Dodecanese Islands Sailing
The Dodecanese Islands in the south-eastern Aegean are said to be the sunniest corner in Greece. This area is a popular destination for seasoned crews with its appealing sailing conditions, warm climate and its historical sights.
There are two bases in which to explore the Dodecanese Islands from, Kos or Rhodes. With easy access to both islands from the UK it’s an easy destination to reach. It’s an area where you can enjoy some great sailing between the islands, dipping into coves along the way.
We think this area is great for crews who like a bit of adventure in a windier destination, don’t think ruins ruin a holiday and are maybe looking for a late season sail.
You can choose from either Kos or Rhodes to venture into the Dodecanese Islands. There are two bases in Kos, one is a marina with all the modern facilities needed. The second base is in a small Greek village with local bakeries, shops and facilities nearby. Rhodes marina is part of the historic public port, which has been Rhode’s main port for the last 2500 years.
What’s the weather like?
A windy destination for experienced sailors, the meltimi blows through the islands reaching its peak in July and August with an average wind speed of force 4 – 6, with occasional gusts up to a force 7. It pays to pay attention to weather forecasts in the local area. At the beginning and end of the season, May and October, you will find an average wind speed of force 3 – 5.
Being so close to Turkey, this area of Greece enjoys the benefits of longer warmer seasons than other areas in Greece.
Expect mooring fees in most places except for bay stops. Prices vary depending on the type of harbour or marina you’re visiting and size of your yacht.
Follow in the footsteps of ancient Greeks and Romans
This one week route (as the name gives away) heads south once you’ve picked your boat up from Kos. And with no shortage of islands to fit in you can get all the way down to Tilos in the south and Astypalaia in the west. Having all the typical Greek charms and no shortage of ancient ruins this area of Greece harks back to the old times. This far flung archipelago beckons modern day adventures to explore these timeless islands.
On this route you’ll be following in the footsteps of many time periods, from Greeks and Romans to crusading medieval knights and Ottoman potentates. If you want to take a walk and explore the views then Tilos is your best stop, while if you’re more into climbing then the limestone cliffs of Kalymnos are for you. If you want to explore from a different angle then go diving and explore the underwater caves and ancient wrecks, these islands are off the beaten track slightly and give you Greece from a different perspective.
Days 1 – 2, Arriving in Kos
When you arrive at the marina you’ll be met by the charter company staff who will handle your check-in. Once this is done they will show you to your boat and after a quick briefing it’s over to you! Time to relax with a drink!
On your first evening there’s plenty to explore in Kos. The town has a fantastic mixture of Turkish and Italian influences, particularly when it comes to the food! It also some has a great balance between peaceful mornings and fun-filled bars in the evenings.
Kos
Days 2 – 3, Nip north to Kalymnos
From Kos why not head north to the island of Kalymnos? Here you can choose from the bustling Pothia which is the main harbour on the island where you’ll find mopeds whizzing around the narrow streets, or if you prefer a slightly quieter scene then head to Vathi Bay. We can only describe this place created by a fjord as a little slice of heaven.
From Kalymnos it’s a short hop up to Leros Island. This town has a main port in Lakki, full of friendly marina staff and the town behind which has a slightly 1930’s Art Deco feel to it.
Kalymnos Leros Vathi
Days 4 – 5, Sail South and island hop away
From Leros a great day’s sailing is heading south to Astypalaia. This town is covered in rocky coasts and pebble beaches and is steeped in history. If you head to the main town of Chora you’ll see the old castle at the top of the hill.
After you’ve had your history fill in Astypalaia sail east for around 20 miles to the island of Nisyros. This island is completely untouched by tourism and is one one of the most beautiful islands in the Dodecanese. It has plenty of tiny villages with tavernas serving fresh seafood and its main harbour Mandraki is a popular stop over. Its lovely winding streets that reveal hidden bars and tavernas all surrounded by the typically Greek white washed houses make this town perfectly picturesque.
Nisyros Astypalaia
Days 7 – 8, Top it all off in Tilos
Tilos from Nisyros is around 10 miles and is a lovely sail. This island is often overlooked but the main harbour of Livadhi is a quintessential Greek village which has some great restaurants lining the waterfront.
