Yacht Charter in Southern Crete

"body">can be obtained and there are good tavernas.
In the summer the prevailing wind is the infamousAnother recently developed tourist resort.
Meltemi from the NW - WNW. July and August seesMatala is a horseshoe shaped bay on the W side of
the winds at their strongest, force 5 - 6 on theAk Latinos. Yachts should only use it in calm weather.
northern coast but more often a more gentle force 3Most provisions can be obtained and there are good
- 4. The spring and autumn sees winds form thetavernas ashore. Matala is mentioned in Homer's
south, force 2 - 4. The southern coast is notoriousOdyssey. Here Menelau's ships were wrecked
for strong squalls the blow down from the mountains.returning from the Trojan wars. It was an important
There is little in the way of warning and they can beport in Roman times.
violent close inshore. It gets very hot on the islandKali Limenes is a small bay on the E side of Ak Litinos.
during the summer months with the average dailyYachts can anchor in the bay in depth of 3 - 6m.
temperature reaching 35 deg C in July and AugustThere is good shelter from the N and W but it is
and temperatures as high as 40 deg C are notopen to the E and S. Limited provisions can be found
uncommon.in the village and there are a few tavernas.
Nisis Gramvousa lies off Crete's S coast. There is aLerapetrais a medium sized harbour. Yachts can go
sheltered bay on the SE side of the island. Yachtsbow or stern to on the N or W sides. There is water
can anchor in the bay or go bows to the quay. Thereon the quay and fuel from the town. All provisions
are no facilities but water is available fro a well bymay be obtained and there are good waterfront
the chapeltavernas. The town and harbour date back to Minoan
Palaiokhora is near the SW tip of Crete. Go alongsidetimes but sadly little of the ancient architecture
or bow or stern to in the new harbour on the E sideremains.
of the rocky headland. Or anchor in either of the twoYachts can anchor in the large sandy bay of Kato
bays to the E and W of the headland depending onZakros. There are a couple of tavernas ashore but
the winds direction. There is water and fuel in thethe main attraction is the ruins of a Minoan palace at
village and all provisions can be obtained. Thethe foot of the dramatic gorge.
tavernas here are good.Ormos Grandes is a large bay on the N side of Ak
There are anchorages on either side of Ak Mouros.Plaka. Yachts can seek shelter from the Meltemi at
Ormos Loutra to the E where a yacht can anchor ofKouremenos in the N of the bay. 2 miles to the N of
the village and Ormos Foinikias to the W. There are aKouremenos is Vai. Here yachts can anchor of the
few tavernas and limited provisions can be obtainedsandy beach and there are tavernas ashore.
in the village.Crete's cuisine is similar to that found throughout the
Further to the W is Skafion. Yachts can anchor ofAegean. Fish plays a large part in the form of tuna,
the village in calm weather. There are tavernasswordfish, sea bass, urchins, octopus, squid and
ashore and all provisions can be found. The once tinycuttlefish. You will find beef, pork, lamb and goat. A
village is now a booming tourist resortrabbit stew is a speciality. As is cheese pie and fried
At Ay Galini yachts can go bow or stern to orcheese (staka). For those with a sweet tooth try
alongside the quay. There is good holding on theyogurt and honey tarts (kaltzounia). Cretan wine is
sandy bottom and shelter from the Meltemi. There isfairly good.
water on the quay and fuel in the town. All provisions