Why would you sail around Crete ?

 

Sailing around Crete is fantastic , particularly if you want a holiday that combines sailing with plenty to do ashore.

This is why Crete works so well for a week of sailing.

1. Dramatic coastline and clear water

Crete has beautiful turquoise bays, caves, beaches and rugged cliffs. The northwest coast around Chania and the Gramvousa peninsula is particularly rewarding from a boat.

2. A good mix of sailing and exploring

You can alternate sailing days with time ashore for:

Ancient ruins and archaeological sites

Mountain villages and traditional tavernas

Hiking gorges and coastal paths

Snorkelling and swimming

Local food and wine

Historic Venetian harbours

3. Excellent food 🍋

Crete is arguably one of Greece's best food destinations. Sailing lets you reach small coastal tavernas that aren't necessarily convenient by road. Expect grilled fish, lamb, dakos, fresh vegetables, local cheeses and excellent olive oil.

4. Beautiful small harbours

Places such as Loutro, Chora Sfakion and Agia Galini give you a very different experience from staying in a resort. Arriving by boat makes these places particularly special.

5. You can combine famous sights with quieter anchorages

A seven-day route doesn't have to mean moving every day. You can spend a morning swimming in a remote bay, sail a few hours, then have dinner in a village harbour.

The important caveat !!

Crete is large, so I wouldn't try to sail around the entire island in seven days. You'd spend too much time covering distance.

For a first 7-day sailing holiday, I'd suggest either  :-

Option A – Western Crete ⭐

Chania → Gramvousa/Balos → Kissamos → Paleochora → Loutro → Chora Sfakion → Chania

This gives you spectacular scenery, beaches, swimming, villages and some of Crete's best-known attractions.

Option B – Eastern Crete

Heraklion → Dia → Agios Nikolaos → Spinalonga → Mochlos → Kouremenos → Sitia

This is better if you want more history, archaeology, traditional villages and quieter eastern coastline.

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The Seychelles -- one of the world's finest sailing destinations

 

Here is a  relaxed 7-day sailing itinerary covering the beautiful Inner Islands, starting and finishing on Mahé.

Day 1 – Mahé to Praslin (26 nautical miles, 4–5 hours)

Morning

Depart Eden Island Marina on Mahé.

Enjoy your first sail across turquoise waters to Praslin.

Afternoon

Anchor at Baie Ste Anne or Anse Lazio.

Swim or snorkel straight from the yacht.

Onshore activities

Visit the UNESCO-listed Vallée de Mai nature reserve.

See the famous Coco de Mer palms and endemic black parrots.

Enjoy dinner at a local Creole restaurant.

Day 2 – Explore Praslin

A leisurely day with minimal sailing.

Onshore activities

Relax at Anse Lazio, regularly ranked among the world's finest beaches.

Optional visit to Anse Georgette.

Short hike through coastal trails.

Water activities

Paddleboarding

Snorkelling

Sunset drinks aboard your yacht

Day 3 – Praslin to Curieuse Island (4 nautical miles)

Curieuse is a protected national park.

Onshore activities

Walk among hundreds of free-roaming Aldabra giant tortoises.

Follow the mangrove boardwalk.

Visit the restored Doctor's House museum.

Afternoon

Snorkel around St Pierre Islet, famous for colourful reef fish and clear water.

Day 4 – Curieuse to La Digue (7 nautical miles)

La Digue has a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere.

Onshore activities

Hire bicycles (the best way to explore).

Visit the spectacular Anse Source d'Argent.

Explore traditional vanilla plantations and coconut groves.

Browse local artisan shops.

Evening

Fresh seafood barbecue or beach restaurant.

Day 5 – La Digue and Coco Islands

A short cruise to some of the Seychelles' best reefs.

Activities

Snorkelling with turtles.

Optional scuba diving.

Kayaking around granite boulders.

Onshore

Visit Grand Anse or Petite Anse.

Watch the sunset from one of the island's quiet western beaches.

Day 6 – La Digue to Mahé (approximately 35 nautical miles)

A longer but rewarding sail back towards Mahé.

Afternoon

Anchor at Beau Vallon or Sainte Anne Marine National Park.

Onshore activities

Explore Victoria, one of the world's smallest capitals.

Visit Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market.

Sample Creole cuisine and local rum.

Day 7 – Mahé

Spend your final day exploring the largest island.

Options include -

Hike the Copolia Trail or Morne Blanc for panoramic island views.

Visit Takamaka Bay.

Relax at Anse Intendance or Petite Anse.

Browse local craft markets before departure.

Wildlife you may encounter-

Aldabra giant tortoises

Hawksbill and green turtles

Reef sharks 

Eagle rays

Dolphins

Flying fish

Hundreds of tropical fish species

Best time to sail =

April–May: Light winds, calm seas, excellent visibility.

October–November: Another superb period with warm weather and outstanding snorkelling.

June–September: Stronger southeast trade winds make for livelier sailing.

December–March: Hotter and more humid, with occasional tropical showers.

This itinerary strikes a good balance between sailing (generally 1–5 hours per day, except for the return to Mahé) and plenty of time ashore to enjoy the Seychelles' beaches, wildlife, hiking, and Creole culture. If you're interested in a more adventurous trip, I suggest suggest a route that includes the remote islands of Cousin, Aride, and Silhouette for even better birdlife, diving, and secluded anchorages.

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