Yacht Charter in Northern Crete

Crete was home to one of world?s most important civilisations, the Minoans who ruled the eastern Mediterranean from 2800 - 1150 BC. The art that has survived shows a refined and peace loving culture. There is a good collection in the Museum at Iraklion. Through commerce, shipping and trade with other peoples, the Egyptians, Phoenicians and Syrians they built a powerful civilisation. The Achaians and the Dorians followed. The Romans occupied Crete 69 - 330 AD making Gortyn their major town. Crete fell into the Arabic hands in 824 and was not liberated until 961). Then in 1204, the island passed to the Venetians. They fortified the island with several new castles and broke the ground for new cities of Hania and Rethimno. Inside the walls the cities developed with narrow alleys and houses, interspersed with decorative churches, fountains, piazzas and palaces the remains of which can still be seen today. In 1645 the Turks set foot on the island for the first time and in 1669 the whole of Crete fell to them. Not until 1913 was the island reunited with the rest of Greece.

In the summer the prevailing wind is the infamous Meltemi from the NW ? WNW. July and August sees the winds at their strongest, force 5 ? 6 on the northern coast but more often a more gentle force 3 ? 4. The spring and autumn sees winds form the south, force 2 ? 4. The southern coast is notorious for strong squalls the blow down from the mountains. There is little in the way of warning and they can be violent close inshore. It gets very hot on the island during the summer months with the average daily temperature reaching 35 deg C in July and August and temperatures as high as 40 deg C are not uncommon.

Kissamoss lies in the NW corner of Crete. Yachts can berth alongside or anchor of in the harbour. There is good shelter from the W and NW but it is open to the E and SE. In a strong northerly getting away can be difficult, as the yacht will have to beat for 14 miles to escape the bay. Water is available and the re is a taverna close by. The nearest provisions are at Kastelli, which is a one mile bus journey away.

Khania is to the E. Entrance can be difficult in a strong northerly as the sea heaps up around the entrance. The marina is in the E basin. You will be directed to a berth where a laid mooring awaits. There is good shelter in all but northerly gales. There is water and electricity on the pontoons. A mini tanker can deliver fuel. All provisions can be obtained and there are good tavernas in the town. This Venetian city was for centuries the capital of Crete and much of the charming architecture remains.

Soudhas is further to the E. It is the Greek navy?s southern base and yachts have been refused entry at times. If allowed in go bow or stern to on the S quay. Shelter is extremely good. There is water on the ferry mole and fuel can be delivered. All provisions can be obtained and there is a good choice of tavernas. The military presence tends to put a bit of a dampener on things and this is not a must visit.

Yioryiopolis is a small harbour at the mouth of the river Almiros. Go alongside the quay or anchor in the bay to the north. There is good shelter except with winds from the N ? NE. There is water in the village and most provisions can be obtained and there are several tavernas. The village is both attractive the locals are friendly making a visit well worthwhile.

Rethimon is an old Venetian harbour. Go alongside inside the N jetty or bow or stern to the E jetty. There is good shelter even from the Meltemi tucked under the E jetty. There is water on the quay and fuel can be delivered. All provisions can be obtained and there are some good tavernas including several fish restaurants in the Venetian harbour. This should be one of the highlights of the charter. The Venetian harbour and town are attractive and the buildings with wooden balconies are a reminder of Turkish occupation.

Iraklion is the capital of Crete. Proceed to the Venetian harbour at the W end of the main harbour. Go bow or stern to at the ?marina? in the S or on the N quay. There is water on the quay and fuel can be delivered. There is excellent shopping and fresh fish is sold in the harbour. There are good tavernas many of which serve fresh fish. Try those around the market in town. The city itself has little to recommend it but visits to Knossus, an archaeological site, go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the tourists. And the museum containing a collection from the Minoan times is worthwhile.

Khersonisos is a small harbour. Go bow to the mole or anchor off. Care is needed because depths vary throughout the harbour and the holding is poor on sand and rock. There is good shelter from the N as the harbour is open only to the SE. Water, fuel and provisions can all be found in the town. The town is a modern tourist development, full of bad architecture and obnoxious holidaymakers.

Spinalonga Lagoon is situated in the N of the larger bay Kolpos Merembellou. Yachts can anchor anywhere in the lagoon. Most provisions can be obtained at Elounda. Take a look at Nisis Spinalongas. The setting for the Venetian fort and deserted settlement are most attractive.

