Elia Sea Suites

Travellers keen to stay within easy walking distance of Chania's bustling Venetian harbour and atmospheric Old Town whilst also wishing to be able to relax by an enticing swimming pool or on a nearby sandy beach could not wish for a more privileged position than this smart new boutique hotel which opened in 2025. Elia Sea Suites are perched atop a rocky outcrop like a fort guarding the shore, which grants each of its 20 rooms and suites unimpeded sea views through panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows.

A 5-minute walk past the neighbouring National Nautical-Aquatic Centre takes you to the western end of the ancient city walls beyond which the old Venetian port reveals a wealth of architectural treasures, several small museums and historical landmarks and a nearly inexhaustible selection of cafés, bars and restaurants. Yet whilst the heart of the lively harbour front is just a 15-minute walk away, the hotel feels pleasantly removed from its hustle and bustle. In the opposite direction, you pass a small fishing harbour before reaching Chania's town beach, Nea Chora, which also boasts several seafront tavernas. Equipped with sun-loungers and parasols for hire, this sandy beach does get very popular, especially during summer weekends, so it is a bonus that Elia Sea Suites also has its own swimming pool bordered by a terrace for sunbathing, from which you can enjoy the splendid sea views which are particularly entrancing at sunset.

Comfortably furnished and decorated in contemporary style, the rooms and open-plan suites of varying sizes are equipped with all the amenities you would expect to find in a 4-star hotel, including air-conditioning, free WiFi, TV, safety-deposit boxes, fridges and tea-and-coffee-making facilities. The modern shower rooms are partially open-plan and provided with hairdryers, bathrobes and slippers. With the exception of the standard Queen Rooms, each room has a two-person hot tub; in the Junior Suites these are inside the room whilst in the larger Sunlounge and Superior Suites, there are either indoor or outdoor hot tubs. Some of the Junior Suites have a balcony; the remainder have large sliding doors through which to enjoy both the splendid sea views and the sea air, as do the Queen Rooms. Sunlounge and Superior Suites all have balconies or terraces. There is a small section of upper-floor suites reached by stairs or a lift from the lobby; the remainder of the building is single-storey.

Whether you plan to spend your time exploring or relaxing, a wholesome buffet breakfast is automatically included in your stay to set you up for the day ahead.