Gramvousa Harbour
The harbour of Gramvousa is behind the island of Gramvousa at the end of the peninsula of Gramvousa on the northwest side of Crete. The second island north is Agria (Wild) Gramvousa. There is a Venetian castle on the island above the sheer west face of Gramvousa Island and a small cove on the south where there is a wrecked freighter hull. There is a pier on the south side of the island and well-water near the small church. There are no other facilities. In the small cove there is a safe anchorage point from NW and NE winds. The quay has bows to mooring if done with care - there are some rocks in the area. In south winds anchor opposite in the bay formed by the small isthmus on the mainland. Care must be taken when entering the area as there are submerged rocks on the west entrance, in front of the fort.
Kastelli Harbour
The main harbour is in the southwest corner of the Kissamos Bay. The peninsula of Gramvousa is to the west and Spatha Peninsula is to the east. The harbour is below a large mass of rock easily seen from the sea. To the west of the harbour is an abandoned rusting hull of a freighter. To the east is the small fishing /sports harbour and the town of Kastelli.
The quay of the main harbour has a taverna and the Port Police. There is water on the quay. The town of Kastelli, 3km east, has fuel, shops for minor repairs and shops for all provisions. There is a Post and a Telephone office in Kastelli. There is a Health Centre in town, private doctors, dentists, and pharmacies.
The city of Chania can easily be reached from Kastelli by bus, taxi or car rental. It is one hour away.
The sports/fishing harbour has three tavernas, telephone and a puplic boat ramp for small boats. This harbour is 2km from Kastelli.
The alongside mooring or anchoring in the harbour mole provides good shelter from north, south and northwest winds. The harbour is open to the east and southeast. The harbour mouth is lit by a green light on the right and a red light on the left. The ferryboat to the Peloponnesus docks in the large harbour.
The sports/fishing harbour provides stern-to and bow-to mooring for small boats. Most of the harbour is full with fishing boats. The shelter is good in all weather.
Falasarna Harbour
The harbour of Falasarna and the ancient city of Falasarna's ruins is on the west coast of Crete. The small fishing harbour is south of the large white sandy beach. The location of the ancient city is near the large land mass in the north of the bay.
The anchorage point of Falasarna and the ancient city of Falasarna's ruins are on the west coast of Crete. The small fishing harbour is south of the large white sandy beach. The location of the ancient city is near the large land mass in the north of the bay.
Anchorage in this bay is good in east winds.
The harbour has only stern-to and bow-to mooring for 1 or 2 small boats. The anchorage of the ancient city is for calm weather only. This area is subject to sudden and violent north and west winds. If travelling from one side of Crete to the other it is best to stay 10km off shore.
Chania Harbour
The harbour and marina of Chania are on the north side of the city. The entrance to the harbour is easily identifiable by the Venetian lighthouse and bastion at the mouth. Farther in on the quay, the domed mosque and houses of the harbour are evident. The entrance to the inner harbour and marina are to the left immediately after entry.
Chania is a Port of Entry therefore Customs and Immigration Offices are on the quay as well as Harbour Police. The new marina has electricity and water facilities on the docks.
The city of Chania has repair shops, plenty of stores for provisions. Fuel can be brought to the quay. There is also a General Hospital in Chania as well as private clinics, doctors, dentists, and pharmacies. The Telephone and Post Offices provide all means of communication. There are a great number of tavernas and hotels in the harbour and throughout the city.
The stern-to and bow-to mooring provide good protection from all types weather. This combined with the new marina and the facilities of the city make Chania a good wintering harbour as well as summer port.
The approach to the harbour is difficult in strong winds. There is a man-made breakwater west of the entrance.
The lighthouse on the east side of the harbour entrance is lit at night. The breakwater west of the entrance also has a flashing lit buoy. The inner harbour entrance has lights on either side (red on the north, green on the south).
Souda Harbour
The harbour of Souda is south of the large peninsula of Akrotiri. The mainland on the other side of the harbour has a Turkish castle (Aptera) high above the mouth. The Akrotiri has an International Airport as well as military installations whose towers are evident from a distance. In the middle of the entrance to Souda Bay is the small island of Agios Nikolaos, with a Venetian fort. There is a narrow channel marked by red and green flashing light buoys. On the other side of these buoys is the anti-submarine netting that is held by large black buoys. This netting extends to the shore on either side. Beyond this there is an unmarked free channel that extends to the docks at the end of Souda Bay 3km east and to the small fishing harbour.
