Sailing itineraries Dodecanese

1-weeks Kos: A, B C, D E, F, G
2-weeks Kos: H, I, J
3-weeks Kos: K
3-weeks Rhodes: L
1-weeks Rhodes: M, N
2-weeks Rhodes: O, P

The optimised routes on the right are the result of our own sailing trips and heaps of tips from my visitors. Crucially, these sailing itineraries are biased towards historical anchorages and authentic ports, with culture and archaeology in mind, rather than touristy hubs such Rhodes island, well at least most of it.

The Dodecanese include a wealth of must-see ports and anchorages; below you find a (personal) selection divided into “truly must-see” and “highly recommended” categories.
Anchorage.
Mooring buoy(s) available.
Marina, port, or at least a quay to take a line to.
Note that in the main yacht charter season there is a shortage of berths in the popular ports, which can be critical when the Meltemi wreaks havoc. Since reserving a berth or mooring buoy is mostly not possible, it is best to arrive early (before noon even) or you will have to anchor nearby.

Truly must-see

Patmos port • Skala
Patmos: Psili Ammos
Patmos: Livadi
Arki port • Porto Augusta
Arki: Makronisi
Arki: Avaptisto
Arki: Marathos
Lipsi port
Lipsi: Aspronisi
Lipsi: Kouloura (Chochlakoura)
Lipsi: Lyra • Papandria
Lipsi: Chalavra (Makronisi)
Agathonisi: Palos
Agathonisi: Ag Georgios
Kalymnos Port (Pothia)
Kalymnos: Emporios
Kalymnos: Vathys
Leros: Lakki
Leros: Archangelos islet
Leros: Panteli
Kos port
Nisyros: Palon
Tilos: Livadia
Tilos: Ag Antonios
Astypalaia port • Skala
Astypalaia: Vathy
Astypalaia: Ag Fokas (Hoylaki)
Astypalaia: Syrna isle (Katholiko)
Astypalaia: Kounoupi islet (Nisyros)
Symi: Ag Marina
Symi: St George
Symi: Nanou
Symi: Seskli islet
Symi: Panormitis
Symi port
Rhodes town
Rhodes: Anthony Quinn bay
Rhodes: Lindos
Chalki port

Highly recommended

Patmos: Groikos • Kallikatsou
Patmos: Stavros • Mikri Psili Ammos
Patmos: Kalogiron
Patmos: Agriolivado
Arki: Tiganakia
Arki: Steno
Lipsi: Platis Gialos
Lipsi: Chalavra (Makronisi)
Agathonisi: Maistros
Agathonisi: Gaidouravlakos
Kalymnos: Telendos islet (Potha)
Kalymnos: Sikati • Vyzotos beach
Kalymnos: Palionisos
Kalymnos: Limionari
Pserimos port (Chora)
Pserimos: Vathi
Leros: Drymona
Leros: Blefoutis / Plakouti
Kos port hydrofoil pier
Kos: Kamari
Kos: Mastichari
Tilos: Tholos
Tilos: Eristos
Tilos: Limenari
Tilos: Plaka
Astypalaia: Kaminakia
Astypalaia: Panormos
Astypalaia: Agrilidi
Astypalaia: Maltezana
Astypalaia: Syrna isle (Avlakas)
Astypalaia: Kounoupi islet (Lanta)
Astypalaia: Koutsomiti islet
Symi: Pedi
Symi: Faneromenis
Symi: St Basil
Symi: Ag Emilianos
Rhodes: Ladiko
Rhodes: Traganou Cave
Rhodes: Kolymia
Rhodes: Plimmyri
Rhodes: Vigli
Alimia: St George bay
Chalki: Potamos

Starting ports in the Dodecanese islands

The majority of sailing holidays start from Kos marina in the centre, or one of the Rhodes ports in the south of the Dodecanese.
Sometimes it is useful to start from the Eastern Sporades island of Samos, which lies north of the Dodecanese.

