My Social Built

Nisis Gramvousa lies off Crete’s S coast. There’s a sheltered bay on the SE side of the island. Yachts can anchor in the bay or go bows to the quay. There are no facilities but water is available from a well by the chapel

Palaiokhora is near the SW tip of Crete. Go alongside or bow or stern to in the new harbour on the E side of the rocky headland. Or anchor in either of the two bays to the E and W of the headland depending on the winds direction. There’s water and fuel in the village and all provisions can be obtained. The tavernas here are good.

There are anchorages on either side of Ak Mouros. Ormos Loutra to the E where a yacht can anchor of the village and Ormos Foinikias to the W. There are a few tavernas and limited provisions can be obtained in the village.

At Ay Galini yachts can go bow or stern to or alongside the quay. There’s good holding on the sandy bottom and shelter from the Meltemi. There’s water on the quay and fuel in the town. All provisions can be obtained and there are good tavernas. Another recently developed tourist resort.

Matala is a horseshoe shaped bay on the W side of Ak Latinos. Yachts should only use it in calm weather. Most provisions can be obtained and there are good tavernas ashore. Matala is mentioned in Homer’s Odyssey. Here Menelau’s ships were wrecked returning from the Trojan wars. It was an important port in Roman times.

Lerapetra is a medium sized harbour. Yachts can go bow or stern to on the N or W sides. There’s water on the quay and fuel from the town. All provisions could be obtained and there are good waterfront tavernas. The town and harbour date back to Minoan times but sadly little of the ancient architecture remains.

Yachts can anchor in the large sandy bay of Kato Zakros. There are a couple of tavernas ashore but the primary attraction is the ruins of a Minoan palace at the foot of the dramatic gorge.

Ormos Grandes is a large bay on the N side of Ak Plaka. Yachts can seek shelter from the Meltemi at Kouremenos in the N of the bay. 2 miles to the N of Kouremenos is Vai. Here yachts can anchor of the sandy beach and there are tavernas ashore.

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’ll 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.