The Best Villages for Year-Round Living in Chania

While Chania is famous for its stunning beaches, ancient history, and vibrant tourism scene, it’s also a place that calls to those seeking more than just a summer escape. Living here year-round offers a lifestyle steeped in beauty, simplicity, and a unique rhythm of life. Whether you’re working remotely, retiring, or just looking for a slower pace, Chania’s villages are waiting for you to call them home.

From seaside havens to charming mountain retreats, here are the best villages for year-round living in Chania—where the locals live, thrive, and savor every season Crete has to offer.

Vamos: The Heart of Apokoronas

Nestled in the Apokoronas region, Vamos is a village that offers everything you need for a fulfilling year-round lifestyle. It’s large enough to have all the amenities you could want—like grocery stores, restaurants, and cafes—but small enough to maintain its traditional charm and community spirit.

In winter, Vamos is peaceful and quiet, surrounded by olive groves and the snow-capped peaks of the White Mountains. During the spring and summer, the village comes alive with flowers, local festivals, and the lush greenery of the landscape. Whether you’re hiking in the hills or enjoying a leisurely coffee in the village square, Vamos offers a balance of modern comfort and traditional Cretan life.

Kalives: Coastal Serenity with Village Charm

If you dream of living near the sea but still want the intimacy of a village, Kalives is a perfect choice. Located just 18 km east off Chania Town, Kalives offers a beautiful sandy beach, a traditional village atmosphere, and a welcoming local community.

It’s a popular spot for expats and retirees, and its easy access to Chania makes it ideal for those who want the best of both worlds. Winter in Kalives is mild, with fewer tourists around, making it a peaceful haven. In the summer, the village fills with life, but it still feels like a hidden gem—especially compared to the busier tourist towns along the coast.

Plaka: Village Charm with a View

Plaka is a quiet gem located above the popular village of Almyrida, offering sweeping views of the White Mountains and the sparkling Cretan Sea. This peaceful village has been growing in popularity among those seeking a slower pace of life without compromising on proximity to the coast.

Plaka is close enough to Chania to enjoy the benefits of city life while remaining far enough to escape the hustle and bustle. It’s perfect for nature lovers, with plenty of hiking opportunities and beautiful beaches nearby. Whether it’s spring or winter, the surrounding hills provide a stunning backdrop year-round, making it ideal for those who appreciate natural beauty in every season.

Maleme: A Quiet Beach Village with History

Maleme is a small village with a deep sense of history and a laid-back atmosphere. Located on the northwestern coast of Crete, it’s quieter than the tourist-heavy areas in Chania but still close enough to enjoy everything the city has to offer.

The beach in Maleme is lovely year-round, and the village itself offers a peaceful escape and easy access to nature. Maleme has a rich WWII history, with memorials and museums for those interested in history. If you’re looking for a place with a low-key lifestyle, access to beautiful beaches, and a community feel, Maleme is a fantastic option.

Kissamos: The Best of Both Worlds

Located on the northwestern tip of Crete, Kissamos offers the perfect blend of seaside living, mountain views, and traditional village charm. It’s a bustling yet laid-back town with a rich agricultural history, making it the ideal spot for those who want to live away from the larger tourist areas but still have easy access to amenities and services.

Kissamos is well-connected by road to Chania Town (just 40 minutes away), and it’s surrounded by beautiful beaches like Kedrodasos and Falassarna, which you can enjoy year-round without the crowds. The town itself offers a good mix of traditional Greek life with modern conveniences—great local markets, restaurants, and easy access to hiking trails and nature.

Whether you’re drawn to the quiet pace of life or the chance to live near stunning beaches and historical sites, Kissamos provides a perfect balance for year-round living.

Mournies: A Peaceful Village Near Chania Town

If you’re looking for a village that feels both remote and connected, Mournies could be your perfect match. Located just 10 minutes outside of Chania Town, Mournies offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and easy access to the bustling life of the city.

This village feels timeless, with its narrow streets, traditional houses, and scenic atmosphere. Mournies is an ideal place for those who want to be close to the conveniences of the city but still enjoy a peaceful, rural setting. With its proximity to nature, it’s an ideal spot for hiking, cycling, and immersing yourself in the island’s slower pace.

Agia Marina: A Seaside Village with Year-Round Appeal

Agia Marina is one of the more popular villages on the west coast of Chania, known for its beautiful beaches and lively summer atmosphere. However, it’s also a great place to live year-round.

The village offers plenty of amenities, including restaurants, shops, and local services, making it an ideal choice for people who want to live by the sea without feeling isolated. Agia Marina is a little busier than other villages on this list, but in winter, it transforms into a quiet and relaxed place to live—still with plenty of access to the beach and stunning views of the Mediterranean.

Why Choose Year-Round Living in Chania?

Living in Chania year-round isn’t just about the beaches or the history—it’s about a lifestyle that’s deeply connected to nature, community, and a slower pace. The people of Chania live in rhythm with the land, savoring each season’s harvest, each wave’s movement, and each warm evening spent with friends.

In Chania, every season has something to offer—whether it’s olive harvesting in the fall, springtime hiking in the mountains, or enjoying a quiet swim in the summer. For those seeking a place to call home, Chania is more than just a beautiful destination—it’s a place to build a life, surrounded by nature, history, and the warmth of Cretan hospitality.