The 8 best boat rides around Crete

From west to east, from north to south, discover the Crete in sailboat, catamaran or small craft. Here are the 8 best boat rides around Crete!

Difficult to talk about a single Crete so the island is full of diversity and has a multitude of faces. With its European, African and Asian blending, it is also the end of the earth that lives in Zeus.

This cradle of cultures is discovered along the ancient and medieval vestiges, Venetian and Ottoman palaces and architectural ensembles, small villages full of monasteries, churches and whitewashed houses. But we're still waiting for the largest island in Greece!

And she gives it to us. It offers the olive trees with loss of sight, the good dear and, to crown all, the beautiful beaches with limpid water. There are a thousand ways to enjoy the seaside tourism in Crete.

To discover its overvolted stations, where the entire population is engulfed like its quieter and authentic coastline, what would it be like to take off? Here is a small overview of the 8 best boat rides around Crete.

1. Gramvousa and Lagoon of Balos

This first boat ride around Crete leads you to the preserved peninsula of the northwest of the island. Gramvousa, or pirate island, is a piece of rock as wild as colorful. Its steep cliffs fall into turquoise waters. At the top, the fortifications allow time and elements.

Built by the Venetians, this castle offers a breathtaking panoramic view. Rest assured, the path to the top is accessible provided you have good socks. Then, in the event of a hot blow, you will always be able to dive into crystalline water when you return. The lagoon of Balos, which is loved at the foot of the mountains, bathes in emerald and hot waters.

Here, the white and pink sand meets to form an absolutely unique and paradise landscape. The great rocks point to the sky and the dunes provide a few soft seats to picnic.

2. Santorini

Combine the pleasure of a boat trip to Crete and the pleasure of a visit to the most famous Cycladic Islands: Santorini. The volcanic island and its caldeira, surrounded by the sea and its characteristic black cliffs, are no longer really to be present.

By winning Santorini by the sea, you will have all the leisure to admire the enchanting landscape orchestrated by nature and perched houses whitened to lime. After your disembarkation, you can enjoy the obsolete streets and squares like any straight out of a postcard.

You can also visit the picturesque villages of Thira and Oia , the great must-sees of the island. Then enjoy a sunbath on the black sandy beach of Perossos. Finally, if the crowd oppresses you, go on a stroll along the cliffs by making the famous Tour of the island. In any case, you’ll have seen Santorin and, that’s a hell of a box on your bucket-list!

3. Mirabello Bay

The sailboat is undoubtedly the most graying and authentic way to navigate. This boat offers unheardly sensations and it takes little time to take on the adventurer's game. On this one-day trip, you can visit the picturesque bay of Agios Nikolaos (Mirabello) to the deserted island of Pseira.

You enjoy a swim in an isolated kidney, above the rich and intact seabed. Then you land on Agriomantra’s lonely beach, accessible only by foot or by boat. The perfect place to taste the pleasures of the sea enclosed in the cliffs with fabulous shapes and colors. You will understand, this boat trip will delight lovers of calm and loneliness!

4. Island of Spinalonga

This boat ride in Crete takes you to the famous island of Spinalonga, passing through the beautiful bay of Mirabello. The journey is punctuated with strong moments, including a swim in the turquoise waters of Kolokitha Bay, several glimpses on the cave of the famous Pirate Barbarosa, on the old engulfed town of Olous and on the island with robust goats named Kri Kri.

Once the anchor is thrown, you will discover an islet covered with archaeological sites and fortifications. In just a few hours, you will discover its tumultuous history, from the time under Venetian and Ottoman domination, to the twentieth century when it became a leper colony.

5. La Canée, Rethymnon, Lake Kournás

La Canée and Réthymnon easily rise in the ranking of the most beautiful Cretoises cities. You find out, as well as Heraklion , the cultural blend that shaped Crete and Crete.

The ancient Venetian, Ottoman, Byzantine and Greek influences are discovered at every corner of the street. The old town of Canée is spread at the foot of the remarkable White Mountains. Raise time, lose yourself in its maze of ancient streets and lined with colorful houses. Then continue your journey to the heart of the old city of Rethymnon. This other museum village stands out by its splendid port and its famous lighthouse. The necklace of local restaurants in front of the sea invites you to taste local specialties with unforgettable flavors.

From what to regain strength before climbing the narrow streets, looking for their unsuspected jewels. Finally, finish in beauty with a swim stop at Kournás Lake. Driven in the mountains, these lacustrine soft waters offer a unique and resurgent experience. The lucky ones will even see some turtles swimming around them!

6. Sissi, Malia, and Stalis

What more fun than a boat ride in Crete on a pirate ship? During this unique turn, you will discover the seaside resorts of Sissi, Malia, and Stalis under the fierce protection of black sails and your captain borgne (if so!).

Only dolphins and turtles will not fear your company. Guaranteed wonder in small and large mussovers! Like a real pirate, you will be entitled to a good barbecue on your boat. As for the bays where you throw anchor, they shine through their cyrielle of caves and magnetic recoins, where you can easily guess the hidden treasures... Besides, they're fabulous spots for snorkeling!

7. The Island of Dia

Swim and dive into the crystal clear waters of the island of Dia and the small bay of Saint George. During this sailing tour in Crete, you cabove on an elegant boat, offering magical sensations in an idyllic setting.

Do you know that you vogue in one of the favorite destinations of Jacques-Yves Cousteau for his underwater explorations? During the day, you will have the opportunity to try the ancestral art of fishing and enjoy a traditional Greek dish. If you miss the land, the island of Dia invites you to sweet walks under the cedars.

8. Chrissi Island

The island of Chrissi is characterized by its chaplain of pristine beaches, a paradise for underwater explorations... If this is not your passion, no worries. Just walk in the white sand, discover the fauna and flora under the kilometers of majestic cedars and pick up shells to fall in love with Chrissi.

At sea, you cabove under the eye of seagulls and dolphins, on waters of a deep emerald green. In the second part of the trip, you join the sublime beach of Hatzivolakas. More solitary and rocky, this natural gem houses historical ruins, witnesses of the flourishing period of the porphyras trade.

These pigmented red algae were used to color the outfits of kings and queens. The island also conceals a pretty chapel and a former salt marsh where it sinks a single and unique dwelling.