Further to the south is Ay Nikolaos. There is a marina on the S side of the headland. Yachts should bow or stern to where directed and use a laid mooring. There is water and electric on the pontoons. Fuel can be delivered to the yacht. There are numerous tavernas and most provisions can be obtained. This fishing village is now a large tourist development although the marina is sited some way from the noisy area.

Pahia Ammos is situated at the S end of Kolpos Merembellou. There are depths of up to 3m at the extremity of the mole. The harbour is exposed to the Meltemi. Limited provisions can be obtained in the village and there are several tavernas

Further W lies Sitia. Go bow or stern to the inner N mole. The bottom is sand and weed with some rocks. There is good shelter from the Meltemi. There are both fuel and water in the harbour. All provisions can be obtained in the town and there are several good fish restaurants. The inner harbour with its tree lined esplanade is pleasant and watching dusk fall over the harbour while tucking in to a nice sea bass is the perfect end to a day?s charter.

Ak Sidhero is the NE tip of Crete and to the S there are several anchorages in small inlets. There are no facilities but the scenery is imposing with a desolate feel.

Crete?s cuisine is similar to that found throughout the Aegean. Fish plays a large part in the form of tuna, swordfish, sea bass, urchins, octopus, squid and cuttlefish. You will find beef, pork, lamb and goat. A rabbit stew is a speciality. As is cheese pie and fried cheese (staka). For those with a sweet tooth try yogurt and honey tarts (kaltzounia). Cretan wine is fairly good.

Choose A Caribbean Charter Yacht - Three Varieties To Choose From

When choosing a Caribbean charter yacht, there are three categories of yachts. They are power yachts, sailing yachts and multihull sailing yachts, such as catamarans and trimarans. You can also have a special Caribbean charter to learn about the art of sailing a yacht. This will give you the knowledge and training you need to charter a yacht all on your own without the need of a captain and crew. When you book a Caribbean charter yacht, you can browse the yacht catalog to choose the yacht that best meets your needs.

You can choose a Caribbean yacht charter that specializes in bringing passengers to the best scuba diving locations. This type of yacht has all the space you need for storing your equipment as well as staterooms and a dining room. If you are new to scuba diving, you can take lessons from the skilled crew of the Carribean yacht charter and get the instruction that you need. There are times when you can just relax on the deck of the Caribbean charter yacht or enjoy trips onshore to experience the true Caribbean culture.

The company you choose to deal with for your Caribbean yacht charter will supply you with a sample itinerary for a week long vacation. However, you don't have to stick to this schedule and you can make different decisions where you want to travel on the Caribbean charter yacht. The Carribean islands you choose do have to be navigable and have appropriate anchorages and the captain will be able to give you advice about this aspect of the charter. You do charter the yacht yourself, so you won't have to share your Caribbean yacht charter with another group.

There are occasions when you can book a Caribbean charter yacht where you do not know the other passengers. An example of this could be a singles only charter or a ladies only charter. Of course, you will know this when you make the booking for a Carribean yacht charter, but it is helpful to know that you can enjoy a yacht charter without having a group of your own lined up. While you might think that a Caribbean yacht charter is very expensive, but when you compare it with the cost of a vacation at a tropical resort, there is very little difference between the prices.

Fly to the island of St. Thomas to meet the Caribbean charter yacht. From there you can sail to the island of St. John and have a leisurely lunch on board the yacht. Spend some time swimming, walk along the beach and drink in the Caribbean sunset. When you arrive back at the yacht, there will be a scrumptious meal waiting for you. If this sounds like an idyllic vacation, there is a Caribbean charter yacht waiting for you to make your booking.

To find out more about Sailing Vacations visit Peter's Website Your Sailing Vacation and find out about Caribbean Yacht Charters and more, including Luxury Yacht Charters, Crewed Yacht Charters, Bareboat Charters and Florida Charters.

Having Difficulty Finding Crewed Yacht Charters? ? Book Online

Crewed yacht charters are easy to find when you do a search on the Internet. These charters are available all over the world. Once you find the yacht charter company you want to deal with, the process of booking the sailing yacht and charter is relatively simple. First of all you have to decide where you want to travel this year and when you type the sailing destination into your Search engine browser the wealth of crewed yacht charters that result are absolutely amazing.