At the end of the harbour there is a large flour mill. There are also restricted areas in this harbour near the naval dockyard.
At the far end of the harbour there is a newly constructed fishing harbour that will provide facilities for small boats
Souda Harbour provides all services. Fuel can be ordered. It is not a Port of Entry but has Customs and Port Police. Whatever cannot be found in the immediate harbour area will be in Chania 10 minutes away. The ferry boats to Pireaus also dock here. Souda itself has banks, shopping and some tavernas.
Souda has alongside, stern-to, bow-to and anchorage moorings providing excellent shelter in all weather. Weather conditions outside the bay may be drastically different.
There is no entry to Souda at night and all activities in the bay are secondary to military interests. The north side of the bay is off limits.
Georgioupolis Harbour
Georgioupolis is a small village at the mouth of the Almiros River. It is east of the bay of Souda before Rethimnon. During the approach, a small church on an islet east of the mouth of the river is clearly seen. The islet is connected by a causeway to the mainland.
The village of Georgioupolis can provide most provisions especially during the tourist season (April - October). There will also be a station for mailing and a telephone office with international facilities. There is also a Health Centre in Vamos (10km) and a pharmacy in Georgioupolis. Full health services are in Chania 30 minutes away. Fuel can be arranged with some difficulty and no repairs can be done there.
There is a shoal and underwater rocks in the bay. The quay is on the east side of the river, the deepest side. Mooring is alongside on the quay or anchorage in the small bay west of the river. Protection is good except in strong north or northwest winds. There are no lights at night.
Paleohora Harbour
Paleohora is a village on the southwest coast of Crete. The harbour is below the Venetian castle ruins on the end of the peninsula. There is a small island southwest of the harbour entrance. On both sides of the peninsula there is a beach area with hotels and the houses of the town. There is a sports/fishing harbour within the larger one.
There is water on the quay. The town of Paleohora has good provision shopping. Fuel may be purchased in town. Only minor repairs can be done here. There are no port authorities. There are post and telephone offices as well as banks. There are doctors, dentists, and pharmacies in Paleohora. There are may small hotels and tavernas in town. The sports/fishing harbour has a ramp for small boats. The harbour is 1km from town.
The stern-to, bow-to and alongside moorings provide good protection in all weather conditions. Anchorage may be found in the bays to the left and right of the peninsula depending on wind conditions.
There is a light on the small island in front of the harbour.
This area of Crete is subject to sudden and violent winds. The harbour has buoys marking the narrow channel. Approach the harbour entrance straight on; there are submerged rocks to the sides. Do not go between the island and the land; it is shallow. Strong south winds make entrance and departure from the harbour difficult.
Sougia Harbour
Sougia is a very small fishing village 15km east of Paleohora. To the east of the harbour, in front of the village there is a very long pebble beach. There is also a dried up river bed to the east of the settlement. There is a very small sports/fishing harbour here.
The village has minimal shopping facilities - mini markets etc. There is no fuel, repairs or health services here. There are telephone and mail facilities and a money exchange office. There are several small hotels and tavernas. There is a daily bus to Chania. There is a ramp in the harbour.
The stern-to and bow-to moorings are only for small boats (under 3m) but the protection is good in all weather conditions. Anchor only in calm weather. The winds can be very sudden and violent here.
Loutro kai Finikas Harbour
These are 2 seaside resorts on either side of the Akrotiri Mouros that provide safe anchorage depending on the wind. Loutro is 5km west of Hora Sfakion and 35km from Paleohora. The peninsula has the remains of a Turkish castle on it.
Loutro has only minimal services. Water and supplies can be purchased at a mini-market. There is a telephone also that you can make international calls on and a mail box. There are no authorities, fuel, repairs, or medical services. There are hotels and tavernas and a ferryboat to Hora Sfakion.
Loutro (east side of the peninsula) provides safe anchorage from N, W, and SW winds. The other side (west) provides safe anchorage from NE and E winds. The small island in front has a flashing light.
Hora Sfakion Harbour
his is small fishing village 10km east of Loutro, in the south of Crete. In the summer months the ferry boats that bring hikers from the Faragi Samarias, dock frequently at the new pier on the east side of the village. There is a new harbour being constructed on this side also. The village is very visible from the sea as it climbs up the sides of the cove.
