Thousands Break Police Lines at Crete's Souda NATO Military Base

Sunday, 17 May 2026/Source: Google News/1 min read

Thousands of protesters in Crete broke through police barriers and marched toward the Souda NATO military base, located near Chania on the island's northwest coast. The demonstration reflects ongoing local opposition to the foreign military presence at Souda Bay, one of the most strategically significant naval bases in the Mediterranean. Visitors traveling in the Chania region should be aware that road access near the Souda Bay area may be disrupted during or after such events. The base itself is not open to the public. If you are renting a car or traveling between Chania and Rethymno via the northern coastal road, allow extra time and monitor local traffic updates. The protest was largely focused on the military installation and is not expected to affect tourist sites, beaches, or the Chania old town directly.