Making the most of Soudha Crete
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Ships dock in the town center, where an information booth at the dock provides maps and more.
Souda, 6km from Chania, is a typical port area with a very beautiful bay and surrounding landscape. Nearby are the Allied World War II cemetery and Souda Bay, one of the Mediterranean's most strategically important NATO anchorages.
One of the Mediterranean's most strategically important NATO anchorages, Souda Bay is an inlet 15km long and up to 16km wide, making it the Mediterranean's largest harbor. Although protected from all winds, it can be deceiving: severe weather outside is often unknown inside. Heavy German aerial bombardment sank many British ships here during World War II.
Getting around
The Souda-to-Chania Central bus stop is about 50 meters from the port. With cruise ships in port, buses run every 5 minutes. The Souda - Chania fare is 1.50 € and the journey lasts about 15 minutes.
Between Akrotiri and Kalives at Souda bay's mouth lies a group of small islands with Venetian fortifications.
Souda Island, the largest of these, gives the bay its name. Souda Bay is now a popular tourist destination, although the naval base means there are no real public beaches.
Megala Chorafia and Kalives offer fine bay views, while house-building, especially for foreigners and tourist companies, spreads along the bay.
Nearby places
Chania old town centres on its old harbor, behind which sit narrow alleyways and shuttered houses. Buildings date to the 17thcentury, when the Venice Republic bought Crete and developed Chania as amajor shipbuilding and trading center. Walk cobbled streets for ornate churches, quiet squares, bubbling fountains and boutique shops.
Food and shopping
From the market where the bus drops you, Chania harbor area is an easy walk.
Money
Currency: Euro.
Opening Hours and
Public Services open Monday to Friday, 8.00am – 2.00pm. Retail Stores & Specialty Shops operate Monday to Friday, 9am – 1.30pm then 5pm – 9pm, and Saturdays 9am – 2pm. Supermarkets open Monday to Friday, 9am – 9pm, and Saturdays, 9am – 6pm. Tourist Shops and Convenience Stores normally have no official hours, staying open from dawn until well after midnight in summer.