Crete is a hundred and fifty miles long, which is the single most important fact about chartering there. It is not an island you circumnavigate in a week, and the fleet is small compared with the Cyclades or the Ionian. Most Cretan charters work a section of the north coast or use the island as a jumping-off point rather than as a circuit.
What a week from Crete actually covers
From Agios Nikolaos or Heraklion, east to Sitia and Kasos or west along the north coast towards Rethymno and Chania, with Santorini and the southern Cyclades a serious but achievable passage north. The south coast is exposed and has few harbours. It is a passage-making week rather than an island-hopping one, and it suits crews who want miles under the keel.
What it costs
No Cretan rate is published in this record. The Moorings publishes $2,634 to $36,999 for a 7 day charter for 2 people out of its Greek bases, which is the applicable published Greek range, and Seafarer Sailing publishes nothing across its twelve Greek bases. Expect a smaller choice of boat in Crete than in the Ionian or the Saronic and less flexibility on dates.
The weather is a real constraint
The meltemi reaches Crete hard in July and August and the north coast harbours are not all comfortable in it. Combine that with long distances between shelter and a Cretan week needs more weather judgement than a Saronic one. It is a better May, June or September charter than a high summer one.
Questions people ask about yacht charter crete
How much is a yacht charter in Crete?
No Cretan rate is published in this record. The Moorings publishes $2,634 to $36,999 for a 7 day charter for 2 people out of its Greek bases.
Can I sail around Crete in a week?
No. The island is about 150 miles long with an exposed south coast and few southern harbours; a week covers a section of the north coast or a passage north to the Cyclades.
When should I charter in Crete?
May, June or September. The meltemi is strong in July and August and shelter is far apart on this coast.