Sailing the Dodecanese islands, Greece

The Dodecanese · Greece

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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.

Rhodes medieval city Dodecanese

When to Go

Best Months to Visit

Ideal

May - June

Best overall. Winds 10-20 kn, warm but not scorching. Fewer crowds, excellent availability, green landscapes.

Peak Season

July - August

Strong Meltemi 20-35 kn - thrilling sailing for experienced crews. Hottest and busiest - book months in advance.

Sweet Spot

September - October

Meltemi fades, sea still warm, prices drop. Best months for intermediate sailors and families.

Top Islands

Dodecanese Highlights

Rhodes medieval harbour and Old Town

Rhodes

UNESCO medieval Old Town, Palace of the Grand Masters, and legendary history. Best marina in the Dodecanese.

See yachts →38 available
Symi harbour with colourful neoclassical houses

Symi

Neoclassical pastel houses climbing the hillside, crystal bays, and the magnificent Panormitis monastery.

See yachts →24 available
Patmos island whitewashed village and Aegean views

Patmos

The sacred island of the Apocalypse. Cave of St John, hilltop monastery, and pristine unspoiled bays.

See yachts →18 available
Kos turquoise coastline from above

Kos

Birthplace of Hippocrates. Ancient ruins next to the marina, excellent beaches, and vibrant nightlife.

See yachts →32 available
Kalymnos dramatic cliffs above the sea

Kalymnos

The sponge divers island. World-class rock climbing destination with dramatic cliffs and turquoise bays.

See yachts →15 available

Sailing Routes

Dodecanese Itineraries

Two expertly designed loops from Rhodes Marina - the best charter base in the southern Aegean.

Rhodes - Symi - Kos - Nisyros - Tilos - Chalki - Rhodes, ~150 NM, Sat-Fri
  1. 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.

  2. Day 2 - Sun

    Symi

    23 NM

    23 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.

  3. Day 3 - Mon

    Kos Town

    30 NM

    30 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.

  4. Day 4 - Tue

    Nisyros

    22 NM

    22 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.

  5. Day 5 - Wed

    Tilos

    25 NM

    25 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.

  6. Day 6 - Thu

    Chalki

    22 NM

    22 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. Most authentic island in the Dodecanese.

  7. Day 7 - Fri

    Return Rhodes

    28 NM

    28 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.

Ports of Call

RhodesSymiKosNisyrosTilos
Navionics

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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 only
  • 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

Beneteau Oceanis 45Sailing Yacht4.9

Beneteau Oceanis 45

2020

Rhodes, Greece

Free cancellationInstant confirmation

13.9m

Length

3

Cabins

6

Guests

2

WC

1,850

per week

No hidden fees · Direct charter price

Get Quote
Lagoon 42 CatamaranCatamaran4.8

Lagoon 42 Catamaran

2021

Kos, Greece

Free cancellationInstant confirmation

12.8m

Length

4

Cabins

8

Guests

4

WC

3,400

per week

No hidden fees · Direct charter price

Get Quote
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490Sailing Yacht4.7

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 490

2022

Rhodes, Greece

Free cancellationInstant confirmation

14.9m

Length

4

Cabins

8

Guests

2

WC

2,300

per week

No hidden fees · Direct charter price

Get Quote

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