The village has some shopping facilities. Fuel may be purchased in town. There is also post and telephone office for international calls. There is a pharmacy but no doctor or dentist. There are no port authorities but there is a police station at the harbour. There are many hotels and tavernas. Also there are taxis available and a daily bus to Chania. There is a ramp for small boats beside the pier in the new harbour. The old harbour is suitable for small boats only and is very crowded.
At present there is anchorage only in the incomplete harbour. This gives protection from N, S, and SE winds; it is open to the west. The ramp is very dangerous in west winds and should not be used. There is a light on the small island west of the harbour in front of the village.
Rethimnon Harbour
Rethimnon is the third largest city on Crete and is between Chania and Iraklion. The city is easily identified from the sea by the large Venetian fort (Fortezza) on the hill to the west of the city. The harbour is just east of this.
The city of Rethimnon can provide most shopping facilities for the boater with ample stores and light repair shops. Water and fuel can be brought to the quay. There is a General Hospital, private doctors, dentists, as well as pharmacies. In the harbour there is Customs authorities and Port police but no Immigration. Rethimnon is not a Port of Entry. The town itself is immediately around the harbour. There are many tavernas and hotels as well as full telephone and post services.
The small Venetian harbour will only accommodate 2 or 3 small boats. The entrance depth is uneven and unpredictable because of silting. The stern-to bow-to moorings provide very good shelter in all weather conditions.
In the outer harbour stern-to bow-to or alongside mooring are on the east and west walls. The east has good protection in all weather conditions.
The outer harbour has a flashing green light on its right wall and a flashing red light on its left. The inner harbour has a light on the old lighthouse. In foul weather, waves at the harbour entrance can be dangerous.
Plakias Harbour
Plakias is a small village in the bay of Plakias, in the south of Crete, 40km east of Hora Sfakion. The village has hotels and tavernas along the shore and is in the east end of the bay. Coming from the east you will round Akrotiri Kakomouri and the west Akrotiri Stavros. There is a quay at the west end of the village.
Plakias has mini markets that can provide most provisions. Fuel can be purchased 2km outside the village. There are no port authorities or medical facilities in the village. There are no repairs done here. There are some hotels and tavernas. There is a ramp near the pier for small boats. This may be difficult to use because the tavernas spread into the street. There are taxis and a daily bus to Rethimnon.
Plakias has stern-to and bow-to moorings that provide shelter in SW winds. The harbour is open to the east and south. Anchor in the bay only in calm weather. This area is area is known for its sudden and violent winds.
Panormo Harbour
Panormo is a small village 10km east of Rethimnon. There is a newly constructed breakwall that will provide shelter from north and north west winds. The harbour is open to the east. The town is above the harbour.
The village of Panormon has shopping for provisions especially during tourist season. There are also mailing and international telephone services. Fuel may be purchased but there are no repairs done here. There are hotels and tavernas during tourist season. There is a doctor and a pharmacy. There is a boat ramp for small boats.
The alongside mooring in the harbour provides good shelter for all but strong north, east and northeast winds. The harbour is open to the east. There is a light on the harbour entrance.
Bali Harbour
Bali is a seaside resort about 20km east of Rethimnon. In the bay there are 2 small coves on the west side, in front of the town, that provide safe anchorage for all but northeastern winds.
Bali can provide minimal shopping, no repairs and with some effort fuel may be ordered. There are mailing facilities and international telephone calls can be made. There is no Port Police or Customs. The village has a pharmacy. There are hotels and tavernas.
Safe anchorage is in the 2 small coves on the west side of the bay. The coves provide protection in north and north west winds. There are rocks extending from the west side of the bay seaward. The town is well lit up at night. The shelter is no good in the winter as the waves break over the retaining wall, causing a swell that is dangerous. The anchor holding in the bays is poor.
Agia Galini Harbour
The seaside resort is west of the centre of the bay of Mesara, in the south of Crete. The village and harbour are easily identified as the hotels and houses of the village are built on the hills of the gorge. The harbour is in front of the village.
The new harbour provides good shelter in all weather conditions with stern-to, bow-to and alongside moorings. There is a light on the SW corner of the harbour wall. In the winter ther are very strong winds that limit use of the harbour.
The village has good shopping for provisions and fuel may be purchased. There are also many hotels and tavernas. There are Harbour Police and Customs authorities. There is also a doctor, dentist, and pharmacy. Post and international telephone services are available. There is a ramp in the harbour for small boats.
