East Mediterranean Passages
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| To/From Crete To/From Egypt |
Description
This page describes passage routes from the East Mediterranean to Crete. From Crete, the rest of the routes leading to Gibraltar are given by Aegean to West Mediterranean Passages.
All the routing instructions described in this page can be reversed and equally apply for passages from Gibraltar to the East Mediterranean.
See also Aegean to West Mediterranean Passages.
Because of the relative weak currents in the Mediterranean and the lack of trade winds these routes can be followed at either eastward or westward direction. But, unlike larger bodies of water such as oceans the Mediterranean is subject to more volatile weather. When the wind blows, especially in the months of November to April, it can often reach force 9 and at times force 12. During these times the seas, although not as large as in the oceans, are very steep with short wave lengths. These are at best extremely uncomfortable and at worst very dangerous.
It is best to do as Mediterranean sailors have been doing since antiquity, restrict sailing to short trips in the winter months and plan long passages during May to October.
Charts
See Mediterranean.
Weather
See Mediterranean.
Weather Windows
The months to be avoided for this passage are from November to April when violent storms are possible.
The best time of the year for this passage is either in May - June or in September - October when various ports and marinas are less crowded and the weather is usually benign. In October, however, there is a possibility of thunderstorms so one has to be cautious.
Communication
Also see World Cruiser's Nets
List radio Nets covering this passage.
Possible Departure Points
Some of the possible departure points from the East Mediterranean are:
- Turkey
-
Kaş [[East Mediterranean Passages#Kaş|Kaş]] 36°11.8′N, 29°38.6′E
- Antalya [[East Mediterranean Passages#Antalya|Antalya]] 36°53.04′N, 30°42.08′E
- Alanya [[East Mediterranean Passages#Alanya|Alanya]] 36°32.1′N, 32°0.4′E
- Mersin [[East Mediterranean Passages#Mersin|Mersin]] 36°46.9′N, 34°36.03′E
-
- Northern Cyprus
- Famagusta [[East Mediterranean Passages#Famagusta|Famagusta]] 35°8.4′N, 33°57.2′E
-
- Southern Cyprus
- Limassol [[East Mediterranean Passages#Limassol|Limassol]] 34°39.53′N, 33°2.32′E
-
- Syria
- Tartus [[East Mediterranean Passages#Tartus|Tartus]] 34°55.3′N, 35°51.6′E
-
- Lebanon
- Beirut [[East Mediterranean Passages#Beirut|Beirut]] 33°55′N, 35°32.2′E
-
- Israel
-
Ashkelon Marina [[East Mediterranean Passages#Ashkelon Marina|Ashkelon Marina]] 31°41.08′N, 34°33.43′E
-
- Egypt
- Port Said [[East Mediterranean Passages#Port Said|Port Said]] 31°17.3′N, 32°20.7′E
- Alexandria [[East Mediterranean Passages#Alexandria|Alexandria]] 31°10.37′N, 29°50.25′E
-
Route/Suggested Stopovers
Turkey to Crete
Kaş to Iraklio
From Kaş [[East Mediterranean Passages#Kaş|Kaş]] 36°11.8′N, 29°38.6′E you first sail SW to S of 
Karpathos [[East Mediterranean Passages#Karpathos|Karpathos]] 35°31.5′N, 27°12.1′E , then W directly to to 
Cape Sidero [[East Mediterranean Passages#Cape Sidero|Cape Sidero]] 35°19.3′N, 26°18.92′E in Crete, and then to Iraklio [[East Mediterranean Passages#Iraklio|Iraklio]] 35°21.24′N, 25°9.38′E . The total distance is 222 nM. Both Kaş and Iraklio are ports of entry. Possible stopovers in Greece are:
- Karpathos [[East Mediterranean Passages#Karpathos|Karpathos]] 35°31.5′N, 27°12.1′E - About 120 nM
- Kasos [[East Mediterranean Passages#Kasos|Kasos]] 35°25′N, 26°56′E - About 138 nM
- Sitia [[East Mediterranean Passages#Sitia|Sitia]] 35°12.5′N, 26°06.5′E - 175 nM
Note: None of these is a port of entry into Greece.
Warning: This passage crosses the notorious Sea of Karpathos which is very susceptible to the meltemi and large seas, during the summer months, especially in July and August.
