Souda Plaza Collection

    • 9.2

    Offering free WiFi throughout the property, Souda Plaza Collection is set in Souda, 3.5 km from Conference Centre of MAICh and 6.2 km from House-Museum of Eleftherios Venizelos. The property is situated 6.5 km from Archaeological Museum of Chania, 7.2 km from Municipal Art Gallery of Chania and 7.2 km from Mitropoleos Square. Folklore Museum of Chania is 7.2 km from the hotel and Saint Anargyri Church is 7.4 km away.

    The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a wardrobe, a coffee machine, a fridge, an oven, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower. The rooms include a kettle, while certain rooms will provide you with a balcony and others also provide guests with sea views. At Souda Plaza Collection every room has bed linen and towels.

    An American breakfast is available every morning at the accommodation.

    Chania Old Venetian Harbour is 7.7 km from Souda Plaza Collection, while Kucuk Hasan Mosque is 7.8 km away. The nearest airport is Chania International Airport, 12 km from the hotel.

    Property Details

    • 6 rooms

    Place Amenities

    • Air conditioning
    • Non-smoking rooms
    • WiFi

    Property Type

    • Hotels

    Location

    ΣΥΜΒΟΛΗ ΟΔΩΝ ΜΙΝΩΟΣ ΚΑΙ ΠΛΑΤΕΙΑ ΣΟΥΔΑΣ 0

    User reviews

    Other stays near Souda Plaza Collection

    • 40 m
      • Platia Soudas
      • 9.4
      • 540 m
        • 48 Αγίου Παντελεήμονος
        • 9.5
        • From
        • €75
        • per night
        • 740 m
          • 9.2
          • From
          • €69
          • per night

          Things to do near Souda Plaza Collection

          Find below list of things to do near Souda Plaza Collection:

          • Chania Regional Unit

          Andreas, an experienced soap maker, will provide you all the details and information to produce your own soap.
          In 1.5 hours you will learn to make your own soap and gain experience in soap making. In a fully equipped laboratory you will have the opportunity to do the entire soap production process.
          For the preparation of your own soap, we use ingredients that come from our land and at the end of the activity you take a soap with you.
          By completing the workshop you will be in a position when you return home to produce soap for your own use.

          • Koum Kapi Beach

          This ride takes an electric mountain bike through the villages and dirt roads of the Chania hinterland, the inland country behind the coast that almost no visitor sees. The e-bikes flatten the climbs, so the route suits beginners while still covering real terrain rather than a promenade. Daring Trails runs it over 3 hours 30 minutes from €115, including bikes, helmets, guides and a van transfer at both ends.

          What this bike tour actually does

          The day is a transfer, a fitting and a guided ride. Four parts make it up.

          First you meet the guide and are fitted to an electric mountain bike with a helmet and gloves. Second is the ride itself, through the picturesque villages inland from Chania on sections of dirt road, with the guide adapting the route to the group’s skill and fitness rather than running a fixed itinerary. Third is an optional stop at a village cafe or taverna for a quick lunch, agreed with the guide rather than scheduled. Fourth is the transfer back to the start in a 9-seater van, and a beer with the guides at the end.

          The operator describes the ride as beginner-friendly, and the guides are locally classified.

          Places this tour visits

          The ride works the country inland from the city.

          • Alikianos, the route runs through the villages around Alikianos, in the valley south-west of the city.
          • Chania, transfers run from the city, so this works from any base along the Chania coast without a car.

          What’s included and what isn’t

          The €115 covers the bike, the kit, the guiding and the transport.

          Included:

          • Electric mountain bike
          • Helmet and gloves
          • Locally classified guides
          • Transfer in a 9-seater van
          • A beer with the guides at the end
          • Public liability insurance

          Not included:

          • Medical and emergency insurance
          • Snacks, meals and water bottles

          Why we recommend this experience

          We recommend this ride for what it reaches. The Chania hinterland, the villages and olive terraces in the valleys behind the coast, is the part of the region visitors drive past on the way to a beach. An e-bike is the right tool for it: the gradients that make these roads hard work on a normal bike disappear, and you cover far more ground than you would walking.

