What is the best time of year for a yacht charter in Crete?

Crete is sailable from April until late October, with sea temperatures already above 18 °C in spring and still 23 °C in early autumn. July–August are the hottest and busiest months and coincide with the Meltemi, a northerly that can reach 15–30 knots. If you prefer lighter winds and quieter anchorages, look to May–June or September–October.

Which sailing areas in Crete are most suitable for beginners?

The Gulf of Mirabello (Agios Nikolaos–Elounda) and the lee of the south-central coast offer well-protected waters, short hops and many anchorages—ideal for first-time skippers or families. The open north coast can be choppy when the Meltemi pipes up, so crews with limited experience often plan shorter days or add a local skipper in July and August.

How do the Meltemi winds affect sailing plans?

From late June to early September the Meltemi funnels down the Aegean and accelerates along Crete’s north shore, typically building after noon and easing overnight; gusts of 25 knots are common and 30 knots not rare. It gives fast, up-wind passages west-to-east but demands reefed sails or alternative routes for less experienced crews.

What type of boat should I choose in Crete?

• Monohull sailing yachts remain the most economical option and suit crews keen on performance or tighter berths.

• Catamarans offer extra deck space and shallow-draft access to Crete’s numerous sand-bar bays, but incur +50 % marina fees and higher charter price.

• Motor yachts and RIBs work well for short-range day trips from Heraklion or Chania where distances between sights are small.

• Crewed or skippered charters are readily available for guests without the required licence or who simply wish to relax.

Do I need a licence to rent a boat in Crete?

Greek port authorities require at least one skipper with an RYA Day-Skipper, ICC or equivalent national coastal certificate, plus a second adult able to assist as co-skipper. Skippers must carry the original licence and passport; without these, the charter company will insist on hiring a professional skipper.

How do I reach the main charter bases?

• Heraklion – 4 km (10 min taxi) from Heraklion International Airport; a city bus (line 6) runs every 20 min for €1–2.

• Chania (Old Venetian Harbour) – 14 km from Chania Airport; hourly KTEL bus (€2–3, 45 min) or 16 min taxi (~€17).

• Agios Nikolaos – hourly KTEL buses from Heraklion central station (€7–10, 70 min) and direct airport shuttles in high season.

• Rethymno – served by KTEL coaches along the north-coast highway and by taxi (approx. 65 km from Heraklion Airport).

How much should I budget for mooring and marina fees?

A 40 ft monohull typically pays €30–40 per night in municipal marinas such as Agios Nikolaos or Rethymno; catamarans are charged 50 % extra. Private marinas may charge more, while many village quays are free if you dine ashore (expect €5–10 for water / electricity). All foreign-flagged yachts must also pay the eTEPAI cruising tax—€33 per month for 10–12 m vessels or €8 per metre for larger hulls.

Can I charter a yacht with a skipper or crew?

Yes. Most fleets list both bareboat and skippered versions of the same models; a skipper’s fee is around €190-220 per day plus meals and a private cabin. Fully crewed packages on larger yachts bundle captain, host / chef and fuel into a single weekly rate.

Are there extra costs I should plan for?

Expect to top up fuel (€7–12 per engine-hour on a 40 ft yacht), provision the boat, and leave a refundable security deposit or pay a damage-waiver fee. Water and shore-power are metered in most Cretan marinas (about €5 per m³ of water and €0.50 per kWh). Travel insurance that covers sailing activities is strongly recommended and sometimes mandatory.