Souda (Chania), Greece

Souda is a port about four miles from Chania on Crete’s northern shore. Chania’s picturesque old Venetian harbor is guarded by a lighthouse, and the facades of the old Venetian Shipyards still stand. The town is ancient, with historic occupations from the earliest Greco-Roman through Byzantine and Arab, Venetian and Ottoman periods all having left their marks on the town’s character. It has nearly a dozen museums, but a visitor should not miss the Archaeological Museum, and the Nautical Museum will appeal to many as well. Like its history, the old town has quarters influenced by the occupying power. The oldest sections are nearest the harbor, and invite exploring the narrow streets and alleys, lined with atmospheric buildings around the open central square with its octagonal marble fountain.