          What the reviews describe is careful guiding. An American group named Akilas and Nondas, praising how much care they took over everyone’s safety and comfort. A British rider called the route beautiful and the bikes excellent, and made the point that matters most here, it suits all levels of ability because the guide adapts it to you. Another American group called it a unique way to see areas they would never otherwise have reached.

          The mountain cafe stop comes up more than once as a highlight rather than a break.

          Two things to be straight about, and the first one is important.

          The review base is very small. Five reviews is not enough to judge an operator on, and while all five are positive, that tells you far less than a mid-range score across hundreds would. Treat this as promising rather than proven.

          This is a hinterland mountain-bike ride, not a city tour. The route runs dirt roads and villages inland rather than the Venetian harbour and the old town. If you want Chania’s streets, a walking tour is the right product.

          Water and food are not included, on a 3.5-hour ride in a Cretan climate. That is the one inclusion we would expect and do not find.

          CreteLocals insider tips

          Bring water and snacks, dress for the season, and carry any allergy medication.

          1. Pack at least a litre of water per person, since water bottles are not included and the route is inland.
          2. Bring snacks, because the cafe stop is optional and agreed with the guide rather than guaranteed.
          3. Wear sports clothing suited to the season, which the operator requires rather than suggests.
          4. Carry insect repellent and any allergy medication, as the operator specifically flags bee and seasonal allergies on this route.
          5. Tell the guide your riding level honestly, given the whole route is adapted to the group’s weakest rider.
          6. Stay for the beer at the end, which is included and is where the guides talk about the area properly.

          What to know before you go

          The tour runs 3 hours 30 minutes including transfers, and the van carries the group both ways. Sports clothing appropriate to the season is required.

          Bring snacks, water, insect repellent and any personal medication. Smoking, alcohol and drugs are not permitted on the tour, and medical and emergency insurance is not covered.

          Frequently asked questions

          How long is the Chania e-bike tour?

          The tour runs 3 hours 30 minutes, including the van transfers at both ends.

          Do you need to be a confident cyclist?

          The ride is beginner-friendly. Guides adapt the route to the group’s skill and fitness, and the electric assistance removes the climbs.

          Is the bike included?

          The electric mountain bike, helmet and gloves are all included, along with the guides and the transfer van.

          Is food or water included?

          No, snacks, meals and water bottles are excluded. Bring your own, and a cafe stop can be agreed with the guide.

          Does the tour go through Chania old town?

          No, the route runs the hinterland villages and dirt roads, inland from the city rather than through it.

          Is there a lunch stop?

          A stop at a village cafe or taverna is possible, agreed with the guides on the day rather than scheduled in advance.

          Check dates and prices for the Chania electric mountain bike tour.

          • Minoan's World The 9D Experience

          Minoan’s World is a 3D museum and 9D cinema on Ipsilanton street in Chania, and the ticket covers a 45-minute visit taking in both. The museum half is a photo-led walk past life-like statues and 3D art that animates through your phone camera; the cinema half runs four short films back to back on moving seats with wind, rain, fog and other effects. Tickets start at €18, and the attraction holds a 4.07 rating across 165 reviews.

          What this attraction actually does

          The visit splits into two halves and takes 45 minutes end to end.

          First comes the 3D museum, which is explicitly not archaeological. It holds no Minoan artefacts, the exhibits are recreations, statues and painted 3D scenes designed to be photographed, and they come alive when viewed through a phone camera. Second is the 9D cinema, where four films run consecutively covering the history, myths and legends of the Minoan civilisation, with moving chairs and physical effects including wind, rain, snow, bubbles, fog, lightning and simulated earthquakes.

          Audio runs in 14 languages through headsets, so the commentary works whatever you speak.

          Places this tour visits

          The attraction sits inside Chania old town, a few minutes from the Venetian harbour.

          • Minoan’s World, the venue is Minoan’s World, the 9D experience on Ipsilanton 10, which puts it within the old town rather than out on the ring road.
          • Chania, the whole visit takes 45 minutes, so it slots into a walking day around Chania rather than replacing one.

          What’s included and what isn’t

          The ticket covers both halves of the venue and the kit you need for each.

