Soúda, Crete

Greece

Explore the stunning Samaria Gorge, one of Europe's most breathtaking hiking trails through dramatic limestone cliffs and pristine Mediterranean landscapes.

💱 Currency Euro (EUR)

🗣 Language Greek

🕐 Time Zone EET (UTC+2)

☀️ Best Time to Visit May–Oct

🚢 Typical Duration 7-9 nights

💰 Price Range $624.50–$11,300 per person

⚓ Port Type Port of Call

🚤 Tender Port Yes

Gateway to Crete's rich history and stunning Mediterranean landscapes, offering access to ancient Minoan ruins and pristine Greek island beaches.

Build Your Day in Soúda, Crete

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 5:00 PM

Usually about 9 hours ashore

My ship arrives around: Getting around:

Old Venetian Port of Chania Some fab photo opportunities, as well as a Maritime Museum. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 40k

Port of Souda Lots of pixels about! Ferry service · ★ 4.3 · 8k

TAMAM RESTAURANT CHANIA Amazing food, very knowledgeable waitstaff. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 6k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM

Venizelos Graves Fabulous view of the city, with a nice green space to walk around. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 3k

Archaeological Site of Aptera | Αρχαιολογικός χώρος Απτέρας Can take a couple of hours to fully explore. Historical landmark · ★ 4.6 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM

Sinagogi coctail bar Yummy signature cocktails, cool crowd, very friendly staff. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.6 · 2k 🕐 Closes soon · 4 AM

Souda beach Definitely worth! Beach · ★ 4.6 · 2k

Maritime Museum of Crete Great interactive exhibits and some great views of the harbour Maritime museum · ★ 4.5 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM

Fourogatos Food was excellent The atmosphere was amazing The service was fantastic Greek · ★ 4.9 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12:30 PM

Κάπαρη - Ελληνική Κουζίνα | Kapari - Greek Restaurant Pappardelle w beef was amazing, best tzatziki I’ve ever had by far. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11:30 AM

Astrea Garden Food was amazing, service was on point and the atmosphere was very unique. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM

Mandas Amazing quality food The waitress was very kind and friendly Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 1 PM

Psarokaiko Chania Great atmosphere, attentive staff and quality, well curated small menu. Fish restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 1 PM

Don Rosario Restaurant Good rose wine, delicious gnocchi and beautifully steamed mussels. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 4 PM

Mega Place S.A. There's lots to do outside and the views are amazing. Amusement center · ★ 4.2 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM

Ενετικό φρούριο Φιρκά | Firka Venetian Fortress Amazing due to its age, and pretty well curated. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM

SYN.KA Supermarket Has EVERYTHING you need and also multiple brands of every item. Supermarket · ★ 4.4 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM

SKLAVENITIS Very organised, well-equipped and has great variety of products! Supermarket · ★ 4.5 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM

Coffee shop I recommend from bottom of my heart! Cafe · ★ 4.6 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 6 AM

Melodica cocktail-bar Creative and delicious cocktails, good music, excellent outdoor space. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.9 · 1k

Βoulevard of broken dreams Very good atmosphere, friendly waiter, excellent music and great cocktails. Bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM

Μεζεδοπωλείο "Πλατεία"/Platia Brunch Resto Cafe The owners were so warm and welcoming, and the food was so delicious. Small Plates · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM

Lime Sips & Bites Great atmosphere, fantastic service, and one-of-a-kind drinks. Cocktail bar · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 4 PM

Anassa Bar & Bistro - very friendly staff - very special good cocktails - nice view on the bay Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM

Shanghai Shopping Good selection of items at good prices Shopping mall · ★ 3.9 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM

Square El. Venizelos Very nice place🤟 Park · ★ 4.2 · 0k

The Botanist Brunch Rooms Staff are awesome, friendly & engaging, and the cocktails are excellent. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM

Arkoudospilio Cave Fun but a little creepy(we went a like later then expected). Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k

ΤΟ ΑΛΩΝΑΚΙ / TO ALONAKI Really good food, 5 star service, well worth going to. Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11:30 AM

DRAKOS Hardware Store very well supplied store, employees very helpful Hardware store · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7:30 AM

Souda Bay Commonwealth Cemetery We have much to thank them for, worth the visit alone to do just that! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.9 · 0k

