Souda bay (Souda) Chania - Crete - Greece Town Pier in Souda, Crete

Souda Bay is a town pier near Souda, Chania, Crete, Greece, located at coordinates 35°29'33'' N, 24°3'47'' E. This is one of the finest natural harbors in the Mediterranean - a bay about 15km long and only 2-4km wide, providing a deep, well-protected anchorage. The bay is formed between the Akrotiri peninsula and Cape Drapano, running west to east, and is overlooked on both sides by hills. Berthing and Facilities: DEEP NATURAL HARBOUR with excellent protection. The bay is about 15 KM LONG and 2-4 KM WIDE, offering extensive anchoring opportunities. Near the mouth of Souda bay, between Akrotiri and the town of Kalives, there is a GROUP OF SMALL ISLANDS with VENETIAN FORTIFICATIONS - the largest is Souda Island, giving its name to the bay. Due to the presence of the CRETE NAVAL BASE (a major naval installation of the Hellenic Navy and NATO in the eastern Mediterranean), there are NO FORMAL PUBLIC BEACHES in the area and yachts must respect naval restrictions. ATM, market, and restaurants available in Souda town. Souda Bay is now a popular tourist destination. Villages such as Megala Chorafia and Kalives afford fine views of the bay and offer good facilities for visiting yachts. The relatively low and narrow isthmus in the west near Chania (7km away) provides easy access to Crete's beautiful Venetian city. The bay's strategic importance dates back centuries - the Venetian fortifications on the islands testify to its historical naval significance. While anchoring is excellent, yachts must avoid designated military areas and respect NATO base security zones. VHF channel not specified. This is one of the largest and most historically significant harbors in Crete.