SAILING IN DODECANESE ISLANDS
The Dodecanese Island complex lies in the south-eastern Aegean Sea. Although its name literally means 12 (dodeca) islands (nisia), it actually consists of 14 main islands (Rhodes, Kos, Patmos, Kalymnos, Karpathos, Astypalaia, Leros, Nisyros, Symi, Tilos, Halki, Lipsi, Kasos, Kastelorizo) and numerous smaller islets.
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Being the remotest Greek island group, the Dodecanese islands became part of Modern Greece not earlier than 1948, Nevertheless, locals retained a very strong Greek identity and are famous for their hospitality and laid-back lifestyle. The islands' history has left a legacy of important and diverse archaeological sites, impressive Byzantine churches and medieval castles, which make each island very unique.
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The Dodecanese island complex with its 163 islands and islets is a true sailing paradise and a great yachting destination all year round due its mild climate. In fact, it is considered to be the sunniest corner of Greece and its climate is commonly considered to be the best in the Mediterranean.
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The prevailing wind during the summer (June to September) is the so called "Meltemi" wind, that blows from the North West with average forces of 4-6 BFT and occasionally with forces of 7 or even 8 BFT. This occurs mainly during July and August, when the "Meltemi" wind reaches its full strength. At that time, attention needs to be taken especially in the lesser protected area between Astypalea and Karpathos. During spring and autumn, the wind is much milder, blowing at forces of 2-4 BFT from the southeast.
You may start your sailing vacations in the Dodecanese Islands from different marinas, according to yacht availability, flight schedules, charter duration and desired itineraries:
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Marina Rhodes (Rhodes)
Marina Kos (Kos)
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POPULAR ISLANDS
Rhodes is the largest and most popular island in the Dodecanese island complex. It is well known for its beautiful old town which is one of the largest medieval towns in Europe and got listed as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1988. Golden sand beaches, bright green hills and rich green valleys make the islands' landscape truly special. Rhodes is a popular yacht charter base, featuring a beautiful marina and an international airport.
RHODES
Kos is located just 5 km away from the Turkish peninsula Bodrum. It is famous for being the birthplace of Hippocrates, the father of medicine (460-377 B.C). Ancient remains, medieval monuments and impressive Italians building can be found all over the island. Its beautiful coastline features numerous sandy beaches with crystal clear waters. Kos' beautiful marina and international airport make it a popular yacht charter base.
Symi is characterized by a rugged landscape that is accented with cypress and pine forests and towering cliffs that lie above its intended coastline.
Its town is a true Greek gem featuring an impeccable architecture of neoclassic mansions that are painted in a variety of colors and ascend a steep hillside towards its picturesque curved harbor.
Several wonderful beaches can be found on the island, some of them being so remote that they can only be reached via boat.
KOS
SYMI
Patmos is widely known as the “sacred land of the Aegean”, where Saint John wrote the Book of Revelation, which is the apocalyptic text that forms the final book of the New Testament.
It has long been a place of pilgrimage for Christians, however, it is now also a popular tourist destination. Its capital town is truly enchanting; it lies on top of a beautiful hilltop, wrapped around the impressive St. John monastery and features traditional whitewashed houses and maze-like alleys.
Karpathos is the second largest island of the Dodecanese island complex. It is characterized by a beautiful landscape that features impressive tall mountains, a pristine scenery, sandy beaches with turquoise waters, and traditional unspoiled little villages like Olymbos and Pyles.
Several awe-inspiring beaches can be found on the east coast of the islands, such as Ahata, Kyra, Panagia and Apella.
Astypalaia is the westernmost island in the Dodecanese island complex, located exactly where the Dodecanese meet the Cyclades. It boasts one of the most picturesque island towns in the Aegean which is perched on a high rock that advances into the sea and thereby forms two bays. The city’s architecture resembles the style of the Cyclades islands and features pretty whitewashed houses with blue doors, blue windows and blue balcony rails.