          Included:

          • Self-guided photo tour of the 3D museum
          • Four films in the 9D cinema
          • 3D glasses for the films
          • Headsets for the 14-language audio system, if needed

          Not included:

          • Tips

          Why we recommend this experience

          We recommend Minoan’s World for one specific situation: a hot Chania afternoon with children who have run out of patience for old stones. It is air-conditioned, it takes 45 minutes, it sits in the middle of the old town, and it gives children a version of Minoan history they will actually sit through. One reviewer put it exactly that way, an opportunity to get out of the heat and do something purely for the kids.

          Across the reviews, families are the group that rates it highest. Parents describe children reacting to the bubbles, the water spray and the moving chairs, and several recommend it specifically for children studying early civilisations. Adults who enjoyed it tend to describe it as fun and unexpectedly informative rather than as a museum visit.

          Where we would set expectations, and this matters because the value score is the weakest thing about it.

          Value for money rates 3.9 out of 5, the lowest dimension score on this page, and the reason is arithmetic: €18 for 45 minutes. Several reviewers say outright they wanted it to last longer.

          The effects are dated. One reviewer called the special effects a little outdated, and another questioned the “9D” branding altogether, noting the effects match what ordinary 4D cinemas have offered for years. Come for the experience, not for the technology claim.

          This is not the archaeology. The museum half is non-archaeological by the operator’s own description, so nothing here is a real Minoan object. If you want the artefacts, that is the Heraklion Archaeological Museum and Knossos, not this.

          CreteLocals insider tips

          Treat it as a 45-minute break rather than a half-day, and go when the sun is at its worst.

          1. Go between 13:00 and 16:00, since the value of an air-conditioned room peaks when the old town is hottest.
          2. Charge your phone first, because the 3D museum exhibits only animate through a camera screen.
          3. Collect a headset at the desk, given the audio runs in 14 languages and the films lose most of their point without it.
          4. Check the seat restrictions before booking, as the operator states accessibility and body size limitations on the moving chairs.
          5. Pair it with the Venetian harbour, which is a short walk away and fills the rest of the afternoon.
          6. Set expectations with older children, since teenagers used to modern cinema effects have rated this lower than younger ones.

          What to know before you go

          The venue is at Ipsilanton 10, Chania 731 00, inside the old town. The whole visit lasts 45 minutes.

          The operator states accessibility and body shape and size limitations on the cinema seats, so check before booking if that applies to anyone in your group. No archaeological artefacts are displayed, the 3D museum is a recreation.

          Frequently asked questions

          How long does Minoan’s World take?

          The visit takes 45 minutes, covering the 3D museum and four films in the 9D cinema.

          Is Minoan’s World an archaeological museum?

          No, the 3D museum is explicitly non-archaeological. It holds recreations and 3D art rather than Minoan artefacts, which are in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum instead.

          What does the 9D cinema actually do?

          The cinema uses moving chairs plus physical effects, including wind, rain, snow, bubbles, fog, lightning and simulated earthquakes across four consecutive films.

          Is it suitable for young children?

          Families rate it highest of any group. Parents report children responding well to the effects, and several recommend it for children learning about early civilisations.

          What languages is it available in?

          Audio runs in 14 languages through headsets provided at the desk.

          Is it good value at 18 euros?

          Value is its weakest score, at 3.9 out of 5. Reviewers enjoy the experience but several say 45 minutes is short for the price, so treat it as a break rather than a main attraction.

          Check dates and prices for the Minoan’s World 9D experience in Chania.

          • Souda Bay

          This private tour unfolds the history behind the battle of Crete in Chania: A certified Historian/ Archaeologist specializing in Contemporary History is ready to guide you through the line of events that led to the Battle of Crete and the mysteries of the Archaeological remains of the battlefields.

          We start our tour at the Airport of Maleme, a site that was of vital importance for the Axis forces, and played a crucial role during World War Two. A tour of hill 107 is being carried out, as well as a visit to the German War Cemetery. We stand in grief, due to the sheer size of human losses and afterwards we visit two different abandoned German lockouts in an undisclosed location.

          A visit to a private war museum lets us understand how the battle was being carried out, and we learn about unknown facts about the battle of Crete due to our Historian Guide’s expertise and rare archive photos that were found after tedious research.

          The British Commonwealth Nations (Such as Australia, New Zealand and Great Britain) played a vital role in the Battle of Crete, and we pay great respect to our allies, by visiting the British Commonwealth Allied Cemetery. We learn about the history of the allied cemetery in Souda Bay as we overlook the spectacular views of the bay on which “Lest We Forget”* is a common phrase.

