Dodecanese Islands
Set in the southeastern Aegean, close to the Turkish coast, the Dodecanese Islands offer a sailing experience unlike any other in Greece. Here, history runs deep—ancient temples, medieval fortresses, crusader castles, and Ottoman mansions rise alongside sun-soaked beaches and pristine bays.
For sailors, the Dodecanese deliver the perfect balance of cultural exploration, steady winds, and diverse landscapes—from volcanic islands to serene fishing villages and cosmopolitan harbor towns.
Why Sail the Dodecanese
A Crossroads of Cultures
The Dodecanese have been shaped by Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Crusader, and Ottoman influence, creating a layered cultural identity. Every port tells a story—whether it’s the medieval city of Rhodes, the healing springs of Kos, or the timeless village squares of Symi.
Ideal for Island-Hopping Adventures
With islands close together and well-sheltered passages, the Dodecanese offer flexible itineraries for sailors of all levels. Explore ancient sites in the morning, snorkel secluded bays by midday, and dock in a charming harbor just in time for sunset.
Reliable Aegean Winds
The region enjoys predictable summer breezes—enough to keep experienced sailors thrilled, yet manageable for intermediate crews. Spring and autumn bring calmer, mild conditions ideal for relaxed cruising.
What Awaits You in the Dodecanese
Stunningly Diverse Islands
- Rhodes – A world-class medieval Old Town and vibrant marina life
- Kos – Sandy beaches, lively waterfronts, and rich Asclepion history
- Symi – A postcard-perfect harbor with neoclassical mansions
- Patmos – Mystical atmosphere and the Monastery of St. John
- Kalymnos – Climbing mecca with deep traditions and clear waters
- Nisyros – Dramatic volcanic crater and authentic Greek character
- Leros & Lipsi – Peaceful anchorages and relaxed island charm
Exceptional Anchorages & Waters
Expect crystal-clear swimming spots, dramatic rocky coastlines, sheltered coves, and brightly colored villages that glow in the setting sun.
A Food Lover’s Paradise
Fresh seafood, mezes, local herbs, honey, and traditional recipes blend the flavors of Greece with Eastern Mediterranean influences—best enjoyed in a waterfront taverna just steps from your yacht.
Best Time to Sail the Dodecanese
Travel Season at a Glance
- May–June – Warm weather, moderate winds, fewer crowds
- July–August – Peak season; strong northerlies; lively island life
- September–October – Calm seas, warm water, ideal sailing conditions
Weather & Conditions
Sea State: Calm to moderate, especially sheltered between islands
Air Temperature: 26–34°C (79–93°F) in summer
Water Temperature: 22–27°C (72–81°F)
Winds: Predominantly northerly; moderate to strong in peak summer
Visibility: Crystal clear, ideal for navigation and swimming
Suggested Sailing Itineraries
Explore Dodecanese from Kos Marina. Choose from the suggested sailing routes below. Routes may be adjusted according to weather conditions, sea state, mooring availability and guest preferences.
Route 1 — Classic Dodecanese Experience
≈125–145 NMDiscover the highlights of the southeastern Aegean on a relaxed 7-day sailing itinerary combining the volcanic island of Nisyros, the peaceful landscapes of Tilos, the spectacular harbour of Symi and the beautiful coastline of Kos. The route is designed to offer a comfortable balance between sailing, swimming, exploring traditional Greek villages and enjoying the unique character of the Dodecanese islands.
Day 1: Kos → Nisyros
Distance: 25–30 NM
Overnight: Mandraki, Nisyros
Highlights:
- Swimming: Kefalos / nearby southern Kos coastline, conditions permitting
- After completing the check-in formalities and yacht briefing, depart Kos and sail south towards the volcanic island of Nisyros.
Day 2: Nisyros → Tilos
Distance: 18–22 NM
Overnight: Livadia, Tilos
Highlights:
- Swimming: Gialos / Eristos Bay, conditions permitting
- After breakfast, leave Nisyros and sail west towards the quieter island of Tilos.
Day 3: Explore Tilos
Distance: 8–12 NM
Overnight: Tilos
Highlights:
- Swimming: Eristos Bay / Tholos Bay / secluded coves
- Enjoy a relaxed sailing day around Tilos.
Day 4: Tilos → Symi
Distance: 20–25 NM
Overnight: Symi Harbour
Highlights:
- Swimming: Pedi Bay / Nanou Bay
- Set course north-east towards the spectacular island of Symi.
