DIG INTO GREEK HERITAGE

Cruise to Chania (Souda), Crete

Chania is rich in remnants of the past. Start your adventure in Crete's second-largest city at Venetian Harbour, the entry to the old port. Soak in the vibe while wandering the narrow streets lined with shops and waterfront restaurants serving local fare like courgette fritters and sardines stuffed with herbs and sun-dried tomatoes. Then head to Souda Bay, a strategic commercial and military harbour since ancient times, where you'll find the Aptera Fortress and the oldest Ottoman building in Crete. Cruise to Crete and pop into the Archaeological Museum of Chania, with artefacts from neolithic to Roman times. Or splash around in the translucent waters of Fallasarna, a beach surrounded by olive groves.

National Language Greek

Currency Accepted euro (EUR)

Chania (Souda) Shore Excursions

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Things To Do in Chania

The exterior walls of the ottoman fortress in Crete

Active Archaeology

One of ancient Crete's most important city-states, Aptera sits on a hill just south of the bay, with two seaports at the entrance to Souda Bay. Check out this active archaeological site to learn about new discoveries that shed light on the most powerful city of western Crete during Minoan times.

The ruins of the Katholiko Monastery in Crete

Mountain Monasteries

Stroll the sandy beach at Stavros Bay, where Anthony Quinn danced in 1964's "Zorba the Greek." Explore the three monasteries — Agias Triada, Gouverneto and Katholika — set on this rocky peninsula. Discover Bear Cave on the footpath leading to Katholiko built into the cliff.

View of the Samaria Gorge in Chania, Crete

Hike to the Gorge

At 18 kilometres, Samaria is the longest of the many deep gorges that cut into Crete's mountains. The entrance is 42 kilometres south of Chania, and you can hike independently or with a guide. On the way, you might run into some kri kri, the wild goats found only on Crete. The gorge opens out to the black-sand beach at Ayia Roumeli.

A plate with lobster served with vegetables in Chania, Crete

Local Cuisine

Restaurants with fresh seafood abound at the Chania waterfront. Local signatures of savoury lamb, mini cheese pies and fresh vegetables also bring something special to the plate. And don't miss the dacos, a traditional Cretan bread served with tomato, mizithra cheese and rivers of virgin Cretan olive oil.

Shopping

Chania's Old Town is packed with unique shops selling handmade ceramic kitchenware and decorations with classic geometric designs, one-of-a-kind jewellery made from pearl and coral – and of course, the local extra virgin olive oil, which is typically cold-pressed and retains distinctive flavours of green apple and freshly cut grass. Take the time to explore the narrow, less-travelled streets to find both bargains and unique items during your Crete cruise.