The location you choose for the crewed yacht charter is the most important part of the booking process. Once you know where it is you want to go, the rest of the procedure of booking online will fall into place. For example, you can choose crewed yacht charters to the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, the Bahamas or even the French Riviera. The type of crewed sailing yacht you choose can also be different. You can choose a luxury sailing yacht, a powerboat or a catamaran depending on your individual preference for sailing.

A crewed sailing yacht includes the captain and the crew, who will take care of all your needs while you are on board the yacht. You do not have to worry about handling the yacht when you book crewed yacht charters, but you can take advantage of the opportunity to learn more about sailing. The crew has the knowledge you need to enjoy the best scenic locations, the best spots for diving or fishing and the best ports for shopping. The captain is responsible to ensuring the safety of everyone on board the crewed yacht charter and this will be uppermost in his mind at all times.

The all-inclusive crewed yacht charters include everything you need to make the most of your vacation. All the food and drink as well as equipment is included in the price. The only extra costs that you will incur are your shopping and dining experiences in the various ports of call. You won?t have to worry about ant anchorage fees or have to supply your own food. Even the chef to cook exquisite delicacies for you comes as part of a crewed yacht charter.

The rates of crewed yacht charters depend on the number of passengers, the size of the boat and the length of the charter. The time of the year also affects the cost, as winter is a more expensive time of year to book a crewed sailing yacht than summer. You should also consider having travel insurance for a crewed yacht charter, just as you would if you planned a trip to a resort destination. Even though the crew is vigilant when it comes to the safety of passengers on crewed yacht charters, accidents can happen at any time.

An Introduction to Mega Yacht

Mega yacht charter is an ultimate picture of luxury. If you are looking for an excellent, and once in a lifetime vacation, mega yacht is just ideal for you. A mega yacht is a huge yacht charter, which accommodates a relatively small number of guests in total lavishness. A Mega yacht cruise calculates about 100-400 feet in length. It is also defined as a private luxury sailing vessel, the size of newer mega yacht models are more bigger surpassing more than 450 feet. The beautiful accommodations and hospitality areas of these super-vessels are perfect sites for special occasions like wedding party, birthday event, company celebration or any other important events.

A mega yacht charter allows you complete freedom to go almost anywhere you desire and promise to make your vacation a dear for lifetime. From Greece and the Mediterranean to Miami and the Virgin Islands, you could take pleasure in soaking up some amazing sunshine aboard your yacht charter with enjoying thrill and adventure in some wonderful destinations. The most popular yacht charter destinations consist of the Caribbean, Bahamas, New Zealand and even such extremely exotic destinations as Thailand in Southeast Asia.

A well-planned mega yacht charter features the most excellent toys money could buy. In addition to such taken for decided activities as swimming, sunbathing and other enjoying tasty meals and cool drinks in the shadow of the ring, spending excellent time in the company of friends and family, mega yachts offer a huge deal of extra leisure and entertainment facilities not available on any other types of yachts.

Some of the unique features on these luxury yachts comprise Jacuzzis on deck, helicopter pads, in house theatres, fiery swimming pools, wave runners, and brilliant sport fish fighting chairs. Everything you could just imagine could be found on one of these floating islands of luxury.

When you choose mega yacht charters you could rest assured that you would have the perfect vacation, combining the rest and recreation that you crave with the chance to see some stunning sights and enjoy a huge range of excitement. Overall, if you desire to wow your guests and family with royal treatment, an experience in a mega yacht charter is an ideal choice for you.

Mr.Monish is a Copywriter of Florida yacht charter. He's written many articles in various topics.

For more information visit: Boat trailer for sale.

contact him at yachtloop.marine@gmail.com.

Yacht Charter in the Northern Cyclades

The areas prevailing wind during the summer months is the infamous Meltemi blowing from the N-NW. It is first felt in June and becomes stronger through July, August and September when it can reach force 8. It dies down in October. In the spring and autumn gales are common from the N and the SE. The summer months are hot, average temperatures are 25 deg C and temperatures often reach 35 deg C.

Kea Island is very close to Athens, it is a mountainous island and small valleys, planted with fruit-trees and vines, break up its coarse beauty. This is quite holiday spot and its numerous bays and attractive villages offer quiet relaxation in contrast to the other more popular islands in the Cyclades. Hora is the capital of the island and home to the Archaeological museum which hosts a number of Cycladic period finds.

