Discover Greece’s authentic Aegean Islands
Chartering a yacht in the Dodecanese Islands feels like stepping into a more traditional side of Greece. The light here is brighter, the air drier and the sea shimmers in deep blues. Winds are more present than in western Greece, but generally steady and predictable, offering rewarding sailing without feeling overwhelming for well-prepared crews.
The islands are spaced comfortably for island hopping, combining short passages with a sense of real journey. One day you might explore a medieval harbor, the next anchor below a quiet hillside village or swim in a clear bay far from crowds. Each island has its own character, shaped by centuries of history, from fortified towns to remote monasteries and working fishing ports.
What makes the Dodecanese special is its balance of culture, authenticity and sailing adventure. Life moves at a slower, more local pace, harbors feel lived-in rather than polished and evenings are often spent dining by the town harbor with the sound of lines creaking gently on the dock. For sailors looking to combine meaningful sailing with genuine island atmosphere, the Dodecanese offers a deeply rewarding experience and fits naturally into a wider Greece yacht charter journey .
Days begin with clear skies, warm air and calm harbors slowly waking up. Fishermen return, cafés open along the waterfront and the light gives the islands their unmistakable Aegean feel.
Many stops in the Dodecanese are shaped by centuries of history. Stone quays, old town walls and hilltop settlements make arrivals feel grounded and full of character.
Evenings are relaxed and authentic. Boats moor along town quays while tavernas serve traditional food just steps from the sea, with life unfolding at an easy, local pace.
The Dodecanese offers more exposure to open water and steady winds. Passages are a little longer, making sailing more engaging while still remaining manageable for charter crews.
The Dodecanese Islands lie in the southeastern Aegean Sea and are known for their sun-drenched climate, clear waters and strong sense of history. The name Dodecanese means “twelve islands,” referring to the group’s original historical core, although today the region includes a larger number of inhabited islands along with many smaller islets scattered close to the Turkish coast.
For sailing and travel purposes, the Dodecanese is usually understood through its most relevant islands for yacht charters, such as Rhodes, Kos, Kalymnos, Patmos, Symi and Leros. Each has its own character, shaped by maritime traditions, cultural influences and everyday island life, offering a sailing experience that feels authentic and distinctly Aegean.
⚓️ Charter base: Mandraki or Rhodes Marina
Rhodes is the main hub of the Dodecanese and a natural starting point for longer routes. Medieval walls, busy harbors and excellent provisioning combine with easy access to nearby islands like Symi and Chalki.
⚓️ Charter base: Kos Marina
Kos offers a relaxed start to Dodecanese sailing, with a modern marina and short distances to Kalymnos, Pserimos and Leros. It's well suited to crews looking for comfortable island hopping with reliable infrastructure.
Closest base: Rhodes
Symi is one of the most recognizable islands in the region. Its neoclassical harbor, steep hillsides and calm anchorages make it a popular stop for overnight stays and relaxed afternoons ashore.
Closest base: Kos or Leros
Patmos has a calm, reflective atmosphere shaped by its religious history. Quiet bays, well-protected harbors and simple waterfront tavernas make it a peaceful stop along northern Dodecanese routes.
⚓️ Charter base: Lakki Marina
Leros is compact and welcoming, with short sailing distances and excellent shelter. Lakki's wide natural harbor and nearby anchorages make it easy to explore the island without rushing.
Closest base: Kos
Kalymnos feels active and local, known for its working harbors and strong maritime identity. It's a rewarding stop for sailors who enjoy authentic island life, clear waters and straightforward mooring along town quays.
(Tap an island to center the map and view details)
The Dodecanese Islands offer several well-positioned charter bases, with Rhodes, Kos and Leros being the most commonly used. Each base provides a different starting point depending on route length, sailing style and the islands you want to explore.
1
Rhodes – Main Dodecanese Hub
Location: Southeastern edge of the Dodecanese, close to Symi, Chalki and the Turkish coast.
Marina & Facilities: Large, modern marinas with fuel, water, provisioning and maintenance services.
Airport: International airport with frequent European connections.
Perfect for: Longer routes, experienced crews and sailors wanting the widest choice of islands.
Suggested Routes: Symi, Chalki, Tilos and northbound itineraries toward Kos.
2
Kos – Northern Dodecanese Start
Location: Central-northern Dodecanese, ideal for shorter hops to nearby islands.
Marina & Facilities: Well-organized marina with charter fleets and easy provisioning.
Airport: International airport close to the marina.
Perfect for: Shorter charters, moderate sailing distances and relaxed itineraries.
Suggested Routes: Kalymnos, Pserimos, Leros and Patmos.
