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How to Navigate a Yacht Charter in Crete
Through commerce, shipping and trade with other peoples, the Egyptians, Phoenicians and Syrians they built a powerful civilization. The Achaians and the Dorians followed. The Romans occupied Crete 69 - 330 AD making Gortyn their major town.
Crete fell into Arabic hands in 824 AD and was not liberated until 961 AD. Then in 1204, the island passed to the Venetians. They fortified the island with several new castles and broke the ground for the new cities of Hania and Rethimno.
Inside the Walls
Inside the walls the cities developed with narrow alleys and houses, interspersed with decorative churches, fountains, piazzas and palaces the remains of which can still be seen today.
In 1645 the Turks set foot
on the island for the first time and in 1669 the whole of Crete fell
to them. Not until 1913 was the island reunited with the rest of
Greece.
In the summer the prevailing wind is the infamous
Meltemi from the NW – WNW. July and August see the winds at their
strongest, force 5 – 6 on the northern coast but more often a more
gentle force 3 – 4. A spring and autumn yacht charter in Crete
will face winds from the south, force 2 – 4.
Notorious for Strong Squalls
The southern coast 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 to shore. So keep this in mind during a yacht charter in Crete.
It gets very hot on the
island during the summer months with the average daily temperature
reaching 35 degrees C in July and August and temperatures as high as
40 degrees C are not uncommon.
Kissamoss lies in the NW corner
of Crete. Yachts can berth alongside or anchor in the harbor. There
is good shelter from the West and NW but it is open to the East and
SE.
Getting Away Can Be Difficult
In a strong northerly wind
getting away can be difficult, as the yacht will have to travel for
14 miles to escape the bay. Water is available for your yacht
charter in Crete and there is a taverna close by. The nearest
provisions are at Kastelli, which is a one mile bus journey
away.
Khania is to the East. The entrance can be difficult in
a strong northerly wind as the sea heaves up around the entrance to
the bay. The marina is in the East basin. You will be directed to a
berth where a laid mooring awaits. There is good shelter all in all
but northerly gales are possible during a yacht charter in Crete.
Water and Electricity for a Yacht Charter in Crete
There is water and
electricity on the pontoons. A mini tanker can deliver fuel. All
provisions for a yacht charter in Crete can be obtained and
there are good tavernas in the town. This Venetian city was for
centuries the capital of Crete and much of the charming architecture
remains.
Soudhas is further to the East. It is the Greek
navy’s southern base and yacht charters in Crete have been
refused entry at times. If allowed in go bow or stern to on the South
quay.
Shelter is extremely good for a yacht charter in Crete. There is water on the ferry mole and fuel can be delivered. All provisions can be obtained and there is a good choice of tavernas. The military presence tends to put a bit of a dampener on things so this is not a must visit location.
A
Small Harbor for a Yacht Charter in Crete
Yioryiopolis
is a small harbor at the mouth of the river Almiros. Go alongside
the quay or anchor in the bay to the north. There is good shelter
except from winds from the North – NE.
There is water in the
village and most provisions for a yacht charter in Crete can
be obtained and there are several tavernas. The village attractive
and the locals are friendly making a visit well worthwhile.
Rethimon
is an old Venetian harbor. Go alongside inside the North jetty or
bow or stern to the East jetty. There is good shelter here even from
the Meltemi tucked under the East jetty. There is water on the quay
and fuel can be delivered for a yacht charter in Crete.
Provisions for a Yacht Charter in Crete
All provisions can be obtained and there are some good tavernas including several fish restaurants in the Venetian harbor. This should be one of the highlights of your yacht charter in Crete.
The Venetian harbor and
town are attractive and the buildings with wooden balconies are a
reminder of Turkish occupation.
Iraklion is the capital of
Crete. Proceed to the Venetian harbor at the West end of the main harbor. Go bow or stern to at the “marina” in the South or on
the North quay. There is water on the quay and fuel can be delivered
for your yacht charter in Crete.
Excellent Shopping and Fresh Fish
There is excellent shopping and fresh fish is sold in the harbor. There are good tavernas many of which serve fresh fish. Try those around the market in town during your yacht charter in Crete.
The city itself has little
to recommend it but visits to Knossus, an archaeological site, go
early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the tourists.
And the museum containing a collection from the Minoan times is
worthwhile.
Khersonisos has a small harbor. Go bow to the
mole or anchor off. Care is needed because depths vary throughout the harbor and the holding is poor on sand and rock.
Good Shelter from the North
There is good shelter from
the North as the harbor is open only to the SE. Water, fuel and
provisions can all be found in the town. The town is a modern tourist
development, full of bad architecture and obnoxious
holidaymakers.
Spinalonga Lagoon is situated in the North of
the larger bay Kolpos Merembellou. Yachts can anchor anywhere in the
lagoon. Most provisions for a yacht charter in Crete can be
obtained at Elounda.
Take a look at Nisis Spinalongas during your yacht charter in Crete. The setting of the Venetian fort and the deserted settlement are very attractive.
Further
to the South
Further to the south is Ay Nikolaos.
There is a marina on the South side of the headland. When entering
during your yacht charter in Crete you should bow or stern to
where directed and use a laid mooring. There is water and electricity
on the pontoons. Fuel can be delivered to the yacht.
There are numerous
tavernas and most provisions can be obtained. This fishing village is
now a large tourist development although the marina is situated some
distance away from the noisy areas.
Pahia Ammos is situated at
the South end of Kolpos Merembellou. There are depths of up to 3m at
the extremity of the mole. The harbor is exposed to the Meltemi.
Limited provisions can be obtained in the village for a yacht
charter in Crete but there are several tavernas.
Further
West in Your Yacht Charter in Crete
Further West
lies Sitia. Go bow or stern to the inner North mole. The bottom is
sand and weed with some rocks. There is good shelter from the
Meltemi.
There are both fuel and water in the harbor for your yacht charter in Crete. All provisions can be obtained in the town and there are several good fish restaurants.
The inner harbor with its
tree lined esplanade is pleasant and watching dusk fall over the harbor while tucking in to a nice sea bass is the perfect end to a
day’s yacht charter in Crete.
Ak Sidhero is the NE
tip of Crete and to the South there are several anchorages in small
inlets. There are no facilities but the scenery is imposing with a
desolate feel.
The
Cuisine in Crete
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.
During your yacht charter in Crete you will find beef, pork, lamb and goat as well. A rabbit stew is a specialty. As is cheese pie and fried cheese (staka). For those with a sweet tooth try yogurt and honey tarts (kaltzounia). Cretan wine is fairly good too.
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