Greece - Sailing Destination
The Dodecanese
12 islands of history, mythology and adventure. From the medieval walls of Rhodes to the volcanic caldera of Nisyros - the most dramatic sailing in Greece.
May - Oct
Best Season
Inter. - Adv.
Difficulty
15 - 30 kn
Avg. Wind
12+
Islands
Why Sail the Dodecanese
History, Mythology and Raw Beauty
The Dodecanese stretch along the Turkish coast in a 300 km arc of islands unlike anywhere else in Greece. Each island tells a different story - Crusader castles, Ottoman mosques, Art Deco Italian architecture, and ancient Greek temples all coexist.
Sailing here means strong Meltemi winds in summer - 15 to 30 knots from the north - making passages exciting and rewarding. The dramatic landscapes, crystal water and rich history make the Dodecanese the most culturally dense sailing ground in the Aegean.
Rhodes and Kos are the main charter bases with excellent marinas, while smaller islands like Symi, Tilos and Chalki remain largely free from mass tourism.
When to Go
Best Months to Visit
May - June
Best overall. Winds 10-20 kn, warm but not scorching. Fewer crowds, excellent availability, green landscapes.
July - August
Strong Meltemi 20-35 kn - thrilling sailing for experienced crews. Hottest and busiest - book months in advance.
September - October
Meltemi fades, sea still warm, prices drop. Best months for intermediate sailors and families.
Top Islands
Dodecanese Highlights
Rhodes
UNESCO medieval Old Town, Palace of the Grand Masters, and legendary history. Best marina in the Dodecanese.
Symi
Neoclassical pastel houses climbing the hillside, crystal bays, and the magnificent Panormitis monastery.
Patmos
The sacred island of the Apocalypse. Cave of St John, hilltop monastery, and pristine unspoiled bays.
Kos
Birthplace of Hippocrates. Ancient ruins next to the marina, excellent beaches, and vibrant nightlife.
Kalymnos
The sponge divers island. World-class rock climbing destination with dramatic cliffs and turquoise bays.
Sailing Routes
Dodecanese Itineraries
Two expertly designed loops from Rhodes Marina - the best charter base in the southern Aegean.
- Day 1 - Sat
Rhodes Marina
Check-in from 17:00. Rhodes Marina is 3 km from the UNESCO medieval Old Town. Board, safety briefing, provision at the marina supermarket. Welcome dinner inside the medieval walls.
- Day 2 - Sun
Symi
23 NM23 NM, ~4 hours. Sail northwest to the jewel of the Dodecanese. The harbour entrance reveals a breathtaking amphitheatre of neoclassical mansions. Anchor in Nanou Bay for swimming, dinner at Yialos port.
- Day 3 - Mon
Kos Town
30 NM30 NM, ~5 hours. Sail to Kos Marina - second largest charter base in the Dodecanese. Ancient plane tree of Hippocrates in the marina square. Explore the Castle of the Knights and Roman ruins.
- Day 4 - Tue
Nisyros
22 NM22 NM, ~3.5 hours. Volcanic island unlike anything else in Greece. Anchor at Mandraki. Walk into the active caldera - you can feel the heat underfoot. Unique in the entire Aegean.
- Day 5 - Wed
Tilos
25 NM25 NM, ~4 hours. One of Greece most unspoiled islands - no mass tourism. Anchor in Livadia bay. Rent a scooter, visit the abandoned village of Mikro Chorio. Crystal water and total peace.
- Day 6 - Thu
Chalki
22 NM22 NM, ~3.5 hours. Tiny island with one of the most colourful harbours in Greece. No cars, no crowds. Excellent fish tavernas on the waterfront. One of the most authentic islands in the Dodecanese.
- Day 7 - Fri
Return Rhodes
28 NM28 NM, ~4.5 hours. Final sail east back to Rhodes. Pass the dramatic coastline of Alimia island. Arrive Rhodes Marina by 17:00. Total route: ~150 NM.
Open in Navionics Boating
Compatible with Navionics, iSailor, OpenCPN, any chart plotter
Navionics: Menu - Routes - Import GPX
Essential Info
Practical Sailing Guide
Weather
- May-June: 22-28C, Meltemi 10-20 kn - ideal for intermediate sailors
- July-August: 28-34C, strong Meltemi 20-35 kn - experienced crews
- Sept-Oct: 22-28C, winds settle to 10-18 kn - best value season
- Sea temperature: 22-26C from June to October
Licenses
- Bareboat: ICC or national sailing license (RYA Day Skipper minimum)
- Stronger winds - Coastal Skipper recommended for July-August
- Skippered charter: no license needed - skipper provided
- Crew list required at first port of call
Costs
- Yacht charter: 1800-6000 EUR/week depending on boat
- Marina fees: 20-80 EUR/night (Rhodes and Kos higher)
- Fuel: 150-280 EUR/week average
- Provisioning: 50-80 EUR/day for 6 people
Ports
- Rhodes Marina: 382 berths, UNESCO Old Town 3 km away
- Kos Marina: full services, excellent provisioning
- Lakki (Leros): largest natural harbour in the Med
- Symi, Tilos, Chalki: smaller quays, stern-to anchoring
Ready to Sail
Available Yachts for the Dodecanese
Sailing Yacht4.9
Catamaran4.8
Sailing Yacht4.7Ready to Sail the Dodecanese?
The most historically rich sailing in Greece. Medieval castles, volcanic islands, and crystal Aegean water await.