7-Day Greece Yacht Itinerary – Crete

Start your yacht charter in Crete in the picturesque coastal town of Agios Nikolaos. Reserve one of the 255 berths at the full-service marina, making for a handy base to explore the area. 

Hop in the tender for a morning cruise in the sparkling seas of Mirabello Bay, north along the coastline. Drop anchor in the sheltered aquamarine waters of sandy Kolokytha beach off the east coast of rocky Kalydon islet. For lunch, choose one of the waterfront fish tavernas at Plaka village. 

In the late afternoon, take a private guided tour of the tiny neighboring islet of Spinalonga, once a Venetian fortress, with a state-licensed tour guide. You’ll learn about its long history and see the ruins of a former leper colony. Made famous by Victoria Hislop’s 2005 novel The Island, it’s a particularly haunting scene as the sun starts to set. 

For dinner, take your pick of elegant restaurants in the glamorous resort area of Elounda or a homespun taverna with views of illuminated Lake Voulismeni in Agios Nikolaos. 

Slip into one of the limited number of berths at the small marina within island capital Heraklion’s busy harbor, or dock quayside. At the port entrance is the emblematic Venetian-built 16th-century Rocca a Mare fortress, known as Koules during Ottoman rule. Inside, ancient amphoras, French warship cannons and shipwreck finds are on display. Take in panoramic views of the city and sea from the top. 

Just a 25-minute drive south of the port is the Unesco World Heritage-listed Palace of Knossos. The most significant of Crete’s Minoan palaces, it’s thought to have been the seat of the island’s legendary ruler King Minos. Ensure to book timed entry tickets in advance, along with a guided tour. 

In the afternoon, tour the Heraklion Archeological Museum, which hosts artifacts from the Neolithic period through to Roman times. Among them are world-renowned finds such as the Bull-Leaping Frescoes, the Prince of the Lilies and the mysterious Phaistos Disc.

As night falls, step out for dinner in the city, whose best restaurants and bars are tucked into its side streets.

East of Rethymnon’s Venetian harbor, the city’s marina accommodates 174 vessels, while there’s space for larger yachts alongside the pier. From there, one of Crete’s best-preserved old towns is easy to reach on foot. 

Enter the colorful historic center via the arched Guora Gate, the main entrance to former Venetian fortifications. Keep your eyes peeled for elaborate stone-carved doorways gracing Venetian mansions, Ottoman-style wooden balconies that extend out over the street, and minarets soaring skyward. In the Archeological Museum of Rethymnon, temporarily located within the Church of St Francis, Minoan relics take center stage. Don’t miss the Loggia and the Rimondi Fountain, both dating to the 16th century.

In the late afternoon, ramble around the Fortezza, a fortress built by the Venetians to safeguard the city from sea raids. Within its limestone walls lie the Sultan Ibrahim Mosque, storage rooms and bastions, and secret passageways. Scale lookout points for views of the Cretan Sea, the harbor and the town’s rooftops. 

Come evening, dine at one of the cosy restaurants in the old town, then wander along the quayside for views of a 29-foot (9m) tall lighthouse built in the 1830s during Egyptian rule.

Chania’s well-sheltered old Venetian harbor serves as the ideal step-off point to explore the city’s many charms. 
Fuel up for the day with a bougatsa, a flaky pastry pie filled with mizithra cheese, from Iordanis, a local institution operating since 1924.

Next, wander the streets of the vibrant Old Town. Explore the Venetian quarter, the leather markets and Sifaka Street, known for its handcrafted knife workshops. In the old Muslim district of Splantzia, Ottoman-era monuments include the minaret that sits atop the Church of Agios Nikolaos. 

If you’re in the mood for a swim, opt for the sandy shores and shallow waters of Marathi, accessible by cab in 30 minutes. For a quick dip within walking distance, follow the verdant coastal path east to Koum Kapi and its clear, kid-friendly waters. 

Return to the port for an early evening stroll along the waterfront, lined with restaurants and cafe-bars that buzz day and night. Peek into Grand Arsenal, a former Venetian warehouse that has been converted into a cultural space and hosts exhibitions, or the repurposed Kucuk Hasan Mosque. As the sun sets, capture the lighthouse, first built in the 16th century, standing proud at the harbour entrance.

Arriving at Crete’s western tip, drop the hook south of Imeri Gramvousa islet, near the Dimitrios shipwreck. 

Start your day as early as possible, particularly in summer, to avoid the day-tripper crowds and heat. Tender out to Balos Lagoon, an otherworldly seascape on the mainland between the Tigani peninsula and Gramvousa Cape. Wade and paddleboard in the warm, knee-deep waters that alternate between neon turquoise and translucent.

Stepping out onto the sandbank between Tigani and the mainland, tread lightly on the soft sand; Balos forms part of the EU’s network of Natura 2000 protected sites. 

In the late afternoon, return to Imeri Gramvousa for your next adventure. Follow a rocky uphill path to a 449-foot (137m) high triangular-shaped Venetian fortress. Built on rugged cliffs in the late 16th century under the supervision of cardinal Latino Orsini to safeguard against Ottoman attacks, the views from the castle are spellbinding.

Cool off with a swim in blue-green waters and snorkel around the shipwreck, a cargo vessel that ran aground in 1968.

Sailing to southwestern Crete, you’ll reach the deep blue Libyan Sea and the small coastal town of Palechora, built on a peninsula. Anchoring off Pachia Ammos beach is your best bet, or if weather conditions are suitable and space exists, opt for the small port. 

Blessed with around eight miles (13km) worth of beaches, this unassuming town is a relaxed, family-friendly destination. Broad, sandy Pachia Ammos is the most popular, yet its size ensures that, even in high summer, it doesn’t feel too busy. West of the Grammeno peninsula is a long, sandy beach with cedar trees for shade.

Alternatively, hop in the tender to explore a series of hidden coves west of the port. If it’s windy, head east to pebbled Gialiskari. 

In the evening, make your way into town to revel in the friendly atmosphere and savor dinner at one of the multiple tavernas that specialize in traditional Cretan cuisine, including luscious local tomatoes. 

Cruising into Loutro’s sheltered bay, you’ll want to dive right into its tranquil, cyan-hued seas. This far-flung car-free fishing village in southwest Crete is accessible only by boat or on foot via hiking trails. 

Dramatic cliffs frame low whitewashed homes, small hotels and simple tavernas with chairs and tables sitting right at the water’s edge. From here, tender out to Glyka Nera, a pebbled beach with crystal clear waters, freshwater springs and sun loungers for hire. If you prefer umbrella-free beaches, hop between a trio of pebbled coves east of Loutro known as Mikro Pervolaki, Megalo Pervolaki, and Timios Stavros. 

Meanwhile, history buffs should seek out the nearby ancient site of Phoenix, whose scant remains include dome-shaped structures and a temple believed to have been dedicated to Apollo. Above the town, the crumbling yet evocative Loutro Fortress provides impressive views of Loutro.