One week or longer…

In 2 weeks you will see 3 times as much as in 1 week which allows you:

to sail a non-standard route out of Rhodes, since in just one week you will be mostly limited to circling Symi, Nisyros, Tilos, Chalki, Alimia, see route M.
A fortnight (or longer) means that both Kos and Rhodes are good choices as charter bases.
to circumnavigate Rhodes island, or – even more off the beating track – continuing west, crossing into the Cyclades and visiting Anafi, Amorgos or even crete, etc…
the time to explore the island's interior – wildlife, Chora, scenery and the archaeological sites – see my extensive list of shore excursions.
to comfortably reach the islands of Patmos, Arki, Lipsi, Agathonisi, or even Samos, Chios, etc. from Kos and even from Rhodes.
the chance to visit the Turkish coasts, notably the Carian and west Lycian coasts – crossing borders requires time and effort – and visit Bodrum, Didyma, Knidos, Datça, Dalyan (Kaunos)…
more opportunities to steer clear of the slacking charters fleets (and a few flotillas) that sail milk runs: evidently you should avoid the milk runs

Dodecanese sailing area rated

To help you choose your ideal sailing area in Greece, I selected 11 criteria and gave each region ratings accordingly.

More stars indicate a more valid statement:
   not valid
   half valid
   very valid

Therefore “ Easy sailing conditions ” means that conditions are *not* easy.

Characteristics
Easy access by plane / ferry
Unspoiled by tourism
Picturesque ports
Tavernas & facilities
Ancient Greek sites
Medieval sites
Secluded anchorages
Sublime scenery
Easy sailing conditions
Fertile & lush vegetation
Wildlife

Ratings

See the ratings of the other sailing areas in Greece.

A	1 week Kos – Kos	View
Day	Port	NM
1	Kos
2	Kalymnos port	17
3	Emporios on Kalymnos	15
4	Panteli on Leros	11
5	Palionisos on Kalymnos	12
6	Vathys on Kalymnos	9
7	Kos	15
		79

Yacht charters: Route A First time bareboat in the Dodecanese — **A – First time bareboat in the Dodecanese** • all nights in port, therefore no anchor watch • simplest route north by focussing on Kalymnos • short legs: very similar in distance to **Corfu route A** and **Lefkas routes G**, H and I, while for instance the simplest **Cyclades route A** is twice the mileage. • sail clockwise or counterclockwise according to the **weather forecast**, also note that you'll need to arrive early in Vathys to secure a berth. Lunch anchorages at Drymona, Xirokampos, Vyzotos, Limionari, Vathy on Pserimos…

B	1 week Kos – Kos	View
Day	Port	NM
1	Kos
2	Kalymnos port	17
3	Lakki on Leros	21
4	Patmos port (Skala)	20
5	Lipsi port	11
6	Panteli on Leros	12
7	Kos	27
		108

Yacht charters: Route B Northbound with every night in port Kos sailing itinerary — **B – Northbound with every night in port** • no nightly anchorages • family sailing • best way to reach Patmos and Lipsi (and Arki) • lunch anchorages at Psili Ammos, Livadi, Makronisi near Lipsi, Lyra, Drymona, Archangelos, Blefoutis, Vyzotos, Limionari and Vathy on Pserimos.
The **fuchsia** coloured route brings you to Arki island and Arki port (Porto Augusta):
Kos Lakki on Leros 35 NM,
Skala on Patmos Arki port 10 NM,
Arki port Lipsi port 9 NM, **Tot. 113 NM**, just 5 NM longer. Additional lunch-stop options at Kouloura and Aspronisi.

C	1 week Kos – Kos	View
Day	Port	NM
1	Kos
2	Limionari on Kalymnos	15
3	Palos on Agathonisi	30
4	Makronisi on Arki	14
5	Lyra on Lipsi	8
6	Archangelos near Leros	6
7	Kos	39
		112

Yacht charters: Route C Northbound, all anchorages, reaching Agathonisi — **C – Northbound, all anchorages, reaching Agathonisi** • medium distances • if the weather forecast is forbidding, you can easily adjust the itinerary to nearby ports: Kalymnos port, Palionisos, Agios Georgios, Arki port, Lipsi Port, Lakki and again Kalymnos port • also consider sailing clockwise if you receive your charter yacht early. Use Kalymnos port, Lipsi port and Lakki to get provisions.
Lunch-stops: Vyzotos, Aspronisi, Xirokampos, Drymona, Vlychadia…
The leg Archangelos Kos, when sailing *north* of Leros and Kalymnos is 34 NM, meaning 5 NM shorter than sailing *south* of the islands.

