The city of Chania, situated almost at the middle of the prefecture's territory at the northern coast, is the capital of the prefecture and, as the natives use to say, also the "cultural capital city" of Crete. The city has approximately 54.000 permanent residents, and many students, as it is the seat of several faculties of the University of Crete.

Chania is an active city, commercial and administrative center of the prefecture.

It offers all kind of facilities to the visitor; in the stores you can find any kind of goods, from clothes and jewelry, to souvenirs and house equipment. Many banks, travel agencies, rent-a-car facilities, and a hospital are also available.

Along with the new city, the old one is present and active too, as it is there that most of the trendy cafes, bars and restaurants have been established.

Accommodation of any kind and for all budgets is plenty, within the city center, at the beach, in the suburbs or in short distance from the city. Food and drink is not a problem . Numerous taverns, restaurants of various tastes, street food, cafes, pastry shops and bars are available. The locals like going out in the evening and spend their time drinking "tsikoudia" (the "national drink" of Crete, a kind of ouzo) or wine and talking. Later in the night many bars with foreign and Greek music assure an intensive and fascinating nightlife.

Access to the city (and all the prefecture) is possible by ferryboat from Piraeus; there are two ships from Piraeus to Souda (the port of Chania), all year round. In summer there might be some more. The ships usually sail in the afternoon or in the evening and, depending on their speed, they arrive at Souda after 6 to 10 hours. From Souda if you have not a private means there is a bus to Chania, taxis are also available.

Access by ship is also possible from Thessalonica, by bus to Piraeus and then by ferryboat.

From the International airport of Athens, Eleftherios Venizelos, there are usually two flights daily to Chania; one early in the morning and the other in the afternoon or evening. In summer there may be more. The airport of Chania is at Akrotiri, some 15 kilometers far from the city; from the airport you will arrive to Chania by the Olympic Airways buses, by public bus or taxi.