Chania Cruise Ship Port Guide

How to get to the port, by air, train, road

Getting to Souda Port is straightforward with several travel choices.

If you’re flying in, head to Chania International Airport (CHQ), which sits 15km from the port. From there, grab a taxi or book a shuttle – it’s about 20 minutes to Souda.

Don’t look for trains – Crete doesn’t have any railways. But you can easily drive to the port from anywhere on the island.

Coming from Chania town centre? Just follow the signs to Souda along the main coastal road (E75) – it’s a quick 7km trip.

If you prefer public transport, KTEL buses run between Chania’s central bus station and Souda Port every half hour during busy months.

Port Parking Options

Looking to park your car at Souda Port? There’s plenty of room for both short and long stays at the cruise terminal.

The main car park has 200 spaces right opposite the passenger terminal – really handy if you’re going on a cruise.

Take your pick between covered and open-air spots. You’ll pay £10 per day for open-air and £15 for covered parking. It’s worth booking ahead on the port’s website to save your spot, particularly in busy times.

If you need to park for longer, weekly rates begin at £50 for open-air spaces.

Need to quickly drop someone off? There’s a free 30-minute parking zone by the terminal entrance.

All parking areas are watched by security cameras and regular patrols run day and night to keep your car safe.

Local Transport & Transfers

Getting around from Souda Port to Chania and nearby spots is straightforward once you’ve sorted your parking.

City buses run every 30 minutes between the port and Chania centre, and you’ll pay about €2 for a ticket.

If you fancy a taxi, you’ll find them waiting outside the cruise terminal – they charge fixed rates, typically €25-30 to reach Chania’s Old Town.

Want more freedom? Book a private transfer ahead through local firms or your cruise company.

During busy months, you’ll find Avis and Hertz at the port, but it’s wise to book your car beforehand.

If you’re up for some exercise, you can walk along the waterfront to Chania – it takes roughly an hour and gives you lovely harbour views along the way.

Port Terminal Facilities

Souda Port’s terminal has everything you’ll need, even if it’s fairly basic.

The main building comes with decent loos, a help desk for tourists, and a little café. You can get on the Wi-Fi for free anywhere in the terminal, though it tends to go a bit slow when it’s busy.

You’ll see a proper seating section, cash machines, and a handful of shops selling bits and pieces from the area.

There’s a currency exchange spot, but you’re better off changing your money in Chania town for better rates.

Security-wise, they’ve got X-ray machines and metal detectors, plus a first aid room if anyone needs medical help.

While there’s no proper place to store your bags, you can sort something out through your ship’s excursion desk.

When the summer heat kicks in, you’ll be glad of the air-con in the building.

Things to Do Before Your Cruise in a Day

Pop into Chania’s Old Town – it’s only 15 minutes from Souda Port and brilliant for a pre-cruise wander.

The Venetian Harbour is a lovely spot to start, with its famous lighthouse and loads of waterfront places to eat proper Cretan food. The Municipal Market‘s worth a look too – you can grab some local spices, olive oil and honey to take home.

Have a stroll through the Jewish Quarter’s little lanes, where you’ll find lovely craft shops and boutiques.

If you’re keen on history, nip into the Maritime Museum to learn about Chania’s sea-faring past, or visit the Archaeological Museum in an old Venetian monastery.

Fancy a quick dip? Nea Chora Beach is just a 10-minute walk from the Old Town.

When it’s time to head back, just grab a taxi to Souda Port – dead simple.

Walks near the port

Nice walks can be found near Souda Port, perfect for stretching your legs before or after your ship comes in.

A lovely coastal path runs east from the port for about 2 kilometres along the bay, giving you good views of the naval base and fishing boats.

If you fancy a more town-like feel, wander west towards Chania – you’ll come across the friendly village of Souda with its local cafes and shops.

For those who want a bit more exercise, there’s a path up to the old Souda fortress on the island in the bay.

While the fortress itself is closed to visitors, the walk up gives you brilliant views of the harbour and mountains around it.

Another nice route takes you to Kalami beach, winding through olive groves and quiet neighbourhoods.

Dining and Shopping

While Souda Port doesn’t have many places to eat, you can find proper Greek tavernas about 10 minutes away on foot, where they serve lovely fresh seafood and local favourites.

Pop over to Souda village nearby for family-run restaurants serving traditional Cretan food that won’t break the bank.

Shopping at the port itself is quite limited, but hop in a 15-minute taxi to Chania’s Old Town and you’ll be sorted with loads of local goods and souvenirs.

• Market stalls with Cretan olive oil, honey and spices
• Leather shops with handmade sandals and bags
• Local craft shops selling jewellery and ceramics
• Street sellers with fresh fruits, nuts and traditional sweets

It’s worth trying to haggle at the market stalls, but shops tend to have fixed prices.

