Our Story

The Art of simplicity and refined hospitality.

Simple Staying

Welcome to Copal, a hotel located in the heart of the old town of Chania, inside the Old Venetian Port. A place to relax, explore and experience Cretan culture. Our desire is to ensure a unique hospitality experience for our guests.

2024

The creation

With great awareness and love, we fully renovated a former Embassy building dating back to the 19th century. Over time, the building had undergone various interventions, resulting in only a few original elements being preserved. One of its facades features elements of modern architecture, somewhat contrasting with the historic surroundings of the area, while the other façade has a different character, showcasing fragments from different periods — including features of Greek vernacular architecture from the 18th–19th centuries and Neo-Classical Turkish architecture from the same era. Externally, three balconies remain, adorned with marble corbels and intricate iron railings.

 

Our design approach focuses on highlighting the building’s historical layers while integrating modern elements, such as the new metal staircase with perforated steel panels, creating a striking contrast between the old and the new. Our rooms are decorated with earthy materials and tones — wood, terracotta tiles, soft pink plaster, and dark accents — offering an elegant and refined contrast to the breezy atmosphere of the Old Town. Each piece of furniture was custom-designed specifically for this project, maximizing space while providing functionality, comfort, and a cohesive aesthetic throughout the rooms.

The Area

Copal enjoys a privileged location within the Old Venetian Harbor, just 100 meters from the famous Egyptian Lighthouse and the Mosque of Kioutsouk Hassan — a setting that becomes even more fascinating when you learn about the rich heritage left behind by the Arabs, Venetians, and Ottomans who once ruled Crete. Topanas District, the Venetian Arsenals (Shipyards), Athinagora Square, Splantzia Square, Firkas Fortress, and the Jewish Quarter are all within a 10-minute walk from the hotel. The Old Town of Chania, with its multicultural influences, traditional tavernas, contemporary restaurants, charming cafés, and atmospheric bars, beautifully encapsulates the entire history and charm of Crete. We invite you to discover the architecture, gastronomy, and rich cultural heritage of the city. Beyond its enchanting beaches, dramatic gorges, tranquil lakes, and traditional villages spread across every corner of Crete, it is well worth dedicating part of your holidays to exploring Chania and its historic Old Town.