Tabakaria
Historic waterfront district in Chania, Crete, offering elegant hotels, fine dining, and breathtaking sea views, especially at sunset.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Tabakaria
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic waterfront district in Chania, Crete, offering elegant hotels, fine dining, and breathtaking sea views, especially at sunset.
"The Tanneries Hotel and Spa has raised the bar, and will make every other hotel experience a disappointment."
🌅 Sunset Cocktails
Enjoy cocktails by the sea at sunset for an unforgettable experience.
🚗 Rent a Car
Ideal for exploring Crete from this peaceful base. Free parking available.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tampakaria Waterfront
Coastal area
Picturesque views of the sea, historic buildings, and stunning sunsets. Perfect for a romantic stroll.
Elegant Hotel Stays
Various boutique hotels
Modern, clean rooms with elegant design and often breathtaking sea views. Many offer exceptional service.
Fine Seafood Dining
Local restaurants
Experience some of the best seafood in Chania, with fresh catches and exquisite preparations.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Coastal Charm
Sunset Cocktails & Seafood
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Sunset Cocktails
Enjoy cocktails by the sea at sunset for an unforgettable experience.
🚗 Rent a Car
Ideal for exploring Crete from this peaceful base. Free parking available.
🚶 Walk to Old Town
About a 20-minute walk to Chania's old town.
🍽️ Fine Dining
Consider dining at a local restaurant for excellent seafood.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Sunset Cocktails
Enjoy cocktails by the sea at sunset for an unforgettable experience.
🚗 Rent a Car
Ideal for exploring Crete from this peaceful base. Free parking available.
🚶 Walk to Old Town
About a 20-minute walk to Chania's old town.
🍽️ Fine Dining
Consider dining at a local restaurant for excellent seafood.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Tabakaria for its exceptional service, elegant accommodations, and breathtaking sea views, especially during sunset. The dining experience, particularly the seafood, and the complimentary breakfasts are frequently highlighted as outstanding. While a bit of a walk to the old town, the peaceful atmosphere and high quality of offerings make it a must-visit.
"My wife and I had an amazing stay at the Tanneries Hotel. The rooms are extremely modern and clean, pleasant to come back to after a long day at the town. The rooms with an ocean balcony are very peaceful and have an outstanding view of the water and sunset. Our favorite was going down to the bar at sunset for cocktails - one of the best experiences we had in our stay in Greece. Highly recommend this hotel!"
sam raab
"The Tanneries Hotel was unlike any other hotel that I have been to. I am astonished at how great this experience was. Let’s go over some key points:
First let’s start with the service. Hands down the best service I have ever received in a hotel, ever!! From the front desk girls directing you to the room, to the complimentary VIP parking served by the nicest gentlemen, all the way to the restaurant staff and housekeeping. Everyone had a smile, and everyone was quick and eager to answer your questions and provide you with the best experience possible.
Next, the complimentary breakfast. I have been to several hotels with a complimentary breakfast… this hotel has unfortunately set the bar too high for me to ever be satisfied again. A la carte or buffet style, they have it all, while overlooking the sea of Crete. The pictures don’t do it justice as the food is incredible. Of course lunch and dinner at the same hotel restaurant is expensive and we never tried, but I am assuming the experience is the same.
The hotel room had the greatest view of the sea. The design is gorgeous, the room is spacious, and a steam shower? Incredible.
Location is good- still over 20 minute walk to old town. However, with the free parking, rent a car and stay here to get to your destinations. It is not far out at all. Very peaceful, absolutely zero noise issues.
The Tanneries Hotel and Spa has raised the bar, and will make every other hotel experience a disappointment. An absolute must stay when visiting Crete. We will be back!"
Arfan Hajizadeh
"The moment we walked in we could tell it was a top hotel. The breakfast was amazing. Two thumbs up to the avocado toast. And amazing service, armed to the teeth with toothbrushes and pillows. Great pool and steam room too. Amazing view."
Frances Ren Huang
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tabakaria is located just east of Chania's old town. You can reach it by a pleasant 20-minute walk along the coast, or by car. Many hotels offer complimentary VIP parking, making it convenient if you're renting a vehicle.
While not as directly served as the old town, local buses do run in the vicinity. However, for the most flexibility and to explore further afield in Crete, renting a car is highly recommended.
Walking is a great way to soak in the atmosphere of Tabakaria itself. For day trips to other parts of Crete, a rental car is the most practical option, especially given the available parking.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tabakaria is an open area, not a ticketed attraction. You can wander through the streets and enjoy the waterfront freely.
As an area, Tabakaria doesn't have set opening hours. However, restaurants and hotels will have their own operating times, typically open from morning through late evening.
There are no entrance fees for the area itself. Individual hotels and restaurants will have their own pricing for accommodation, food, and drinks.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Enjoy the scenic waterfront, admire the historic architecture, and capture stunning sunset photos. Many visitors also enjoy dining at the local restaurants and relaxing at boutique hotels.
Absolutely! Tabakaria is renowned for its picturesque views, especially during sunset. The combination of sea, sky, and historic buildings makes for incredible photo opportunities. 
Tabakaria offers a peaceful and elegant atmosphere, a contrast to the bustling old town. It's a great place to relax and enjoy the coastal scenery.
The area itself is historic, with old tannery buildings contributing to its unique character. The architecture tells stories of its past.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Tabakaria boasts excellent restaurants, particularly known for fine seafood. Many hotels also have highly-rated dining facilities.
While some fine dining establishments can be pricey, there are options to suit different budgets. The quality of the seafood is consistently praised.
Seafood is a must-try in Tabakaria. Many reviews highlight the fresh catches and exquisite preparations.
Yes, hotels in Tabakaria often offer exceptional complimentary breakfasts, with a la carte and buffet options praised for their quality and variety.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire waterfront offers stunning views. Focus on capturing the sea, the historic buildings, and especially the vibrant colors of the sunset.
Late afternoon and sunset are magical for photography, offering golden light and dramatic skies.
Expect beautiful seascape shots, architectural details of the old tannery buildings, and breathtaking sunset vistas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of Tabakaria's Waterfront
+1The main draw of Tabakaria is its stunning natural beauty, particularly the breathtaking sea views and the spectacular sunsets. Visitors often describe the atmosphere as peaceful and serene, providing a perfect escape from the busier parts of the city. It's an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll, enjoying the sea breeze, and capturing memorable photographs.
While it's a bit of a walk to Chania's old town (around 20 minutes), the tranquility and scenic beauty of Tabakaria make it a highly recommended place to stay or visit. The area is known for its high-quality dining experiences, especially its seafood restaurants, and its luxurious boutique hotels that offer exceptional service and comfort.
Exceptional Hospitality and Dining
The complimentary breakfast is a standout feature, with many guests calling it the best they've ever had. Options range from a la carte to buffet, all served with beautiful sea views. While hotel restaurants can be expensive for lunch and dinner, the quality of the food, especially fine seafood, is highly praised, making it a worthwhile indulgence for many.
Beyond the hotels, the local restaurants in Tabakaria are celebrated for their culinary excellence. If you're a seafood lover, this is the place to be. The combination of fresh ingredients, skilled preparation, and the stunning seaside setting creates a truly memorable dining experience.
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