Crete’s Old Town Chania: Shopping for Handcrafted Treasures in a Harbor of History
Chania, on the northwest coast of Crete, is a place where history and craftsmanship meet in the most captivating way. Venetian façades, Ottoman-era details, and unmistakable Cretan pride intertwine through its Old Town streets, creating a setting that feels like a living museum of art, culture, tradition, and flavor.
Chania, Crete - Courtesy of Chania Tourism Bureau
For travelers drawn to authentic, handmade goods, Chania delivers an irresistible mix of intimate workshops, family-run boutiques, and lively markets where artisans keep centuries-old skills very much alive. From hand-loomed textiles and custom-fitted leather shoes to iconic Cretan knives, olivewood carvings, and natural products rooted in the island’s land and sea, this colorful port is a dream destination for cultural shopping.
Local Guides Lead the Way
Chania’s Old Town is a maze of narrow lanes winding past centuries-old stone buildings, arched doorways, and hidden staircases. Bougainvillea cascades over balconies, while weathered, wooden doors often conceal working studios just beyond the street. To uncover these tucked-away treasures, I booked a private walking tour with a knowledgeable local guide through Viator.
With my guide’s insight, I ventured off the main paths and into cobblestone alleys where artisans continue to practice traditional Cretan crafts. These are places travelers would easily miss on their own—workshops where hands, not machines, shape every piece.
Old Town Chania: The Heart of Handcrafted Tradition
Old Town is where Chania’s craftsmanship truly shines. What sets this neighborhood apart is its intimacy. Many workshops are small, multigenerational spaces where creativity flows naturally from one family member to the next.
You may find a grandmother embroidering intricate linens in the corner, sons shaping pottery or carving olivewood tools, and daughters weaving lace or designing jewelry inspired by ancient motifs. Every object carries a personal story—of heritage, patience, and pride—making each purchase far more than a souvenir.
Skridlof Street: Chania’s Leatherworking Legacy
Skridlof Street—affectionately known as Leather Lane—is one of Chania’s most iconic shopping streets. This lively pedestrian alley is lined with workshops specializing in custom leather shoes and boots, many of which are measured and molded precisely to your feet. Custom orders can often be completed within 24 to 48 hours, with shipping arranged for cruise travelers and short stays.
Many shops on Skridlof Street are run by second- and third-generation leatherworkers, and their expertise is evident in every stitch. Step inside and you’ll often see artisans cutting, shaping, burnishing, and hand-stitching leather right before your eyes—a rare and wonderful sight.
The Venetian Harbor: Home of the Cretan Knife Makers
The Old Venetian Harbor is one of Chania’s most atmospheric settings. Fishing boats glide across the water, waves lap against the seawall, and honey-colored stone buildings glow in the Mediterranean sun. Among the cafés and colorful storefronts are workshops dedicated to one of Crete’s most symbolic crafts: the Cretan knife.
Traditionally gifted at weddings, births, and other rites of passage, Cretan knives are engraved with verses, blessings, or proverbs, and represent honor, identity, and heritage. Today’s knife makers continue this centuries-old tradition, forging each blade by hand and honoring techniques passed down through generations.
The Venetian Quarter & Hidden Courtyards: Artful Discoveries
Beyond the main streets of the Venetian Quarter lie hidden courtyards and quiet alleys where art seems to appear unexpectedly. Here you’ll discover family-run ateliers specializing in driftwood and sea-inspired art, carved olivewood pieces, stone and marble décor, and hand-thrown ceramics finished in traditional Cretan blues, greens, and earth tones.
Jewelry makers draw inspiration from Minoan and Byzantine designs, crafting pieces that feel both ancient and modern. These workshops often announce themselves subtly—a door left ajar, a hand-painted sign, or the rhythmic spin of a potter’s wheel echoing through a courtyard.
The Municipal Market: Flavors & Natural Goods of Crete
Built in 1913, the Municipal Market of Chania, known locally as the Agora, is both a cultural landmark and a sensory experience. The cross-shaped building is filled with stalls offering the tastes, scents, and textures of Crete. Here, visitors find gourmet edible treats alongside locally made wellness and beauty products crafted from olive oil, beeswax, carob, and aromatic mountain herbs.
Every vendor is eager to share the story of their farm, their family traditions, and the methods behind their products. The Agora is where Crete reveals itself through flavor, fragrance, and heartfelt hospitality.
Noteworthy Artisan Shops in Chania
Mitos Art
Located in the heart of Old Town since 1998, Mitos Art blends ancestral Greek tradition with contemporary design. Their historic gallery showcases handmade bronze and aluminum sculptures, ceramics, and original artwork inspired by museum pieces. Modern gold and silver jewelry designs complete the collection. Mitosart.gr
Nantoe Kaipoy
A vibrant shop specializing in hand-printed cotton and linen textiles. From cushion covers and bags to large framed or foldable fabric wall hangings, each piece at Nantoe Kaipoy combines traditional patterns with modern flair—perfect for packing and gifting.
O Armenis
Since 1912, this family workshop has carried on the revered art of the Cretan knife. Using materials such as bone, horn, olivewood, and natural bush wood, each blade is heated in a furnace, forged, and hardened by hand, resulting in a functional work of art meant from O Armenis that will last generations.
Kortsidakis Leather
Founded in the late 19th century, this four-generation family business is renowned for quality leather craftsmanship. Korsidakis Leather offerings include shoes, boots, purses, bags, and travel goods, all reflecting time-honored techniques and durable design.
Michalis Laventzakis Ceramics Established in 1980, Michalis Laventzakis’ workshop is among Crete’s finest ceramic studios. Inspired by Greek folk art, each piece is handmade using traditional techniques, with vibrant colors and forms ranging from dishes and mugs to vases, lamps, and jars.
Diavoos
A specialty herbal shop offering a rich selection of fresh and dried herbs, florals, and spices traditionally used for wellness, cooking, and natural remedies.
The Grocery Store
A charming local grocer celebrating Greece’s culinary heritage. The Grocery Store’s close relationships with farmers and artisans ensure exceptional olive oils, honeys, liqueurs, and spirits—perfect for tasting and taking home.
Verekinthos Artisan Village Also Beckons
Just minutes from Old Town, Verekinthos Artisan Village is well worth a visit for travelers with extra time. Home to 15 workshops, this creative hub promotes and preserves traditional Cretan arts, including ceramics, silver and goldsmithing, sculpture, glassmaking, leatherwork, textiles, woodworking, painting, and traditional musical instruments.
Classes and hands-on workshops are offered throughout the year and can often be customized. Visitors should note that most studios operate from 9:00 am–2:00 pm, reopen 5:30 pm–9:00 pm, and are typically closed on Sundays.
Chania’s Artful Life
Chania is the kind of port where craftsmanship is woven seamlessly into daily life. Every textile, blade, honey jar, and sandal tells a story of Cretan resilience, creativity, and deep-rooted pride.
For travelers who value meaningful souvenirs and the chance to support local artisans, Chania is a true Mediterranean standout. Come ready to wander, taste, touch, and discover. Chania’s makers are waiting to welcome you.
Love the artisan items featured here but can’t make the trip? Visit our SHOP page to discover similar Things handcrafted by artisans – delivered straight to your door!
Also, visit our SHOP page to discover workshops, tours, and classes that turn global travel into a hands-on, unforgettable experience!
Next - Sail on, aboard the Sun Princess to Istanbul, Turkey, where East meets West - from ancient art inspirations to modern design.
Till then, keep cruisin’ through life, discovering your own special Things!
CHEERS!