Day 5: Explore Symi
Distance: 8–12 NM
Overnight: Symi
Highlights:
- Swimming: Nanou Bay / Marathounda Bay / Pedi Bay
- Spend the day discovering the bays and coastline around Symi.
Day 6: Symi → Kos
Distance: 35–40 NM
Overnight: Kos Marina
Highlights:
- Swimming: Nisyros / Kos southern coastline, conditions permitting
- Begin the return journey towards Kos.
Day 7: Kos Marina
Highlights:
- Final day
Route 2 — Volcanic Islands & Hidden Bays
≈150–175 NMExplore the wild and authentic side of the Dodecanese on a seven-day sailing itinerary combining volcanic landscapes, secluded bays, traditional island villages and the historic city of Rhodes. This route is ideal for guests looking for a mixture of sailing, nature, swimming and cultural exploration, with a different destination almost every day.
Day 1: Kos Marina → Nisyros
Distance: 25–30 NM
Overnight: Mandraki, Nisyros
Highlights:
- Swimming: Kefalos / southern Kos coastline, conditions permitting
- After completing the check-in formalities, yacht handover and safety briefing, depart Kos in the late afternoon, weather and daylight permitting, and sail south towards Nisyros.
Day 2: Nisyros → Tilos
Distance: 18–22 NM
Overnight: Livadia, Tilos
Highlights:
- Swimming: Eristos Bay / nearby secluded coves
- After breakfast, leave Nisyros and sail west towards Tilos.
Day 3: Tilos → Chalki
Distance: 20–25 NM
Overnight: Nimporio, Chalki
Highlights:
- Swimming: Trachia / secluded bays around Chalki
- Continue south-west towards the small and picturesque island of Chalki.
Day 4: Chalki → Rhodes
Distance: 20–25 NM
Overnight: Rhodes
Highlights:
- Swimming: Alimia / west coast of Rhodes
- Leave Chalki in the morning and sail east towards Rhodes.
Day 5: Explore Rhodes & South/East Coast
Distance: 10–15 NM
Overnight: Rhodes
Highlights:
- Swimming: Anthony Quinn Bay / Ladiko Bay, conditions permitting
- Enjoy a relaxed day exploring the coastline of Rhodes.
Day 6: Rhodes → Nisyros
Distance: 35–40 NM
Overnight: Mandraki, Nisyros
Highlights:
- Swimming: Tilos / Nisyros coastline, conditions permitting
- Begin the return journey towards Kos with a longer sailing passage south-west across the Dodecanese.
Day 7: Nisyros → Kos Marina
Distance: 25–30 NM
Overnight: Kos Marina
Highlights:
- Swimming: Kefalos / Kamari / southern Kos coastline
- Depart Nisyros in the morning and set course north towards Kos.
- Arrival: Kos Marina, Friday afternoon
Saturday – Check-out | 09:00
Route 3 — Northern Dodecanese & Hidden Islands
≈125–145 NMDiscover the quieter and more authentic side of the Dodecanese on a seven-day sailing itinerary through some of the Aegean's most beautiful islands and hidden anchorages. From the small island of Pserimos and the dramatic coastline of Kalymnos to the peaceful waters of Lipsi, the historic atmosphere of Patmos and the untouched islands of Arki and Marathi, this route combines beautiful sailing with crystal-clear swimming spots, traditional villages and authentic Greek island life.
Day 1: Kos Marina → Pserimos
Distance: 8–10 NM
Overnight: Pserimos
Highlights:
- Swimming: Pserimos Bay / Vathy Bay, conditions permitting
- After completing the check-in formalities, yacht handover and safety briefing, depart Kos in the late afternoon, weather and daylight permitting.
Day 2: Pserimos → Kalymnos
Distance: 12–18 NM
Overnight: Kalymnos
Highlights:
- Swimming: Vathy Bay / Vlychadia Bay
- After breakfast, sail north-west towards Kalymnos.
Day 3: Kalymnos → Leros
Distance: 14–22 NM
Overnight: Pandeli or Lakki, Leros
Highlights:
- Swimming: Xirokampos / Dio Liskaria Bay
- Leave Kalymnos and sail towards Leros.
Day 4: Leros → Lipsi
Distance: 8–15 NM
Overnight: Lipsi
Highlights:
- Swimming: Platis Gialos / nearby secluded bays
- Enjoy a relaxed morning before sailing towards the small island of Lipsi.
