Crete is the largest island in the Aegean Sea and is easily spotted by its high mountain peaks which run the length of the island. Predominantly it is a rocky, barren island, except for the fertile land on the northern coast and some fertile land high in the mountains. The main industry here is tourism and high-rise hotels can be seen all around its coastline. There is however the more remote, undiscovered side to Crete, which is easily accessible to the cruising yachtsman.

Weather in Crete

During the summer months the Meltemi prevails, blowing from the NW-WNW, and as with everywhere else, this is at its strongest during July and August (no more than Force 5-6). During the spring and autumn, the wind blows mainly quite gently from the South. The South coast suffers from squalls – a combined effort of the katabatic winds off the high mountains and the Meltemi. Whilst summers here are very hot, the winter months are very agreeable and it’s a good spot to spend the winter on board.

See comments on weather in Crete at bottom of page.

A Yachting Pilot for Crete

This yachtsman’s pilot by Tony Cross for the Greek Island of Crete was begun originally as a set of cruising notes following a cruise around Crete in October and November 2007.  Since then the cruising notes have been gradually updated and added to as more ports and anchorages were visited, either by Tony or by trusted close friends.  In 2010  it was felt that they were complete enough to be useful as a yachting pilot for Crete.  The information in here is regularly updated and amendments, additions, useful photographs or general comments about this pilot are appreciated.