          A small coffee/ lunch break at a beautiful riverside with overgrown vegetation will help us to talk about questions and inquiries. Afterwards, we continue our tour to an undisclosed location to inspect battlefield Archeology and the untouched history of the Battle of Crete to an abandoned German Bunker. We learn about the daily war routine, as well as the military equipment, regimes and ammunition used by both the Axis Forces and the Allies during the second world war.

          • Χανιά, Περιφέρεια Κρήτης, Ελλάδα

          Alma de Creta run this guided street-food tour through the old town of Chania, using the city’s food to tell its history. The walk moves through the historic neighbourhoods and market alleys, with a guide connecting what you are eating to the Venetian and Ottoman periods that shaped it, and to the Mediterranean diet that grew out of them.

          What this food tour involves

          The tour walks the old town and eats as it goes, with the history carried in the food rather than delivered at monuments. Three threads run through it.

          First is the street food itself, the produce, the ingredients and the everyday dishes sold in the city’s alleys and markets rather than plated in restaurants. Second is the history, from Venetian and Ottoman Chania through to the modern city, told through what people cooked and traded in each period. Third is the Mediterranean diet, explained as the practical result of local ingredients and growing conditions rather than as a health slogan, how traditional produce and culinary practices actually fed generations here.

          Alma de Creta also run private tours from Chania, Heraklion, Rethymno and Elounda, shore excursions from Chania-Souda, Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos ports, and tailor-made itineraries for groups and individuals.

          Places this tour visits

          The walk stays inside the old town and its market streets.

          • Chania, the tour covers the historic neighbourhoods of Chania, from the market alleys through the Venetian quarter.

          Why we recommend this experience

          We recommend this tour for the way it frames the food. Plenty of Chania food walks hand you a plate and name the dish. This one connects what you are eating to who was ruling the city when it appeared, Venetian, Ottoman, modern Greek, which turns a tasting into an explanation of why Cretan cooking looks the way it does.

          The Mediterranean diet angle is genuinely worth having explained on the ground. It is one of the most talked-about and least understood things about this island, and standing in a market in Chania while somebody walks you through the actual ingredients is a better introduction than any amount of reading.

          Alma de Creta is a Chania-based operator with a broad programme, private tours from four bases, shore excursions from three ports, and tailor-made itineraries, so if the street-food walk suits you, there is a route to a longer day with the same team.

          The listing carries a strong TripAdvisor standing across a substantial number of reviews, which is the signal we would read for an operator of this size.

          Two practical notes.

          Confirm the current itinerary, start time and price directly with the operator, since the tour programme is set by them and changes with the season.

          This is a walking tour through old-town alleys, so comfortable shoes and sun protection matter more than they sound in a city setting.

          CreteLocals insider tips

          Book direct, come hungry, and ask about the periods behind each dish.

          1. Contact Alma de Creta directly to confirm the current itinerary, start time and price.
          2. Skip breakfast, since a street-food walk is a meal spread across a morning.
          3. Wear comfortable shoes, because the route works the old town’s alleys on foot.
          4. Ask which period each dish belongs to, which is the part of this tour you cannot get from a menu.
          5. Ask about a private version if you are a group, as the operator runs private tours from four bases across the island.
          6. Mention any dietary requirement when booking rather than on the day.

          What to know before you go

          The tour is a guided walk through Chania old town. Alma de Creta also run private tours, shore excursions from Chania-Souda, Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos ports, and tailor-made itineraries.

          Contact Alma de Creta directly for current dates, prices and the meeting point: almadecreta.com, info@almadecreta.com, +30 693 239 9091.

          Frequently asked questions

          What kind of tour is this?

          It is a guided street-food walk through Chania old town, using the city’s food to explain its Venetian, Ottoman and modern history.

          What is covered besides the food?

          The guide connects the food to the history of the city and the Mediterranean diet, explaining how local ingredients and practices shaped daily life in Crete.

          Does Alma de Creta run other tours?

          Yes, private tours from Chania, Heraklion, Rethymno and Elounda, shore excursions from three ports, and tailor-made itineraries for groups and individuals.

          Where does the tour take place?