Day 5: Lipsi → Patmos
Distance: 10–12 NM
Overnight: Patmos
Highlights:
- Swimming: Grikos Bay / Liginou Bay, conditions permitting
- Set sail towards the historic island of Patmos.
Day 6: Patmos → Arki & Marathi
Distance: 8–12 NM
Overnight: Arki or Marathi
Highlights:
- Swimming: Tiganakia / secluded bays around Arki and Marathi
- Leave Patmos and sail towards the tiny islands of Arki and Marathi.
Day 7: Arki / Marathi → Kos Marina
Distance: 30–35 NM
Overnight: Kos Marina
Highlights:
- Swimming: Pserimos / northern Kos coastline
- Depart Arki or Marathi in the morning and set course south towards Kos.
- Arrival: Kos Marina
Saturday – Check-out | 09:00
Route 1 — Grand Dodecanese Experience
≈240–270 NMDiscover the very best of the Dodecanese on an extended two-week sailing itinerary combining the quieter northern islands with the spectacular southern Dodecanese. From the crystal-clear waters of Pserimos and the dramatic coastline of Kalymnos to the historic island of Patmos, the remote islets of Arki and Marathi, the volcanic landscape of Nisyros, peaceful Tilos, beautiful Chalki, historic Rhodes and spectacular Symi, this route offers an exceptional variety of landscapes and experiences.
Day 1: Kos Marina → Pserimos
Distance: 8–10 NM
Overnight: Pserimos
Highlights:
- Swimming: Pserimos Bay
- After completing the check-in formalities, yacht handover and safety briefing, depart Kos in the late afternoon, weather and daylight permitting.
Day 2: Pserimos → Kalymnos
Distance: 10–15 NM
Overnight: Kalymnos
Highlights:
- Swimming: Vathy Bay / Vlychadia Bay
- After breakfast, sail towards Kalymnos.
Day 3: Kalymnos → Leros
Distance: 14–18 NM
Overnight: Pandeli or Lakki, Leros
Highlights:
- Swimming: Xirokampos / Dio Liskaria Bay
- Leave Kalymnos and sail south-west towards Leros.
Day 4: Leros → Lipsi
Distance: 8–12 NM
Overnight: Lipsi
Highlights:
- Swimming: Platis Gialos / nearby secluded bays
- Enjoy a relaxed morning before sailing towards Lipsi.
Day 5: Lipsi → Patmos
Distance: 10–12 NM
Overnight: Patmos
Highlights:
- Swimming: Liginou Bay / Grikos Bay
- Set sail towards the historic island of Patmos.
Day 6: Patmos → Arki & Marathi
Distance: 8–12 NM
Overnight: Arki or Marathi
Highlights:
- Swimming: Tiganakia / secluded bays around Arki and Marathi
- Leave Patmos and sail towards the tiny islands of Arki and Marathi.
Day 7: Arki / Marathi → Levitha
Distance: 20–25 NM
Overnight: Levitha
Highlights:
- Swimming: secluded bays around Levitha
- Continue south-east towards the remote island of Levitha.
Day 8: Levitha → Nisyros
Distance: 35–40 NM
Overnight: Mandraki, Nisyros
Highlights:
- Swimming: Kos / Nisyros coastline, conditions permitting
- Set course south towards volcanic Nisyros.
Day 9: Explore Nisyros
Distance: 8–12 NM
Overnight: Mandraki or suitable anchorage
Highlights:
- Swimming: Lies Beach / Pachia Ammos / secluded coves
- Enjoy a more relaxed sailing day around Nisyros.
Day 10: Nisyros → Tilos
Distance: 18–22 NM
Overnight: Livadia, Tilos
Highlights:
- Swimming: Eristos Bay / Tholos Bay
- Sail west towards Tilos.
Day 11: Tilos → Chalki
Distance: 18–22 NM
Overnight: Nimporio, Chalki
Highlights:
- Swimming: Trachia / secluded bays around Chalki
- Continue south-west towards Chalki.
Day 12: Chalki → Rhodes
Distance: 20–25 NM
Overnight: Rhodes
Highlights:
- Swimming: Alimia / west coast of Rhodes
- Leave Chalki and sail east towards Rhodes.
Day 13: Rhodes → Kos Marina
Distance: 45–50 NM
Overnight: Kos Marina
Highlights:
- Depart Rhodes in the morning and begin the final passage north-east towards Kos.
