Souda
Region of Crete, Greece: Excellent water quality
Souda sits 16.6 km from Rethymno along Greece's coast. The beach holds Blue Flag certification, awarded for meeting strict environmental and safety standards. It's open during its designated season, though swimmers should take standard precautions. Drinking water is available on-site. April, May, and June offer…
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Souda
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Souda?
Souda sits 16.6 km from Rethymno along Greece's coast. The beach holds Blue Flag certification, awarded for meeting strict environmental and safety standards. It's open during its designated season, though swimmers should take standard precautions. Drinking water is available on-site. April, May, and June offer the best conditions, while July and August draw the most visitors. The Blue Flag is renewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education, confirming that Souda maintains international water quality and safety benchmarks year to year.
It sits alongside other certified beaches in Region of Crete, part of a broader network of other Blue Flag beaches in Greece certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Souda faces east toward Mediterranean Sea. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in April, May, June. Direct sun hours follow that facing.
Planning
When to Go: Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 11°C | 8°C | Low |
| Feb | 12°C | 9°C | Low |
| Mar | 13°C | 10°C | Low |
| Apr | 17°C | 14°C | Med |
| May | 21°C | 18°C | Med |
| Jun | 25°C | 22°C | Med |
| Jul | 27°C | 24°C | High |
| Aug | 27°C | 24°C | High |
| Sep | 24°C | 21°C | Med |
| Oct | 20°C | 17°C | Low |
| Nov | 17°C | 14°C | Low |
| Dec | 13°C | 10°C | Low |
The best time to visit Souda is April, May, June. Air temperatures peak around 27.1°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 24.1°C in July.
How crowded does Souda get?Like most Blue Flag beaches in Greece, Souda sees its highest visitor numbers in July and August. The beach maintains a pleasant atmosphere even in peak season.
Is Souda open year-round?The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (typically July–September). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Souda
Is Souda safe to swim?Souda is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. Water quality is rated Excellent. The beach does not have lifeguards stationed on the beach. Swim with appropriate caution.
What is the water temperature at Souda?Peak water temperature at Souda reaches around 24.1°C in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 11.1°C.
What is the beach like at Souda?Souda on the Region of Crete coast of Greece. It meets all Blue Flag criteria for environmental management, water quality, safety, and facilities.
Does Souda have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Souda meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services.
Souda sits on the Mediterranean Sea: explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Mediterranean.
Planning a trip to Greece? How Greece earns the most Blue Flags , our editorial guide to certified beaches across the country.
Transport
Getting to Souda
How do I get to Souda by car?Souda is approximately 16.6 km from Rethymno Regional Unit. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to Souda?The nearest airport is Heraklion International "Nikos Kazantzakis" Airport (HER), approximately 75.8 km away.
Can I get to Souda by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Rethymno Regional Unit.
Map
Find Souda
Open the map or get directions to the Souda pin. Amenity names are listed here only when OpenStreetMap has a mapped feature nearby.
Map loads when you ask. Tiles stay off the first paint.
Map: OpenStreetMap (ODbL)
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free: no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✗ |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✗ |
| Official Season | June – September |
| Beach Type | Coastal beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | 35.1918°N, 24.3649°E |
| Water Quality | Excellent (EU Bathing Water Directive) |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), Greece |
Frequently Asked Questions
Souda FAQ
Is Souda suitable for children?
Souda is Blue Flag certified in Greece, which requires meeting strict standards for water quality, safety, and facilities. Families should check current facility status with the local beach operator before visiting.
Is Souda free to access?
Access to Souda is free. There are no entry fees to enter the beach. It is a Blue Flag certified beach in Region of Crete, Greece, recognised for meeting international standards for water quality and environmental management.
When is the best time to visit Souda?
The best time to visit Souda is April, May, June. The peak season typically runs High season: July, August, when weather conditions and facilities are at their best. Peak water temperature reaches around 24.1°C in July. Outside peak season, the beach is quieter but some facilities may be reduced.
What is the water quality at Souda?
Souda is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict EU Bathing Water Directive standards. Water quality is rated Excellent. Blue Flag certification is awarded and reviewed annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). Beaches must pass water quality tests throughout the season to retain their status.
How do I get to Souda?
Souda is located in Region of Crete, Greece. It is approximately 16.6 km from Rethymno Regional Unit. The nearest airport is Heraklion International "Nikos Kazantzakis" Airport (HER), 75.8 km away. By car is the most flexible option. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules to the area.
Explore More
Nearby Blue Flag Beaches
Editorial
From the Zeach Blog
Everything you need to know about what makes a beach qualify for Blue Flag status, from water quality to environmental education.
Read moreOur editorial team's pick of the standout Blue Flag beaches in Greece, rated for family friendliness, scenery, and facilities.
Explore GreeceWhat the flag actually means, how certification works, and why a Blue Flag is a genuinely reliable signal, not just a marketing tool.
Read moreSources
- Foundation for Environmental Education: Blue Flag programme
- FEE site listing for Souda
- Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (EEPF)
- European Environment Agency: bathing water quality
Last verified September 2026. National operator pages and FEE listings are the primary certification sources.