Greek mythology has it that Kea was the residence of the nymphs of the forest springs who embodied the "liquid element". The gods envied its beauty and sent a fearsome lion to persecute the nymphs who took escaped to Karistos. Then a long period of dryness began, water levels decreased and the vegetation withered. The islanders asked for the help of Apollo's son Aristaios. He came to the island and built a sanctuary to honour the Ikmaios Zeus, the god of rain. The gods were pacified and the draught was reduced allowing agriculture to thrive once more.

Korissia is the port of Kea and is situated at the southern end of the Limin Ay Nikolaou in the NW of the island. The houses of the port are built around a bay, on a small plain. You can moor stern or bows to the quay keeping clear of the ferry berth. As the Meltemi blows straight on to the quay ensure your anchor is holding. Vourkari further NW in the bay also has a quay that you can moor stern or bow to. There are several other possible locations to anchor in within the bay if the weather is calm. Fuel in available in Korrisa and provisions and tavernas can be found in both Korrisa and Vourkari. During the summer months the bay is more often than not crowded with yachts from nearby Athens with picturesque Vourkari being the most popular.

Loulis, the capital of Kea, is situated 5.5 km from Korissia. Many of the old mansions are built next to the ruined castle. The ancient acropolis of Loulis and the impressive sculpture of Kea's Lion are both worth a visit. As are the churches of Panayia Gamila and Panayia Revmatiani and the ruined monasteries of Agia Anna and Dafni.

On the coast further to the south there is an anchorage at Ormos Pisa, there are no facilities here. Further south still is the anchorage of Ormos Kavia, open only to the south it provides good shelter from the Meltemi. The taverna run by Manos can provide provisions, fuel, gas, water, ice and showers. Ormos Polais is in the SE of the island. This anchorage provides some shelter from the Meltemi but holding is not always good. There are ruins ashore including those of a temple. Khalidhoniki is a small cove in the NE of the island with good shelter from the Meltemi. The small village ashore has a taverna. Orgias is a small cove on the northern coast that should only be used to anchor in calm conditions. There are no facilities.

The barren, rocky island of Kithnos lies 6 miles to the south of Kea. Legend says that the Dryopes, who came from Eboea, settled on Kythnos in the 11th century BC. In classical times the island was a well organized city state praised by Aristotele. Excavations have found a site dating back to the Neolithic or even the Mesolithic period, making it the oldest habitation in the Cyclades. In more recent times, around 200 BC, the island was frequently attacked by the Romans although they never succeeded in taking it. The island is 19 km long and covers an area of about 80 square km. The only green shade in the heat of the summer is provided by many the fig trees. Today the island is popular with Greeks who head for its many Spas that are located in the NE of the island.

The capital of the island, Hora, stands inland on a hillside plateau, it is a typical Cycladic village with beautiful churches containing fine woodcarving, sanctuary screens and icons. On the western coast lie the bays of Apokriosis and Fikiadha. Good holding and shelter in attractive surroundings. There are good white sandy beaches. No other facilities. Further to the south lies the island's port Merika. Moor stern or bow to the quay inside the ferry berth. The SW end of the quay shallows and yachts should go bows to. Fuel is obtainable by taxi. Most provisions are available in the village. There are several waterfront tavernas. The anchorages of Kanala and Ay Nikolos can be found in the south east of the island. They should be visited in only calm weather. There are no facilities. Further to the north on the east coast are the anchorages of Stefanos and Ioannis. They offer good shelter from the Meltemi but holding is poor in places. A limited water supply is available at Stefanos. No other facilities. The village of Loutra is in the NE of Kithnos. Go bow or stern to off the quay. Water is available on the quay and most provisions are available in the town. There are several tavernas.