- Arrival: Kos Marina, Friday afternoon
- Final sailing day
Route 2 — Astypalaia, Remote Islands & Dodecanese Adventure
≈270–310 NMExperience a more adventurous side of the Dodecanese on an extended sailing itinerary reaching the remote island of Astypalaia before returning through some of the most beautiful destinations of the southern Dodecanese. This route combines the dramatic coastline of Kalymnos and Leros, the peaceful islands of Lipsi and Patmos, the remote character of Levitha, the unique butterfly-shaped island of Astypalaia and the volcanic landscapes of Nisyros and Tilos.
Day 1: Kos Marina → Kalymnos
Distance: 15–18 NM
Overnight: Kalymnos
Highlights:
- Swimming: Pserimos / Vathy Bay
- After completing the yacht handover, safety briefing and check-in procedures, depart Kos in the late afternoon, weather and daylight permitting.
Day 2: Kalymnos → Leros
Distance: 14–18 NM
Overnight: Leros
Highlights:
- Swimming: Vlychadia / Xirokampos
- Sail towards Leros, with time for swimming along the way.
Day 3: Leros → Lipsi
Distance: 8–12 NM
Overnight: Lipsi
Highlights:
- Swimming: Platis Gialos
- A short and relaxed sailing leg takes you to Lipsi.
Day 4: Lipsi → Patmos
Distance: 10–12 NM
Overnight: Patmos
Highlights:
- Swimming: Grikos Bay / Liginou Bay
- Set sail towards Patmos.
Day 5: Patmos → Levitha
Distance: 20–25 NM
Overnight: Levitha
Highlights:
- Swimming: secluded bays around Levitha
- Leave Patmos and sail towards the remote island of Levitha.
Day 6: Levitha → Astypalaia
Distance: 30–35 NM
Overnight: Astypalaia
Highlights:
- Swimming: Vathy Bay / Livadia Bay
- Continue south-west towards Astypalaia.
Day 7: Explore Astypalaia
Distance: 8–12 NM
Overnight: Astypalaia
Highlights:
- Swimming: Vatses / Kaminakia / Livadia Bay
- Enjoy a relaxed sailing day around Astypalaia.
Day 8: Astypalaia → Nisyros
Distance: 35–40 NM
Overnight: Mandraki, Nisyros
Highlights:
- Swimming: secluded bays along the route, conditions permitting
- Set course east towards Nisyros.
Day 9: Explore Nisyros
Distance: 8–12 NM
Overnight: Nisyros
Highlights:
- Swimming: Lies Beach / Pachia Ammos / nearby coves
- Enjoy a relaxed day around Nisyros.
Day 10: Nisyros → Tilos
Distance: 18–22 NM
Overnight: Livadia, Tilos
Highlights:
- Swimming: Eristos Bay / Tholos Bay
- Sail west towards Tilos.
Day 11: Tilos → Chalki
Distance: 18–22 NM
Overnight: Nimporio, Chalki
Highlights:
- Swimming: Trachia / secluded bays
- Continue south-west towards Chalki.
Day 12: Chalki → Rhodes
Distance: 20–25 NM
Overnight: Rhodes
Highlights:
- Swimming: Alimia / west coast of Rhodes
- Sail east towards Rhodes.
Day 13: Rhodes → Symi → Kos Marina
Distance: 55–65 NM
Overnight: Kos Marina
Highlights:
- Swimming: Symi / Nisyros / southern Kos coastline, conditions permitting
- Depart Rhodes early and begin the final return towards Kos.
- Arrival: Kos Marina, Friday afternoon
Saturday – Check-out | 09:00
These are suggested itineraries, not fixed schedules. The final route, daily sailing distances and overnight locations may be adjusted according to weather conditions, sea state, mooring availability and guest preferences, always in consultation with the designated skipper. Our priority is to provide a safe, comfortable and enjoyable sailing experience while making the most of the prevailing conditions and the destinations along the way.
Yachts sailing in Dodecanese
PRINCE JOHN
BAVARIA CRUISER 51
Sailing yacht- Length
- 15.57 m
- Beam
- 4.67 m
- Cabins
- 5
- Guests
- 10
- Year
- 2019
WANDERLUST
Dufour 382 GRAND LARGE
Sailing yacht- Length
- 11.23 m
- Beam
- 3.85 m
- Cabins
- 3
- Guests
- 8
- Year
- 2015