On your last day it’s time to head back to Kos and nice last sail back up from Tilos. It’s around 15 miles and most charter companies like you to be back in the marina between 4-6pm, giving you one last evening to enjoy what Kos has to offer.
Tilos Kos
Adventure in Strong Winds
Much like our other one week route out of Kos to the South, this one as you can probably guess heads north! On this route you can island hop away to your heart’s content, all the way up to Nera if you wish. We think this area is great for crews who like a bit of adventure in a windier destination, who don’t think ruins ruin a holiday and are maybe looking for a late season sail.
Days 1 – 2, Arriving in Kos
When you arrive at the marina you will be met by the charter company who will handle your check-in. Once this is complete you will be shown to your boat and after a quick briefing it’s over to you, time to relax!
Kos has plenty to see and do on your first night, with an interesting mixture between Greek, Turkish and Italian influence the cuisine here is fun to experience.
On your first day why not head north to Kalymnos Island? This pretty island has two options, you can either head to the main harbour in the town of Pothia which is a bustling and active town, or if you want to get away from it all then pop over to Vathi Bay, a stunning spot created by a fjord that can only be desribed as a slice of heaven.
Kos Leros
Days 3 – 6, Up to Nera in the North
From Kalymnos continue north and island hop for the next few days.
Starting in Leros, this town has a cool 1930’s Art Deco vibe and has a great marina with friendly staff.
From Leros it’s a less than 10 mile sail north to the island of Nera. This is a lovely peaceful stop over and from here you can sail east to the little island of Arki.
Arki has some great beaches, (our favourite is Tignakia) and also in the harbour there are some traditional restaurants, a great place to watch a sunset with a beer in hand!
Leros Agathonisi Arki
Days 7 – 8, The last few days and bays
From the lovely little island of Arki head south to the western side of Kalymnos Island. This is around a 15 mile sail and here you can head to Emporios.
From Emporios, before heading back to the base, why not skip past Kos down to Nisyros Island. The island is full of tiny little towns, Pali being one of our favourites. The island is also full of stunning beaches and swimming spots, with Chochlakia beach being great for snorkelling.
After Nisyros on your last day it’s time to head back to Kos. Most charter companies like you to be back at the base between 4-6pm and this gives you one last evening to soak up all Kos has to offer before heading home the next day.
Kos Kalymnos Nisyros
The Sunniest Corner of Greece
If island hopping’s your thing and you’re looking for a bit of wind to chase then the Dodecanese are your best bet. It’s said that these islands in the south-eastern Aegean are the sunniest corner of Greece. With historical sights, warm climate and appealing sailing conditions this route will give crews a bit of adventure and starting from Rhodes there’s plenty to explore with ancient ruins and undiscovered bays all at your disposal.
Days 1 – 2, Arriving in Rhodes
When you arrive in Rhodes, it’s a nice short transfer to the base and once here you’ll be met by the charter company. After they’ve completed your paperwork you’ll be shown to your boat and after a quick briefing it’s over to you!
There’s plenty to do on your first night in Rhodes, the Old Town is a UNESCO protected heritage town and it’s also the largest medieval town in Europe and we recommend going for a walk along the moat walls which give great views out to sea.
On your first days sailing why not sail north to Symi. It’s just over 20 miles and when you get there the colourful mansions that are sprawled up the hillside give quite an impressive entrance. Toli Bay is a beautiful beach which is hard to reach from inland making it private and calming.
Rhodes Symi
Days 3 – 5, Up to Kos and back down again
From Symi head west over to the island of Nisyros. Here you can choose to stay in either Mandraki or Pali. Mandraki is the main harbour on the island and has lovely white washed houses lined pebbled streets that lead to some fantastic tavernas and bars.
From Nisyros head north to Kos. It’s around 10 miles and once you get there you’ll be spoilt for choice of great bars and restaurants to try out. Whether you go to the Turkish quarter or the Italian influence there’s a wide variety of cuisine to try here.
After you’ve explored Kos head south for around 20 miles down to the island of Tilos. A great harbour to moor up in Livadhi and although it might not look like there’s much on Tilos, Livadhi has some great seafood restaurants. You can also head inland on the minibus to the capital Megalo Chora.