Antalya to Iraklio
From Antalya [[East Mediterranean Passages#Antalya|Antalya]] 36°53.04′N, 30°42.08′E you first sail SW to S of Karpathos [[East Mediterranean Passages#Karpathos|Karpathos]] 35°31.5′N, 27°12.1′E , then W directly to to Cape Sidero [[East Mediterranean Passages#Cape Sidero|Cape Sidero]] 35°19.3′N, 26°18.92′E in Crete, and then to Iraklio [[East Mediterranean Passages#Iraklio|Iraklio]] 35°21.24′N, 25°9.38′E . The total distance is 312 nM. Both Antalya and Iraklio are ports of entry. Possible stopovers are:
- Çeneviz Liman [[East Mediterranean Passages#Çeneviz Liman|Çeneviz Liman]] 36°22.07′N, 30°30′E in Turkey - About 38 nM
- Karpathos [[East Mediterranean Passages#Karpathos|Karpathos]] 35°31.5′N, 27°12.1′E in Greece - About 205 nM
- Kasos [[East Mediterranean Passages#Kasos|Kasos]] 35°25′N, 26°56′E in Greece - About 222 nM
- Sitia [[East Mediterranean Passages#Sitia|Sitia]] 35°12.5′N, 26°06.5′E in Greece - 265 nM
Note: None of these is a port of entry into either Turkey or Greece.
Warning: This passage crosses the notorious Sea of Karpathos which is very susceptible to the meltemi and large seas, during the summer months, especially in July and August.
Alanya to Iraklio
From Alanya [[East Mediterranean Passages#Alanya|Alanya]] 36°32.1′N, 32°0.4′E you first sail SW to S of Karpathos [[East Mediterranean Passages#Karpathos|Karpathos]] 35°31.5′N, 27°12.1′E , then W directly to to Cape Sidero [[East Mediterranean Passages#Cape Sidero|Cape Sidero]] 35°19.3′N, 26°18.92′E in Crete, and then to Iraklio [[East Mediterranean Passages#Iraklio|Iraklio]] 35°21.24′N, 25°9.38′E . The total distance is 345 nM. Both Alanya and Iraklio are ports of entry. Possible stopovers are:
- Çeneviz Liman [[East Mediterranean Passages#Çeneviz Liman|Çeneviz Liman]] 36°22.07′N, 30°30′E in Turkey - About 72 nM
- Karpathos [[East Mediterranean Passages#Karpathos|Karpathos]] 35°31.5′N, 27°12.1′E in Greece - About 240 nM
- Kasos [[East Mediterranean Passages#Kasos|Kasos]] 35°25′N, 26°56′E in Greece - About 258 nM
- Sitia [[East Mediterranean Passages#Sitia|Sitia]] 35°12.5′N, 26°06.5′E in Greece - 300 nM
Note: None of these is a port of entry into either Turkey or Greece.
Warning: This passage crosses the notorious Sea of Karpathos which is very susceptible to the meltemi and large seas, during the summer months, especially in July and August.
Mersin to Iraklio
From Mersin [[East Mediterranean Passages#Mersin|Mersin]] 36°46.9′N, 34°36.03′E you first sail SW to the S of Incekum Burnu [[East Mediterranean Passages#Incekum Burnu|Incekum Burnu]] 36°15.22′N, 33°57.28′E , then WSW to the southern tip of Karpathos [[East Mediterranean Passages#southern tip of Karpathos|southern tip of Karpathos]] 35°27.3′N, 27°8.59′E , then directly W to to Cape Sidero [[East Mediterranean Passages#Cape Sidero|Cape Sidero]] 35°19.3′N, 26°18.92′E in Crete, and finally to Iraklio [[East Mediterranean Passages#Iraklio|Iraklio]] 35°21.24′N, 25°9.38′E . The total distance is 500 nM. Both Mersin and Iraklio are ports of entry. Possible stopovers are:
- Anamur in Turkey - About 240 nM. This is a port of entry
- Karpathos [[East Mediterranean Passages#Karpathos|Karpathos]] 35°31.5′N, 27°12.1′E in Greece - About 380 nM
- Kasos [[East Mediterranean Passages#Kasos|Kasos]] 35°25′N, 26°56′E in Greece - About 298 nM
- Sitia [[East Mediterranean Passages#Sitia|Sitia]] 35°12.5′N, 26°06.5′E in Greece - 455 nM
Warning: This passage crosses the notorious Sea of Karpathos which is very susceptible to the meltemi and large seas, during the summer months, especially in July and August.