          The walk covers the historic neighbourhoods and market alleys of Chania old town.

          How do you book?

          Contact the operator directly by phone, email or through their website.

          Is it a walking tour?

          Yes, the whole tour is on foot through the old town, so wear comfortable shoes.

          • Chania, Crete, Greece

          Crete Local Adventures run this evening walk through the bohemian side of Chania: the back streets of the Venetian old port, the alternative bars and craft cooperatives most visitors never find, a sunset viewpoint known locally, and a garden dinner with a sommelier-led wine tasting. The tour lasts 4 hours and starts at 17:00. It runs as a shared group capped at 12, or privately.

          What this evening tour involves

          The route moves from the old port to a viewpoint to a garden table. Five stages fill the four hours.

          First you meet in front of the Kydon hotel, the main local meeting point in the city, where your guide waits with a Crete Local Adventures sign. Second, the walk goes into the windy cobblestone back streets of the Venetian old port, with the stories behind the buildings, the famous locals and the rebellions, and a look at the alternative bars worth returning to later. Third is a stop at a cooperative dedicated to locally produced crafts and food, which supports producers and artisans directly. Fourth is the sunset, watched from a spot the guides describe as known only to locals. Fifth is dinner in a garden: a wine tasting presented by a qualified sommelier, then a three-course gourmet organic meal, organic ice cream, and raki to finish.

          The guides close by sharing tips for the rest of your stay in Crete.

          Places this tour visits

          The whole evening happens inside Chania and its old port.

          • Chania, the walk covers the Venetian old town of Chania, taking the back streets rather than the harbour front.

          What’s included and what isn’t

          The price covers the guiding, the tasting and the meal.

          Included:

          • Four-hour guided evening walk
          • Wine tasting presented by a qualified sommelier
          • Three-course gourmet organic dinner
          • Organic ice cream
          • Raki at a local venue
          • Guest pick-up, on the private group option

          Shared places are priced per person with a maximum of 12 in the group; the private option is priced per person with a minimum of 2. The tour runs in English and suits all ages.

          Why we recommend this experience

          We recommend this one because of what it refuses to do. Almost every evening tour in Chania walks the harbour front, which is beautiful and which every visitor has already seen by day. This one goes deliberately behind it, the cobbled back streets, the workshops, the cooperative, the bars locals actually drink in, and treats the harbour as the view rather than the route.

          The wine handling is the second reason. A sommelier-led tasting of Cretan varieties, followed by a three-course organic dinner in a garden, is a serious food and wine evening rather than a taverna stop bolted onto a walk. Cretan wine is genuinely under-known, and having somebody qualified explain the local grapes is the difference between drinking it and understanding it.

          Group size matters here too. Capping the shared tour at 12 keeps a walking tour through narrow alleys workable, and the private option adds pick-up.

          Two things to weigh.

          This is an evening that ends late and involves both walking and drinking. Comfortable shoes, and no plans for early the next morning.

          Our listing records 4.9 out of 5 across 73 ratings, a good score on a reasonable base, but check the operator’s own recent reviews if a specific detail matters to you.

          CreteLocals insider tips

          Meet at the right hotel, wear real shoes, and note the bars for later.

          1. Wait in front of the Kydon, The Heart City Hotel, at the entrance, the guide holds a Crete Local Adventures sign and it is the city’s main meeting point.
          2. Wear comfortable shoes, since four hours on cobbled back streets is a real walk.
          3. Note the bars the guide points out, which are the ones worth coming back to after the tour ends.
          4. Ask the sommelier about the local grape varieties, because Cretan wine is the part of this evening you cannot get elsewhere.
          5. Take the private option if you want pick-up, which is only offered on private bookings.
          6. Save the guides’ closing tips, which cover the rest of your time on the island.

          What to know before you go

          The tour starts at 17:00 and runs 4 hours. Meet in front of the Kydon, The Heart City Hotel, at the entrance, check the exact point on the operator’s map link before setting out.

          The shared tour takes a maximum of 12 people; the private tour needs a minimum of 2 and includes pick-up. The tour runs in English and is open to all ages.

          Contact Crete Local Adventures directly: cretelocaladventures.com, +30 698 067 9166.

          Frequently asked questions

          How long is the Bohemian sunset tour?