D	1 week Kos – Kos	View
Day	Port	NM
1	Kos
2	Vyzotos on Kalymnos	21
3	Makronisi on Arki	20
4	Patmos port (Skala)	11
5	Psili Ammos on Patmos	7
6	Levitha	20
7	Kos	44
		123

Yacht charters: Route D North to Patmos port and back via Levitha Kos sailing routes — **D – North to Patmos port and back via Levitha & finest anchorages** • medium distances, last two legs real sailing • Levitha is a stepping-stone to the **Cyclades**, often reaching **Amorgos** first.
Lunch anchorages: Vathy on Pserimos, Archangelos, Aspronisi, Livadi on Patmos…
In the prevailing northerlies – stronger in the open water between the Cyclades and Dodecanese – this route is best done counterclockwise.

E	1 week Kos – Kos	View
Day	Port	NM
1	Kos
2	Kalymnos port	17
3	Syrna near Astypalaia	42
4	Livadia on Tilos	44
5	Ag Antonios on Tilos	8
6	Palon on Nisyros	13
7	Kos	22
		146

Yacht charters: Route E Southbound, circumnavigating Kos, with focus on Tilos, Kos sailing — **E – Southbound, circumnavigating Kos, with focus on Tilos** • 2 proper sailing legs • pref. counterclockwise.
The **fuchsia** legs omit the Syrna anchorage:
Kalymnos port Kamari 27 NM,
Kamari Livadia (going around Tilos) 39 NM, **Tot. 126 NM**.
The **red** route is even more focussed on Tilos, bringing you there in one leg:
Kalymnos port Limenari 43 NM,
Limenari Livadia 14 NM, **Tot. 117 NM**.
Lunch and swimming bays on Tilos: Plaka, Limenari and Tholos.

F	1 week Kos – Kos	View
Day	Port	NM
1	Kos
2	Palon on Nisyros	22
3	Symi port	38
4	Panormitis on Symi	13
5	Chalki port	24
6	Livadia on Tilos	19
14	Kos	35
		151

Yacht charters: Route F Athens Southbound including Symi and Chalki, Kos sailing — **F – Southbound including Symi and Chalki** • focus on the must-sees of the southern Dodecanese (obviously in one week reaching Rhodes as well is too much). • suggested swimming + lunch bays: Agios Emilianos, **St Basil**, Agia Marina, Seskli, Pelegrinas, Tholos, Limenari, Plaka… • consider sailing the circle Nisyros, Symi, Chalki and Tilos counterclockwise: from Palon on Nisyros to Livadia on Tilos, etc…

G	1 week Kos – Kos	View
Day	Port	NM
1	Kos
2	Palon on Nisyros	22
3	Syrna near Astypalaia	31
4	Nisyros (Kounoupi near Astypalaia)	19
5	Skala • Astypalaia port	7
6	Vathy on Astypalaia	22
7	Kos	60
		161

Yacht charters: Route G Westbound: Astypalaia, Kos sailing — **G – Westbound: Astypalaia** • off the beaten track • some proper sailing • 2 (or 3, at Vathy) nights at anchor.
Selected lunch-stop anchorages: Hoylaki (Fokas), Kaminakia, Panormos and Kastri islet near Kamari on Kos.
Consider sailing the circle Nisyros, Syrna and Astypalaia counterclockwise: from Palon on Nisyros to Vathy on Astypalaia, etc…

H	2 weeks Kos – Kos	View
Day	Port	NM
1	Kos
2	Palionisos on Kalymnos	19
3	Panteli on Leros	11
4	Ag Georgios on Agathonisi	20
5	Arki port	15
6	Patmos port	10
7	Lipsi port	11
8	Archangelos near Leros	7
9	Lakki on Leros	9
10	Kalymnos port	21
11	Palon on Nisyros	31
12	"	–
13	Kamari on Kos	13
14	Kos	25
		192