Kokkinos Pyrgos Harbour
The village is about 10km east of Agia Galini in the bay of Mesara. The harbour is west of the town. There is about 2km of low housing and hotels behind a beach strip.
The small village has mini markets and telephone and post services. Fuel can be purchased in town. There are no port authorities. Medical needs can be helped in Timbaki (5km). There is a ramp for small boats. No repairs are done here.
The small harbour has stern-to and bow-to mooring and good protection in all weather. There are very strong northerly gusts.
Matala Harbour
Matala is an anchorage point at the east end of the Mesara Bay on the south of Crete, 25km from Agia Galini. The village is in a cove.
This seaside resort has good shopping for all provisions. There is a post and telephone office, as well as banks. There are no port authorities. There are daily buses to Iraklion, taxis and car rental agencies.
This anchorage is only suitable in calm weather and with NE ans SE winds.
Kali Limenes Harbour
Kali Limenes is located on the south coast of Crete on the east side of the Akrotiri Lithinon. There are large white oil storage tanks on the small island of Agios Pavlos and on the west side, the larger island of Megalonissi.
There are few facilities in Kali Limenes outside a few tavernas and rent rooms. There are however Port Police and Customs.
Kali Limenes is one of the 2 safest and best anchorages on the south coast of Crete, there is very good protection in west and north winds. Small boats can find additional shelter from southwest and north winds on the land side of Megalonissi. Many tankers also find shelter here.
Heraklio Harbour
The large harbour of Heraklion is easily seen in front of the city. It is a very busy harbour and the cranes and ferries are apparent from a distance. The International Airport is just east of the city and there are also large white oil tanks to the west.
The inner harbour and new marina are at the far west end. The Venetian fort (Koules) marks its entrance.
Heraklion is the largest city in Crete. All possible facilities are here. There is a new marina in the inner harbour that has electricity and water facilities on the quay. Fuel refilling may be arranged. Iraklion is a Port of Entry. Customs and Immigration Officials as well as Harbour Police have offices in the port. The city is within walking distance of the harbour. There are 2 General Hospitals, in addition to private clinics, doctors, and dentists. Pharmacies are throughout the city. The shopping and repair services are the best on Crete. There is a ramp in the new marina.
The stern-to, bow-to and alongside mooring (in the outer harbour) provide good shelter in all weather conditions. With the new marina facilities, wintering here is possible. The harbour's entrance is marked at night by a green flashing light on the outer north wall and a green one on the Koules. There is a red flashing light on the left, opposite the Koules. Two large quays on the south side have red lights.
The harbour is very busy and care must be taken with the constant coming and going of ferryboats.
In strong northerly winds there is a swell at the main harbour's entrance.
Hersonisos Harbour
he town of Limin Hersonisou is easily seen from the sea. There is a great number of hotels along the shore east and west of the harbour. There is a small white church on a hill on the west side of the harbour wall.
During the tourist season Limin Hersonisou is fully open and water, provisions and fuel are in the town. There are no port authorities here. Hersonisos has doctors, dentists, and pharmacies as well as banks, post, and telephone offices. Few repair facilities are here. Hotel rooms during full season are impossible to find.
Stern-to or bow-to moorings or anchoring of in the harbour mole provides good shelter in north and north west winds. The harbour is open to the east.
There is one light for the harbour. A night approach should not be attempted and care should be taken in the day. There are many submerged reefs around the harbour and along the coast.
Milatos Harbour
Milatos is a small village 16km east of Limin Hersonisosu in the bay of Milatos. There are hotels along the coast that are easily seen from the sea. To the east of these, below a large land mass is the harbour. The Paralia Milatos is the beach and tourist area of the village of Milatos. The harbour is to the east of this area in front of the town.
In tourist season water, fuel and most provisions are in the area. There are no port authorities. The town has post and international telephone services as well as banks. Health services are in Agios Nikolaos. There are no repair facilities here.
The alongside mooring in the harbour provides good shelter in all weather except easterlies. There are no lights and the harbour is shallow.
Spinalonga Harbour
Coming from the east the large Venetian fort on the islet of Spinalonga is easily seen. Once you round the Akrotiri of Agios Ioannis on the west you will also see the fort. The entrance to the lagoon is between the west mainland and the tip of the islet.
The town of Elounda is at the end of the lagoon and there is a causeway that joins the mainland to the larger island of Spinalonga.