Cyprus to Crete
Famagusta to Iraklio
This route takes you from Famagusta [[East Mediterranean Passages#Famagusta|Famagusta]] 35°8.4′N, 33°57.2′E , Northern Cyprus WSW along the S side of Cyprus to Cape Gata [[East Mediterranean Passages#Cape Gata|Cape Gata]] 34°37.25′N, 33°1.945′E , then WNW directly to Cape Sidero [[East Mediterranean Passages#Cape Sidero|Cape Sidero]] 35°19.3′N, 26°18.92′E in Crete, and then W to Iraklio [[East Mediterranean Passages#Iraklio|Iraklio]] 35°21.24′N, 25°9.38′E . It is a 463 nM, mostly WNW, sail over open sea.
The only possible stopover is Sitia [[East Mediterranean Passages#Sitia|Sitia]] 35°12.5′N, 26°06.5′E in NE Crete.
Limassol to Iraklio
This route takes you from Limassol [[East Mediterranean Passages#Limassol|Limassol]] 34°39.53′N, 33°2.32′E , Southern Cyprus S to Cape Gata [[East Mediterranean Passages#Cape Gata|Cape Gata]] 34°37.25′N, 33°1.945′E , then WNW directly to Cape Sidero [[East Mediterranean Passages#Cape Sidero|Cape Sidero]] 35°19.3′N, 26°18.92′E in Crete, and then W to Iraklio [[East Mediterranean Passages#Iraklio|Iraklio]] 35°21.24′N, 25°9.38′E . The total distance is a 395 nM WNW sail over open sea.
The only possible stopover is Sitia [[East Mediterranean Passages#Sitia|Sitia]] 35°12.5′N, 26°06.5′E in NE Crete, about 415 nM.
Syria to Crete
You first sail NW from Tartus [[East Mediterranean Passages#Tartus|Tartus]] 34°55.3′N, 35°51.6′E to Cape Gata [[East Mediterranean Passages#Cape Gata|Cape Gata]] 34°37.25′N, 33°1.945′E in Southern Cyprus, then WNW directly to Cape Sidero [[East Mediterranean Passages#Cape Sidero|Cape Sidero]] 35°19.3′N, 26°18.92′E in Crete, and then W to to Iraklio [[East Mediterranean Passages#Iraklio|Iraklio]] 35°21.24′N, 25°9.38′E . The total distance is a 530 nM mostly over open sea. Possible stopovers are:
- Limassol [[East Mediterranean Passages#Limassol|Limassol]] 34°39.53′N, 33°2.32′E , Southern Cyprus - About 146 nM
- Sitia [[East Mediterranean Passages#Sitia|Sitia]] 35°12.5′N, 26°06.5′E in NE Crete - About 485 nM
Lebanon to Crete
You first sail WNW from Beirut [[East Mediterranean Passages#Beirut|Beirut]] 33°55′N, 35°32.2′E directly to Cape Sidero [[East Mediterranean Passages#Cape Sidero|Cape Sidero]] 35°19.3′N, 26°18.92′E in Crete, and then W to to Iraklio [[East Mediterranean Passages#Iraklio|Iraklio]] 35°21.24′N, 25°9.38′E . The total distance is a 515 nM mostly over open sea. Possible stopovers are:
- Limassol [[East Mediterranean Passages#Limassol|Limassol]] 34°39.53′N, 33°2.32′E - About 127 nM
- Sitia [[East Mediterranean Passages#Sitia|Sitia]] 35°12.5′N, 26°06.5′E in NE Crete - About 467 nM
Israel to Crete
Starting from Ashkelon Marina [[East Mediterranean Passages#Ashkelon Marina|Ashkelon Marina]] 31°41.08′N, 34°33.43′E you first sail NW over open water to Cape Sidero [[East Mediterranean Passages#Cape Sidero|Cape Sidero]] 35°19.3′N, 26°18.92′E in Crete, and than to to Iraklio [[East Mediterranean Passages#Iraklio|Iraklio]] 35°21.24′N, 25°9.38′E . The total distance is 522 nM. Possible stopovers are:
- Limassol [[East Mediterranean Passages#Limassol|Limassol]] 34°39.53′N, 33°2.32′E , Southern Cyprus - About 192 nM
- Sitia [[East Mediterranean Passages#Sitia|Sitia]] 35°12.5′N, 26°06.5′E in NE Crete - About 475 nM
Egypt to Crete
Port Said to Iraklio
Starting from Port Said [[East Mediterranean Passages#Port Said|Port Said]] 31°17.3′N, 32°20.7′E you sail NW directly to Cape Sidero [[East Mediterranean Passages#Cape Sidero|Cape Sidero]] 35°19.3′N, 26°18.92′E in Crete, and than to to Iraklio [[East Mediterranean Passages#Iraklio|Iraklio]] 35°21.24′N, 25°9.38′E . The total distance is 452 nM.
