Far away on the eastern side of the Aegean Sea lie the islands of the Dodecanese. The word Dodecanese is derived from the Greek word for “twelve is”, as there are 12 main islands in the Dodecanese island chain. The Dodecanese islands stretch along the Turkish coast and are in some cases closer to mainland Turkey than to neighboring Greek islands, yet all remain truly Greek in nature.
Great starting points for a Dodecanese Islands charter are Kusadasi, Turkey, after a tour of Ephesus, and a short cruise to the northernmost of the main Twelve Islands of Samos, or a start on the southernmost of the Islands. of the Dodecanese in Rhodes or Marmaris, Turkey. There are a variety of possible itineraries, however, for a cruise to include the 12 main islands in the Dodecanese, consider the itinerary to follow:
Day 1
Join your yacht in Rhodes, with an east coast of endless sandy beaches and sunshine 300 days a year, Rhodes is the most popular in the Dodecanese. The incredibly well-preserved Old Town of Rhodes is the largest inhabited medieval city in Europe. Behind imposing walls, it is the fortified core of the city of Rhodes. The quiet, winding alleys of the old town are a web of Byzantine, Turkish and Latin architecture. Faliraki Beach is the main resort on the island; Kalithea Thermi beach is the site of an abandoned Italian seaside resort. If you’re looking for a quiet anchorage, cruise to Stegna Beach or the sandy cove of Agathi.
Day 2
Symi, a beautiful mountainous island, was reputed to be the birthplace of the Three Graces. While its interior is dotted with small valleys, its coastline alternates between being steep and rocky or sandy and with small coves. One of the most famous monuments of the island is the Monastery of the Archangel Michael Panormitis on the southwest coast. It was built in the 18th century and contains marvelous frescoes and a carved iconostasis. This Ministry affirms that all the waters of the world pass through its bay at some point. If you want to communicate with them, just put a message in a bottle and it will arrive at some point. Whether this is true or not, be sure to stop by their museum with the bottle messages they have received over the centuries. If you ask, perhaps one of the priests will give you a wounded water vile for your journey. There is no shortage of wonderful beaches in Symi. You’ll find good swimming at Yialos, Pedio, Emborios, Marathounda, Nanou, as well as the nearby islets of Agia Marina and Nimos.
Day 3
Sail to the tiny and remote island of Kastellorizo. This island has no beaches, but it does have several protected rocky inlets, where you can swim and snorkel in the crystal clear sea. With the Castle of the Knights of Saint John situated above the quay, it is one of the most picturesque ports in the Dodecanese. On the southeast coast of the island there is a beautiful blue cave. Enjoy lunch before heading to Tilos, which has beautiful quiet beaches, views of high cliffs, rocky inlets, and valleys of almond and walnut groves. There are only two settlements, the sleepy whitewashed village of Magalo Horio and the coastal town of Livadia. The uncrowded beaches of Eristos, Agios Antonis and Plaka are a real treat.
Day 4
After breakfast, sail to Nisyros, said to be one of the most beautiful of all the Greek islands. It is a strange combination of lush vegetation and austere moonscapes. A dormant volcano is located in the center of the island. The charming port town of Mandraki is made up of winding alleyways and brightly colored houses. It is situated below the cliff-top monastery, Moni Panagias Spilianis. Near the port you will find the black stone beach of Koklaki. Located on the crest of the volcano are the villages of Emboreios and Nikea, which have spectacular views of the caldera. The best beaches on the island are in Pali and Lies. After lunch, cruise to Kos.
day 5
Located just 5 km from the Turkish peninsula of Bodrum, lies Kos, one of the most fertile islands in the Dodecanese. Like Rhodes, it abounds in ancient remains and beautiful beaches. The landscape of modern Kos Town, the island’s capital and main port, is picturesque. The Castle of the Knights prevails over the port, while Hellenistic and Roman ruins can be read everywhere. There are numerous archaeological sites to visit. The Asclepion is the most important ancient site on Kos. It is located on a pine-covered hill 4 km southwest of Kos town. Among the many sandy beaches, Agios Stefanos, next to the ruins of two 5th-century basilicas, is a must-see. At Masthari you can find a number of secluded spots on the sandy shores to kick back and relax. Later that afternoon, cruise to Leros.
day 6
The gently sloping countryside of Leros is dotted with smallholdings and huge, impressive, nearly landlocked bays that look more like lakes than the open sea. Platanos, the capital of Leros is 3 km north of Lakki, the main port. This picturesque little town stretches up the narrow hillside to the port of Agios Marina. On the eastern side of Platanos, a huge castle crowns the dwellings on the mountainside. Located on the wide bay of Alinda are the adjoining resorts of Krithoni and Alinda, which have a lovely long, tree-shaded sandy beach. At Belfoutis Bay you will find a shady sandy and pebble beach and a good taverna. A good snorkeling spot, Xirokambos Bay is a quiet resort with a sandy beach. Departure after lunch for Patmos.
day 7
For both Orthodox and Western Christians, Patmos has long been a place of pilgrimage, as it was here that Saint John is said to have penned his divinely inspired revelation, the Apocalypse. Once a favorite destination for devotees, Patmos is now just as popular with sun and sea lovers. All the boats dock at the dazzling Skala, which stretches around a large curved bay. Wrapped around the massive Monastery of St. John the Theologian is the beautiful hilltop town of Hora. With its immaculate whitewashed houses and maze-like alleyways, it is utterly enchanting. There are a number of tree-shaded sandy beaches around the island. Psili Ammos is the best beach and is only accessible by boat. Departure late in the afternoon towards Samos.
day 8
Samos, the birthplace and home of Pythagoras, is a luxurious and cosmopolitan island. The small port of Pythagorion is lined with dozens of taverns along the waterfront. Disembark here and spend more time on the island, or take the ferry to the Turkish city of Kusidasi, or a flight to Athens.