Crete Island, surrounded by the sun-kissed and warm Mediterranean Sea, is usually an ideal location for a sea kayaking adventure. This island provides a wide range of spectacular sceneries from the steep mountain cliffs to the white sandy beaches.
Paddling against the sea waves, exploring sea caves and the rocky coast, enjoying individual contact with the sea and basking in the remote hidden beaches are some of the numerous beautiful moments that you’ll experience in this kind of escapism.
Crete Kayaking Routes
Crete has a 1000-km-long coastline, and there are many sea routes that you can use to explore the island by kayak. These popular routes are typically marked by the outstanding beauty of the sea landscape and the absence of big waves and strong winds, making them perfect locations for kayaking.
In the southern Crete, you will find amazing routes for both beginners and experienced kayakers. You can begin at Palaiochora, and then go past Gialiskari beach, stop at old Lissos bay and end at Sougia. The entire distance is approximately 12 miles.
You can reach Agia Roumeli from Sougia, through Pefki, Agios Antonis, Prophitis Ilias, the majestic region of Domata, Fournoti and Agia Roumeli bay. From Agia Roumeli, you will find a route to Loutro that passes Agios Pavlos, a beautiful church that was built on the waves in the 11th century under the Agios Ioannis forest.
Through Trapezia, the scenic area of Marmara and the Phoenix bay you will finally reach the magnificent Loutro bay. From the Loutro bay, you can make some daytime excursions to Chora Sfakion and Glyka Nera. You can also make excursions at the exit of Gorge of Aradaina.
Things to do in Crete
Sailing and exploring the coast is one of the popular attractions for those visiting this island. There are boat services every day to many of the most popular remote beaches like Agia Roumeli, Balos, and Preveli.
Visitors can also take exciting trips to the different islands along the Crete coastline. Those looking for seclusion or more options can rent a sailing vessel or motor from the marinas and the small harbors of the Crete.
In the recent past, the number of tourists who prefer exploring the beautiful beaches and the rugged coastline using canoe kayak has significantly increased. Several companies provide lessons or rent equipment for kayaking.
Furthermore, at most organized beaches, various companies provide numerous water sports options including parasailing, jet skiing, aqua-board, pedaling, and water skiing. All the well-organized beaches usually host beach soccer and beach volley courts as well.
Another great activity is diving. You can enjoy the magnificent underwater world of the coast of Crete and also explore the countless diving sites. The relatively small surface and the morphology of the Mediterranean render the subsequent strong currents and the tides virtually absent, providing the divers with the perfect condition for memorable diving experiences.
Moreover, the temperature is high in winter and summer, with an average of approximately 20°C. Visitors of Crete get the opportunity to enjoy the splendid underwater world by selecting among the many diving clubs, which operate across the island, ready to serve all sea divers, in any period, with responsibility and safety.
Apart from diving, guests can also explore the coastline through snorkeling or participating in glass-bottom boat excursions or fishing trips.
Kite-surfing and windsurfing are the most common wave sports you will find in Crete. The bay of Kouremenos, next to Palekastro, is the most popular windsurfing resort in Crete.
Here, lovers of kite-surf and windsurfing will get all they need; equipment to rent and strong winds. Other windsurfing spots in Crete that will give you some unforgettable experiences include Kedrodasos, Falasarna, Elafonisi, and Agia Marina among others.
The variety of wildlife along the Crete coastline is incredible. This attracts birdwatchers from all over the world. This islands bird selection typically includes various species of resident birds and the migrants that stop over this island during their autumn and spring migrations to and from Europe and Africa.
Apart from its geomorphology, Crete also supports wildlife reservation through the establishment of various national parks that attract different rare species of wildlife.
Conclusion
Crete is popularly known for its numerous rugged cliffs and varied scenery which contrasts beautifully with the Mediterranean Sea and blue sky. The best way to discover this iconic coastline is by sailing on a sea kayak.
Kayaking offers an excellent combination of adventure, sense of freedom and intense individual action. The remote villages, antiquities, beaches, caves, and ruins will give you an unforgettable experience that you will always remember positively.