Yacht charters: Route H North and middle of the Dodecanese Kos sailing — **H – North and middle of the Dodecanese** • practically visiting all these islands • short and medium distances • 1 rest/excursion day • just 1 night at anchor (but you can use Archangelos as lunch-stop and continue to Lakki) • lunch, swimming and snorkeling: Limionari, Vyzotos, Avaptisto, Marathos, Livadi, Psili Ammos, Xirokampos… • including also Symi, Chalki and Rhodes or rather Amorgos and Astypalaia would require 3 weeks.
The **fuchsia** coloured legs bring you to Syrna and Tilos instead of Kalymnos port and Kamari; using the rest/excursion day to add some proper sailing:
Lakki on Leros Syrna 51 NM,
Syrna Livadia on Tilos 44 NM,
Livadia Ag Antonios on Tilos 8 NM,
Ag Antonios Palon on Nisyros 13 NM,
Palon Kos 22 NM, **Tot. 240 NM** which is 48 NM longer than the main navy coloured itinerary. Lunch-stops: Limenari, Tholos, Plaka…
The **red** section is nearly the same as the fuchsia but leaves out the anchorage at Syrna islet; so again 1 rest/excursion day:
Lakki on Leros Livadia on Tilos 69 NM, **Tot. 214 NM**, which is just 22 NM longer than the main navy coloured itinerary.

I	2 weeks Kos – Kos	View
Day	Port	NM
1	Kos
2	Palon on Nisyros	22
3	Nisyros on Kounoupi near Astypalaia	34
4	Vathy on Astypalaia	14
5	Skala • Astypalaia port	21
6	Tholos on Tilos	51
7	Chalki port	19
8	Lindos on Rhodes	47
9	Anthony Quinn bay on Rhodes	16
10	Rhodes port (Mandraki)	9
11	Symi port	26
12	Panormitis on Symi	18
13	Livadia on Tilos	23
14	Kos	33
		333

Yacht charters: Route I Sailing Astypalaia and Rhodes in full — **I – Astypalaia and Rhodes in full** • focussing on the south Dodecanese • proper sailing with 3 – 4 extra intriguing legs • zero rest/excursion days, yet these could easily be created if you leave out the anchorages of Nisyros bay, Anthony Quinn bay or Panormitis.
The leg Symi Panormitis via the *south* of Symi island is 4 NM shorter, but this means retracing your steps a bit.
Preferred lunch and swimming anchorages: Panormos, Kaminakia, Lanta, Limenari, Vigli, St George…

J	2 weeks Kos – Kos	View
Day	Port	NM
1	Kos
2	Kalymnos port	17
3	Lipsi port	32
4	Patmos port	11
5	Levitha	23
6	Katapola port on Amorgos	36
7	"	–
8	Agiali port on Amorgos	11
9	Vathy on Astypalaia	34
10	Skala • Astypalaia port	22
11	"	–
12	Chalki port	66
13	Livadia on Tilos	18
14	Kos	34
		304

Yacht charters: Route J West into the Cyclades (Amorgos) 2 weeks with a couple of longer sailing legs — **J – Westbound to Amorgos (Cyclades)** • some longer distances, moderate (sometimes difficult) sailing • 2 rest/excursion days • only one night at anchor since Vathy on Astypalaia is often an anchorage; Levitha is normally with mooring buoys; straightforward to be able to spend every night in port (or on a mooring buoy).
Be sure to consider sailing east as well: the leg Kalymnos Lipsi along the east coasts of Kalymnos and Leros islands is also 32 NM.
Omitting Levitha and sailing directly from Patmos port Katapola port on Amorgos is 51 NM.
Extraordinary lunch-stop anchorages: Archangelos, Mikronisi near Lipsi, Psili Ammos, **“Fjord bay” on Amorgos**, Kaminakia, Lanta/Nisyros bays, Tholos, Plaka…
The **fuchsia** coloured legs offer a short-cut:
Skala port on Astypalaia Palon on Nisyros 40 NM,
Palon Kardamaina on Kos 10 NM,
Kardamaina Kos 17 NM, **Tot. 253 NM**, 51 NM shorter than the main navy coloured itinerary.
The **red** coloured route subsitutes Chalki and Tilos with Symi and Nisyros:
Skala port on Astypalaia Symi port 84 NM,
Symi port Palon on Nisyros 38 NM,
Palon Kos 22 NM, **Tot. 330 NM**, 26 NM longer.

