Chania is arguably the most beautiful and most dog-friendly city in Greece: a walkable Venetian Old Town, year-round mild climate, the Egyptian Lighthouse walk, and gateway access to Falassarna, Elafonissi and Balos. Main constraints are summer heat (32 °C in July) and the absence of a permanent 24h vet hospital.
April–June and September–October are ideal: 18–26 °C, dry, sea at swimmable temperature, dog-tolerant beaches less crowded. Avoid July–August (28–32 °C, peak crowds, Elafonissi packed) and December–January (rainy, some tavernas seasonally closed).
The two Crete-postcard beaches are both reachable with a dog but require planning: Elafonissi (75 km SW) needs leash on the wet sand only (NATURA 2000 dunes are forbidden); Balos (55 km NW) is easiest via the Kissamos cruise (dogs free on open deck). Bring 2 litres of water per dog, neither beach has fresh water.
Greece uses the euro. Chania is mid-priced among Greek cities (slightly above Heraklion): meal 16–28 EUR, taverna mezedes 4–9 EUR/plate, mid-range pet-friendly hotel 90–160 EUR/night, taxi airport to centre 35 EUR fixed fare.