          The tour runs 4 hours, starting at 17:00 and finishing after dinner and raki.

          Where does the tour meet?

          Meet in front of the Kydon, The Heart City Hotel, where the guide waits with a Crete Local Adventures sign.

          Is dinner included?

          A three-course gourmet organic dinner is included, along with a sommelier-led wine tasting, organic ice cream and raki.

          How big is the group?

          The shared tour is capped at 12 people, and a private option is available for groups of 2 or more.

          Is pick-up available?

          Pick-up is offered on the private option only. Shared guests meet at the Kydon hotel.

          What language is the tour in?

          The tour runs in English and is open to all ages.

          Beaches near Souda Plaza Collection

          Find below list of beaches near Souda Plaza Collection:

          • 1.7 km
          Vlites beach is located 1.7 km away.

          Vlites beach, a well-sheltered spot situated in the grand Souda bay, lies about 5 km to the east of Chania city and holds the title of the longest beach in the bay. This expansive beach takes shape north of the Moronis River’s mouth, extending northwards to the Souda Bay War Cemetery.

          The sandy seashore is ideal for kids due to its typically tranquil state and shallow waters. Previously, its closeness to both the Souda Naval Base and Souda’s commercial port led many locals to avoid swimming in its waters. However, chemical analysis has confirmed the water’s cleanliness, assuring that swimming at Vlites beach is entirely safe.

          • Vlites beach
          • Sand
          • Shallow
          • Blue
          • 5.1 km
          Koum Kapi Beach, Chania: The Old Town’s Cafe and Bar Waterfront is located 5.1 km away.

          Koum Kapi is a roughly 1km strip of sand and a cafe and bar district on the eastern edge of Chania’s old town, just beyond the Venetian port. It is best known for its long coastal street lined with cafes and nightclubs rather than for classic beach days, and it stays unorganized, with no sunbed or umbrella setup. People do swim on the sandy east side, though many locals still hold back after years when swimming here was banned. Come for a seafront coffee, a sunset drink, and an easy walk from the old town; treat the swim as a bonus rather than the reason to visit.

          What Koum Kapi is like

          Koum Kapi sits at the eastern edge of the scenic port of Chania, directly in front of the historical Bedouin district. The area was once home to African economic migrants who lived in rush-made huts during the Ottoman period, having first arrived on the island as slaves. None of those huts remain today. The only visible structures now are the buildings along a long coastal street lined with cafes and nightclubs.

          The name comes from the Turkish phrase Kum Kapisi, meaning the Gate of Sand. This was a gate on the Venetian Walls that stood next to the sandy beach, and the district still carries that name. Backed by the old town and open to the sea, Koum Kapi reads more as a lively urban waterfront than a resort beach.

          The cafe and bar scene

          The heart of Koum Kapi is its seafront promenade. A long coastal street runs beside the water, lined with cafes and nightclubs, and this is where most visitors spend their time. It works through the whole day, from morning coffee to late-night drinks, with the sea and the old-town backdrop in view.

          The strip sits within easy reach of the Venetian harbour and the old town, so it pairs naturally with a wider evening out. Browse guided walks, tours, and other bookable options to build a full day around the waterfront on the Crete Locals list of things to do in Chania and across the island.

          The beach and swimming

          Koum Kapi stretches for about 1km to the east, running beneath a pedestrian road. To the west, the sea meets the road’s wall with no beach in between, so there is little room there. On the east side, a strip of sandy beach forms, and this is where most people swim. Further east, a beautiful cove takes shape, though locals still tend to avoid swimming in it.

          The sand is soft, the water reads blue, and the shallows stay shallow close to shore, with a sea surface that is usually calm. In earlier years Koum Kapi was a popular swimming spot in Chania, but declining seawater quality led to a swimming ban. Recent upgrades to the city’s biological cleaning infrastructure have improved the water, and the city’s Water Supply and Sewerage Authority considers it safe for swimming again. Even so, the beach stays unorganized and is still not fully trusted by many locals, so it is sensible to check conditions on the day before you get in.

          Getting there and parking

          Koum Kapi lies within the city of Chania, on a paved road at the eastern edge of the old town, which makes it one of the easier spots to reach on foot from the centre. Bus services run to the area, and the paved-road access means you can also drive in.

