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 north-to-south 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
Yacht charter in Agathonisi, the northern outpost of the Dodecanese A yacht charter in Agathonisi…
Arki & Marathi Islands, Greece
A yacht charter to Arki and Marathi takes you to the quietest corner of the Dodecanese — two tiny…
Astypalaia Island, Greece
A yacht charter in Astypalaia takes you to the butterfly-shaped island where the Dodecanese meet…
Halki Island, Greece
Yacht charter in Halki puts you on the doorstep of the smallest inhabited island in the Dodecanese…
Kalymnos Island, Greece
A yacht charter near Kalymnos puts you within reach of one of the most dramatic islands in the…
Karpathos Island, Greece
A yacht charter in Karpathos reaches one of the wildest and most traditional corners of the Aegean…
Kastelorizo Island, Greece
Yacht charter in Kastelorizo, the easternmost island of Greece A yacht charter in Kastelorizo takes…
Leros Island, Greece
Yacht charter in Leros, a green and quiet corner of the Dodecanese A yacht charter in Leros takes…
Lipsi Island, Greece
A yacht charter in Lipsi trades the crowds of the bigger Dodecanese islands for something rarer: a…
Nisyros (Nissiros) Island, Greece
Yacht charter in Nisyros, the volcanic island of the Dodecanese A yacht charter to Nisyros…
Patmos Island, Greece
Yacht charter in Patmos brings you to the spiritual heart of the Dodecanese, the island where Saint…
Pserimos Island, Greece
Yacht charter in Pserimos lands you on one of the smallest and most peaceful islands in the…
Symi Island, Greece
Yacht charter around Symi puts one of the most photogenic harbours in Greece at the start of your…
Yacht charter Rhodes
Yacht charter in Rhodes puts you at the southern gateway of the Dodecanese, where a medieval walled…
Yacht rental Kos, Greece
Why KosYacht charter in Kos, the northern gateway to the Dodecanese A yacht charter in Kos hands…
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 north to south — for example Patmos down towards Rhodes — 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.
