A yacht charter to Arki and Marathi takes you to the quietest corner of the Dodecanese — two tiny islets tucked just north of Patmos and Lipsi, reachable only by boat and blessed with turquoise coves, laid moorings and a handful of family tavernas. For sailors chasing stillness rather than nightlife, this is one of the most rewarding stops in the eastern Aegean.
Why sail to Arki and Marathi
Arki and Marathi sit in the northern Dodecanese, part of the small archipelago that surrounds Patmos and Lipsi. With no cars, no paved roads and barely fifty residents between them, they reward the kind of traveller who arrives under sail and stays for the silence. A charter is really the only practical way to experience both islands properly, since there are no scheduled ferries to Marathi and only occasional caiques link Arki to its neighbours.
- Sheltered, well-marked anchorages with laid mooring buoys at Marathi
- Crystal-clear turquoise water — Tiganakia bay is a natural swimming pool
- Authentic family-run tavernas serving fresh fish, cheese and homemade dishes
- A genuine "off-grid" escape barely two hours' sail from Patmos
- Easy to combine with Patmos, Lipsi and Leros on a northern Dodecanese route
Anchorages and islands
Arki
Arki is the larger of the two, a rocky, low-lying island of around 44 inhabitants whose only settlement is the little west-coast port of Porto Augusta. The deep inlet gives good shelter, though the harbour itself is shallow — many yachts take a line ashore or anchor off. Above the village stands the church of Metamorfosis, and a footpath along the north side of the bay leads to several quiet sandy coves. On the southeast coast lies Tiganakia, a shallow turquoise basin between Arki and the islet of Avaptisto that is one of the most photographed spots in the Dodecanese. It has room for six to eight yachts, or more when lines are taken ashore; the holding is excellent and it is well protected from the meltemi, though a heavy swell can work around the eastern cape in strong northerlies.
Marathi
Half a mile southwest of Arki, tiny Marathi has just a dozen residents in summer and a single, gloriously sheltered sandy bay. Three family-run tavernas line the beach, and the owners have laid mooring buoys for visiting yachts, making this a favourite overnight stop for charter crews. The anchorage is well protected and hugely popular in season — arrive early to pick up a buoy. It is the sort of place where the number of goats comfortably outnumbers the people, and an evening ashore feels like stepping back several decades.
Sail the hidden Dodecanese with Nautilia
Tell us your dates and crew, and our team will match you with the right yacht for a Patmos, Arki and Marathi route.
When to sail
The sailing season in the Dodecanese runs from late April to October. The defining feature is the meltemi, the dry north wind that funnels down the Aegean from July into September — it blows from the north, so the natural downwind run is from Patmos and Arki southward towards Lipsi, Leros and Kalymnos. Early and late season are gentler and quieter; high summer is livelier and windier, best suited to crews comfortable reefing in a fresh breeze.
Warm, settled weather and light winds. Empty anchorages and easy passages between the islets.
Peak sunshine and the strongest meltemi. Plan a north-to-south route and arrive early for buoys.
Sea still warm, winds easing and crowds thinning. Many sailors' favourite time in the Dodecanese.
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Frequently asked questions
How do you get to Arki and Marathi?
Both islands are reached by boat. Arki has a small port at Porto Augusta and occasional caiques link it to Patmos and Lipsi, but Marathi has no scheduled ferry service. A private yacht charter is the most reliable way to visit both, with Marathi a five-minute hop southwest of Arki.
Where can I anchor around Arki and Marathi?
Arki's main harbour is Porto Augusta on the west coast, shallow but well sheltered, with the turquoise Tiganakia basin on the southeast coast offering room for several yachts. Marathi has a single sandy bay on its north side with laid mooring buoys placed by the tavernas, well protected and very popular in season.
Is there anything to eat and drink ashore?
Yes. Arki has a few family-run tavernas around the port serving fresh fish, local cheese and homemade dishes, and Marathi has three tavernas along its beach. Facilities are basic, so it is wise to provision well before arriving.
When is the best time to sail to Arki and Marathi?
The season runs from late April to October. May, June, September and October offer warm, settled conditions and quiet anchorages, while July and August bring the strongest meltemi winds and the liveliest atmosphere. Since the meltemi blows from the north, plan routes running north to south.
Can beginners sail to these islands?
The short distances between Patmos, Arki, Marathi and Lipsi make this a manageable cruising area, but the summer meltemi can be strong and the anchorages exposed to swell in certain winds. Less experienced crews are best sailing early or late season, or chartering with a skipper.
