Souda Bay Guide

Souda bay is situated close to the province of Chania in the prefecture of Chania. Souda bay is currently a U.S. naval base and strategic port for NATO. It is a natural bay and harbour formed between the Akrotiri Peninsula and Cape Drapano and is approximately 15 km long.

Near the mouth of Souda bay there are some small islands with old Venetian fortifications on them. The largest of these island is Souda Island. Souda island was heavily fortified by the Venetians, as it protected the large natural harbour of Souda. After the fall of Candia in 1669, it was one of three heavily fortified islands kept by Venice until it was taken by the Ottomans in 1718.

Although Souda Bay has some stunning views, we don’t really recommend staying in Souda for a holiday, its better to choose Chania or the Akrotiri Peninsula.

Souda Bay War Cemetery

The WWII cemetery is the main cemetery which commemorates the fallen in the battle of Crete during WWII. Its a well kept cemetery, and open to the public daily to come and pay remembrance to the fallen heroes of World War II. It is the last resting place of 1527 of the known 2000 British Commonwealth war dead, most of which who fell in the Battle of Crete.

If you want to travel to Souda bay War memorial, set out from Chania, passing the main Chania Airport until you reach the large signs for Souda at a left fork about 6km from the airport. Follow the steep road down with views over Souda and at the very bottom of this hill, is the sign-posted left turn for the cemetery. Turn first right into the parking area.

If your coming from Heraklion direction, follow the national Highway and signs for Souda, coming into the area drive straight past the naval base and port area on your right and continue on through Souda until you are faced with a large IN.KA supermarket on a major Y junction with traffic lights. Bear right and a couple of kilometres further on this road, past a petrol station on your right and a sharp right hand bend, you will see the cemetery signpost.

More information from www.cwgc.org

Holidays2Crete.com > Guides to Crete > Chania > Souda Bay

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Useful resort details

Nearest Airport : Chania (CHQ)
ATM/Cash Machines: Yes
Post Office: No
Card/Coin Phones: Yes
Mini-Markets: Yes

The area is best suited to:
Couples and Families

Location
West of Crete