Tilos Kos Nisyros
Days 6 – 7, Chalki and then back to base in Rhodes
On your last island hop before heading back to Rhodes why not pop south to the island of Chalki. Less than a 10 mile sail from Tilos, Chalki is a lovely small island off the beaten track and has only one town on the island. Nimporio town has lots of great tavernas along the promenade and some stunning beaches too, such as Giali and Potamos.
On your last day it’s time to head back to Rhodes. Most charter companies like you to be back in the marina between 4-6pm and this gives you an entire evening to have one last feast before heading home the next day.
Rhodes Chalki
Island hop until your hearts content
Much like our other two week route this option is perfect if you want to really venture further afield and see what the Dodecanese has to offer. With history everywhere you look you can island hop until your hearts content reaching all the way up to Fourni in the north and Astypalaia in the west.
Days 1 – 2, Arriving in Kos
Once you arrive at the base you will be met by the charter company who will handle your check-in. Once you’ve completed the paperwork you will be shown to your boat, and after a quick briefing it’s over to you, time to relax!
On your first day a nice warm up sail could be over to the island of Pserimos. This quiet and peaceful island has only one main town, Ormos Pserimou where there’s a nice harbour with some great tavernas and a sandy beach.
Kos Pserimos
Days 3 – 7, Fast-track to Fourni
From the peaceful island of Pserimos you can island hop for days all the way up to Fourni.
Start with Kalymos Island, another short hop from Pserimos. And here you can choose from a few places to stop over, the main harbour of Pothia has a lively atmosphere or if you’re looking for something a bit quieter than choose from Emporios or Vathi Bay.
From Kalymos continue north to the island of Leros. This island is less than 10 miles from Kalymnos, here you can choose again from Lakki, which has a 1930’s Art Deco feel and is very quiet or head to Pandeli, a more lively town and harbour.
Once you’ve seen all that Leros has to offer keep heading north to the island of Arki. This is a great place to get away from it all, the tiny town next to the harbour has a few traditional tavernas and some great beaches, Tiganakia is our favourite.
After the short hop from Leros to Arki the next day is a longer sail up to Fourni, perhaps the furthest north you’ll reach in a two week charter from Kos. Fourni is famous for its laid back atmosphere and has some great hikes and walk.
Kalymnos Leros Arki Fourni
Days 8 – 13, Sail South past Kos and beyond
From Fourni you can only really sail south and there’s plenty of islands to stop off on.
Fourni to Levitha island is a good 20 miles sail and once you get there you’ll meet the only family who live on the island and run the great restaurant there.
Another good sail is from Levitha on to Astypalaia, just under 20 miles. This beautiful island is steeped in history and has two stunning beaches, Kaminakia and Vatses.
From Astypalaia head east to the island of Nisyros. A slightly longer sail around 25 miles but well worth it. This volcanic island is known as one the prettiest in the Dodecanese and its main harbour Mandraki is a great place to stop over. There’s plenty of bars and tavernas to visit whilst wandering the pebbled streets.
Once you’ve explored Nisyros it’s a relaxed 10 mile sail to the island of Tilos. This island is often overlooked by tourists so is a great stop away from the hustle and bustle of peak season. The small village of Livadhi has a nice harbour with a surprising number of restaurants considering how little it is.
Tilos Chalki Nisyros Astypalaia Levitha
Days 14 – 15, Row over to Rhodes before heading back to base
From Chalki head to Rhodes (we don’t actually suggest you row there!) but it’s a nice sail over from Chalki and the Old Town is charming with all it’s piazzas and the old moat walls that surround it.
After Rhodes it’s best to make your way back towards Kos, but a stop off in Symi wouldn’t hurt. This island has a calm atmosphere and its colourful charming buildings will surely draw you in.
Sadly it’s the last day and time to head back to Kos, this is a nice last days sail from Symi but just remember most charter companies like you to be back in the marina between 4-6pm that day. This gives you one last evening to enjoy what Kos has to offer before heading home the following day.
Rhodes Symi Kos
Soak in the history and culture
Much like our one week route out of Rhodes this option is perfect if you want to soak up all the history and culture the Dodecanese has to offer. With ruins and old forts by the bucket load all spread out across numerous islands, this route is ideal for the more adventurous sailors. Those who want slightly stronger winds and to explore this relatively undiscovered area.
