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With one of the world’s longest coastlines and thousands of islands to explore, Greece is a dreamy boating destination. Crete, Greece’s biggest island on the southern edge of the Aegean Sea, is in a league of its own. Its rich history, unique culture and idyllic beaches will make you fall in love with this Mediterranean gem.
Sailing around the island can take two to three weeks, but a yacht charter in Crete is worth it. It’s an opportunity to discover remote beaches and beautiful coves. Start your trip with a yacht charter in Chania, the island’s second-biggest city – and arguably the most beautiful one. Its Venetian harbour and beaches (Chrisi Akti, Falassarna and Elafonisi) are enchanting. Elafonisi in particular is an idyllic place of azure hues, often included in lists of Europe’s top beaches.
Visit Balos, a dreamy beach, with a yacht charter in Crete
From Chania, you can sail to the westernmost tip of Crete, towards one of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful beaches, Balos. Located in a lagoon, it’s mainly accessible by boat. It’s a sandy beach famous for its crystal clear waters and scenic landscape. If your yacht charter is in July or August, visit Balos early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
The south coast of Crete
From there you can head southwest towards Paleochora and Agia Roumeli, both equally picturesque and beautiful towns. Hiking lovers can cross the famous Samaria Gorge nearby. There you could encounter a Kri Kri, a local goat only be found in Crete.
Your next stopover could be the town of Hora Sfakion, whose rugged beauty will take your breath away. Isolated and notoriously difficult to access, this picturesque town is famous for its delicious cuisine. With a yacht charter in Crete, you will also have the opportunity to visit the nearby village of Loutro. It’s accessible by boat only, giving an allure to the village that’s difficult to find in other parts of Greece. And if you want to sail the extra mile, head to the small, tranquil islet of Gavdos – Greece’s, and Europe’s!, southernmost point!
On Crete’s southern coast, you will find Matala, famous among hippies around the world in the ’60s and ’70s. The beaches are lovely too, and you may encounter some of the last hippies living there.
Eastern Crete
Heading east, you can dock in Ierapetra or Makris Gialos. Eastern Crete is famous for its rugged beauty and is also less touristy. There, admire the remnants of Minoan civilisation in Zakros, as well as the palm forest of Vai.
From there, sail to picturesque Siteia or cosmopolitan Elounda, home to the island’s most prestigious hotels and modern marinas. Not far from Elounda is Spinalonga, the setting for Victoria Hislop’s acclaimed novel The Island.
To finish off your trip, stopover at the island’s biggest cities: Agios Nikolaos, Heraklion (the island’s capital) and Rethimno. Quite crowded in the summer, they nevertheless offer a good picture of Crete and its culture.
