Boat hire in Crete

Hiring a yacht in Crete

There is a reason why Crete is known as the “island of gods” and with your Scansail yacht charter, you will understand why. Pink-sand beaches, rocky coves, ancient monasteries and majestic ruins are some beautiful things you can experience here. It’s time to hire a boat to find out what makes Greece’s largest island a fantastic sailing destination.

Where to sail in Crete?

With a 650-mile-long coastline, you will never be bored with your boat hire in Crete. The Greek island is home to some of Europe’s most spectacular landscapes, waiting to be explored from the comfort of your yacht.

The northern coast is well-developed, more touristic and includes the island’s two largest cities, Heraklion and Chania. We recommend sailing in the idyllic Gulf of Mirabello, known for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear water. The largest settlement, Agios Nikolaos, is home to a stunning promenade which has some of the finest seafood restaurants on the whole island. From Heraklion, you can also sail to the uninhabited Dia Island, known for its beautiful beach and for being surrounded by some of the bluest water in the Aegean.

The southern coast, on the other hand, is more rural and offers visitors a glimpse into a more authentic side of Crete. Here, you can discover the picturesque island of Elafonissi, which made it onto The Guardian’s list of the best beaches in Europe in 2022. The Caribbean-like water and flamingo-pink sand which surrounds the island will leave you longing for more.

Owing to Crete’s strategic location halfway between the Aegean Sea and the Libyan Sea, there are countless other destinations to sail to. The island is within close proximity to the Dodecanese in the northeast, the Cyclades in the north and the Peloponnese in the northwest, leaving visitors with plenty of things to see and do with your yacht charter.

How much does a yacht charter in Crete cost?

The price of a yacht rental in Crete depends on numerous factors such as the type of boat you opt for, the season and duration of your rental, the number of passengers onboard and any additional services that you may require. When you rent a boat in Crete, you will also have the possibility to have an experienced captain on board. The captain will be here to ensure that your boat trip runs smoothly and will guide you to all of the best places on the island.

• You can hire a sailboat in Crete for an average of £2,100/week in the low season and £2,800/week during the summer period.
• For catamaran charters, you can expect to pay an average of £4,200/week in the low season and £5,250/week in July and August, the busiest months of the year.
• If you’re longing for an adrenaline rush, we recommend renting a motorboat in Crete for an average price of £7,000/week in the low season and £7,700/week during the peak season.

What do we offer?

With Scansail, you can enjoy a high-end service with a private yacht charter. These boats come with a highly-trained crew who will be here to cater to all your needs throughout your trip, including dining and cleaning. They will also be able to show you the best sailing areas around the island, ensuring that you have the holiday of a lifetime. The crew is employed by the boat owner and the cost is included in the total.

If you wish to enjoy your sailing trip without worrying about the details, you can also pay an APA (advanced provisioning allowance). The APA is an additional fee which is paid in advance and covers the cost of provision for your charter.

The harbours in Crete

There is a plethora of harbours and marinas to choose from for your next boat rental in Crete. Not only do they offer excellent facilities, but many are also located within close proximity to some of the island’s most beautiful sights. Our favourites include:

• Agios Nikolaos Marina
• Gouves Marina
• Heraklion Marina
• Rethymno Marina

When to go on your yacht hire in Crete?

The warmest months of the year in Crete are July and August, but unfortunately, they are also the busiest. If you wish to have the beaches to yourself, we highly recommend chartering a yacht between late April and the end of June, or in September and October. During this period, hot weather is guaranteed and the water is perfect for swimming.