Hiring a sailboat is a fantastic way to explore Crete, the largest island of Greece. Crete is situated in the southern part of the Aegean Sea and is separated by the Libyan Sea. An island with unique natural beauty, endless beaches, and rare history that ensures a top holiday experience in Greece. Crete has many organized and functional marinas where you can find the ideal sailboat of your choice. You can directly contact the owners for the ideal vessel, or simply allow a BednBlue travel expert to guide you with some suggestions for your trip.
You have plenty of Options:
You have the opportunity to hire a sailboat with a skipper, or without one if you own a license, and enjoy a one or two-day cruise to Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion, or Elounda. You can book and hire a sailboat for a sunset cruise or for a swimming and snorkeling experience in Balos Beach. Finally, you can rent a luxury sailboat to explore neighboring islands such as Milos and Santorini in absolute comfort.
Crete is the 5th largest island in the Mediterranean. It is a warm and welcoming island that offers a wonderful experience to the most discerning traveler. Some of the towns that compose the island of Crete include Chania, Heraklion, Rethymno, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, Ierapetra, Hersonissos, Sitia, Sfakia. Crete plays a precious role in Greek history and culture, in fact, the very first civilization in the history of Europe started there. On the island, you can find some of the most important attractions and sights of Greece, including the ancient Minoan findings of Crete, the Palace of Phaistos, the old town of Malia, and Kato Zakros also containing ruins of an ancient civilization that are worth discovering. There are also a significant number of monasteries dating back earlier than the 15th century, including the holy Monastery of Preveli in the northern side of Rethymno, the historical Monastery of Arkadiou, and the Monastery in the north of Heraklion. The castles of Crete are also of paramount importance, they were built under Byzantine and Venetian rule. The Castle of Chania and the Venetian Fortezza of Rethymno are striking buildings that stand tall, open to the public. The Kazarma Fortress in Sitia, The Frangokastello located on the south coast of Crete, the Monte Forte in Lasithi, and the castle of Heraklion are a few examples that are scattered in Crete and highlight the historical significance of the island.
Your sailing holidays in Crete can begin from Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion, or Agios Nikolaos. Each of these towns has a unique port where you can rent a sailboat and enjoy a cruise along the coast. Theodorou Island is a popular day trip from Chania, here you can dive into a superb beach where you will find wrecks dating back from WW2. Balos in the province of Chania is one of the most photographed areas in Greece. In fact, it was also visited by Princess Diana and Prince Charles. The feeling of stepping in the pink coral sands of Balos is simply divine, and the turquoise waters are shallow enough to make it great for snorkeling too.
Falasarna is considered one of the best beaches in the Mediterranean, you can explore both beaches on the same day if you like. Elafonisi beach is a few kilometers away from the lagoon, offering canteens, sunbeds, and a great swim. A sailboat cruise in Crete will also give visitors the option to explore Agios Nikolaos and Elounda. Spinalonga is also a great stop, it has the most popular archaeological site after Knossos.
Crete also displays an ideal destination for all types of nature adventurers. There are perfect alleys and routes for walking and hiking, the Faraggi Samaria (Samaria Gorge), the route from Paleochora to Agia Roumeli, the Preveli Gorge, and the Zakros Gorge are all routes with spectacular scenery and sunsets above beautiful bays. The Cretans are proud of living in a sustainable and self-sufficient landscape, from which they constantly benefit. Famous products of Crete include the Cretan graviera cheese, the wild herbs that are produced in the Cretan land including the stamnagathi, the dandelion, and the different types of wild or sweet radish. Different types of dishes you must try to include the cooked snails of Crete, the Dako salad (tomato and feta cheese with paximadi bread), cheesecake, the small cheese pies, lamb served with stamnagathi, the wedding pilaf (gamopilafo), and lemon-filled artichokes. The renowned tsikoudia is an alcoholic beverage often called raki that is found in every household in Crete.
Finally, With a skippered sailing holiday in Crete, you will have the comfort, safety, and privacy you’ve always dreamed about. By renting a sailboat, you will also be rewarded the best price compared to other vessels. Typically, a group of 6 people can each pay 50-70 euros each for the day, including the cost of the captain, and enjoy a stress-free vacation away from the crowds.
Below you will find some useful information for your sailboat charter in Crete.
Marina Heraklion: The Venetian port of Heraklion is only 3 km away from the airport and has been a hotspot for maritime trade for centuries. The marina allows mooring of fishing boats in the inner quay and the marina berths different types of yachts.
Marina Agios Nikolaos: Has all the necessary facilities and provisions for an overnight stay for visitors and ensures security for all sailors who dock their vessel. The marina can berth up to 255 vessels.
Marina Rethymnon: Situated 60 km from the airport of Chania and 80 km from the airport of Heraklion. The marina occupies a berthing capacity of 174 yachts up to 60 m.
Marina Plakias: 35 km from the south of Rethymno, Some boat charterers offer trips to the Paximadia islands from this marina, where you can go for excellent diving with your group. There are plenty of restaurants, shops, and a great beach by the marina.
Distance between major cities:
Chania is 60 km from Rethymnon taking approximately a 30-45 minute drive
Chania is 138 km from Heraklion, taking approximately a 2 hours drive
Rethymno is 78 km to Heraklion, you will need roughly 90 min to drive to Heraklion
Heraklion is 65 km from Agios Nikolaos, taking you 1 hour to drive there, approximately.
Weather in Crete: the weather is sunny, with temperatures rising quite drastically in July and August. The water temperatures maintain 22-27 C in summer months or 15-18 C in winter months.
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