          There is a parking area near the beach, but it fills up and gets crowded in peak season, so arriving early helps. Compare rental options through Crete Locals car rental in Crete when you want the freedom to move between beaches and villages across the wider region.

          Who it suits

          Koum Kapi fits travellers staying in or near Chania old town who want a seafront base for coffee, food, and drinks without leaving the city. It is family friendly, with shallow, usually calm water on the east-side sand, and it suits anyone who values atmosphere and walkability over a fully organized beach.

          It is a weaker choice if you want sunbeds, umbrellas, and beach services, or a long stretch of open sand. For a more conventional swim close to town, the sandy bays just west of the harbour are a better match than Koum Kapi.

          Tips for your visit

          • Set expectations around the setting: this is an urban cafe and bar waterfront first, and a swimming beach second.
          • Head to the east-side sandy strip if you plan to swim, since the western edge has no real beach.
          • Check the water on the day before swimming, given the local caution about conditions.
          • Bring your own shade and mat, because the beach is unorganized with no sunbeds or umbrellas.
          • Come at sunset for the promenade at its best, then stay on for a drink along the strip.

          Nearby spots and beaches

          A short way east, in the Halepa suburb of Chania beside the Agia Kyriaki chapel and beach, you will find Kouloura, a small rocky pond. It serves as a favoured natural pool among Halepa residents, many of whom have their own story about the place.

          Koum Kapi also sits close to some of the city’s landmarks, including the Venetian Harbour, the Archaeological Museum of Chania, and the Municipal Market of Chania. When you are ready to swim somewhere more open, nearby options include Lazaretta islet, Vlites beach, Chrissi Akti beach, and the sandy Nea Chora beach just west of the port. You can plan a wider coastal route from the full Crete Locals guide to beaches in Crete.

          Frequently asked questions

          Where is Koum Kapi beach?

          Koum Kapi beach is in the city of Chania, on the island of Crete, Greece, at the eastern edge of the old town in front of the historical Bedouin district.

          Is Koum Kapi beach suitable for swimming?

          Yes, Koum Kapi beach is suitable for swimming, and the city’s Water Supply and Sewerage Authority considers the water safe after infrastructure upgrades. It is still recommended to check the water conditions before entering the sea.

          What is the sand and water like at Koum Kapi beach?

          The beach has sand, the water colour is blue, the water near shore is shallow, and the surface of the sea is usually calm.

          What can you do at Koum Kapi beach?

          Visitors can swim on the east-side sandy strip and enjoy the several cafes and restaurants along the coastal street.

          What facilities are available at Koum Kapi beach?

          Koum Kapi beach is unorganized, so it has no sunbeds or umbrellas, but there are accommodation options and food and water available nearby.

          How do you get to Koum Kapi beach, and is there parking?

          The beach is reached by bus services and by a paved road, and there is a parking area nearby that can get crowded in peak season, so it helps to arrive early.

          Are there attractions near Koum Kapi beach?

          Yes, nearby attractions include the Venetian Harbour, the Archaeological Museum of Chania, and the Municipal Market of Chania.

          • Koum Kapi beach
          • Sand
          • Shallow
          • Blue
          • 6.2 km
          Kalami beach is located 6.2 km away.

          The village of Kalami is situated 15km to the east of Chania city, nestled on the southern shore of Souda Bay and in close proximity to Megala Chorafia village. It boasts a breathtaking panorama of the bay and Souda fort. Moreover, it’s near the ancient city of Aptera and the Turkish forts of Intzedin and Aptera.
          A mere 500m north of the village, a delightful beach adorned with rounded pebbles and deep water is found. At the beach’s east end, there’s a small harbour housing various boats. The beach is a favourite spot among the locals, although it’s yet to be fully organized. There are a handful of umbrellas and tamarisk trees scattered about. The village and the surrounding region offer a few accommodation and dining options.

          • Kalami beach
          • Fine Pebbles, Sand
          • Normal
          • Blue
          • 6.8 km
          Agios Onoufrios Beach is located 6.8 km away.

          Agios Onoufrios, a serene seaside village located 8km north of Chania and close to Kounoupidiana, is a hidden gem worth visiting.

