Explore Crete island

Souda - Crete, GREECE

Situated 7 kilometers far from Chania, at the Southeast, Souda is a pretty populated town with 6385 permanent residents. It is built at the southern part of the homonymous bay, which is considered as one of the bigger and safer ports of the Mediterranean, as it is very well protected by almost all the winds. Due to this geographical originality it has always been a strategic point and was used as a military port by all the conquerors of the island, but also by the Greek state and its allies. The military areas are clearly signaled and access is restricted and photographs not allowed. There are several spots worth seeing at the Souda area. One of the most impressive buildings is the Fortress of Itzedin, some 9 kilometers eastern to the town, by the village Kalami.

The first buildings date back to 1646. It has taken its actual shape after the revolt of the Cretans against the Ottoman domination in 1866, when the fortifications have been extended for extra protection. It is worth visiting the islets of Souda and Leon, just opposite to the beach of Loutraki, at the mouth of the bay. On Souda you may visit the relics of the Venetian fortifications and the tiny church of Aghios Nikolaos. On Leon, you will admire the overgrown landscape. some 4 kilometers at the east it is found the Cemetery of the Commonwealth, for the soldiers and officers of the nations of the Commonwealth who lost their lives on Crete island during the World War II..  Approximately 10 kilometers far from Souda at the Southeast, by the village Megala Chorafia it is found the archaeological site of Aptera. Aptera was an active city-state since the Geometric period (8 th century b.C).

Due to its location it controlled exchanges and commercial activities. The ruins are dated in all periods up to the Roman era, as the cisterns of the Roman period, the “two-part” sanctuary of the 5 th-4 th century, the tombs of Geometric times, etc, as well as buildings of the Byzantine period. At the northern side of the archaeological site you will see an impressive fortress built by the Ottomans to enforce the defensive capacities of the nearby Itzedin. Some events and happenings take place during the Carnival in February and March. A series of cultural activities take place in June during the Nautical week. Hotels, studios and rooms to let are available for lodging at the area of Souda, as well as taverns and cafes for food and drink and some bars for amusement. Access is possible by public bus with very frequent service from early morning to late evening, taxi from Chania, as well as by private and rented car and motorbikes. ouda is the port of Chania and it is here that arrive the ferryboats from Piraeu.