Souda/Chania

Souda port, is the main sea gateway of cruise destination Chania and also for western Crete. Located 7km away from the town of Chania, it lies along the north-western coast of the island of Crete in Greece. Cruise ships are welcome and may safely berth during the whole year, with no berth allocation problems. Souda port, considered as the safest port in Mediterranean Sea, is perfectly located with close access to the most popular ports of the area, Aegean Sea, Ionian Sea, Italy, Turkey, Middle East, North Africa.

Currently under progression is a new passenger terminal of 2,000sq mtr, and a pier extension, in order to provide berth accommodation for at least 4 mid and mega vessels at the same time. During 2016, 148,000 cruise passengers visited the area of Chania on 86 calls by 14 different cruise lines. In 2017, more than 127,000 cruise passengers on 84 calls by 17 different cruise lines called at the port.

The town of Chania is a crossroad of religion and civilisation, offering fascinating historical & natural destinations.

The old town is an integral settlement with visible boundaries set by the walls surrounding it. It is possible for passengers with all levels of needs to visit Samaria Gorge and catering for those needs is foremost, in order to provide a unique opportunity for all to see Europe’s greatest visible gorge. For beach lovers Elafonisi, Balos and Falasarna are awarded among the best beaches in the world.

Destination Information

Must see tourist attractions

Old town and old port of Chania

Local indoor market

Ancient Aptera

Various beaches and villages

Archaeological Museum, Maritime Museum, Castles, etc

Regarding shore excursions, Chania can offer to the passengers all possibilities and fulfill all requests. Excursions to Museums (Archeological Museum and Maritime Museum), Archaeological sites (Ancient hellenic city of Aptera), Monasteries (Monastery of Ag. Triada), Natura – Botanical Parks, Traditional Cretan villages or even a city tour and a guided walk through the narrow streets of the Old Harbour.

Tourist attractions

Old Harbor, Maritime Museum of Crete, Botanic Parks & Gardens of Crete, The Monasteries of Akrotiri Peninsula, Balo, Gramvousa Peninsula, Elafonissi, Samaria Gorge,

Tourist Information

Local Population	159,089
Time (GMT+/-):	+3
First language:	Greek
Second language:	English
Currency:	Euro
Banking hours (morning):	From 08:00 to 14:00
Banking hours (afternoon):
Credit cards:	Yes
Accepts Travellers Cheques:	No
Shopping hours (morning):	From 09:00 a.m to 13:30 p.m (Monday to Saturday)
Shopping hours (afternoon):	From 18:00 p.m to 21:00 p.m (Tuesday, Thursday and Friday)
Public holidays:	Jan 01, Jan 06, March 25, May 01, Apr 08, Apr 16, Apr 28, Aug 15, Oct 28, Dec 25, Dec 26
Shops are open on Saturdays:	Yes
Shops are open on Sundays:	No

Year	Total Pax	Total Calls
2019	265.956	132
2018	139.944	78
2017	128.067	84
2016	147.915	86
2015	96.612	59
2014	33.304	38
2013	124.205	47
2012	129.087	54
2011	158.118	72
2010	11.509	21