From the port of Souda to the Venetian harbor of Chania and its surrounding fabulous beaches

The Souda port is of great strategic importance in terms of commerce and geopolitics in the Mediterranean. However, that is none of your business as a cruise traveler. What matters is how you are going to get the most out of Chania, the second largest city of Crete and one of the top tourist destinations in Greece.

Latest uprisings in North Africa have put Chania on the cruise map and locals intend to keep this touristic flow as long as they can. So, don’t be surprised if you are welcomed there by the mayor or businessmen of the region. 

Getting from the Souda Port to the Old Town of Chania

What you really need if you intend to get ashore by your own is a quick way to get to the Old Town of Chania where all the action and fun is. There are two ways for independent visitors to do this. First, you can hop on a bus (number 13) leaving from the port with destination ''Old Town'' and get off at the stop “Agora”. It runs every 20 minutes and gets you to the town in no more than 20-25 minutes. Bear in mind that the prefecture of Chania may have arranged continuous buses to and from the town in order to better address the super flow of tourists getting out of those huge ships.

There will also be plenty of taxis that can get you to the Old Town quicker with only 10 euros. So, if you are in groups of 3-4 people that will be a convenient choice. 

The Old harbor of Chania

Of course, it is probable that you are well prepared about what you are going to meet in the Old Town. A picturesque Venetian harbor, arched doorways, narrow streets with souvenir shops and value shopping opportunities, great sea-side cafes and traditional Cretan cuisine.

Kalamaki beach

You can spend there your whole day or, in case you have more than 7 hours ashore, you can split your time between the Old Town and a beautiful beach nearby. Kalamaki beach (sandy) is a fine option due to its proximity to Chania and its good bus connection to the city. Buses to Kalamaki run every 40 minutes departing from 1866 Square. It will take you around 15 minutes to get there. Be sure to check timetables before leaving in order to arrange your return trip to the city and then to the cruise port.

Getting from the Souda Port directly to Kalamaki beach

People who ‘d like to get to Kalamaki directly from the cruise port skipping the Old Town may get off the bus (number 13) at “Agora” and then walk for 6-7 minutes towards 1866 Square to get the other bus to Kalamaki (number 21).

Of course, a taxi directly from Souda to Kalamaki beach will cost your 15-20 euros, saving you some precious time.

Shore excursions

''Royal Carribean'' has some interesting shore excursions to offer taking advantage of the beautiful scenery and traditional costumes of the region.

“Kournas, Arkadi Monastery & Rethymnon”, “Monastery Chrisopigi & Archeological Museum of Chania”, “Real Crete”, “Taste of Crete” are all very interesting packages, giving you a unique sight of the Cretan land, its rich history and its people.

“Chania on your own” and “Agioi Apostoli” beach are also offered in order to save you from the trouble of finding the way to the city on your own. As in most of cruise destinations, saving you from that trouble will cost you more than arranging your transportation yourself.