K	3 weeks Kos – Kos the holy grail	View
Day	Port	NM
1	Kos
2	Vathys on Kalymnos	15
3	Panteli on Leros	16
4	Psili Ammos on Patmos	21
5	Ag Georgios on Agathonisi	29
6	Arki port	15
7	Skala port on Patmos	11
8	Lipsi port	11
9	Katapola on Amorgos	57
10	Myrsini on Schinoussa	19
11	Skala • Astypalaia port	53
12	"	–
13	Palon on Nisyros	40
14	Symi port	38
15	Rhodes port	30
16	Lindos on Rhodes	24
17	Chalki port	48
18	Panormitis on Symi	24
19	Livadia on Tilos	24
20	Ag Antonios on Tilos	20
21	Kos	32
		527

Yacht charters: Route K All the major sights of the Dodecanse: Sailing Kos — **K – All the major sights** • serious long sailing distances, the holy grail of routes • most ports can be substituted with stunning nearby anchorages for the night. Before attempting to cross to the Cyclades do check the **weather forecast** and also see **VHF, OLYMPIA, NAVTEX**. Instead of Vathys on the first day, consider Palionisos or Limionari. In stronger winds leave out Psili Ammos on Patmos and Ag Georgios on Agathonisi.
Suggested lunch and snorkeling anchorages: Livadi, Avaptisto, Makronisi (both), Blefoutis, Archangelos, **“Fjord bay” on Amorgos**, **Kato “South bay”**, **Glaronisi**, **Drima Antikeros**, Kaminakia, Kounoupi, Lanta/Nisyros bays, Ag Emilianos, St George, Nanou, Seskli, **St Basil**, Anthony Quinn bay, Vigli, Imporeios (Alimia), Tholos, Limenari…
The short-cut Livadia port Ag Antonios on Tilos along the NE coast is 8 NM, therefore 12 NM shorter than sailing the interesting route *around* Tilos island.
The **fuchsia** coloured route leaves out the Cyclades and Astypalaia; 2 more rest/excursion days and a lot less mileage:
Lipsi port Lakki on Leros 15 NM,
Lakki Palon on Nisyros 41 NM, **Tot. 414 NM**, 113 NM shorter than the main navy coloured itinerary.
The **red** coloured legs passes over the circumnavigation of Rhodes and Panormitis on Symi island; less mileage and 1 additional rest/excursion day:
Rhodes port Chalki port 36 NM,
Chalki port Livadia on Tilos 19 NM, **Tot. 462 NM**, 65 NM shorter.
Sailing both the **fuchsia** and the **red** routes gives a very doable distance of **349 NM**, with 4 rest/excursion days, e.g. in Patmos, Lipsi, Nisyros, Symi, Rhodes…

L	3 weeks Rhodes – Rhodes nonpareil	View
Day	Port	NM
1	Rhodes
2	Panormitis on Symi	24
3	St Basil on Symi	5
4	Symi port	15
5	Imporeios on Alimia	27
6	Chalki port	7
7	Livadia port on Tilos	19
8	Tholos on Tilos	9
9	Ag Antonios on Tilos	12
10	Palon on Nisyros	13
11	Vathy on Astypalaia	42
12	Skala • Astypalaia port	21
13	"	–
14	Syrna	21
15	Tristomo on Karpathos	41
16	Kasos port	29
17	Karpathos port	23
18	Vigli on Rhodes	39
19	Lindos on Rhodes	18
20	Anthony Quinn bay on Rhodes	16
21	Rhodes	9
		390