          The beach of Agios Onoufrios is quiet and sandy, and well protected from the winds, as it is located in a deep bay, along with a picturesque small port. Although not well-organized, it’s a popular spot for locals who come for the picturesque landscape and traditional taverns. The only downside is the fuel tanks located northwest of the beach, which break the peaceful atmosphere.

          Despite this, the beach is equipped with sunbeds, parasols, showers, changing rooms, and a lifeguard service. For sports enthusiasts, there are two volleyball courts available. Overall, Agios Onoufrios is a great destination for those looking for a quiet beach away from the crowds.

          • Agios Onoufrios Beach
          • Sand
          • Shallow
          • Blue

          Gorges to hike near Souda Plaza Collection

          Find below list of gorges near Souda Plaza Collection:

          • 5.8 km

          The Diktamos Canyon, nestled within the White Mountains, commences 21km to the east of Chania, near the Katochori village at an elevation of 300m. It concludes 8km further east, at the Faragi village, situated at a height of 40m and in close proximity to the Stylos village in the Apokoronas province. Consequently, it is also referred to as the Katechori Gorge or Stylos Gorge. The canyon’s stream serves as the primary tributary of the Kiliaris River, gathering water from the northern slopes of the Mavri peak and discharging it onto the Kalives beach.

          Navigating through the canyon can be challenging, with certain areas requiring extra caution and approximately 3 hours to traverse. The canyon is a stunning, verdant landscape filled with towering trees and steep inclines, home to dittany or diktamos, a herb endemic to Crete. In Stylos, you have the opportunity to explore the ancient church of Apostle John (Agios Ioannis Theologos), refresh yourself at the local springs, and replenish your energy at the village’s taverns.

          • Diktamos Gorge
          • 6.2 km

          The Cyclamen Gorge, also known as Agios Georgios Gorge or Gorge Vandes, is nestled on the northern slopes of the White Mountains. Its starting point is the Aletrouvari settlement, situated at an altitude of 300m, and it extends east of Agios Georgios village, ultimately ending at the village of Vandes, which is at an elevation of 50m. The stream that runs through this gorge gathers water from the Drakona area, resulting in the formation of quaint, small ponds at certain spots.

          However, this route is not recommended for novice hikers as it requires approximately 2 hours to traverse from Aletrouvari or about 1 hour from Agios Georgios. As visitors journey through this route, they will encounter a diverse landscape that changes along the river, all under the cool shade of towering plane trees and cypresses.

          • Cyclamen Gorge
          • 10.4 km

          Positioned near the city of Chania, the Therisso Gorge (also known as Eleftherios Venizelos) is an awe-inspiring sight. This six-kilometre-long canyon is adorned with impressive vertical cliffs and lush greenery, rivalling any other gorge in the Chania region. Accessible by car, it’s worth combining a trip to the gorge with a visit to the historic village of Therisso, nestled at the foot of the White Mountains, just 15 kilometres from Chania. This village, steeped in history, offers an unforgettable experience to any visitor.

          With a population of just over 100, the valiant village of Therisso has held a significant role in Crete’s modern history, mainly due to the resilience of its inhabitants against Turkish invasions. In 1866, the village was burnt by Mustapha Pasha Naili, forcing many, including the mother of future Greek Prime Minister, Eleftherios Venizelos, to relocate to Kythera and the Peloponnese. Therisso gained further historical prominence in 1905 when Eleftherios Venizelos and his allies initiated a revolution against the autocratic rule of Prince George, imposed by the Great Powers, charting a course for Crete’s union with Greece. Notably, the heroic Halides brothers, key figures in the 1821 revolution, also hailed from Therisso.

          • Therisso Gorge
          • 12.4 km

          Located at the farthest point of Akrotiri Cape lies the Diplochachalo Gorge. This gorge is situated near the village of Chordaki, en route to the renowned Stefanou or Seitan Limania beach. The gorge is a compact, breathtaking, and purely technical canyon featuring six descents, two of which are quite tall. It begins just beneath the quarry that stands out in the area. The gorge’s brief route, apart from the descents, forms dramatic rock shelters and formations with steep slopes. At the centre of the tallest waterfall, which stands at 38m, resides a beautiful cave adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, stretching around 20 meters deep. The gorge’s exit leads directly to the sandy shores of Stefanou Beach.

          • Diplohahalo Gorge

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