Siros is another almost barren island. The north is rugged and largely uninhabited while the south has gentler slopes and is cultivated towards the coast. Ermoupolis is on the east coast. Go bow or stern to the quay avoiding the ferry berth in the east of the harbour. Reasonable shelter except with winds from the SE when a large swell comes into the harbour making it at best very uncomfortable and at worst dangerous. Another hazard is the sewage that flows into the harbour making it very smelly in the summer. Non potable water is available on the quay. Drinking water comes via a tanker. There is good shopping within the town. Plenty of tavernas around the harbour and in town. As the past capital of the Cyclades the town has a certain grandeur with many fine buildings. The small island of Nisos Gaidharos lies just to the east. A small cove in the SE corner provides good shelter from the Meltemi. There are no facilities. Varis is in the SE of Siros. Good holding and shelter from the Meltemi. There are several tavernas on the waterfront. In the SW lies the sheltered bay of Finikas. Go bow or stern to of the pier or anchor off. Holding is good. There is water on the pier and electric can be connected. Showers and toilets on the pier. Some provisions are available in the village. This is a particularly place and well worth a visit. Further to the N is Galissas. There is a small mole to the south of the bay, depths are shallow so take a long line to it. There is a mini market and tavernas ashore. Kini lies further to the north. There is a taverna ashore and limited provisions are available.

Andros is the most northern island in the Cyclades. It is mountainous and heavily wooded with limited cultivation. Gaviron is on the NW coast. You can anchor in the north of the bay or go bow or stern to or alongside the quay. There is good shelter from the Meltemi. Water is available from the village and there is fuel on the quay. Most provisions can be obtained in the village. There are tavernas on the waterfront and in the village. Batsi is a small harbour 2.5 miles SE of Gaviron. Go bow or stern to the quay or anchor in the N or W of the bay. There is water on the quay. Fuel and most provisions can be obtained in the village. There are tavernas on the beach, around the waterfront and in the village. Further to the south is the open bay of Palaioupolis. Anchor to the north of the bay where the best shelter from the Meltemi is. The waters are crystal clear and surroundings impressive. Kastro is on the E side of the island. The harbour is open to the Meltemi and entry can be difficult. Go bow or stern to behind the mole. Water, fuel and provisions can be obtained from the village. There are tavernas around the waterfront and in the village. Kastro is the capital of Andros. The walk from the harbour, around the bay to the village will be rewarded as the maritime, archaeological and modern art museums are all worth a visit. 6 miles to the south of Kastro is the open bay of Korthion. It is possible to anchor in the bay but there is little protection from the Meltemi and the accompanying swell is at best uncomfortable and could be dangerous. There are several tavernas ashore and limited provisions can be obtained.

Tinos is yet another rugged mountainous island lying just to the south of Andros. The island is wooded and many of the slopes have been terraced there is extensive cultivation. The main port and capital is Tinos. Go bow or stern to the quay to the north of the inner harbour avoiding the ferry berth. There is good shelter in all but southerlies that produce some swell. Wash from the ferries can be uncomfortable. There is water on the quay and the locals claim it to be the purest in Greece - a claim made by several other places. Fuel can be obtained in the town, as can all provisions. There are plenty of tavernas close to the harbour. Panormos lies on the NE coast. Go bow or stern to one of the two piers, care is need with the smaller pier, as there is less than 2m depths except at it extremity. There is only limited protection from the Meltemi and it should be avoided when it is blowing.

Further to the south lies Mikinos. Perhaps the most popular tourist spot in Greece. It capital and port go by the same name and it is the town that is the island's main attraction. Go bow or stern to the quay in the NE of the harbour. The bottom is weed and it is difficult to get the anchor to cut through. There is limited protection from the Meltemi and some consider the harbour dangerous. Mini tanker can deliver water and fuel. There are many shops in the town and all provisions can be obtained. There are numerous tavernas varying in both quality and price. Just over a mile to the north there is a modern marina. This provides good all round protection. Ornos bay is on the south coast. Anchor in the north of the bay, the bottom is sand and weed and poor holding in places. There is a supermarket nearby and several beachfront tavernas. Kalafatis, further to the east provides good protection from the Meltemi but is open to the S and E. There is a taverna ashore. On the north coast is the large bay of Panormos. It cannot be used in the Meltemi season. There is a taverna ashore.

Rinia lies to the west. Skhinou is a bay on the E coast. Anchor either in the north on sand taking care of the rocks. There is good shelter from the Meltemi. Or in the south but there is no protection from the Meltemi here. There are further anchorages at Chapel Bay, South Bay and Miso. There are no facilities at any of these anchorages.

Ken Jones runs a Sailing Site. More information about Yacht Charter can be found here Find other Marine Services in Greece here.