Yacht charters: Route L Circumnavigating Rhodes, Symi, Tilos, Astypalaia & Karpathos, Sailing Dodecanese — **L – Circumnavigating Rhodes, Symi, Tilos, Astypalaia & Karpathos** • visiting Kasos • 7 nightly anchorages (or 8 if at anchor at Vathy, Astypalaia) • lots of shorter sailing legs • before sailing to the windswept and remote islands of Karpathos and Kasos make sure to check the **weather forecasts** • pass over St Basil, Imporeios, Syrna, Vigli, etc. to collect some rest/excursion days, or to avoid anchor-watch-stress.
Suggested lunch and snorkeling anchorages: Faneromenis, Seskli, Ag Emilianos, St George, Nanou, Limenari, Panormos, Kaminakia, Kounoupi, Lanta/Nisyros bays, Kolymia…
Like in Route K, the short-cut Livadia Ag Antonios on Tilos along the NE coast is 12 NM shorter, but neglects some must-see bays on the west coast.
The **fuchsia** coloured leg avoids Karpathos and Kasos islands; 3 more rest/excursion days and a lot less (possibly) rough sailing:
Syrna Vigli on Rhodes 65 NM, **Tot. 323 NM**, 67 NM shorter than the main navy coloured itinerary.
The **red** coloured route provides shelter in stronger northerlies (and Meltemi) under the Turkish promontories; less mileage and 2 additional rest/excursion days:
Palon on Nisyros Kalymnos port 31 NM,
Kalymnos port Vathys on Kalymnos 6 NM,
Vathys Panteli on Leros 16 NM,
Panteli Lakki on Leros, via north cape 18 NM,
Lakki Limenari on Tilos 53 NM,
Limenari Vigli on Rhodes 46 NM, **Tot. 331 NM**, 59 NM shorter. Swimming and snorkeling at Pserimos, Vyzotos, Blefoutis, Makronisi near Lipsi, Archangelos, Emporios, Potamos…

M	1 week Rhodes – Rhodes	View
Day	Port	NM
1	Rhodes
2	Panormitis on Symi	24
3	Chalki port	25
4	Livadia on Tilos	19
5	Ag Antonios on Tilos	8
6	Symi port	33
7	Rhodes	30
		139

Yacht charters: Route M Tilos, Symi and Chalki or Nisyros: Dodecanese sailing out of Rhodes — **M – Tilos, Symi and Chalki or Nisyros** • zero rest/excursion days • possibly one nightly anchorage at Panormitis.
Note that the Rhodes area (south Dodecanese) has longer sailing legs than the Kos area, e.g. the shortest **Kos route A** has half the mileage of the red variant described here below.
The **fuchsia** coloured route leaves out Chalki and circumnavigates Tilos:
Panormitis on Symi Livadia on Tilos 24 NM,
Livadia Tholos on Tilos 9 NM,
Tholos Ag Antonios on Tilos 12 NM, **Tot. 132 NM**, 7 NM shorter than the main navy coloured route.
The **red** coloured route also leaves out Chalki and brings you to Nisyros instead of sailing around Tilos:
Ag Antonios on Tilos Palon on Nisyros 13 NM,
Palon Symi port 38 NM, **Tot. 162 NM**, 23 NM longer.
Suggested lunch + swimming anchorages: Faneromenis, Pelegrinas, Tholos, Plaka, Ag Emilianos, St George…

N	1 week Rhodes – Rhodes	View
Day	Port	NM
1	Rhodes
2	Anthony Quinn bay on Rhodes	9
3	Lindos on Rhodes	16
4	Karpathos port	57
5	Chalki port	47
6	Symi port	37
7	Rhodes	30
		196

Yacht charters: Route N Rhodes circumnavigation plus Karpathos — **N – Rhodes circumnavigation plus Karpathos** • proper sailing • 1 or 2 nights at anchor (depending on whether you get a berth at Lindos' pier) • each venue is a major highlight • Karpathos is really off the beaten track.
The **fuchsia** coloured is an easier version, trading Karpathos for Tilos:
Lindos on Rhodes Chalki port 47 NM,
Chalki port Livadia on Tilos 18 NM,
Livadia Symi port 31 NM, **Tot. 151 NM**, 45 NM shorter than the main navy coloured route, and the more prudent option in windier conditions.
The best lunch anchorages: Kolymia, Plimmyri/Vigli, Agios Spiridon on Saria, Diafani/Vananta/Tristomo on Karpathos, Alimnias, St Basil, Nanou, Seskli…