Accommodation near the port

Souda Port doesn’t have many places to stay right by the water, as it’s a bit far from central Chania.

You’ll spot a few small hotels and guesthouses in Souda town, mainly along the main road to the port.

You’ll find much better accommodation if you stay in Chania’s Old Town, only a 15-minute drive away.

The area is full of lovely boutique hotels in old Venetian buildings, modern flats, and welcoming bed & breakfasts.

Most people fancy staying near the Venetian Harbour or in the winding streets of the historic area.

If you need to catch an early cruise, the Sunny Bay Hotel or Marina Rooms might suit you – they’re both a short walk from the port terminal.

They’re simple but comfortable places to stay, and you can’t beat the location if you’re travelling by boat.

Tips for First-Time Cruisers from The Port

Heading to Souda Port for your first cruise? Get there three hours early – you’ll need time to sort out paperwork, go through security and drop off your bags.

The terminal’s got the basics covered, but it’s smart to be ready for a bit of waiting around.

Some handy bits to remember:

• Keep your cruise papers, passport and boarding pass in a small bag you can grab easily
• Pop on comfy shoes – there’s quite a walk between buildings and the ship
• Bring your own drinks and nibbles as there aren’t many food spots at the port
• Have some euros in your pocket for any last-minute bits or taxis

Don’t forget to stick the cruise line’s labels on your suitcases and keep anything valuable with you.

If you’re coming by car, book your parking spot ahead of time on the port’s website.

Customs & Immigration at The Port

Getting through customs and immigration at Souda Port is quite simple, but it’s best to be ready. Have your passport, cruise card and any needed visas handy. Greek officials usually move cruise passengers through rather quickly, particularly if you’re staying less than 24 hours.

You’ll go through passport control when you leave and come back to the ship. During busy periods, you might queue for 15-30 minutes.

If you’ve bought items worth more than €430, you’ll need to declare them. You’re allowed 1 litre of spirits or 2 litres of wine per person. For tobacco, you can bring 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars.

If you’re not from the EU, you’ll get an entry stamp in your passport. EU citizens can go through with their national ID cards.

Local Currency & Payment Options

Money in Chania is simple – Greece uses the euro (€).

You’ll spot lots of cash machines (ATMs) in the Old Town and by the port, and most work with international cards. Although many shops and restaurants take cards, it’s good to keep some cash on you, particularly for small buys, taxis, and the local markets.

• Big shops, hotels and larger restaurants usually take Visa and Mastercard
• Local markets, small tavernas and street sellers typically want cash or might only deal in cash
• Cash machines generally give better rates than currency exchange shops
• You’ll find ATMs with English options near where cruise ships dock

Give your bank a ring before you go to let them know you’ll be in Greece – this stops them from blocking your card whilst you’re away.

Emergency Contacts

Stay safe in Chania by keeping these important emergency numbers handy when you’re exploring the port:

• European Emergency Number: 112
• Police: 100
• Ambulance: 166
• Fire Department: 199
• Tourist Police: 28210-28646
• Chania General Hospital: 28210-22000
• Port Authority: 28210-98888

You can get help at the cruise terminal’s information desk, and your ship’s security office is always available while docked.

If you’re using a local SIM card, just dial the numbers as shown. For those using their home mobile service, remember to add +30 (Greece’s country code) before dialling any local number.

Pro tip: Save these numbers in your phone before leaving the ship – it’s always better to be prepared!

History of The Port

The port packs quite a story – one that goes back more than 4,000 years.

Chania’s harbour started as a buzzing Minoan trading spot before the Byzantines turned it into a naval stronghold. Things really took off during Venetian rule (1204-1669), when traders from all around the Mediterranean set up shop along the waterfront.

If you look carefully, you can spot:

• Old stone quays lurking under the water at low tide
• The original Venetian lighthouse from 1595, still watching over the harbour entrance
• Bits of Ottoman defence walls around the old harbour
• The historic shipyard buildings (arsenali) where they built Venetian warships

These days, big cruise ships dock at the modern Souda port, while the old Venetian harbour has become a lovely spot for visitors, with its mix of old-world charm and modern life.

Environmental Initiatives at The Port

Since 2015, Chania’s port has gone all-in on protecting the environment, and you’ll spot lots of green projects when you’re there.

The whole port area has lights powered by the sun, spots to charge electric cars, and plenty of recycling bins dotted around the terminal.

The port’s biggest win is their clever system that lets cruise ships plug straight into the local power supply rather than keeping their engines running whilst they’re moored up.

There’s also a proper water treatment plant that cleans ships’ ballast water to keep local sea life safe.

If you fancy learning a bit more, pop into the port’s environmental education centre – they’ve got some brilliant hands-on displays showing up-to-the-minute air quality readings and what’s being done to look after the marine life in Chania’s waters.

