Dodecanese Islands
Dodecanese Islands
The Dodecanese islands form the most eastern archipelago of Greek islands, close to the border with Turkey. Although Rhodes and Kos are the most famous, the majority of these islands remain hidden gems waiting for you to discover!
The twelve (dodeka) islands of the Dodecanese are: Rhodes, Kos, Karpathos, Kalymnos (Kalimnos), Patmos, Astypalea, Simi, Leros, Nisyros, Halki, Tilos and Lipsi.
If starting your sailing holiday from Kos, you can follow a northern itinerary that includes Kalymnos, Leros, Lipsi, Patmos for one week, and a southern itinerary that takes in Nysiros, Symi, Tilos and Rhodes during the second week. Or you can just wait and see which way the wind is blowing!
Features
Sailing level: intermediate
Wind conditions: mild to moderate
Key locations: Kos, Rhodes, Patmos, Astypaleia, Kalymos, Karpathos, Leros, Tilos, Nissiros, Chalki, Symi, Kastellorizo and the Asia minor coast (Turkey)
Airports: Kos, Rhodes
Departure ports: Kos, Rhodes
Area
The Dodecanese (Dodeká – nisa), which means `Twelve Islands` in Greek, lie in a crescent chain down the Asiatic Turkish coast curving west towards Crete. They are a group of 12 larger plus 150 smaller Greek islands in the Aegean Sea, of which 26 are inhabited. They have a rich history, and many of even the smallest inhabited islands boast dozens of Byzantine churches and medieval castles.
Sailing holidays in the Dodecanese promise a remarkable adventure for seafaring enthusiasts. With its diverse islands, rich history, and stunning landscapes, the Dodecanese offers a unique and rewarding sailing experience.
The islands are for the most part bare of vegetation although not to such an extent as the Cyclades. Several of the islands with abundant natural springs, notably Kos and Rhodes, are relatively green and wooded. The most popular islands of the Dodecanese are Rhodes and Kos, while Karpathos has recently become a more popular holiday destination. Kalymnos is popular for rock climbing, Leros for diving, while Patmos is famous for its spiritual character.
Sailing through the Dodecanese allows you to explore hidden coves, secluded bays, and pristine beaches. Dive into crystal-clear waters for snorkeling or swimming, and anchor in idyllic spots to enjoy the tranquility of the Aegean Sea. The region also offers excellent wind conditions, making it ideal for sailing and windsurfing enthusiasts.
Immerse yourself in the rich history of the Dodecanese by visiting ancient archaeological sites and medieval castles. Patmos, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its Cave of the Apocalypse and the Monastery of Saint John. Symi captivates visitors with its colourful neoclassical houses, while Kalymnos is a paradise for climbers with its rugged cliffs.
Indulge in the local cuisine, savouring fresh seafood, traditional Greek dishes, and local delicacies. Enjoy dining at waterfront tavernas, where you can sample regional specialties and soak up the island atmosphere.
Whether you’re seeking cultural exploration, relaxation on pristine beaches, or thrilling water activities, sailing holidays in the Dodecanese offer a perfect combination of adventure and serenity in a region steeped in history and natural beauty.
The Saronic, Argolic and eastern coast of the Peloponnesian Gulf is a very well protected cruising area with mild winds, averaging Force 3-4, usually from the North to North-East, ideal for relaxed sailing. In the Argolic Gulf, the wind is mostly in the summer, from the South-East, blowing Force 3-5. During spring and autumn the winds are normally weaker and blow from the South over the whole area. The Saronic area is divided into the coast around Athens and East Poros and Hydra were winds blow NE. The `Meltemi` begins around mid July and builds up to full strength in August and early September, dying down towards the end of September. During that time it can be forced up to 5-6 (35 to 40 knots). In Argolikos Kolpos and Hydra the wind can also be SE. The `Meltemi` is strong during lunch time and dies down at night. `The wind that comes from the mountains of the Peloponnese, `Katabatic`, can reach up to 30-35 knots butit only lasts a few hours.
There are three significant historical centres in this area in addition to the ancient theatre at Epidaurus and the temple of Aphaia on Aegina. Mycenae at the head of the Argolic Gulf was the center of the Mycenaean period, which succeeded the Minoans and provided the material for Homer`s epics. The rock fortress of Monemvassia is both stunning and full of historical significance as are the ancient cities of Nafplion and Corinth.
Athens was of course the centre of Classical Greece, although it is all too easy to attribute too much to this ancient city and forget the contributions to art, oratory, science and commerce from other city – states all over Greece, including Nafplio and Aegina, which were at different times the capitals of the newly liberated Greece.
Lastly, the fleets of Hydra and Spetses were of key importance in determining the outcome of the War of Independence (you can visit the female resistance fighter Bouboulina`s house in Spetses)
The majority of charters will begin from Athens` main marina Alimos (Kalamaki). From there you can set sail right away and most people head to the nearest island of Aegina. It is adviseable to take weather forecasts day by day and plan your route, heading west to the mainland or south towards the Argolic gulf, depending on your mood and the sailing conditions. If you are sailing for two weeks or longer, aim to get as far south (Monemvassia, for example) as you want to go after the first 3rd of your holiday period and then begin to make your way north again for the return journey as you always need to allow more time to sail upwind.