O	2 weeks Rhodes – Rhodes	View
Day	Port	NM
1	Rhodes
2	St Basil on Symi	26
3	Livadia on Tilos	23
4	Ag Antonios on Tilos	8
5	Palon on Nisyros	13
6	"	–
7	Limenari on Tilos	15
8	Tholos on Tilos	6
9	Chalki port	19
10	Pelegrinas on Alimia	7
11	Panormitis on Symi	18
12	Symi port	13
13	"	–
14	Rhodes	26
		174

Yacht charters: Route O The best of Symi, Tilos, Chalki and Nisyros: Dodecanese sailing — **O – The best of Symi, Tilos, Chalki and Nisyros** • short distances • 2 rest/excursion days • moderate sailing, but with 4 nights at anchor (or 5 without a berth in Panormitis). Notable lunch-stops: Plaka, Nanou, Sekli…
The **fuchsia** coloured route is a natural short-cut in case of higher winds, leaving out Alimia and Chalki; 2 additional rest/excursion days, but rather aim for the red route below.
Livadia St Basil on Symi 23 NM, **Tot. 163 NM**, 11 NM shorter than the main navy coloured route.
In **red** an alluring extension to Lindos via Anthony Quinn bay; well worth the 2 rest/excursion days or Chalki!
Rhodes port Lindos on Rhodes 24 NM,
Lindos Anthony Quinn bay on Rhodes 16 NM,
Anthony Quinn bay Rhodes port 9 NM, **Tot. 223 NM**, 49 NM longer. Preferred anchorages for lunch: Zephyros and Kolymia.
Combining the **fuchsia** and **red** routes allows you to stay 2 or 3 nights at Lindos.

P	2 weeks Rhodes – Rhodes	View
Day	Port	NM
1	Rhodes
2	Anthony Quinn on Rhodes	9
3	Lindos on Rhodes	16
4	Plimmyri on Rhodes	17
5	Karpathos port	41
6	Tristomo on Karpathos	22
7	Tolos on Tilos	36
8	Palon on Nisyros	20
9	Livadia on Tilos	18
10	Chalki port	19
11	Panormitis on Symi	24
12	Symi port	18
13	"	–
14	Rhodes	26
		266

Yacht charters: Route P Rhodes in full with Karpathos: sailing Dodecanese — **P – Rhodes in full with Karpathos** • advanced sailing • 4 or 5 nightly anchorages (depending on Plimmyri and Panormitis) • 1 rest/excursion day • mostly off the beaten track. Best lunch-stops at: Kolymia, Diafani and Vananta on Karpathos, Agios Spiridon on Saria, Limenari, Plaka, Potamos, Alimnias, Seskli, St Basil, St George…
The **fuchsia** leg avoids the windswept Karpathos-Kasos area and is recommended when the **weather forecast** is grim; 2 additional rest/excursion days:
Plimmyri on Rhodes Tholos on Tilos 42 NM, **Tot. 209 NM**, 57 NM shorter than the main navy coloured route.
The **red** leg offers a useful short-cut, leaving out Chalki, gaining one rest-excursion day:
Livadia on Tilos Panormitis on Symi 24 NM, **Tot. 247 NM**, 19 NM shorter.

Winds

Depths

Shore excursions

Chora, Monastery of St John (Patmos)
Kastraki (Agathonisi)
Chrysocheria Castle, Chora, St Savvas the New the Kalymnian Monastery. Marine museum and the Archaeological Museum, Church of Christ of Jerusalem, Monastery of Panagia Kyra Psili (Kalymnos)
Castle of Lepidos, Platanos town and castle (Leros)
Alasarna, Antimachia Castle, Basilica of St John (Kos)
Caldera volcano, Mandraki, Paleokastro and Museum (Nisyros)
Castle of Mesaria, Monastery of Ag Panteleimonas and Mikro/Megalo Chorio + museum and Kastro (Tilos)
Chora/Skala + museum, Cave of Negro, Vathy archaeological site (Astypalaia)
Symi port, Historical museum, Monastic complex of “Panormitis” (Symi)
Medieval city, Mandraki port, Eptá Pigés, Lindos Acropolis, Ancient Kameires, Valley of the Butterflies (Rhodes)
Castle of Halki, Chorio (Chalki)

Sailing Aegean and yacht charters in the Dodecanese — culture !

