The Dodecanese is derived from the greek number “Dodeka '' which implies that there are a dozen islands (‘Dodekanisa’) mainly forming the archipelago. Although there are 200 different islets, the main 12 ones include Rhodes, Kos, Astypalea, Kalymnos, Karpathos, Kastellorizo​​, Chalki, Leros, Nisyros, Patmos, Symi and Tilos. Literally being situated in the middle of Europe, Asia and Africa, the islands can make an interesting sailing holiday as you can hop off your yacht to visit traditional villages and absorb different cultural vibes including Ionians, Venetians, Byzantine, Ottomans and Romans. Today you can visit multiple sights and attractions that were significant throughout history. A temple of healing built in the 4th century B.C known as the Asclepeion in Kos has views of the Turkish coast and is where Hippocrates laid the foundation of medicine. You can also visit top sites including the folklore museum and the ruins of Agios Stefanos- a Christian Basilica. In Rhodes you can visit the winding streets of the Knights in the old town and the Palace of the Grand Master. Between Kos and Rhodes, we have Symi which was famous for shipbuilding and sponge-diving and you can get to visit the maritime museum. The Monastery of Panormitis and the remains of the Castle of the Knights of St.John are also worth visiting. This is just a glimpse of what you can do in-between your sailing trips, other great sights include the volcanic museum of Nisyros, the ancient Vroukounda and Arkesia in Karpathos and the monastery of St. Johns in Patmos which is known as the ‘Jerusalem of the Aegean’. The first maritime law in world history began when Rhodes forced the Romans to come in terms to initiate the law. Many of the routes that were historically important in the Aegean Sea can also be enjoyed today with an aristocratic island tour, and, by simply hiring a boat with a skipper you can pick the same routes of ancient Romans and Greeks to create your own worth-telling story.

Away from the tourist hubs of Kos and Rhodes you can go for a 4-day or 5-day cruise to islands such as Astypalaia, Patmos and the islands in between which are less busy and much quieter. Heading north from Pserimos you can reach the island of Leros and Lipsi which have lovely little villages including the fishing village of Pandeli where you can spend a great evening. From Leros, a great sailing trip is to visit Astypalaia and the main town of the island Chora. If you want to extend your cruise you can reach the island of Patmos which is home to the monastery of St. Johns. After you’ve had your history filled in Patmos and Astypalaia, you have the option to visit the central Cyclades including Amorgos, Naxos and Mykonos.

Dodecanese sailing itineraries are in fact more popular for extended cruises, you can also take your chance to visit Samos and Ikaria. We recommend you to hire a sailboat when island hopping this complex since the winds can blow stronger than the Ionian during the high season. The stronger winds make it great for wind and kite surfing fans and some of the beaches that are ideal for these kind of activities include: Afartis beach in Karpathos island, Prasonisi beach in Rhodes and Psalidi and Kefalos in Kos. Even further north of Patmos and closer to Turkey, the island of Samos has a dominant port with a renowned fleet that sailed the seas of multiple continents. If you arrive at Ikaria, you can swim in many unspoiled beaches that are surrounded by characteristic villages. Aside from sailboats, gulet charters in Greece allow one to enjoy an exhilarating experience on board and these vessels are more common in the Dodecanese island-chain since they are relatively close to Turkey which takes pride in its flotilla of traditional sailing yachts.