A yacht charter in the Dodecanese opens up the sunniest corner of Greece — a long chain of islands strung down the south-eastern Aegean between the Cyclades and the Turkish coast, where medieval old towns, volcanic calderas and near-empty anchorages sit within an easy day's sail of each other. Start from Rhodes or Kos and you can trace centuries of Greek and Mediterranean history one harbour at a time.
Why sail the Dodecanese
The Dodecanese rewards sailors who want more sunshine, longer passages and a genuine sense of discovery. The islands are conveniently spaced for a satisfying day's sail before you drop anchor and step ashore into authentically Greek harbour life.
- The sunniest island group in Greece, with a long, reliable sailing season.
- Two well-equipped charter bases — Rhodes and Kos — both served by international airports.
- Steady summer meltemi winds that suit keen sailors looking for proper passages.
- A rare mix of cosmopolitan towns, UNESCO-listed sites and barely-touched islets.
- Easy hops to lesser-known islands you simply can't reach by land.
Where to sail in the Dodecanese
Named for its twelve principal islands, the Dodecanese actually scatters across some 160 islands and islets — so there is room to plan anything from a relaxed week to a longer island-hopping route. The links below lead to detailed guides for each island.
Cosmopolitan hubs: Rhodes & Kos
The two largest and most popular islands, Rhodes (Rodos) and Kos, are the natural starting points for a Dodecanese yacht charter. Both pair major archaeological sites and medieval architecture with lively, modern waterfronts — and both are home to Nautilia's charter bases.
Culture & adventure islands
Between the two hubs lie islands with real character: Patmos, the spiritual "island of the Apocalypse" where the Book of Revelation was written; Kalymnos, the old sponge-divers' island and one of the world's top rock-climbing destinations; Leros, a popular diving spot; Karpathos, the wild second-largest island of the group; the photogenic neoclassical harbour of Symi; and Astypalaia, where the Dodecanese meets the Cyclades.
Hidden gems & quiet islets
For secluded beaches and unhurried days at anchor, sail to the volcanic crater of Nisyros, well-preserved Kassos near Karpathos, little Halki just west of Rhodes, far-flung Kastelorizo at Greece's easternmost edge, and the green slopes of Agathonissi. Smaller still are Lipsi, Pserimos and the twin islets of Arki & Marathi — perfect paradise-bay retreats when you charter a boat in the Dodecanese.
Sail the Dodecanese from Rhodes or Kos
Tell us your dates, group size and the islands you'd love to see. Our team will match you with the right yacht or catamaran and a route to suit.
When to sail the Dodecanese
The official season runs from April to October. Summer brings the strong, steady meltemi from the north — exhilarating for confident sailors, and a good reason to plan a south-to-north route so the wind works in your favour. The shoulder months stay warm with gentler conditions and quieter harbours.
Warm, lighter winds and uncrowded anchorages — ideal for a relaxed first charter.
Hot, sunny and lively, with the strongest meltemi. Best for experienced crews.
Warm seas, easing winds and golden light as the islands wind down for the season.
Explore the Dodecanese islands
Browse detailed guides to each island in the group, from the cosmopolitan hubs to the quietest islets.
Agathonissi Island, Greece
Arki & Marathi Islands, Greece
Two islets east of Patmos with old whitewashed houses and small tavernas.
Astypalaia Island, Greece
Astipalaia is located at the point where the Dodecanese meet the Cyclades.
Halki Island, Greece
Halki is located 4 miles west of Rhodes.
Kalymnos Island, Greece
Kalymnos is the island of the sea harvesters.
Karpathos Island, Greece
Karpathos is the second largest of the Greek Dodecanese islands, in the southeastern Aegean Sea.
Kassos Island, Greece
A small but well preserved island of Dodecanese, near to Karpathos island.
Kastelorizo Island, Greece
This island is situated at the easternmost end of Greece very close to the Turkish coast.
Leros Island, Greece
Leros is the birth place of Artemis, the goddess of hunting.
Lipsi Island, Greece
Lipsi is the largest island belonging to a cluster of many others islets.
Nisyros (Nissiros) Island, Greece
This small island of Dodecanese is a non developed tourism destination.
Patmos Island, Greece
Welcome the opportunity and visit the “island of the Apocalypse” . Patmos is the island where John…
Pserimos Island, Greece
A very small island with many beaches(small paradise bays) that can be easily visited by boat.
Symi Island, Greece
Symi is located 25 miles north –northwest of Rhodes.
Yacht charter Rhodes
The Gem of the Dodecanese: Rhodes (or Rodos) The largest of the Dodecanese, Rhodes (or Rodos) has…
Yacht rental Kos, Greece
The Dual Charm of Kos: Ancient and Modern This island distinct itself for the important…
See sample Dodecanese sailing routes
Dodecanese yacht charter FAQ
Where do Dodecanese yacht charters start?
Most charters begin at Rhodes or Kos, the group's two largest islands. Both have well-equipped marinas and international airports, making them the easiest bases for a sailing holiday in the Dodecanese.
When is the best time to sail the Dodecanese?
The season runs from April to October. May–June and September–October offer warm weather and lighter winds, while July and August are hottest and bring the strongest meltemi winds, which suit more experienced sailors.
Do I need a licence to charter a yacht in the Dodecanese?
For a bareboat charter you need a valid sailing licence and some experience. If you don't hold a licence, you can book a skippered charter and an experienced captain will handle the sailing for you.
What kind of winds can I expect?
The Dodecanese sees moderate to strong winds in summer, dominated by the northerly meltemi. Planning a route from south to north — for example Rhodes up towards Patmos — often lets you sail with the wind rather than against it.
Which islands can I visit on a one-week charter?
A typical week from Rhodes might take in Symi, Tilos, Nisyros and Halki, while a route from Kos can reach Kalymnos, Leros, Lipsi and Patmos. The islands are closely spaced, so you can comfortably see several in a week.