Unsorted tips

During the Meltemi season you should count on high seas and high winds (for a few days), especially on the west sides of the Dodecanese islands; it is therefore preferential to sail early or late in the charter season, see when to sail in Greece. Except for Astypalaia, Kasos, Karpathos, you will find protection on the east coasts of the islands which are sheltered under the Turkish promontories.
Besides the main charter bases located in Kos marina and Rhodes marina + Mandraki port, there are some charter catamarans / sailing boats available out of Samos and to a lesser degree out of Crete or Chios.
The most obvious oneways are:
Kos Rhodes (or vice versa)
Athens Kos (or Rhodes), 2 or 3 weeks
Samos Kos or Rhodes, 2 or 3 weeks
See all oneway routes.
My top 10 anchorages:
- St George on Symi
- Archangelos islet near Leros
- Nanou on Symi
- Chalavra (Makronisi) islets near Lipsi
- Kastri islet near Kamari on Kos
- Makronisi and Avaptisto near Arki
- Anthony Quinn bay on Rhodes
- Ag Emilianos on Symi
- Nisyros bay near Astypalaia
- Palos on Agathonisi
- Psili Ammos on Patmos
Furthermore, Panormitis on Symi, and Vathy on Astypalaia are also stunning anchorages, but might also offer a berth on the pier.
In the 2 or 3-weeks scenarios it is possible to have 2 – 5 rest days / stopovers.
Plenty of the Dodecanese merit inland excursions, see the list above.
Moreover, most islands, notably Patmos, Symi, Tilos, Nisyros, Arki, Kalymnos, Arki, Astypalaia… have multiple worthwhile harbours and anchorages each.
Combining the Greek islands with the Turkish coasts is also possible, see sailing between Greece and Turkey.

Sailing routes Dodecanese overview and distances for yacht charters out of Kos, Bodrum, Rhodes and Marmaris — **Older itineraries out of Kos or adjacent Bodrum, Turkey** (here for clarity drawn only out of Kos). Approximate distances in nautical miles.
The navy blue line is the Northern route, 2 weeks, usually sailed counter-clockwise.
2 typical short-cuts (navy blue dashed lines towards Amorgos)
● Leros (or Kalymnos) – Levitha islet – Amorgos
● Patmos – Amorgos
The yellow 2 weeks route is a drastic short-cut: only up to Patmos and instead of crossing to Amorgos or Astypalaia, south via Leros - Lakki, Nisyros, (Symi), Knidos and back to Kos/Bodrum.
Another navy blue dashed line indicates the extra loop to Didyma marina which allows you to visit the archaeological sites of Didyma, Priene and Miletus
The red line is the Southern route, 2 weeks, also possible to start at Rhodes or Marmaris, Turkey.
Kasos and Karpathos are worth the extra mileage but often substituted for either Amorgos or the Gökova Gulf.
The northern route is preferred 2 weeks itinerary and if too long best to skip Ikaria and Fournoi but include Amorgos and Astypalea.
Note that the open stretch of water between the Dodecanese and Amorgos/Astypalaia can get very windy. Also because of the long fetch the waves can be much higher here. See **stepping stones between Cyclades and Dodecanese**.
Second best is the southern route 2 week route or the yellow route.
Third is the Turquoise coastal route: both the Hirsarönü and Gökova Gulfs with Symi, Nisyros.
The night before returning to the Kos or Bodrum homeport:
● From the south: either Knidos or the Mersincik anchorage
● From the north: either Kalymnos port or Pserimos
The farther east – and between the Turkish promontories – the better the shelter (lowest winds/waves). Also much shorter distances between ports/anchorages within the Turkish Gulfs. Also means that there are lots of picturesque ports/ along the Turkish coasts not indicated on this map.
To include Amorgos and/or Astypalaia makes for an advanced itinerary!
1 week Kos or Bodrum :
● Hirsarönü Gulf plus Simi, Tilos, Nisyros shown by red lines and dashed lines)
● The Gökova Gulf plus Nisyros or Kalymnos

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