volikas and Tavri.
Keeping that cliché image of a couple riding on the beach during sunset time…well this could be you. There are several Equestrian clubs in Chania, open throughout the year that offer great riding experiences on the beach or at the Cretan countryside. With the guidance from a professional horse riding teacher, you can learn basic instructions of properly riding and once you feel and are comfortable with the horse you may decide to go for a ride at the great outdoors of Chania.
Chania is a relatively flat city and very easy to explore with a bicycle. Since 2020, the Administration of the Municipality of Chania has substantially extended the network of bicycle lanes in the city grid, passing through highstreets and coastal roads. Learn the culture, the history and the superb natural landscape of Chania with a bicycle. It is worth mentioning that Chania hosts one of the most competitive cycling teams in Greece, bringing numerous medals and competition prizes every year.
Paragliding is not an activity for the faint-hearted. This extreme sport is also an option if you are in Chania. Every year there is an increasing number of people interested in Paragliding and the unforgettable, adrenaline high moments of joy it gives. Having an experience of looking down on the Cretan landscape, feeling as close to a bird as possible is an experience like no other.
Aeroclub of Chania gives you the opportunity to rent a four-seated plane and enjoy breathtaking flights over the Cretan terrain and around the Aegean islands. Qualified pilots are on call or you may fly it yourself, once you provide a valid plane operator certificate). The club also offers flying seminars and training flights for those who wish to obtain the flight diploma.
The terrain of Chania is largely unchartered, since the road network is not that extensive in relation to the total land surface. In recent years there is an increase in companies that specialize in off road experiences either by 4X4 jeeps or with Motocross bikes. Participate in this road trip adventure and discover the essence of Crete.
The crown jewel of summer activities. The summers in Crete last, at least, 4 months, therefore anything that has to do with beach and sea related activities, Chania has it in abundance. Most organized beaches have water sports, fit for all ages. Jet ski, water ski, wind surf, SUP, kite surf, canoe kayak, water tubes and any other water sport your heart desires, Chania has it. Every day can fit a different water sport experience. One can find water sport points at Marathi, Kalamaki, Agia Marina & other locations of Chania.