SAILING IN DODECANESE ISLANDS
Situated in the southeastern Aegean Sea, the Dodecanese Island complex, despite its name suggesting a dozen (dodeca) islands (nisia), is composed of 14 primary islands (Rhodes, Kos, Patmos, Kalymnos, Karpathos, Astypalaia, Leros, Nisyros, Symi, Tilos, Halki, Lipsi, Kasos, Kastelorizo) and a multitude of smaller islets.
As one of the most remote Greek island groups, the Dodecanese islands officially became part of modern Greece only in 1948. However, the local population has held on to a robust Greek identity and is renowned for their warm hospitality and laid-back lifestyle. Each island within the group possesses a distinctive character, shaped by its history, which is reflected in important archaeological sites, impressive Byzantine churches, and medieval castles.
The Dodecanese island complex, boasting a total of 163 islands and islets, is a genuine sailing haven and an outstanding yachting destination throughout the year due to its mild climate. In fact, it is hailed as the sunniest corner of Greece, offering what is commonly considered the finest Mediterranean climate.
During the summer months from June to September, the prevailing wind is known as the "Meltemi," blowing from the northwest with average speeds of 4-6 BFT and occasionally reaching 7 or 8 BFT. This is most prominent in July and August when the "Meltemi" wind reaches its peak intensity. It's important to exercise caution, particularly in the less sheltered area between Astypalea and Karpathos during this period. In spring and autumn, the wind is gentler, typically blowing at forces of 2-4 BFT from the southeast.
Regenerate
You may start your sailing vacations in the Dodecanese Islands from different marinas, according to yacht availability, flight schedules, charter duration and desired itineraries:
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 offers an ideal yachting experience year-round thanks to its consistently mild weather. With 14 primary islands and over 160 islets at your disposal, you have endless flexibility to choose a route that suits your preferences.
The main charter bases, Marina Mandraki on Rhodes and Marina Kos, provide convenient starting points for your journey. Both islands have international airports, ensuring easy access.
For a one-week charter starting in Rhodes, popular destinations within reach include Symi, Nissiros, Kos, Tilos, and Chalki. When embarking from Kos, you might consider Kalymnos, Leros, Agathonisi, and Patmos if you intend to sail north, or Nissiros, Tilos, Chalki, Rhodes, and Symi if your course leads you 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.