Oniros Residences The room was spacious and there was a lot of attention to details. Hotel · ★ 4.9 · 0k

Vazaki Reloaded Tiny, groovy local bar with dancy DJ sets and a perfect vibe. Bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11:59 PM

The Souda Shelter Project/ KYNonia The even have their own play isle. Pet adoption service · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM

Oniros Lounge Resto Cozy and chic atmosphere, delicious food and very polite staff !!! Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7 AM

The van bar Great service, great drinks, great music, great vibes. Grill · ★ 4.8 · 0k

entos Very new very clean very polite sellers.. Furniture store · ★ 4.2 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM

Da Vinci Bar Club Friendly, great staff, great cocktails . Bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM

M/Μ ΛΟΥΓΙΑΚΗΣ Same-day delivery·Credit cards Grocery store · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Open 24 hours

Opera Chania Bar · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7 AM

Souda Small islet in an eponymous bay Island · ★ 4.5 · 0k

LA STRADA 1 the biggest variety of suitcases a have ever seen Shopping mall · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10:30 AM

Órmos Soúdas Awesome view, lucky everyone stays there!!! Bay · ★ 4.5 · 0k

Chania Activities Highly recommend this fun and engaging cooking class Tour agency · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7 AM

ORRIS Beauty Shop Souda The girls were very helpful. Cosmetics store · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM

Crique de Soudas See photo with red line for details. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k

Moronis Reserve and Souda Bay Worth half an hour if you are a keen birder. Bird watching area · ★ 4 · 0k

HOMAIS Store · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Soúda, Crete

About Soúda, Crete

Soúda, nestled on the northern coast of Crete, has emerged as a vibrant Mediterranean cruise destination served by four major cruise lines including Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Silversea, and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. With 61 upcoming cruises and a strong focus as a port of call, Soúda attracts cruise passengers year-round, with peak activity during the summer and early fall months. Most itineraries feature seven-night voyages that connect Crete to other Mediterranean highlights like Santorini, Mykonos, and ports in Italy and Turkey, making it an ideal hub for exploring the Greek islands and beyond.

Once ashore, you'll discover why Crete captivates visitors with its blend of history and natural beauty. The nearby Venetian harbor town of Chania offers charming waterfront tavernas and narrow streets steeped in centuries of culture, while the island's dramatic mountain landscapes and pristine beaches provide the perfect backdrop for exploration. Whether you're seeking authentic Greek experiences or simply want to soak in Mediterranean sunshine during your port day, Soúda delivers an authentic Cretan experience that complements any Eastern Mediterranean cruise itinerary.

Ancient Minoan Ruins at Knossos

Explore Europe's oldest civilization at the legendary Palace of Knossos, just 30 minutes from port. This sprawling Bronze Age complex reveals stunning frescoes, grand staircases, and mysterious chambers that transport you back 4,000 years. Marvel at the intricate architecture and learn about the sophisticated Minoan culture that thrived on Crete.

Fresh Cretan Cuisine & Local Tavernas

Savor authentic Cretan dishes at waterfront tavernas near Soúda Bay, where olive oil, feta cheese, and fresh seafood define every meal. Try traditional specialties like dakos (barley rusks) and grilled octopus while enjoying stunning harbor views. The local wine pairs perfectly with the island's renowned Mediterranean flavors.

Dramatic Samaria Gorge Hiking

Trek through one of Europe's most spectacular natural canyons, featuring towering limestone cliffs and pristine mountain streams. The Samaria Gorge offers breathtaking scenery and rewarding hikes ranging from moderate to challenging. Experienced guides lead excursions that showcase Crete's untamed wilderness and diverse flora.

Vibrant Chania Old Town Markets

Wander the charming Venetian harbor district of Chania, browsing traditional markets overflowing with local crafts, textiles, and souvenirs. Narrow cobblestone streets reveal family-run shops selling handmade pottery, olive wood carvings, and authentic Greek goods. The picturesque waterfront is perfect for photos and leisurely exploration.

War History at Cretan Battlefields

Visit significant World War II sites and museums documenting Crete's heroic resistance and the famous Battle of Crete. Local guides share compelling stories of courage and sacrifice at preserved monuments and informative exhibits. This poignant experience reveals the island's profound historical significance during Europe's darkest chapter.