Sailing in Crete

There are more ways than one to explore Crete, but few are as spectacular as sailing. Crete is a big island, with an endless coastline, hidden coves, and tiny uninhabited islands that are begging to be discovered. If you want to experience Crete off the beaten track and take sensational photos from places that only you have been to, then sailing it is.

Even if you lack your own boat (how many of us have that luxury?), you can still arrange a trip sailing around Crete in several ways. You can rent a sailboat and explore the island from the sea. Or you can join a daily sailboat cruise and have fun while you visit new places and jump for a swim in the middle of the sea. No matter how you choose to experience Crete, check out our sailing ideas for the best spots.

Is sailing around Crete really for me?

Unless you get seasick, sailing around Crete is uniquely fun. There are options for all types of guests, from large families to young couples as well as large parties and get-togethers. You will find sailboats that can fit your group and match your expectations.

When you sail around the island, you get to view the island from the perspective of the sea, with the coastline unfolding before your eyes. It’s a sensationally engaging way to perceive the island and see its beauty unfold before your eyes at its most majestic.

Sailing means you can easily access pebble coves and sandy beaches that are either inaccessible by land or require hours of hiking. Instead of walking down dirty paths — and thinking about how you are going to climb up again in the scorching heat — a sailboat means you can swim on a pristine beach, on your own, and enjoy hours of sea activities with your friends and family.

When you sail, you are constantly on the move. You will witness what life on the sea feels like — and each and every beach, cove, and cliff will offer a different experience. It never gets boring when you’re sailing around Crete! You get to hop between islands, beaches, and coves and discover what makes Crete so amazing. Not to mention that you can stop at any harbor, have a mouthwatering Cretan dinner, and continue your sailing adventures the next day.

And of course, sailing comes with many other fun activities, like snorkeling, diving, waterskiing, and paddle boarding. The sea is endless, and so are the water sports you get to enjoy.

Picture yourself sitting on a sailboat, late at night, star gazing. The immensity of the sea surrounds you while you can only hear the gentle sound of the sea and the waves splashing against the sailboat. Isn’t that a unique experience that stays with you forever?

If you feel that sailing for hours on end is not your style, then you can book a sailing cruise from one the main cities like Herakleion, Chania, or Rethymno and enjoy a day at the sea. You will be given the opportunity to jump in the crystal waters and explore areas that are out of reach from land. Many daily cruises include water sports activities and equipment like snorkeling, paddle boarding (SUP), and even fishing. Pick your favorite sport or hobby, book a day at the sea, and discover jaw-dropping views of islands and beaches that you never thought could possibly exist.

Sailing ideas around Crete

Crete is Greece’s largest island, so the sailing opportunities are endless. If you only have a few days or even just one day for sailing, here are a few spots or locations that are worth visiting by sailboat.

Balos beach

While you can get there by car and a 1.5 hiking trail, sailing to Balos is an astonishing experience in itself. The lagoon’s water is a deep turquoise, a shade usually found in the tropics. Imagine accessing this astounding beach from the sea, immersed in the most vibrant sea color. The beach is sandy and stretches quite far, so be warned: you may find it almost impossible to leave at the end of the day.

Glyka Nera beach

Located in the south, Glyka Nera (“Sweet Waters”) is a beach that’s either accessible by boat or via a challenging hike. We strongly suggest the sea route because the waters have a deep blue hue and sailing them to reach the shore boosts the experience immensely. As for the beach itself, it is the epitome of what a Mediterranean cove is like, with small pebbles and crystal waters that you will find irresistible.

Kedrodasos beach

Situated in southern Chania, Kedrodasos beach is sandy, secluded, and unexplored. If you feel that you want to experience Crete without the crowds, sail to Kedrodasos beach and enjoy a day lazing alone on the white sand and diving in its beautiful waters. The beach is long and undiscovered as it can only be accessed by boat or through a nearly impossible hike. There are plenty of trees for shade and the cliffs that surround the beach make for stunning photo ops.

Vathi beach

Situated in southern Heraklion, Vathi beach is a cute cove found at the end of a gorge, which means it’s surrounded by stunning cliffs and mountains. When viewed from a sailboat, it makes for a spectacular vista. Several shade trees will beg you to rest in their shade, which may help explain why the whole feel of Vathi is one of relaxation.

Since it’s hidden from the open seas, this quiet spot was a pirate favorite, who used to hide there during the Ottoman occupation. So, don’t be surprised if you stumble on a treasure chest (just kidding. But seriously, there were pirates there, so who knows?). 

Discover Crete by sea

When you visit Crete, you are exploring an island of infinite possibilities. Whether you stay at one of our villas or on a sailboat, you have the opportunity to discover the beauties of Crete from both land and sea. So, check out our special offers for Cretan villas, book today the perfect villa for your holidays, and give yourself a few extra days to experience Crete by sea. You won’t regret it!