Online Greek Lessons for Expats in Chania (Hania), Crete

Do you live in Chania, Crete and are you thinking about improving your Greek without committing to an intensive daily course?

Chania Chats – our online Greek lessons for people based in Hania (Chania) are designed for expats, retirees, and digital nomads who want steady progress with a practical schedule.

Instead of several hours a day, we offer short, regular online lessons in small groups of 2–3 people, focused on real, everyday communication and confidence.

Who These Online Classes in Chania Are For

  • Expats living in Chania, Crete
  • Digital nomads based in Hania
  • Long-term visitors who want structure without pressure
  • People who prefer online lessons with a local Chania community feel

I’ve been trying to learn Greek for about 3 years. I think I know about 15-20 words and can string together ‘Geai sou, ola kala’ and then the conversation ends. Why? Because I’m lazy. I’ve even tried tactics like getting ChatGPT to write a Greek phrase to me every time it answers my question…but it’s not working and I know it won’t work unless I pay something. Then I will actually commit.

Many language schools in Chania focus on intensive, time-heavy and expensive courses.

Our approach is different: consistent, affordable, and realistic for life in Crete.

CAE Cambridge(Me chilling on the sofa)

How the Group Lessons Work

All lessons are online, but they are aimed specifically at people living around Chania (Hania), Crete, so the topics, examples, and pace suit long-term residents rather than short-term tourists.

  • Groups of 2 or 3 students
  • 40-minute lessons
  • 1–2 times per week
  • Regular, fixed schedule
  • Speaking, listening, grammar, and vocabulary

The focus is on the types of conversation you may encounter in daily life: at the supermarket, at a restaurant etc.

We aim to build your confidence with true slow but steady improvement, Chania style – siga-siga 😉

The benefit of these smaller classes is that they are flexible and can focus on any specific needs you have…just ask the teacher 🙂

Why Learn Online While Living in Chania?

  • No travel time
  • No parking stress
  • Punctual teachers – I’ve tried to impart my British ways
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Small, focused groups
  • Learn at home – practice in town

Why not private lessons?

When you do 1-1 conversation lessons, a teacher has to listen to the meaning of what you’re saying in order to hold a conversation, but they also have to listen to whether you are making mistakes, pronouncing words correctly etc. This is not easy and you can actually get better feedback when a teacher is primarily focussed on the language while you stumble through your ‘kalisperas’ and ‘pos eisais’ with your fellow student(s).

Another student provides you with someone to practise with outside lessons…this is incredibly valuable and where you will accomplish the most. While our lessons are based online, your fellow students live locally, so you can meet up outside of lessons to practise what you’ve learned that week, or complete homework exercises together! You can improve and grow your confidence with your new friend and classmate in lessons and in the real world. I know when I see my non-Greek friends attempting to order something in Greek, it encourages me to do the same.

In my personal life, I prefer chilling with one or two other people because I’m a bit shy and can have better interactions that way. These small group lessons are are really nice way to do that. Who knows, you might even meet the next love of your life 😏

Why 40-minutes?

If you’re anything like me, you say a Greek word 100 times and then forget it 5 minutes later. 60-minute lessons are simply too much for beginners. If you are not a beginner, you can let us know in the Chania Chats signup form.

If you have a specific need or you would prefer to have private or offline (real face to face) classes, you can also write that information in the Chania Chats signup form.

Prices and Packages for Chania Residents

At the start, we keep things simple and affordable:

  • €10 per 40-minute lesson (this is an early bird discount for the first 10 students who join)
  • Minimum package: 10 lessons (€100)
  • Typical schedule: 2 lessons per week for 5 weeks

This gives you structure while allowing enough time to practice in your daily life between lessons.

What You’ll Study

  • Speaking practice
  • Listening skills
  • Grammar for real use
  • Everyday vocabulary
  • Error correction and feedback
  • Topics relevant to expat life in Chania

About the Project

This project is organised by me (Rory – you might have met me on one of our beautiful beaches or walking trails).

(Me chilling in the hammock)

I’ve been a language teacher since 2013 and a student of languages my entire life. I’ve worked with several international language-teaching companies and my experience has made it very clear what students actually need: clear structure, regular practice, supportive teachers and realistic progress.

While I do not teach Greek myself, I handpick local Greek teachers in Chania and help organise small online groups that suit the lifestyle of expats and long-term residents.

I know how to deliver impactful language lessons whether I’m the teacher or the organiser.

I will be available throughout your student journey 😉 so you can get in touch with any queries or problems you have. You and I will also have a 10-minute intro and outro chat at the beginning and end of each course.

Oh, by the way…I will also be taking Greek lessons and I intend to make videos of these for you all to laugh at!

Supporting the Local Community

The idea of these classes is also to give something back to the local community where we live.

Not only does it show support that we are trying to learn Greek (not the easiest of languages), but as living costs in Crete rise due to tourism, digital nomads, and expat demand, this project also helps local teachers keep pace and continue to live in the town they so kindly share with us.

I want to help locals (not just wealthy landlords) and residents like you and I by offering fair prices for high-quality lessons.

(Me chilling on a street)

How to Join an Online Group in Chania

  1. Complete the Chania Chats signup form
  2. I will contact you with course details (teacher, students, lesson times, payment etc.)
  3. Start your first package

Start Your Online Lessons in Chania

If you’re based in Chania (Hania), Crete and looking for relaxed, affordable online group lessons with other residents, Chania Chats is a flexible way to improve without pressure!