Share the post "Click&Boat’s Guide to Sailing in the Dodecanese Islands"
Having explored two of the country’s most beautiful corners, the Sporades Islands and the Ionian Islands in our Guide to Sailing in Greece, we’ll now focus on the Dodecanese Islands in southeast Greece.
This archipelago of more than 150 islands is the perfect place to charter a yacht and sail in Greece. When you sail in the Dodecanese, it’s important to find mooring spots suitably protected from the notorious Meltemia – dry north winds blowing from May to September.
Sailing in the Dodecanese, our favourite islands in Greece
Rhodes
You can start your trip from the biggest and most famous of the Dodecanese islands. Rhodes is a cosmopolitan island, attracting tourists from all over the world. Take a stroll on the cobblestone-paved streets of the Old Town. Visit the Palace of the Grand Master of Knights of Rhodes to travel back to an era of knights, fairy tales and sword fights. The best place to dock here is Mandraki harbour? It’s famous for its twin towers with two bronze deers (“Elefos” and “Elafina”) on the top – a landmark of the island of Rhodes. Incidentally, this is where the Colossus of Rhodes stood thousands of years ago!
Rhodes is a big island for Greek standards, and sailing around it can take you a few days. But if you do, stop by the archaeological site of Lindos, known as the ‘Pearl of Rhodes’. Also visit the famous Valley of the Butterflies.
Marmaris
If you have chartered a yacht in Rhodes, you can sail along the Turkish coast (check visa requirements) and visit Marmaris. With pine-tree covered mountains in the background, the city’s long coastline is a marvel for boating fans. There are several ancient sites and remote bays to discover if you can spend a day or two here. Dock in Netsel Marmaris Marina, a large marina with 720 berths and capacity to host super yachts.
Simi
Back to the Greek side of the Aegean Sea, your next stop is the island of Simi. It’s a small but picturesque island with white houses typical of the Aegean Sea. Its horseshoe-shaped harbour is located in Chalki, the island’s biggest town and the perfect place to try local fish. The island is famous for its rich musical tradition, so if you are visiting in the summer, don’t miss the opportunity to attend a feast and celebrate with the locals.
Kos
From Simi, you can sail to Kos, the second-biggest island of the Dodecanese. You can dock at the marina of Kos Town. The west part is reserved for yacht charters, while the eastern side hosts visiting yachts. You will enjoy the sunset here with the iconic Castle of the Knights in the background. Kos is an elongated stretch of land that is worth circumnavigating if you are not short on time. Recommended stopovers include Mastichari, a picturesque fishing village, Kefalos, a small town on the westernmost tip of the island, and Kardamena, an idyllic, sandy beach with azure waters.
Tilos
Our next stop is Tilos, 35 miles south of Kos. Tilos is a stunning island that has only recently entered mainstream itineraries boaters follow when they sail in the Dodecanese. You can dock in Livadia, a village in the middle of a protected bay on the east side of the island. Beware, the marina is not ideal for big yachts. Just 7km away is the village of Megalo Chorio, the island’s capital, where you can admire a gracious medieval castle. As for beaches, we highly recommend Agios Antonios, on the north of the island.
Chalki
The last stop before we get back to Rhodes is Chalki (or Halki), an island just 7 nautical miles west of Rhodes. Although a rugged island, it has several beaches and coves to dock for a few hours. Its most iconic landmark is the view of the pastel-coloured houses above the harbour of Emborió (or Chálki), which is the only anchorage on the island.
