Southern Crete offers a unique and unforgettable yachting experience, characterized by dramatic landscapes, secluded harbors, and authentic Greek charm. Unlike the bustling northern coast, the south boasts a rugged beauty and a sense of tranquility that appeals to adventurous sailors.
The Meltemi wind, a dominant force in the Aegean during summer (July and August), typically blows from the northwest to west-northwest. While the northern coast may experience stronger gusts (Force 5-6), the southern coast often sees a gentler Force 3-4. However, be aware that sudden, strong squalls can descend from the mountains along the southern coastline with little warning, especially close to shore. Spring and autumn bring winds from the south, generally Force 2-4.
Summer temperatures on Crete are high, averaging around 35°C (95°F) in July and August, with occasional peaks exceeding 40°C (104°F). Prepare for intense sunshine and heat.
**Southern Crete’s Coastal Gems:**
* **Nisis Gramvousa:** Located off Crete’s southern coast, Gramvousa offers a sheltered bay on its southeastern side. Anchor in the bay or moor bows-to the quay. Water is available from a well near the chapel, but no other facilities exist.
* **Palaiokhora:** Situated near Crete’s southwestern tip, Palaiokhora provides options to moor alongside or bow/stern-to in the new harbor on the eastern side of the rocky headland. Alternatively, anchor in either of the two bays east or west of the headland, depending on wind direction. Water, fuel, and all provisions are available in the village. Excellent tavernas abound.
* **Ak Mouros Anchorages:** Explore the anchorages on either side of Ak Mouros: Ormos Loutra to the east, where you can anchor off the village, and Ormos Foinikias to the west. Limited provisions and a few tavernas are available in the village.
* **Skafion:** Anchor off the village of Skafion in calm weather. Tavernas are available ashore, and all provisions can be found in this now-booming tourist resort.
* **Ay Galini:** Moor bow/stern-to or alongside the quay at Ay Galini. The sandy bottom provides good holding and shelter from the Meltemi. Water is available on the quay, and fuel in town. All provisions can be obtained, and the tavernas are excellent. This is another well-developed tourist resort.
* **Matala:** This horseshoe-shaped bay on the western side of Ak Latinos should only be used in calm weather. Most provisions are available, and there are good tavernas ashore. Matala is steeped in history, mentioned in Homer’s Odyssey as the site where Menelaus’s ships were wrecked returning from the Trojan War. It was also an important port in Roman times.
* **Kali Limenes:** Anchor in this small bay on the eastern side of Ak Litinos in depths of 3-6m. It offers good shelter from the north and west but is open to the east and south. Limited provisions and a few tavernas can be found in the village.
* **Ierapetra:** A medium-sized harbor where you can moor bow/stern-to on the north or west sides. Water is available on the quay, and fuel from the town. All provisions may be obtained, and there are good waterfront tavernas. The town and harbor date back to Minoan times, though little of the ancient architecture remains.
* **Kato Zakros:** Anchor in the large sandy bay. Enjoy the couple of tavernas ashore, but the main attraction is the ruins of a Minoan palace at the foot of the dramatic gorge.
* **Ormos Grandes & Vai:** Seek shelter from the Meltemi at Kouremenos in the north of Ormos Grandes, a large bay on the north side of Ak Plaka. Two miles north of Kouremenos is Vai, where you can anchor off the sandy beach and find tavernas ashore.
**Cretan Cuisine:**
Crete’s cuisine mirrors that of the Aegean, with a strong emphasis on fresh seafood like tuna, swordfish, sea bass, urchins, octopus, squid, and cuttlefish. Meat dishes include beef, pork, lamb, and goat. Try the local rabbit stew, cheese pie, and fried cheese (staka). For dessert, savor yogurt and honey tarts (kaltzounia). Cretan wine is generally quite good.