- Off the beaten track
- Early/late season
- Exciting winds
- Cultural Experiences
The Dodecanese Islands are a diverse group of 12 main islands and numerous small islets, nestled along the Turkish coast in the south-eastern Aegean. Sailing the Dodecanese offers the opportunity to enjoy the liveliness of Kos and Rhodes and then the greater thrill of sailing away to enjoy the peaceful, unspoilt and diverse outer islands. It is with these smaller islands that you'll fall in love, enjoy their sandy beaches, warm waters, rich history, enchanting character, traditional tavernas, Venetian architecture, Byzantine churches and medieval castles. Bear in mind that above Kos, the islands that include Kalymnos, Pserimos, Lipsi and Patmos are generally laid out north to south, the same as the prevailing wind. This should be noted, particularly if the winds are blowing strongly as they tend to do so during mid and peak season. The islands between Kos and Rhodes, which include Nisyros, Tilos, Chalki and the wonderful Symi are more lateral to the wind, which makes for easier sailing.
On-Hold
Super Premium
Kos, Dodecanese Islands
Lagoon 42- Size: Medium
- Age: Mid-aged
- Catamaran
- 2020
- 5 Cabins
- 4 Toilets
£4,259was£ 4981Including Boat only-14 %
On-HoldPremium
Kos, Dodecanese Islands
Bali 4.1- Size: Medium
- Age: Mid-aged
- Catamaran
- 2020
- 6 Cabins
- 4 Toilets
£4,142was£ 4845Including Boat only-14 %
What makes the Dodecanese Islands so Special
- 1 Week - Kos Sailing Itinerary
- 1 Week- Rhodes Sailing Itinerary
- 2 Week - Whole Dodecanese
Kos is the third largest island in the group, and the second most popular, after Rhodes. Soaked in history and ruins, after a few hours wandering Kos town’s fortress and the Asklepion (Hippocrates' ancient sanatorium), you become almost blasé at sidestepping millenia-old Corinthian columns gathering weeds at the roadside. The marina is purposed built and shouldn't be confused with the ferry port which is a few minutes north of the marina.
Vathi is located in the middle of a mountainous site with the settlement stretching up the slopes of two hills. The surrounding area has a relatively arid feel about it with vegitation being sparse. The picturesque port is filled with local fishing boats and a few day trip boats which serve some of the popular tourist destinations in the area. There are a few tavernas and shops scattered around the village.
Agia Marina is one of the main towns on Leros and combined with Panteli and Platanos form the capital of Leros. The harbour is especially picturesque with many traditional houses and even some mansions extending up the hillside. Right at the entrance to the harbour is the Byzantine fortress of Bourtzi, you will also find a castle which is built at the top of the hill offering fantastic panoramic views.
Agathonisi island is the most nothern island in the Dodecanese area, The surface is rocky but does have some wild bushes and olive trees. Fresh water is scarce and is collected by wells and a boat which brings containers over for the locals. The island was regularily attacked by pirates and so the main settlement (Megalo Chorio) was built so it isn't visible from the sea. As you would expect provisions and tavernas are scarce but you will find a few in the main villages.
Arki and its neighbour Marathi are around eight kilometeres from the coast of Patmos. Day boats from Patmos are the main source of tourism of the islands. The main bay offers good protection from strong winds and is a popular place to shelter for yachtsmen. You'll find one of two tavernas offering fresh fish that have been caught by the locals the night before.
Telendos rises across the north western coast of Kalymnos and is opposite the village of Myrties. Tolendos was part of Kalymnos until a massive earthquake in 535 AD seperated it from the rest of the island. Tolendos has only around 50 inhabitants and they are all situated around the small fishing settlement. The port is busy with fishing boats who sell their catch onto the nearby tavernas. Regular ferries run between Telendos and Kalymnos taking about 10 minutes to cross the 700 meter wide channel.
If you haven't already been into the centre of Kos Town we would strongly recommend it. The imposing Castle of the Knights of Saint John, on the eastern side of the harbour, is well worth a visit. Alternatively the centre of the town is home to a huge range of restaurants, tavernas, cafes and shops. Those of you looking for a big last evening will find a wide range of bars and nightclubs to choose from.
24°C Sea temp: 19°C Warm days, cool evenings. Changeable weather improving
28°C Sea temp: 23°C Hot days, warm nights with the wind becoming stronger
30°C Sea temp: 25°C Strong afternoon winds with Hot & dry conditions throughout
30°C Sea temp: 26°C Strong afternoon winds with Hot & dry conditions throughout
28°C Sea temp: 26°C Warm days, warm nights, Weather becoming calmer
25°C Sea temp: 23°C Warm days & cooler nights with occasional stormy weather
20°C Sea temp: 17°C Cool calm seas and chilly evenings changeable conditions
We have two bases in the Dodecanese Islands, located in the eponymous towns of the two primary islands of the group; Kos and Rhodes. Kos Island is located centrally within the Dodecanese Islands, while Rhodes is at the southern end of the island group.
There are direct flights to both Kos and Rhodes throughout the summer from several airports around the United Kingdom. Seamaster now offers flight inclusive yacht charters from around the UK and transfer times are short, just 25 minutes to Kos Town and 20 minutes to Rhodes town from their respective airports.
The Dodecanese Islands are subject to more wind than the Ionian and Saronic Islands. The Meltemi is a strong northerly wind that begins to blow in June and then ‘powers up’ in late July to early September, consistently reaching Force 6 (strong winds) and with Force 7 (near gale) winds not unheard of. Look out for stronger gusts on the leeward side of islands as well. The weather in the Dodecanese is some of the hottest and driest in Greece. This means early and late season is the ideal time to go, when the winds are at their most manageable. During this time expect temperatures in the mid-20s, while the peak months of July and August heat up to the mid-30s
There are little to no mooring fees in the Dodecanese Islands, apart for Kos and Rhodes, though only if these bases are not your home base. If they are your home base, you will not have to pay mooring fees.
For charters in Greece you need to have an ICC (International Certificate of Competence). Those with an RYA Day Skipper, or above, can apply to the RYA for an ICC with no additional assessments required.