The Akrotiri Peninsula juts northeast from Hania into the Sea of Crete, enclosing the bay on which the city sits. It is a rocky, low-lying tongue of land with several good beaches, three historic monasteries, and some excellent fish tavernas — close enough to make an easy half-day or full-day escape from the old town. Hania's airport sits out here too, which can make approaching the peninsula by road slightly confusing the first time.
The beaches are the most obvious draw. Stavros, on the northern tip, is particularly fine: a near-circular cove of calm, clear water beneath a dramatic bare mountain that film buffs will recognise as the backdrop to the final scene of Zorba the Greek. Other coves around the peninsula stay quieter, and the fish restaurants near the water are some of the best around Hania.
The peninsula's three monasteries are its quieter highlight. The most impressive is Moni Gouverneto, founded in the 16th century on a remote stretch of coast, with a Catholic-influenced Venetian facade that looks incongruous on an Orthodox church. Below Gouverneto, a marked path descends to the abandoned medieval Moni Katholiko — possibly the oldest monastery in Crete — carved into a cave above a dry gorge. The walk from Gouverneto down to Katholiko and back takes about two hours over rocky ground; bring water and proper shoes.
Akrotiri is also where you'll find the tomb of Eleftherios Venizelos, the Cretan-born Greek statesman, on a hilltop with a sweeping view back over Hania and its harbour — a popular spot at sunset. The whole peninsula is easily reached by car or local bus from the city in well under half an hour.