PATMOS
KARPATHOS
ASTYPALAIA
CHARTER A YACHT AND SAIL IN THE DODECANESE
Monohull sailing yacht or Catamaran? Bareboat, Skippered or Crewed Charter? No matter what is your preferred sailing yacht and charter type, we can offer plenty of options, so that you can tailor your sailing vacations in the Saronic Islands to your needs.
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MONOHULL SAILING YACHTS
Monohull Sailing Yachts are beautiful classic sailing yachts that are characterized by their one hull. Since they are smaller in width than catamarans, it is easy to find them a room to moor in Greek ports, even in the peak months July and August. All our monohull sailing yachts can be chartered bareboat and with a professional skipper.
CATAMARANS
Catamarans are characterized by their two hulls, which provide significantly more pace than classic monohull sailing boats. They are an ideal choice if you are planning a cruise with a group of friends or family. Our camarans can be chartered either bareboat or with a professional skipper.
SAILING ITINERARIES IN THE DODECANESE
The Dodecanese island complex is a perfect yachting destination all year round due to its exceptional mild weather. 14 main islands and more than 160 islets give you endless flexibility in choosing a route that suits you.
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Marina Mandraki on Rhodes and Marina Kos are the two main charter bases from where you can start your trip. Both of the islands have an international airport, thus can easily be reached.
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Popular destinations that can be reached during a one-week charter, starting in Rhodes are the following: Symi, Nissiros, Kos, Tilos, and Chalki. Starting in Kos you might consider Kalymnos, Leros, Agathonisi, and Patmos if you want to sail north or Nissiros, Tilos, Chalki, Rhodes, and Symi if you want to sail south.
Rhodes is the largest and most popular island in the Dodecanese island complex.
It is well known for its beautiful old town which is one of the largest medieval towns in Europe and got listed as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1988. Golden sand beaches, bright green hills and rich green valleys make the islands' landscape truly special. Rhodes is a popular yacht charter base, featuring a beautiful marina and an international airport.
Patmos is widely known as the “sacred land of the Aegean”, where Saint John wrote the Book of Revelation, which is the apocalyptic text that forms the final book of the New Testament. It has long been a place of pilgrimage for Christians, however, it is now also a popular tourist destination. Its capital town is truly enchanting; it lies on top of a beautiful hilltop, wrapped around the impressive St. John monastery and features traditional whitewashed houses and maze-like alleys.
Kos is located just 5 km away from the Turkish peninsula Bodrum. It is famous for being the birthplace of Hippocrates, the father of medicine (460-377 B.C). Ancient remains, medieval monuments and impressive Italian buildings can be found all over the island. Its beautiful coastline features numerous sandy beaches with crystal clear waters. Kos' beautiful marina and international airport make it a popular yacht charter base.
Karpathos is the second largest island of the Dodecanese island complex. It is characterized by a beautiful landscape that features impressive tall mountains, a pristine scenery, sandy beaches with turquoise waters, and traditional unspoiled little villages like Olymbos and Pyles. Several awe-inspiring beaches can be found on the east coast of the islands, such as Ahata, Kyra, Panagia and Apella.
Symi is characterized by a rugged landscape that is accented with cypress and pine forests and towering cliffs that lie above its intended coastline. Its town is a true Greek gem featuring an impeccable architecture of neoclassic mansions that are painted in a variety of colors and ascend a steep hillside towards its picturesque curved harbor. Several wonderful beaches can be found on the island, some of them being so remote that they can only be reached via boat.
Astypalaia is the westernmost island in the Dodecanese island complex, located exactly where the Dodecanese meet the Cyclades. It boasts one of the most picturesque island towns in the Aegean which is perched on a high rock that advances into the sea and thereby forms two bays. The city’s architecture resembles the style of the Cyclades islands and features pretty whitewashed houses with blue doors, blue windows and blue balcony rails.