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Enveloped by emerald seas and classic Mediterranean beauty, Kissamos, a hidden gem on the island of Crete, Greece, is gaining popularity as a pulsative sailing destination. Exploring Kissamos by yacht offers an unparalleled travel experience, where turquoise waters meet an exotic terrain and ancient ruins. As you navigate through the serene seas, you'll encounter idyllic beaches, unspoiled natural treasures, and warm, welcoming locals upholding their timeless traditions.
Your sailing vacation in Kissamos houses hidden tropical corners and mythical aquatic tales. The alluring sailing conditions, buzzing marine life and modern marinas make it a sailing paradise. Traverse the historic coastline, admire the picturesque simplicity of rural life and delve into a unique boating culture imbued with rich seafaring heritage. This article will serve as a comprehensive guide that walks you through the endearing appeal and charm of Kissamos.
With its abundant sunshine and reliable winds, Kissamos makes for a superb sailing destination. The town is steeped in history and each voyage entails exciting discovery. Couple this with untouched beauty and crystal-clear waters, sailing holiday in Kissamos certainly stands out.
Reaching Kissamos is straightforward. Visitors can fly in to Chania International Airport, which is an hour’s drive away. You could also opt for a ferry ride from the Athens port of Piraeus to the Kissamos port.
The Bay of Kissamos, flanked by two Cape, Spatha and Gramvousa, offers plentiful anchorages. Sailing eastward, the alluring Elafonisi Lagoon with its seashell-pink sands and shallow clear waters earns top spot in sailing routes. Balos Lagoon, with its tri-colour waters, and Gramvousa Island are must-visits. Fare amidst Menies Bay and Rodopos, experiencing wildlife up close, remains a sailors’ favourite.
The temperate Mediterranean climate makes May to October the best months for a sailing holiday in Kissamos. This period features Kastelli-Kissamos Wine Festival and August’s Assumption Day celebrations - ideal for immersing in the local culture.
Kissamos enjoys warm sunny weather, with average high temperatures in the summer months. Wind patterns are typically mild, apart from the summer Meltemi wind which provides great sailing conditions. Sea temperatures remain pleasant for swimming, and rainfall is rare in summer.
From the Ancient City Walls to the Minoan Palace of Falasarna, historical wonders abound in Kissamos. Visiting these ancient sites, sampling traditional Mediterranean fare, and engaging with the locals' traditional way of life can enliven your cultural exploration of Kissamos.
Aside sailing, Kissamos offers numerous outdoor activities for exploration. Hiking the Samaria Gorge, visiting the Balos Nature Reserve, or exploring the Natura 2000 site are thrilling adventures. A vibrant nightlife, delectable cuisine and options for scuba diving and windsurfing are the icing on the cake.
Kissamos Port is the main marina, equipped with modern facilities. The north-western coast provides numerous quiet and secure anchorages, popular ones being Balos Lagoon and Gramvousa.
Renting a holiday yacht with a captain offers an experience rich in local knowledge and seamanship. For proficient sailors, bareboat yacht rentals provide the liberty to steer their independent maritime journey in Kissamos.
A yacht with a dedicated crew can provide high-level service, local knowledge and an extra layer of relaxation. The crew handles tasks, giving you more time to soak up the experiences Kissamos has to offer.
To charter a holiday yacht without a skipper, one must possess an International Certificate of Competence (ICC) or an equivalent national license that meets Greek Water Sports and Sea Tourism Federation requirements.
Packing for a sailing holiday in Kissamos means light clothing, swimsuits, extra sun protection, essential toiletries, and a good pair of deck shoes. Binoculars for watching marine life, and some board games are recommended for amusement at anchor.
Destination | Description |
---|---|
Gramvousa Island | Enjoy the stunning beauty with crystal clear blue waters, a Venetian fort, and the famous shipwreck at Gramvousa Island. |
Phalasarna Beach | Known for its crystal clear turquoise water and pink sands, Phalasarna Beach is a must-visit for nature lovers. |
Balos Lagoon | Balos Lagoon is perfect for a relaxing day out on the yacht with its turquoise waters and sheltered bay. |
Elafonissi Beach | Well-known for its unique pink sand and turquoise water, Elafonissi beach is a paradise for sailing enthusiasts. |
Agia Marina Beach | Enjoy the sun and fine sand at Agia Marina Beach with incredible dining options nearby. |
Sfinari Beach | Experience the ultimate tranquility at Sfinari Beach with its pebbly sand and turquoise sea. |
Kastelli | A prosperous and exciting city, Kastelli, is popular for its vibrant nightlife and unique dining delicacies. |
Weather:
The average temperature ranges from 15°C to 30°C with long, hot summers and mild winters.Sunny Days:
Kissamos is famous for its sunny climate with over 300 sunny days per year, perfect for a sailing holiday.Currency:
The local currency in Greece is the Euro (€). Many places also accept credit cards.Greetings:
The local way to greet someone in Greek is "Yasou" for hello and "Antio" for goodbye.Local Dish:
Don't leave Kissamos without trying Boureki, a delicious pie made of local vegetables and cheese.Navigational Aids:
GPS chartplotters are essential for easy navigation around the Kissamos area.Marine Life:
Rich in marine life, Kissamos is perfect for diving enthusiasts with the opportunity to see dolphins and monk seals.Venetian Fortress:
The fortress on Gramvousa Island is a must-see historical site on a sailing holiday in Kissamos.Cretan Cuisine:
Indulge in Cretan cuisine with a wide variety of local dishes and wine on your sailing holiday.Elafonissi Beach:
Experience the charm of Elafonissi Beach with its pink sand and clear waters, a perfect anchor spot for sailing holiday guests.Natural Beauty:
Explore the natural beauty of Sfinari Beach and the Balos Lagoon on your yacht holiday.Excursions:
Kissamos offers various sailing excursions to nearby islands and coastline.Nightlife:
Kissamos has a vibrant nightlife with a plethora of bars and clubs.Shopping:
Experience local shopping with unique Greek artifacts, jewelry, and clothes in Kissamos.How many holiday yacht are available for charter in Kissamos?
How much does it cost to charter a holiday yacht in Kissamos?
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With overnight accomodation | Min. price per day | Avg. price per day | Max. price per day |
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Sailboat | 430 $ | 614 $ | 790 $ |
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