You can also start your sailing trip from Poros, which is centrally placed between the gulfs. There are regular ferries between all the islands and it is possible to also drive down the Peleponese coast to Galatas, opposite Poros, and take a ferry across from there. Boats are now also offered from Nafplion and Corinth.
There are three significant historical centres in this area in addition to the ancient theatre at Epidaurus and the temple of Aphaia on Aegina. Mycenae at the head of the Argolic Gulf was the center of the Mycenaean period, which succeeded the Minoans and provided the material for Homer`s epics. The rock fortress of Monemvassia is both stunning and full of historical significance as are the ancient cities of Nafplion and Corinth.
Athens was of course the centre of Classical Greece, although it is all too easy to attribute too much to this ancient city and forget the contributions to art, oratory, science and commerce from other city – states all over Greece, including Nafplio and Aegina, which were at different times the capitals of the newly liberated Greece.
Lastly, the fleets of Hydra and Spetses were of key importance in determining the outcome of the War of Independence (you can visit the female resistance fighter Bouboulina`s house in Spetses)
Wind conditions: mild to moderate
In the summer the prevailing wind is the Meltemi blowing from the NW-W. It starts in June, blows strongly in July through to August and dies down in September. In the summer months it regularly blows Force 4-6 and may on occasion reach Force 7. It does not blow every day, but may blow without break for 5-10 days. When the Meltemi is blowing at full strength in July and August the gusts off the lee side of an island can be considerably stronger than the wind strength in the open sea.
Gusts are particularly strong off Patmos, Kalymnos, Kos, Nissyros, Tilos, Karpathos and Astypalea. In the comparatively open stretch of sea between Astypalea and Karpathos a large and distributed sea is set up when the meltemi blows for days on end. Although it is possible to go N when the meltemi is blowing, it makes better sense to plan to be heading S in July and August. The typical short seas it sets up make sailing or motoring to windward arduous and tiring. In spring the Meltemi blows mainly SE and is not very strong. During the winter it usually blows SE and sometimes N or S. Temperatures in the summer can reach 35 degrees Celsius.
History
The Dodecanese islands have been inhabited since prehistoric times.The island of Rhodes has dominated this part of the Aegean since ancient times, although many other islands in the Dodecanese also developed into significant economic and cultural centres; most notably, Kos, which in classical times served as the site of the school of medicine founded by Hippocrates.
Like the Ionian islands, the Dodecanese islands have experienced a varied and turbulent history, at different times being occupied by the Minoans, the Mycenaens, the Dorians, the Persians, the Macedonians, the Romans, the Byzantians, the Venetians, the Ottomans until 1912 and then the Italians until World War II. In 1947 they became Greek again.
Planning your trip
There are direct flights to Rhodes, Kos and Samos from many international airports, or domestic flights from Athens. A longer route, by sea is possible, with daily ferries from Pireaus. Whether you fly to Kos and sail south, or Rhodes and sail north, you will most likely do a circular route, returning back to the same base, though sometimes one way trips between the islands are possible. Turkey and the Turkish coast is easily accessible, though you will need a special permit to enter Turkish waters by sea and you may need to pay for individual visas too. Crewed gulet charter is popular in this area and we offer a weekly alternating flotilla route from Kos.
Travel notes
Fly direct to Kos or Rhodes or take a ferry from Piraeus.
Itinerary
1 | Mandraki Marina Check-in at 17:00 |
2 | Simi (23nm) |
3 | Palos (Nisiros island) (32nm) |
4 | Kos (21nm) |
5 | Tilos (35nm) |
6 | Halki (14nm) |
7 | Mandraki Marina (37nm) |
8 | Check-out, Rhodes at 9:00 |
1 | Mandraki Marina Check-in at 17:00 | |
2 | Simi (23nm) | |
3 | Palos (Nisiros island) (32nm) | |
4 | Kos (21nm) | |
5 | Leros (27nm) | |
6 | Patmos (20nm) | |
7 | Lipsos (10nm) | |
8 | Levitha (23nm) | |
9 | Kalymnos (27nm) | |
10 | Astipalaia (39nm) | |
11 | Tilos (53nm) | |
12 | Halki (14nm) | |
13 | Lindos (Rhodes) (49nm) | |
14 | Mandraki Rhodes (23nm) | |
15 | Check-out, Rhodes at 9:00 |
1 | Kos Marina Check-in at 17:00 |
2 | Nisiros (23nm) |
3 | Tilos (20nm) |
4 | Halki (17nm) |
5 | Rhodes (36nm) |
6 | Simi (23nm) |
7 | Kos Marina (60nm) |
8 | Check-out, Kos at 9:00 |
1 | Kos Marina Check-in at 17:00 | |
2 | Leros (42nm) | |
3 | Patmos (20nm) | |
4 | Amorgos (40nm) | |
5 | Skinoussa (25nm) | |
6 | Ios (25nm) | |
7 | Folegandros (20nm) | |
8 | Santorini (30nm) | |
9 | Anafi (18nm) | |
10 | Astypalaia (30nm) | |
11 | Tilos (48nm) | |
12 | Rhodes (35nm) | |
13 | Simi (26nm) | |
14 | Kos (35nm) | |
15 | Check-out, Kos at 9:00 |