Accessibility Information for Disabled Passengers

Our port terminal has plenty of helpful features that make things easier for passengers who need mobility support. You’ll spot wheelchair ramps, lifts and reserved parking spaces all over the building. Our staff members have special training to help disabled travellers, and they’re on hand around the clock to assist during boarding and getting off the ship.

• Every loo has accessible cubicles, grab bars and emergency alarm buttons.
• The corridors and doorways are nice and wide for all wheelchairs – at least 32 inches across.
• A special shuttle bus with wheelchair lifts runs between the terminal and local spots.
• Fast-track check-in desks are lower and have hearing loops for people with hearing aids.

Ring the port’s accessibility team at least 48 hours before you arrive to sort out any extra help you might need.

Cruise Insurance and Medical Facilities at The Port

Looking after your health while at sea means sorting out proper cruise insurance and knowing about medical help at the port.

In Chania, you’ll find a simple medical centre at the port that handles first-aid and emergencies. If something more serious crops up, the port team can quickly get you to Chania General Hospital, which is about 4.5 kilometres away.

It’s worth getting solid cruise insurance before you set sail. Your policy should include medical evacuation, trip cancellation, and cover for anything COVID-19 related.

The port’s medical station runs whenever cruise ships come and go, with staff who speak English. They can deal with common health problems and write basic prescriptions, but do bring all your usual medicines and keep your medical records with you.

Families: Child-Friendly Services and Activities

Bringing the kids to Chania’s cruise port? You’ll find loads of brilliant facilities for families. The port building has a handy family rest area, baby-changing facilities, and you can hire pushchairs. The restaurants at the port are well set up for little ones, with smaller portions and high chairs ready to go.

• A kids’ play area with trained staff looking after children aged 3-12
• Small arcade with games suitable for youngsters
• Safe spots where children can watch the boats and harbour life
• A helpful information desk for families with maps, ideas for activities, and emergency numbers

The beach next to the port has shallow, safe places to swim and you can hire water sports gear.

There are also regular shuttle buses to family spots like the Chania Aquarium and Maritime Museum – both about 15 minutes from the port.

Local Cultural Highlights and Events

While wandering around Chania’s port, you’ll see plenty of authentic Cretan culture all year round.

Local musicians belt out tunes with their lyra and laouto in the Old Harbour’s tavernas, and if you’re about in summer, you can watch traditional Cretan dancing shows every week in the Maritime Museum’s courtyard.

In June, the port comes alive with Maritime Week – there are boat parades and folk festivals celebrating Chania’s connection to the sea.

The Sardine Festival in August is brilliant fun, with fresh grilled sardines, local wines and fishermen showing their skills.

Any time of year, you can pop into the covered market to see local food culture in action, watch leather makers at work in the Stivanadika area, or learn to cook proper Cretan dishes in a local cooking class.

Best Times of Year to Cruise from The Port

When to Set Sail from The Port

Getting your cruise timing right makes a real difference. The best time to go is between April and October – that’s when you’ll get lovely Mediterranean weather and the most ships coming in and out.

• May and June are brilliant with perfect weather (20-25°C), less rain and fewer tourists about.
• July and August are properly warm and the port’s at its busiest, but prices go up.
• September and early October mean warm seas for swimming without the summer heat.
• Late March to mid-April sees wildflowers everywhere and Easter festivities, though some places might’ve shorter opening times.

If you fancy better value and still want nice weather with fewer tourists around, try going in spring or autumn instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Local Boat Tours Available Directly From the Cruise Port?

Plenty of boat tour companies have stands right along Chania’s port. They run fishing outings, trips along the coast and boat rides to nearby islands. Just pop down to the harbour and you can sort out your booking on the spot.

What Is the Typical Water Temperature at Chania’s Beaches During Cruise Season?

The water’s nice and warm around Chania’s beaches – you’ll get temperatures from about 20°C in spring, rising to roughly 25°C in the height of summer. During the main cruise months from May to October, the Mediterranean stays at lovely swimming temperatures.

How Crowded Does the Port Get When Multiple Cruise Ships Dock?

It gets quite packed at the port when several ships come in at once – a bit like sardines, really. But don’t worry too much – most people head off pretty quickly to different spots and tours around Chania, so it’s not too bad.

Are There Luggage Storage Facilities for Passengers Arriving Early at Port?

The port doesn’t have its own luggage storage, but you can leave your bags at several hotels or shops in Chania’s old town – it’s just a quick stroll from the cruise terminal.

Which Local Cretan Dishes Are Must-Try Specialties Near the Cruise Port?

You’ll find brilliant local dishes right near the port, including dakos (crispy bread topped with tomatoes and cheese), kalitsounia (tasty herb pies), and gamopilafo (traditional rice and lamb). It’s all just a quick walk from where the ships dock.