Dodecanese Sailing Itinerary
Our Dodecanese Sailing Itinerary is ideal for families and friends to enjoy together, while also discovering what the Dodecanese islands have to offer. We have prepared our Dodecanese Sailing Itinerary to showcase the best islands, nicest beaches and the most interesting sites.
Our Guide to the Dodecanese Sailing Itinerary
The Dodecanese islands consist of 15 larger islands and over 150 smaller islands, located in the Southeastern Aegean Sea. Within this collection of islands only 26 are inhabited. The Dodecanese islands cover an area of 1,048 square miles.
During our Dodecanese Sailing Itinerary you will discover why these islands are often referred to as the ‘sunniest corner of Greece’, thanks to their crystal clear turquoise waters, sandy and stoney beaches, stunning archaeological landmarks and traditional settlements. There are also unique Byzantine and medieval monuments which cover a large number of the islands.
Our Dodecanese Sailing itinerary offers two unique and wonderful routes, one starting from Rhodes and the other starting from Kos. Both itineraries cover a number of the same islands as well as different ones. The Dodecanese Sailing Itinerary that begins from Kos offers a journey around the quieter more peaceful islands, while the Rhodes Itinerary showcases the well known established islands.
Getting There
Depending on which Dodecanese Sailing Itinerary you choose there are different airports you should fly into. For the Itinerary beginning in Kos, Kos Island International airport should be where you arrive into. This airport has a large number of daily flights from all around Europe including Greece, UK and Germany. The airport is a short 15 miles or 30 minute transfer to Kos Marina which is the beginning of our Dodecanese Sailing Itinerary for the Kos route. Rhodes International airport also has daily flights arriving from all over Europe and is the best place to fly into for our itinerary beginning in Rhodes. The airport is a 14 mile or 25 minute drive from Rhodes Marina and the start of our Rhodes Itinerary.
Weather
Τhe Dodecanese Sailing Itinerary is the perfect itinerary for the summer months. The islands have a predominately Mediterranean climate, which consists of mild and rainy winters where the temperate averages between 7 and 15 degrees celsius, and hot and sunny summers where the temperates averaged between 22 and 30 degrees celsius. In the summer the winds arrive predominately from the north, making the Dodecanese Sailing Itinerary the perfect itinerary for everyone.
Mooring
Our Dodecanese Sailing Itinerary has a variety of mooring and anchorage options available, in either marinas, harbors or in well protected anchorages.
Day One - Rhodes
Rhodes
The Dodecanese Sailing Itinerary begins on the Dodecanese’s largest island of Rhodes. Rhodes is often referred to as a treasure in the Mediterranean with its beaches, valleys, history, thriving nightlife, along with the contrast of the ‘Old City’ and the new modern cosmopolitan city.
Overnight Anchorage: Moorings at the Rhodes Marina are recommended. Where there is around 382 berths for boats up to 120 meters, located within an elegant community.
Day Two - Ano Symi
Rhodes → Ano Symi (Symi Island) 15NM
Day 2 brings our Dodecanese Sailing Itinerary to the quiet island of Symi. This wonderful island provides adventurers with beautiful natural areas and luscious landscapes to admire. The island has a small number of bars and taverns which serve traditional food and wine within a cosmopolitan atmosphere with music, dancing and arts.
Overnight anchorage is available in the Gialos on the south side of the bay, next to the cove and the southern facing clock tower, which also provides protection from the winds.
Recommended Activities: Hiking, Swimming, Visiting Restaurants, Bars and Dancing.
Day Three - Mandraki
Ano Symi (Symi Island) → Mandraki (Nisiros Island) 21NM
The journey from Symi Island to Nisiros Island is a beautiful one, moving from one beautiful island to another. Nisiros Island is a contrast to Symi with whitewashed houses and historic sites such as Paleokastro, an old fortress, and the remains of a 4th century ancient city, perfect places for learning about history and discovering the island’s beauty. The island is traditionally Greek with whitewashed and colorful houses, taverns, bars and it even has a volcano museum.
Anchorages are available Mandraki harbor on the south-east corner of the island, with a sand and clay sea bed.
Recommended Activities: Volcano Museum, Historic Sites, Bars, Taverns, Walking and Admiring the Houses.
Day Four - Kos
Mandraki Island (Nisiros Island) → Kos 43NM
Kos is the third largest island in the Dodecanese and the most popular island in our Dodecanese Sailing Itinerary. The island is full of white sandy beaches, turquoise water, lush vegetation as well as ancient Mediterranean monuments. Kos has a large number of places to explore and sites to see, as well as simply swimming or sailing around the island.
Recommended Activities: Beaches, Swimming, Exploring, History, Discovering Neratzia Castle, Platanou Square, Eleftheria Square, Zia Scenic Village and Cedar Forest.
Book in Advance: Kos Marina, Georgi Avenue, Papandreou, Kos, 85300, Greece, VHF 77, +30 22420 44150
Day Five - Livadia
Kos → Livadia (Tilos Island) 38NM
Livadia is located on the 300 person inhabited island of Tilos and the island’s main income is received from agriculture and tourism. The island’s capital Megalo Chorio is located 7 km southeast of the port and has churches and castle ruins dotted around. The island is also home to rare birds, an ecological park, mountainous forests and over 4,000 species of flowers and fauna.
Overnight Anchorage: Mooring is available in the bay on the east side of the South Marina, where the water depth is 5 -10 meters with a sand sea bed.
Day Six - Chalki
Livadia (Tilos Island) → Chalki (Halki Island) 18NM
Chalki, unlike the other islands in our Dodecanese Sailing Itinerary, has hugely avoided development, which makes it the perfect place for peace and quiet. It is secluded with fantastic beaches, a town next to the port, and a beach promenade with cafes and taverns. The island has kept its traditional island feel and is a great place to explore.
Overnight Anchorage: The small town of Emborio provides overnight shelter on a T- shaped pontoon with a sea depth of between 12 and 15 meters.
Day Seven - Rhodes
Chalki (Halki Island) → Rhodes 35NM
Our Dodecanese Sailing Itinerary to and from Rhodes heads back to Rhodes Town on day 7, exploring inlets and coves while sailing from Halki Island to Rhodes. Your final day in Rhodes is a great time to explore the ‘Old City’ of Rhodes discovering its beautiful architecture.
Overnight Anchorage: Moorings at the Rhodes Marina are recommended. Where there is around 382 berths for boats up to 120 meters, located within an elegant community.