Chania, Greece
Chania, Crete is a captivating port of call on the largest island in Greece. Its historic Old Town, a beautiful blend of Venetian, Ottoman, and Greek architecture, is centered around a charming harbor with a Venetian lighthouse. For a cruiser, Chania is an excellent destination for those who want to experience a quintessential Greek island town with a rich history, a vibrant local culture, and a relaxed atmosphere. The port itself is a launching point, but the true magic is found a short distance away in the bustling city center.
⛵ Port Introduction
Chania's cruise port is located in Souda Bay, one of the Mediterranean's deepest natural harbors, about 7 kilometers (4 miles) east of the city's Old Town. While your ship will dock directly at the pier in Souda, you will need to take transportation to get to the historic center. The port itself is a working commercial harbor, but it has a dedicated terminal for cruise passengers.
⚓ Terminal Information
The passenger terminal in Souda Bay is a permanent building with a variety of amenities for your comfort. The walk from the ship to the terminal is short and easy, but once you are in the terminal, you will need to take a bus or a taxi to get to Chania's Old Town.
🚻 Terminal Facilities
The Souda Port terminal has a number of amenities, including a tourist information desk with friendly staff who can provide maps and directions. There are restrooms, a small cafe, and a few shops. You can get a Wi-Fi connection for free, but it may be slow on a busy day. Tour pickups and a taxi stand are located just outside the terminal.
🗣️ Language
The local language is Greek, but due to the high volume of tourism, you will find that English is widely spoken and understood, especially in the main tourist areas. You will have no problem navigating or communicating.
A few useful phrases:
· Yassas (YAH-sahs) - Hello
· Efharisto (ehf-hah-rees-TOH) - Thank you
· Parakalo (pah-rah-kah-LOH) - Please/You're welcome
· Pou einai? (poo EE-nay) - Where is...?
· Posa kanei? (POH-sah KAH-nee) - How much is this?
💰 Money
The currency is the Euro (€). While many businesses accept credit cards, cash is often preferred by smaller, independent shops and cafes. It's a good idea to have a mix of cash and card for convenience and security. ATMs are available at the port and in Chania's Old Town, but they can sometimes run out of money during the busy summer season.
🚗 Transportation
To get from the cruise port to Chania's Old Town, you have a few options:
· Bus: This is the most recommended and affordable way to get to Chania's Old Town. The public bus runs between the port and Chania's central bus station every 30 minutes in the busy season. The fare is a few Euros.
· Taxis: Taxis are available at the cruise terminal. The fare is fixed to Chania's Old Town and should be around €7-€9. It is still a good idea to confirm the price with the driver before you get in.
· Walking: The walk from the port to Chania is about 5.1 kilometers (3.1 miles) and takes about an hour, so it is not a good option.
· Car Rental: You can rent a car at the cruise terminal, but it is not recommended for a day trip.
♿ Accessibility
Chania has an accessibility rating of 3 out of 10. While the cruise port has a modern, air-conditioned terminal, the Old Town has a labyrinth of cobblestone streets and narrow passages that would be very difficult to navigate for people with limited mobility.
🚶♀️ The best way to get to town from cruise port
The best way to get to Chania's Old Town from the cruise port is to take the public bus or a taxi. The bus is the most affordable option, and the ride is short and efficient. A taxi is a good option for a group.
🚽 Toilet
Public toilets are available in Chania's Old Town, but they are not very common. Your best bet is to use the restrooms in the Archaeological Museum, or in cafes and restaurants. It is also common practice in Greece not to flush toilet paper down the toilet. You'll find a small can next to the toilet where you should dispose of the paper.
💊 Drugstore
· Chania Old Port Pharmacy: Karaoli Dimitriou & Isodion, Chania Old Port, Chania, Greece.
· Pharmacy Mpitsaki-Verigakis: Plat. 1866 & Kriari 45, Chania, Greece.
✨ Authentic Experience
1. Walk the Old Venetian Harbor and Explore the Backstreets: The Old Venetian Harbor is a masterpiece of Venetian architecture and is a must-see. You can walk along the waterfront, see the lighthouse, and explore the narrow alleyways of the Old Town. Getting lost in the maze of streets is part of the charm.
2. Dine on Local Cretan Cuisine: Crete is known for its delicious and unique cuisine. Seek out a local taverna and order some meze, a selection of small dishes. You can try classic dishes like dakos (a type of rusk with tomatoes and feta cheese) and kalitsounia (a type of cheese pie).
3. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Chania: For a deep dive into the island's history, visit the Archaeological Museum of Chania. This museum, located in a former Venetian monastery, houses a collection of artifacts from the Minoan, Roman, and Byzantine periods.