There is only one possible stopover: Sitia [[East Mediterranean Passages#Sitia|Sitia]] 35°12.5′N, 26°06.5′E in NE Crete, about 400 nM.
Alexandria to Iraklio
Starting from Alexandria [[East Mediterranean Passages#Alexandria|Alexandria]] 31°10.37′N, 29°50.25′E you sail NW directly to Cape Sidero [[East Mediterranean Passages#Cape Sidero|Cape Sidero]] 35°19.3′N, 26°18.92′E in Crete, and than to to Iraklio [[East Mediterranean Passages#Iraklio|Iraklio]] 35°21.24′N, 25°9.38′E . The total distance is 361 nM.
There is only one possible stopover: Sitia [[East Mediterranean Passages#Sitia|Sitia]] 35°12.5′N, 26°06.5′E in NE Crete, about 314 nM.
Egypt to Cyprus
Port Said to Limassol
Starting from Port Said [[East Mediterranean Passages#Port Said|Port Said]] 31°17.3′N, 32°20.7′E you sail NNE for 205 nM to Limassol, Limassol [[East Mediterranean Passages#Limassol|Limassol]] 34°39.53′N, 33°2.32′E .
There are no stopovers along the way.
Port Said to Famagusta
Starting from Port Said [[East Mediterranean Passages#Port Said|Port Said]] 31°17.3′N, 32°20.7′E you sail NE to Cape Greco [[East Mediterranean Passages#Cape Greco|Cape Greco]] 34°58.11′N, 34°5.37′E in Cyprus and then directly to Famagusta [[East Mediterranean Passages#Famagusta|Famagusta]] 35°8.4′N, 33°57.2′E . The total distance is 255 nM.
There are no stopovers along the way.
Alexandria to Limassol
Starting from Alexandria [[East Mediterranean Passages#Alexandria|Alexandria]] 31°10.37′N, 29°50.25′E you sail NE to Cape Gata [[East Mediterranean Passages#Cape Gata|Cape Gata]] 34°37.25′N, 33°1.945′E Cyprus and then directly to Limassol, Limassol [[East Mediterranean Passages#Limassol|Limassol]] 34°39.53′N, 33°2.32′E . The total distance is 265 nM.
There are no stopovers along the way.
Alexandria to Famagusta
Starting from Alexandria [[East Mediterranean Passages#Alexandria|Alexandria]] 31°10.37′N, 29°50.25′E you sail NE directly to to Cape Greco [[East Mediterranean Passages#Cape Greco|Cape Greco]] 34°58.11′N, 34°5.37′E in Cyprus and then directly to Famagusta [[East Mediterranean Passages#Famagusta|Famagusta]] 35°8.4′N, 33°57.2′E . The total distance is 328 nM.
There are no stopovers along the way.
Crete to Gibraltar
For the routes from Crete to Gibraltar follow: Crete to Malta.
Possible Arrival Points
- Iraklio [[East Mediterranean Passages#Iraklio|Iraklio]] 35°21.24′N, 25°9.38′E , Crete
- Gibraltar [[East Mediterranean Passages#Gibraltar|Gibraltar]] 36°8.62′N, 05°22.02′W
Distance & Duration
See Mediterranean Distances Table.
Forums
List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)
Links
- Mediterranean at the Wikipedia
References
- Jimmy Cornell, World Cruising Routes, Cornell Sailing; (April 2, 2014), ISBN 978-0957262645
- Jimmy Cornell, World Cruising Routes: Companion to World Cruising Handbook, Adlard Coles Nautical (March 20, 2008), ISBN 978-0713687774
See also Mediterranean.
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