The town of Elounda is a luxury resort area. There is a small fishing harbour but it can be filled with tour boats in season. All provisions may be purchased in the town. Fuel may also be brought to the quay. There are no port authorities here. Unless you are desperate, it is easier to refuel and stock provisions while docked at the new marina facilities in Agios Nikolaos. The lagoon of Spinalonga makes for an interesting and pleasant boat trip.
Anchorage points are throughout the lagoon. The depths are between 3 and 6 metres. The pier at Elounda is often crowded. There is a light on the end of Akrotiri Agios Ioannis and the village of Plaka and Elounda are lit at night. There can be strong gusts of wind. Around the islet and peninsula of Spinalonga, can be found very good anchorage. Be aware of the prevailing winds and choose the best anchorage.
Agios Nikolaos Harbour
Agios Nikolaos is easily seen as you come from Spinalonga. There is a small island in front of the city with a church on it. The town is built on the hills above the shore. The small harbour in front of Agios Nikolaos is used by tour boats in the summer and the inner harbour (under the bridge) by small fishing boats.
The new marina constructed east of Akrotiri Mandraki has full facilities and can accommodate many boats. Approaching from the east the white government buildings above the marina can easily be seen. From the west you pass the old harbour, round Akrotiri Mandraki and the harbour is evident.
The new marina provides full services, electricity and water on the quay. Fuel refills are easily arranged. There are Port Police, Customs and Immigration as Agios Nikolaos is a Port of Entry. The city of Agios Nikolaos has a General Hospital, private doctors, dentists, and pharmacies. There are banks, post and telephone offices that offer complete services. Many shops are available for provisions and most repair work can be done here. Agios Nikolaos has many hotels and tavernas. During full season it may be difficult to find a room in town.
The stern-to, bow-to and alongside moorings in the new marina provide excellent shelter in all weather. The harbour entrance is lit with green on the right and red on the left. The Akrotiri Mandraki also has a flashing red light on the north point.
Ierapetra Harbour
The town of Ierapetra is southeast, at the narrowest crossing of the island. It is easily seen from the sea and on approach the Venetian castle and clock tower in the harbour become evident. There are 2 buoys at the mouth of the harbour marking submerged rocks. The entrance is between these and the harbour wall.
Ierapetra has good shopping for all provisions. Fuel refill can be arranged and water is on the quay. There are post and telephone offices as well as banks. There are Harbour Police and Customs authorities. Ierapetra is not a Port of Entry. There is a General Hospital, private doctors, dentists, and pharmacies. There is a ramp for small boats.
The harbour has stern-to and bow-to moorings providing good shelter in all weather conditions except strong southerlies. There is a light on the SE harbour wall. Night entry should not be attempted because of the narrow harbour mouth and difficult approach. There are submerged rocks off the entrance.
Sitia Harbour
Sitia is the most eastern harbour in Crete. It is easily seen from the west after you round Akrotiri Vamvakia. The Venetian fort above the harbour is very apparent from the west also. There is a lighthouse on the Akotiri that is very visible during the day. The buildings along the waterfront and of the town are also apparent from the sea.
Sitia has good shopping for all provisions. There is water on the quay and fuel refill may be arranged. Minor repairs can be done in Sitia. There are Port Police and Custom Officials but no Immigration as Sitia is not a Port of Entry. Sitia has a General Hospital as well as private doctors, dentists, and pharmacies. There are banks, and telecommunication facilities and post offices with full services. There are also bus connections with Agios Nikolaos, Iraklion and Ierapetra and car rental agencies. The town of Sitia has many hotels and tavernas.
The stern-to bow-to mooring in the harbour provide good protection from all winds. The harbour entrance is lit by a flashing green light on the right and a flashing red one on the left.
Vai Harbour
The anchorage point of Vai is near the palm forest of Vai on the east coast of Crete in the bay of Grandes. It is in the northern part of the bay. The forest is evident from far and there is a small islet in the north of the small cove. There is also a sandy beach.
There are tavernas with telephones on the beach but no other facilities.
Vai is an anchorage point only for calm weather.
Zakros Harbour
Kato Zakros is a sandy bay and anchorage point on the southeast end of Crete.
There are three tavernas on the beach with a few rooms to rent. There is a telephone but no other facilities. There is a bus to Apano Zakros (the village above) in the summer where there is provision shopping.
Kato Zakros is an anchorage point for use in calm weather. There are rocks around the shore and in the middle of the bay, seaward.
