The Dodecanese group of islands, located in the southeastern Aegean Sea, is a unique region of Greece that attracts sailors with its extraordinary charm, historical richness and the beauty of its landscapes. The name "Dodecanese" comes from the Greek term for "twelve islands", which refers to the twelve largest islands in this region, such as Rhodes, Kos, Karpathos, Kalymnos, Patmos, Astypalea, Simi, Leros, Nisyros, Halki, Tilos, and Lipsi. In fact, there are as many as 163 islands within the Dodecanese, of which only 26 are inhabited. The Dodecanese is characterized by a great variety of landscapes, which range from rocky coastlines to green, fertile areas. Islands such as Rhodes and Kos are well developed in terms of tourism, offering numerous attractions, hotels and restaurants, while smaller, lesser-known islands such as Lipsi or Tilos provide quiet, secluded corners ideal for relaxation. Dodecanese is a perfect place to plan your sailing holidays.
The architecture of the Dodecanese is equally diverse. On the islands you can find traditional farmhouses, with whitewashed walls and blue shutters, typical of Greek architecture. Moreover, Venetian, Ottoman, and Italian influences are evident in many of the city's buildings, particularly on the islands of Rhodes and Kos. This diversity makes the Dodecanese an ideal destination for sailors looking for both tranquillity and adventure.
Due to the prevailing Meltemi wind in this region, the Dodecanese is recommended for experienced sailors. The Meltemi are northerly winds that blow in summer and can reach a lot of strength, which makes sailing in this region challenging. However, for those who are well-prepared and experienced, the Dodecanese offers rewards in the form of spectacular views, quiet coves and pristine beaches that are often only accessible by sea.
While sailing in the Dodecanese, it is worth stopping at local taverns to try traditional Greek dishes. This region is famous for its excellent seafood, fresh fish, as well as local specialties such as moussaka, souvlaki and saganaki. Taverns on the islands offer authentic Greek dining experiences, often overlooking the sea, making your meal an unforgettable experience.
Do you dream of sailing peacefully on crystal clear waters, discovering hidden coves and harbours? Or do you want to explore ancient ruins and charming villages? With us, everything is possible! Luxury sailing vacations are a guarantee of relaxation, adventure and unforgettable memories.
Kos and Rhodes can be easily reached by plane, which makes these islands accessible to tourists from different parts of the world.
The island of Kos, due to its location roughly in the middle of the Dodecanese islands, opens up a lot of opportunities for unforgettable sailing trip. It is also an ideal place to explore the underwater world thanks to its rich biodiversity and crystal clear waters. In addition to visiting the city of Kos filled with ancient remains, an interesting point on the map of this island are the natural baths of Embros. A hot thermal spring comes straight from under the rocks in the south-eastern part of the island. What's more, the water from this spring has healing properties, having a positive effect on health. Just 24 nautical miles from Kos is the volcanic island of Nisyros. On the island there is an active volcano Stefanos, which due to the large abundance of both plants and various animals has gained the name of the "green" volcano. What's more, on the island you can enter the crater of the volcano, which is an unusual attraction and allows you to experience the power of nature firsthand. To the north of the island of Kos lies the wild island of Kalimos, characterized by its rocky landscape and green valleys. In addition, on the island you will also find paradise beaches and charming coves that can be reached easily from the cockpit of your chartered vessel.
It is located 25 km from the airport on the island of Kos. It has 265 berths at the quay and has all the necessary amenities including Wifi for sailors using the marina. Within the marina, you can also stock up on the necessary products to set sail. If you prefer not to worry about carrying your groceries, two supermarkets near the marina (Kostas and Kritikos) offer a convenient service – they will deliver your purchases directly to the yacht free of charge.
It is located about 20 km off the coast of Turkey near Marmaris. The coast of the island is very diverse. To the east there are sandy beaches and a calm, wind-sheltered sea. The western part of the island, on the other hand, is mainly characterized by pebble beaches, ruins of ancient cities and more lush vegetation. Being in Rhodes, an unusual attraction is the Valley of Butterflies, which is famous for its diverse vegetation and waterfalls. It is here that the colourful species of moth is found, which can be found from mid-June to mid-September. The old town of the island's capital, Rhodes, with its Grand Master's Palace and majestic city walls, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This makes it an extremely attractive place to charter a yacht.
By chartering a yacht from Rhodes Island, you can also explore the islands around Kos for a short distance. Just a few nautical miles from Rhodes is the island of Halki and the island of Alimia. Halki is a small, mountainous island with golden sandy beaches. There is only one settlement here, which makes it an ideal place for sailors looking for peace. Alimia is also a small island, and an uninhabited one at that. On the island there are many abandoned houses, churches and even the remains of the castle that was built by the Knights of St. John. To the southwest of the island is an anchor bay that offers excellent protection from wind and waves when sailing from Rhodes.
The marina is located in the heart of the city, which makes it the perfect place if you want to go for an evening of fun after a day of sailing. The marina offers all the amenities you need to set sail. When you do not sail from Marina Mandraki, but during the cruise you want to explore this picturesque island, it is necessary to book a place for min. 48 hours before the scheduled arrival. A little further south there is also the new marina of Rhodes, which is also well equipped.
The Dodecanese is a remarkable region that offers countless opportunities for sailors to explore. From the historical ruins of Rhodes and Kos, to the spiritual sanctuaries of Patmos, to the charming ports of Symi and Kalymnos, each island has something unique to offer. Thanks to the moderate winds of the Meltemi, this region challenges even experienced sailors, but rewards them with amazing views, crystal clear waters, and unforgettable adventures. Yacht charter in Dodecanese region allows you to see its beauty from a sea view.
Not having a skipper's license is not an obstacle to enjoy an unforgettable cruise in the magical waters of the Dodecanese. All you have to do is book one of our experienced skippers and we will take care of the rest! Our crew consists of qualified sailors with many years of maritime experience, who will not only ensure safety and comfort during the cruise, but also share their passion for sailing and discovering the charms of the Greek islands.
If you have any questions or concerns about chartering in the Dodecanese region, we are here to help! Contact us today and together we will choose a yacht perfectly suited to your preferences and needs.
Set Sail Across the Dodecanese: Explore Hidden Coves, Ancient Ruins, and Unspoiled Beaches on a Unique Sailing Adventure
