Chania Old Town, Monastery & Marathi Beach: Private Tour

Venetian harbor, monastery olive groves, and turquoise water in one day

A private eight-hour tour of Chania combines free exploration of the Old Town's Venetian Harbor and narrow streets, a visit to Agia Triada Monastery surrounded by olive groves with olive oil tasting and monastery admission included, and swimming time at Marathi Beach with its calm turquoise waters and seaside tavernas. Your own vehicle and driver let you set the pace and linger where you choose.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Chania Old Town2h
2. Marathi Beach3h

Explore Chania, monastery, and beach

• Free time in Chania Old Town
• Visit Agia Triada Monastery
• Olive oil tasting at monastery
• Relax and swim at Marathi Beach
• Enjoy local cuisine by the sea

The experience

The day starts in Chania Old Town, where Venetian, Ottoman, and Greek architecture crowd the narrow streets and colorful markets. You have free time to wander the harbor, duck into shops, or sit in a café: no fixed itinerary, no group schedule. The Old Town is a blend of eras and influences, and the rhythm of exploration is yours alone.

Next is Agia Triada Monastery, set among olive groves and vineyards on the island's hillsides. Monastery admission is included, and you'll taste the olive oil produced on the grounds while learning about the monastery's history and Cretan traditions. Wine tasting is available for an additional cost if you want to try three local Cretan wines. The peaceful atmosphere and Venetian architecture make this a genuine stop in working monastic life, not a tourist checkpoint.

The final stretch is Marathi Beach, known locally for calm water, authentic tavernas, and the absence of crowds. Swim in the turquoise sea, rest under an umbrella (included), or order fresh seafood at one of the beachside restaurants. The remaining time in your eight-hour window covers the drive between stops and any detours you want to make. The itinerary bends to your needs, not the other way around.

What’s included

• Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• bottled water.
• monastery admission and olive oil tasting.
• beach umbrella at Marathi Beach.
• flexible stops and route adjustments to suit your preferences.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up toStart time

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 5 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by JMP Chania Tours & Private Transfers

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to set your own pace across three very different Chania experiences: wandering the Old Town without a schedule, tasting olive oil at a working monastery, and swimming at a local beach away from the main tourist crowds. The private vehicle and included flexibility mean you linger where you want and skip what doesn't appeal.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Agia Triada Monastery like when we arrive?

Agia Triada Monastery sits surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, with Venetian architecture and a peaceful atmosphere. You'll have time to explore the monastery grounds, and olive oil tasting from the estate is part of your admission. The monastery is still an active community, so you experience it as a working place, not a museum.

Can we spend more time in Chania Old Town or at Marathi Beach instead of rushing through?

Yes. The tour includes flexible stops and alterations according to your needs, so you can linger in the Old Town's alleys and markets, or spend extra time swimming and relaxing at Marathi Beach. Your private driver adjusts the day to fit what interests you most.

What makes Marathi Beach different from other beaches near Chania?

Marathi Beach is known for crystal-clear turquoise water, a calm sea, and authentic Cretan tavernas right by the shore. Locals favor it for avoiding the crowded tourist spots while still offering fresh seafood and genuine seaside hospitality, making it feel like a real escape rather than a packaged stop.

Is lunch included, or do we need to budget for food?

Lunch and drinks at the stops are not included, but Marathi Beach has several seaside tavernas serving fresh local seafood and traditional Cretan dishes. You can eat where and when you choose, and your driver can recommend places locals prefer.