Souda / Chania

Souda / Chania – October 1, 2026

Mein Schiff 5 – Greece & Egypt

Today our destination is Souda in Crete – from there we will continue to Chania, one of the most beautiful towns in Crete.

At 08:10 AM, we will disembark from the Mein Schiff 5. Right at the port exit, we will buy our bus tickets to Chania. For the round trip, we will pay only €3.60 per person – an easy and affordable way to explore the city on our own.

Our bus departs at 09:15 AM, and just 15 minutes later, at 09:30 AM, we will arrive in Chania. Even on our first walk, we can tell that this city has something very special. The beautiful old town, with its narrow, winding alleys, small bars, and restaurants, invites us to stroll and discover. There is something new to see around every corner – old houses, weathered facades, and even some mysterious Lost Places that tell stories of long-gone times.

Our first stop is the Cathedral of the Virgin Mary. Then we see the statue of Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras I, commemorating an important figure in the Greek Orthodox Church.

We would have liked to explore the famous promenade at the Venetian harbor as well. However, the weather has thwarted our plans today: Strong winds and high waves make the promenade inaccessible. What a pity – but such challenges are part of a travel day too. The sea is showing its rough side today.

We find the Church of Saint Nicholas particularly interesting. It is an extraordinary testament to Chania's tumultuous history, as its building combines two religions and epochs: Next to the Christian bell tower stands an Ottoman minaret. A fascinating sight and a beautiful example of how diverse cultures have left their mark in this city.

During our further walk, we also discover a historic building of the Bank of Greece. The covered market of Chania also belongs to the city's attractions. However, it has been closed since 2022 for extensive renovations, so unfortunately, we cannot experience it from the inside today.

Still, we thoroughly enjoy our short stay. We simply let ourselves be carried away through the alleys, peek into small shops and eateries, and soak up the special atmosphere of the old town. Chania feels lively yet a bit dreamy – with its old walls, colorful facades, and the many stories that can be sensed behind the historical buildings.

Time flies by too quickly. At 10:45 AM, we are already heading back. A short but beautiful excursion where we got a glimpse of this special city in Crete.

Chania – a place full of history, charm, and surprising contrasts. Although wind and waves have denied us part of the promenade today, we will cherish this little detour from Souda in fond memory.