Explore: Crete
General Info
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.

Health
Restrictions
Local Customs
Time Zone
Events
Publications List
Links
Courtesy Flag

YachtFlags.com offers a discount to Noonsite members.
YachtFlags.com provides high quality courtesy flags that are manufactured in durable Knitted Polyester fabric. Knitted so that the fabric itself does not deteriorate in the constant movement that marine flags are usually exposed to, and polyester so that the flag does not weaken in the strong UV-light usually found in the main sailing areas of the world.
Use the coupon code NOONSITE_5A2B when checking out to get 10% off today.
Buy Now On YachtFlags.comPublications
Main Ports
- Ports of Entry: Ayios Nikolaos, Chania (Hania), Iraklion
- Other Ports: Rethimno