Days 1 – 2, Arriving in Rhodes
Once you arrive at the base you’ll be met by the charter company who will handle your check-in. After your paperwork is complete you’ll be shown to your boat and after a quick briefing it’s over to you! Time to relax and start your holiday! There’s plenty to do on your first evening here. The Old Town is particularly stunning to stroll through and see the old moat walls that used to be the town’s defense.
From Rhodes a great first sail is around 10 miles over to Symi. This colourful town is a must visit with its neo classical look and there’s also some great beaches, particularly Toli Bay.
Rhodes Symi
Days 3 – 6, Cruising past Kos
From Symi you could head west to the island of Nisyros. Under a 20 mile sail and in that time you can get to Mandraki, the main harbour on the island. There are plenty of pretty villages to discover and it’s often called one of the most beautiful islands in the Dodecanese. Due to it’s volcanic nature and the white washed houses made from this rock we can see why.
After Nisyros head north past Kos and up to Emporios on the island of Kalymnos. Emporios is a quiet seaside town with some traditional tavernas, cafes and seaside restaurants and if you fancy it venture to Kastri in the north of the island, where the old fort from the Hellenistic period still stands.
After you’ve explored Kalymnos Island continue north to Lakki on Leros Island. Lakki is the main port of the island and has a distinctly Art Deco feel to it which makes it stand out from the other islands.
From Leros Island it’s a short hop northwest to Patmos Island. This island is often compared more to the Cyclades than the Dodecanese with its barren rocky slopes and white wash houses. The monastery here is worth a wander around above Chora.
Kalymnos Leros Nisyros Patmos
Days 7 – 10, Nip north to Samos and back
From Patmos it’s a very short hop over to Arki Island. Around 5 miles east of Patmos this island is a great place to have some peace and quiet. The main harbour has some traditional tavernas next to the port and the nearby beaches are great for snorkelling. We highly recommend Tiganakia beach.
After Arki you can get as far north as you can up to Samos. This is around a 10-15 mile sail from Arki. Samos is great for any wine connoisseurs as it used to be famous for its vineyards and wine production.
From Samos it’s best to start heading back south, and a nice stop off is in Agathonisi on the island of Nera. This is a short sail over, less than 10 miles and once you get here it’s peace and quiet you’ll find. The main port is Agios Georgios which has some bars and tavernas and the beauty of this island is it’s basically traffic free.
Once you’ve seen all that Agathonisi has to offer, contiune south for less than 10 miles back to the island of Leros. Except this time on the west of the island to the town of Pandeli. The houses here are covered in bougainvillea and fishing is the main income here so you’d be silly not to try some of the fresh fish caught that day in one of the local tavernas.
Leros Agathonisi Arki Samos
Days 11 – 13, Pop to Pserimos and beyond
From the island of Leros it’s less than 10 miles south to Pserimos. A peaceful and sleepy island, with one main harbour, Ormos Pserimou that has tavernas and bars surrounding it.
Once you’ve soaked up all that Pserimos has to offer it’s a very short hop over the vibrant island of Kos. This much larger island has plenty of bars for you night owls but it also has a unique mixture of restaurants due to its interesting turkish and italian influences, so there’s a wide variety to choose from.
From the bustling Kos why not sail south to Tilos. It’s around 15-20 miles and is often missed on the mass tourism radar. The little quay in Lavadhi is nice place to stop and there’s a surprising number of restaurants for such a small village.
Tilos Kos Pserimos
Days 14 – 15, One last stop before heading back to base
From Tilos on your way back to Rhodes you could stop off in Chalki. Less than 10 miles from Tilos this is the smallest island in the Dodecanese. There’s only one town on the island called Nimporio and along the promenade here you’ll find many tavernas and cafes offering traditional greek delicacies. Also on Chalki are some stunning beaches, Giali and Potamos are our favourites.
Once you’ve had your fill of Chalki it’s time to head back to base. The sail back to Rhodes from Chalki is a great last days sail, around 20 miles and it’s good to note that the charter company usually like you to be back in the marina between 4-6pm. This gives you one last evening to soak up what Rhodes has to offer before heading home the next day.
Rhodes Chalki