AINO'S CHANIA · INTERACTIVE GUIDE & COMMUNITY
Discover Chania as my guest.
I grew up in Chania, and I've spent years introducing family and friends to its food, culture and everyday life.
As a Greek-Finnish chef, I know a thing or two about good food and hospitality!
Now I've brought my knowledge and personal perspective together in a curated, evolving guide with an interactive map, stories and a community.
For curious travellers who want to experience more than the usual tourist highlights.
Let me show you around.
ELA! Come!
❤️ Discover my recommendations
Places to eat, drink, shop and explore — personally selected, not another top-10 list.
❤️ Find what suits you
Browse the interactive map by area or interest, whether you're planning ahead or already in Chania.
❤️ Off you go!
Open places in Google Maps for directions, opening hours and practical details.
More than a map. Here's what's included.
What started as pins on a map has grown into a place to discover, share and get to know Chania beyond individual recommendations.
❤️ The Map
My recommendations, with a personal touch
Places and experiences I've personally selected, with my notes on what to order, what to try and what makes them worth visiting.
🍷 Parea
Our Community
Because good company makes everything better.
Travelling solo and fancy sharing a table? Looking for advice or have something to recommend yourself? Parea is where you can ask, share experiences and connect with others who love Crete.
📖 Exclusive Blog Posts & Content
Connecting the dots beyond the map.
What could a great day in Chania look like? Where might a road trip take you beyond the busy north coast? Here I'll bring recommendations together into itineraries linked to the map, answer common questions and share more about local food, traditions, everyday life and what's happening in Chania.
Who is Aino's Chania for?
Chania is a place that can steal your heart with its beauty and energy. And while it can feel like paradise when you're visiting, I know that living there is another story.
It's more than a sun-and-beach holiday destination. It's a place where people live, work and struggle, with its own culture, traditions and challenges.
So why am I creating a guide when I'm also concerned about the impact of tourism?
Because I believe the beauty of a place lies in all its sides, not just a romanticised version of it. The contrasts are what give life its salt and pepper.
This guide is my invitation to look beyond the trending Instagram spots and get to know Chania a little deeper.
The Open-Minded Traveller
You're interested in local food, culture and getting to know the local life.
You want to experience a place, not just consume it.
Adventurous by nature or need a little nudge?
I'll introduce you to dishes & places you might otherwise miss, explain what makes them special and where I'd go to try them.
The Independent Explorer
You love making your own discoveries, whether travelling solo or with friends.
I've done the digging and filtered out the noise, so you can explore my handpicked places and choose whatever catches your interest.
And if you're travelling solo but fancy some company, you might just find a fellow explorer in Parea.
The Crete Regular
You're one of those who's heart is taken by Crete forever.
Visited perhaps many times, but you know there's still plenty you haven't experienced.
You can't wait to get back.
I'll keep adding new places and stories for your next visit.
And if your friends are tired of hearing about your Crete obsession, you'll find your people in Parea, our private community.
Who it's not for
The Instagram Trend-Hunter
Let's face it, we all take photos and want to share our experiences. But there's a difference between collecting memories and letting your holiday be spoiled because you didn't get the same photo as everyone else.
Here you will find photographable stuff just maybe not what everyone esle has.
The Fly-and-Flop Holidaymaker
With the pace of modern life, who doesn't fantasize of lying on a sunbed, doing absolutely nothing .
But if your ideal holiday is spent by the pool eating burgers and fries, and the biggest adventure you're after is finding the cheapest good moussaka nearby, this guide probably isn't for you.
The Checklist Traveller
You've time-blocked your entire holiday and might have a meltdown if you don't make it to all five must-see beaches.
I'll tell you about those too, but also why you might want to skip them and where to go instead.
Sometimes the best local tip is knowing what not to do.
Meet your host
Aino Mavrigiannakis
Greek-Finnish Chef, Food Creative & Curator
Yasu!
I'm Aino, on a mission to give Greek food culture the spotlight it deserves.
Growing up between cultures made me appreciate food and traditions as ways of connecting with people and places, especially when you find yourself far away from them.
As a kid growing up in Chania, I was basically doing child labour as the family's tour guide, translator and bridge between cultures. Apparently, I never quite retired from that job.
I've always been the one searching for the not-so-obvious great places to eat. And the funny thing is, even though I'm the one who moved away, my Greek friends who still live in Greece keep asking me where to go!
Now I get countless messages asking for recommendations from the Greek food and travel community I've built in Finland.
Since I can't personally host each and every one of you, I thought I'd collect the recommendations I'd give if you were visiting me.
It started as a few pins on a map, but I wanted to bring some of that hospitality into it too. So there's also Parea, a place for us to share discoveries and connect, and articles where I can get into the stories and details that don't fit on a map.
Think of it as having me in your pocket.
Ela, pame!
Aino’s Chania – Pre sale
25
Join Aino's Chania as a founding member. Your one-time purchase includes the interactive Chania map, the private Parea community and members-only blog posts. Parea access begins after purchase
Interactive Chania map — first release Friday 30 October, 30+ recommendations
Parea private community — founding member access now
Aino's personal handpicked recommendations
Food, drinks, shopping & experiences
Members-only blog posts, new places and updates
FAQs
What exactly do I get?
Access to three things: my interactive Chania map with handpicked recommendations, Parea (our private community), and members-only blog posts with local tips, stories and insights. I'll keep updating the map and adding new recommendations as the guide grows.
Is this a subscription?
No! It's a one-time payment, with no recurring fees. Your purchase includes ongoing access to the map, Parea and members-only blog posts. Additional premium products or services I might introduce in the future would be offered separately.
How do I access everything?
Through the Ataraxia Life website or the Wix Spaces app, on your phone or computer. You'll receive instructions after purchasing.
What if I'm travelling next year?
Even better! You can join at the early price, be part of the community as it grows, and have the guide ready when your trip comes around.
Can I ask you questions about my trip?
Of course! Just don't expect me to be your personal travel planner. Parea is for sharing discoveries, asking questions and connecting, and I'll join discussions when I can or create blog posts about commonly asked questions.
Personalised travel planning, private tours and group experiences are available separately.
Can I use the map while travelling?
Absolutely. Browse recommendations by area or interest on your phone through wix spaces and your membership. Open Google Maps for directions, opening hours and other practical details.