Charter a yacht in Crete, Greece, and discover the beauty of the west, south and east coast of the island of Crete. In the summer the prevailing wind in the seas of Crete is the infamous Meltemi from the NW – WNW. July and August sees the winds at their strongest, force 5 – 6 on the northern coast of Crete, but more often a more gentle force 3 – 4. The spring and autumn sees winds form the south, force 2 – 4. The southern coast of Crete is notorious for strong squalls, that blow down from the mountains. There is little in the way of warning and they can be violent close inshore. It gets very hot on Crete during the summer months with the average daily temperature reaching 35 deg C in July and August and temperatures as high as 40 deg C are not uncommon.

Gramvoussa island lies off Crete’s north-west coast. There is a sheltered bay on the SE side of the island. Yachts can anchor in the bay or go bows to the quay. There are no facilities but water is available from a well by the chapel.

Paleochora is near the SW tip of Crete. Go alongside or bow or stern to in the new harbour on the E side of the rocky headland. Or anchor in either of the two bays to the E and W of the headland depending on the winds direction. There is water and fuel in the village and all provisions can be obtained. The tavernas here are good.

There are anchorages on either side of Cape Mouros: in the bay of Loutro to the East, where a yacht can anchor in front of  the village and Foinikas bay to the West. There are a few tavernas and limited provisions can be obtained in the village.

Further to the West is the harbour of Chora Sfakion. Yachts can anchor of the village in calm weather. There are tavernas ashore and all provisions can be found.

At Agia Galini yachts can go bow or stern to or alongside the quay. There is good holding on the sandy bottom and shelter from the Meltemi. There is water on the quay and fuel in the town. All provisions can be obtained and there are good tavernas. Another recently developed tourist resort in southern Crete.

Matala is a horseshoe shaped bay in Messara bay in the center of the south coast of Crete. Yachts should only use it in calm weather. Most provisions can be obtained and there are good tavernas ashore. Matala is mentioned in Homer’s Odyssey. Here Menelau’s ships were wrecked returning from the Trojan wars. It was an important port in Roman times and it is close to the Minoan Palace of Phaistos.

Kali Limenes is a small bay on the E side of Cape Lithino. Yachts can anchor in the bay in depth of 3 – 6m. There is good shelter from the N and W but it is open to the E and S. Limited provisions can be found in the village and there are a few tavernas. Apostle Paul found shelter here, when his boat was destroyed by a storm.

Ierapetra is a medium sized harbour on the east part of the south coast of Crete. Yachts can go bow or stern to on the N or W sides. There is water on the quay and fuel from the town. All provisions may be obtained and there are good waterfront tavernas. The town and harbour of Ierapetra date back to Minoan times,but sadly little of the ancient architecture remains.

On the east coast of Crete, yachts can anchor in the large sandy bay of Kato Zakros. There are a couple of tavernas ashore but the main attraction is the ruins of the Minoan Palace of Zakros at the foot of the dramatic gorge.

Ormos Grandes is a large bay on the N side of Cape Plaka. Yachts can seek shelter from the Meltemi at Kouremenos bay in the N of the bay. 2 miles to the N of Kouremenos is the palm-trees forest of Vai. Here yachts can anchor of the sandy beach and there are tavernas ashore.

Crete’s cuisine is similar to that found throughout the Aegean. Fish plays a large part in the form of tuna, swordfish, sea bass, urchins, octopus, squid and cuttlefish. You will find beef, pork, lamb and goat. A rabbit stew is a speciality. As is cheese pie and fried cheese (saganaki). For those with a sweet tooth try yogurt and honey tarts (kalitsounia). Cretan wine is fairly good.

Article by Ken Jones - Corrections in town names and other details by Yannis Samatas of www.explorecrete.com

Ken Jones runs a Sailing Site with information about Yacht Charter. Find other Marine Services in Greece here.