3
Leros – Sheltered Central Base
Location: Centrally positioned between Kos and Patmos, with short sailing distances.
Marina & Facilities: Lakki Marina offers excellent shelter, fuel, water and provisioning.
Airport: Domestic airport with connections via Athens.
Perfect for: Crews seeking well-protected waters and manageable daily passages.
Suggested Routes: Lipsi, Patmos, Kalymnos and nearby quiet anchorages.
The Dodecanese sailing season typically runs from May to October, with July and August being the busiest months. Conditions vary through the season, from milder spring winds to hotter summer days and calmer, more relaxed autumn sailing.
A great time for comfortable temperatures, fewer boats and quieter harbors. Winds are generally moderate, making spring ideal for exploring islands and enjoying uncrowded anchorages.
Hot, dry weather and lively island life define midsummer. Winds are more present than in western Greece, offering engaging sailing days, with busy harbors and a vibrant atmosphere ashore.
Warm sea temperatures, fewer crowds and more settled conditions make autumn a favorite for many sailors. Days remain sunny, while evenings are cooler and more relaxed.
Sea temperatures usually range between 22–26°C in summer, with long sunny days and consistently dry weather, making the Dodecanese one of the warmest sailing regions in Greece.
Whether you’re planning a bareboat charter, a crewed yacht experience or longer island-to-island passages, the Dodecanese offers access to a wide range of yacht types. The overview below highlights the yachts commonly chartered in this region, helping you choose the option that best matches your sailing style and comfort expectations.
Best suited to confident skippers, bareboat charters offer full independence and rewarding sailing. With longer passages and more open water, you plan your route, manage the yacht and experience the Aegean at your own pace.
A popular choice in the Dodecanese, especially for crews new to the Aegean. A professional skipper handles navigation, mooring and weather planning, allowing you to relax while still enjoying an active sailing itinerary.
Ideal for a relaxed and comfortable way to explore the Dodecanese. With a full crew managing sailing, meals and daily logistics, you can focus on enjoying the islands, longer routes and time on board without any responsibilities.
Below are indicative weekly charter price ranges for the Dodecanese Islands, based on typical market rates in recent seasons. Compared to the Ionian Islands, charter prices in the Dodecanese are usually around 5–20% higher, depending on yacht type and season. This difference is mainly driven by longer sailing distances, stronger summer winds and a smaller local charter fleet. Actual costs vary by yacht age, size, season, crew requirements, itinerary and what is included (fuel, APA, port fees, food and drinks, etc.).
| Yacht Type | Typical Size | Low / Shoulder Season (from) |
High Season (from) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Monohull Sailboat Well suited to confident skippers; steady Aegean winds make monohulls a popular choice in the Dodecanese. |
30–50 ft |
Approx. €1,700–€3,200 / week Smaller or older yachts and early/late season bookings. |
Approx. €3,500–€6,000+ / week Newer models or peak summer weeks. |
|
Catamaran Offers extra space and stability; often chosen for comfort on longer passages between islands. |
38–50 ft |
Approx. €3,000–€6,500 / week Availability may be more limited than in other Greek regions. |
Approx. €7,000–€14,000+ / week Larger or newer catamarans during peak season. |
|
Motor Yacht Ideal for covering longer distances efficiently; typically chartered with professional crew. |
40–70 ft |
Approx. €14,000–€22,000 / week Smaller motor yachts or shoulder-season charters. |
Approx. €25,000–€48,000+ / week Popular crewed yachts during high season. |
|
Luxury Superyacht Fully crewed yachts offering high comfort, service and onboard amenities. |
80+ ft |
From around €65,000–€120,000 / week Smaller superyachts or shoulder-season availability. |
Commonly €120,000–€450,000+ / week Peak-season charters; top-tier yachts may exceed €700k/week. |
Charter companies in the Dodecanese usually offer a range of optional extras to suit longer routes and open-sea sailing:
Safety planning is especially important in the Dodecanese due to longer passages and more exposed sailing:
The main sailing season in the Dodecanese runs from May to October. Seasonal highlights include:
Planning your charter around these events can add a local dimension to your sailing experience.
Conditions in the Dodecanese are hot and dry, so packing appropriately makes a big difference:
Provisioning is an important part of planning a Dodecanese charter:
Looking after yourself on board helps keep the trip enjoyable:
Iconic whitewashed villages, stronger winds and lively islands such as Mykonos and Santorini.
Calmer winds, lush landscapes and short sailing distances with popular bases such as Corfu, Lefkada and Zakynthos.
Quiet, green islands with clear waters, ideal for relaxed and scenic sailing routes.
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