Dodecanese Yacht Charters

The climate is Mediterranean and temperatures can reach 35ºC/ 95ºF in summer. The sailing conditions mean this location is more suitable for intermediate or advanced sailors.

In the summer, the prevailing wind is the meltemi blowing from the north-west at Force 4-6. In spring and autumn, the wind is calmer and blows from the south-east. Gusts are particularly strong off Patmos, Kalymnos, Kos, Nisyros, Tilos, Karpathos and Astypalea.

In the open water 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 north when the meltemi is blowing, it makes more sense to plan to head south in July and August.

There are charter flights to Kos and Rhodes from London Gatwick, Manchester and regional airports on Wednesdays, and from Gatwick and Manchester on Saturdays. Low cost airlines also fly to Rhodes.

Transfer time from Rhodes airport to Rhodes Harbour is 40 minutes and transfer time from Kos airport to Kos Marina is 45 minutes.

7 Day Dodecanese islands

Day 1: Marina Mandraki, Rhodes.

Day 2: Sail to Simi (23nm), walk up the hillside among the sand-coloured, neo-classical houses at Gialos or visit the ruined Venetian castle near Kyra Panagia. For undeveloped beaches head to Panormitis beach, or, if you want sand, Nos has sunbeds and umbrellas.

Day 3: Head to Palos, Nisyros Island (32nm) with its active volcano that hasn’t erupted in over 100 years. Try a Soumada, a non-alcoholic, almond-flavoured local drink. For sandy beaches head to Pali, Lies and Katsouni.

Day 4: Make for Kos Island (21nm), the birthplace of the father of medicine, Hippocrates. Kos is popular and there is a good reason for that – it has some wonderful beaches, including Mastichari with its white sands.

Day 5: Discover Tilos Island (35nm) with its churches, castles, deserted villages, and fine beaches. It’s also a pioneering nature reserve, entirely powered by renewable energy.

Day 6: Sail onwards to Halki Island (4nm) and its rocky peak of Mount Maistros, nearly 600m above sea level. The surrounding inland areas provide spectacular walks and views in every direction.

Day 7: Return to Marina Mandraki (37nm).

14 Day Dodecanese islands

Day 1: Mandraki Marina, Rhodes.

Day 2: Sail to Simi (23nm), walk up the hillside among the sand-coloured, neo-classical houses at Gialos or visit the ruined Venetian castle near Kyra Panagia. For undeveloped beaches head to Panormitis beach, or, if you want sand, Nos has sunbeds and umbrellas.

Day 3: Palos, Nisyros Island (32nm) with its active volcano that hasn’t erupted in over 100 years. Try a Soumada, a non-alcoholic, almond-flavoured local drink. For sandy beaches head to Pali, Lies and Katsouni.

Day 4: Make for Kos (21nm), the birthplace of the father of medicine, Hippocrates. Kos is popular and there is a good reason for that – it has some wonderful beaches, including Mastichari with its white sands.

Day 5: Dive at Leros (27nm), which is home to ancient shipwrecks and becoming known for underwater adventure.

Day 6: Sail to Patmos (20nm), voted by Forbes magazine as one of “Europe’s most idyllic places to live”.

Day 7: Make for Leipsoi, also known as Lipsi, (10nm) another one of Greece’s eco islands using renewables. Anchor in the natural harbour and try the local red wine.

Day 8: Levitha (23nm) is one of the smallest islands in the chain with a handful of residents, so you will enjoy peace and quiet. Explore the coves, beaches and fishing spots.

Day 9: Set off for Kalymnos (27nm), where sponge diving shaped the history of island. Today it’s one of the premiere destinations for limestone rock climbing worldwide.

Day 10: Visit Astypalaia (39nm) and check out the Venetian castle, charming white houses that snake up the hill and delicious restaurants with impressive views.

Day 11: Sail to Tilos Island (53nm) with its churches, castles, deserted villages, and fine beaches. It’s also a pioneering nature reserve, entirely powered by renewable energy.

Day 12: Discover Halki Island (14nm) and its rocky peak of Mount Maistros, nearly 600m above sea level. The surrounding inland areas provide spectacular walks and views in every direction. Surrounding inland areas provide spectacular walks and views in every direction.

Day 13: Onwards to Lindos, Rhodes (49nm) with fabulous, popular beaches and plenty of culture, including the acropolis with Doric Temple of Athena, Castle of the Knights of St. John and Greek Orthodox church.

Day 14: Mandraki Marina.