Charting a yacht is the ideal way to explore Crete, the largest island of Greece. Crete is situated in the southern part of the Aegean Sea and is also part of the Libyan Sea. It’s 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 yacht 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 yacht 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 motor yacht for a romantic wedding proposal or a tour to the famous blue lagoon of Balos. Finally, you can rent a luxury motor yacht to explore destinations such as Milos and Santorini in absolute comfort, for as many days as you wish.
Crete is the fifth 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 areas that compose the island of Crete include Chania, Heraklion, Rethymno, Agios Nikolaos, Elounda, Ierapetra, Hersonissos, Sitia, and 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, which also contains ruins of a worth-discovering ancient civilization. There are also a significant number of monasteries dating back before the 15th century. These include the Holy Monastery of Preveli, on the northern side of Rethymno; the historical Monastery of Arkadiou; the Monastery at the north of Heraklion. The castles of Crete are also of paramount importance and were built under Byzantine and Venetian rule. The Castle of Chania and the Venetian Fortezza of Rethymno are striking buildings that stand tall; they are 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 of castles that are scattered around Crete, highlighting the historical significance of the island.
A yacht charter in Crete can begin from Chania, Rethymno, Heraklion, or Agios Nikolaos. Each of these towns has a unique port where you can rent a yacht and enjoy a cruise along the coast. Theodorou Island is a popular day trip from Chania; here you can dive into a superb beach to find shipwrecks dating back to 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 beach can also be reached by renting a yacht from Rethymno. 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 these beaches on the same day if you like. Elafonisi beach is a few kilometers away from the lagoon, offering canteens, and sunbeds, and is a great place for swimming. A private yacht tour in Crete will also give visitors the option to explore Agios Nikolaos and Elounda. Spinalonga is also a great stop; it is the most popular archaeological site right 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 self-sustainable and self-sufficient land, from which they constantly benefit. Famous products of Crete include the Cretan graviera cheese and the wild herbs that are produced in the Cretan land--such as the stamnagathi, the dandelion, and the different types of wild or sweet radish. Different types of dishes you must try 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'' and is found in every household in Crete. A private yacht cruise in Crete is often accompanied by snacks and cocktails onboard. This way, guests are welcome to enjoy a sunset cruise, a romantic couple trip, or even swimming and snorkeling, without having to worry too much about when and where to eat.
Below you will find some useful information for your yacht charter in Crete:
Marina Heraklion: The Venetian port of Heraklion is only 3km 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: It has all the necessary facilities and provisions for an overnight stay for visitors and ensures security for all sailors who dock their vessels. The marina can berth up to 255 vessels.
Marina Rethymnon: Is situated 60km from the airport of Chania and 80km from the airport of Heraklion. The marina occupies a berthing capacity of 174 yachts up to 60m.
Marina Plakias: 35km from the south of Rethymno. Some boat charterers offer trips to the Paximadia islands from this marina, where you can go diving with your group. There are plenty of restaurants, shops, and a great beach by the marina.
Distance between major cities:
Chania is 60km from Rethymnon, needing approximately 30-45 minutes by car.
Chania is 138km from Heraklion, needing approximately 2 hours by car.
Rethymno is 78km to Heraklion, so you will need roughly 90 minutes to drive to Heraklion.
Heraklion is 65km from Agios Nikolaos, taking you 1 hour to drive there approximately.
Weather of Crete: the weather is sunny with temperatures rising quite drastically in July and August. The water temperatures remain at 22-27 °C during the summer months and 15-18 °C during the winter months.
Booking Advisor Form
Fill in the form below and you will soon receive suggestions with the ideal yachts for your trip.
Your form has been submitted successfully!
A travel expert will contact you shortly to suggest the ideal yachts for your trip.
View suitable yachts now
