Yacht Charter in Rhodes

Why Choose Rhodes for Your Sailing Holiday?

Rhodes, the largest island in the Dodecanese, is not only steeped in history and beauty — it's also one of the most strategic starting points for unforgettable sailing holidays in Greece. Whether you're drawn by its medieval charm, lively marina in Mandraki, or sun-soaked beaches, chartering a yacht in Rhodes offers an ideal blend of culture, comfort, and coastal adventure.

From the moment you set sail, you’ll find sheltered bays, dramatic coastlines, and authentic Greek villages within easy reach. Rhodes caters perfectly to all sailing styles — from relaxed skippered cruises to adventurous bareboat charters.

Discover the Dodecanese: Islands Worth Sailing To

One of the true joys of chartering from Rhodes is the proximity to other stunning islands in the Dodecanese chain. Here's where your journey might take you:

• Symi: Just a few hours’ sail from Rhodes, Symi stuns visitors with its pastel-colored harbor and neoclassical mansions.
• Halki: A peaceful gem west of Rhodes, perfect for quiet anchorage and local tavernas.
• Kos: Rich in ancient ruins and vibrant nightlife, Kos blends culture and relaxation seamlessly.
• Patmos: Known as the “Island of the Apocalypse,” Patmos is a spiritual retreat with secluded bays and UNESCO heritage sites.
• Nisyros, Leros, Kalymnos & Karpathos: Each island offers something unique — from volcanic craters to sponge diving traditions and dramatic mountain villages.

Whether you’re island-hopping for a few days or sailing for a full week, Rhodes places you within reach of some of the Aegean’s best-kept secrets.

Sailing Conditions & When to Visit

The ideal time for yacht charters in Rhodes is between May and October, with the best conditions typically found in June and September. The Meltemi winds provide steady breezes for experienced sailors, while early summer and autumn months bring calm seas and mild temperatures — perfect for families and relaxed cruising.

Absolutely! Here's a revised version of that paragraph, emphasizing Nautilia as a trusted Greek yacht charter company, rather than just a neutral platform:

Start Your Journey with Nautilia – A Trusted Greek Yacht Charter Company

As a proudly Greek company with deep roots in the local sailing industry, Nautilia offers expert guidance and personalized service for your yacht charter in Rhodes. With decades of experience and strong partnerships across the Dodecanese, we connect you with a carefully curated selection of professionally maintained yachts — from elegant sailboats to spacious catamarans and luxury motor yachts.

Whether you're planning a bareboat adventure or a skippered escape, our local insight ensures your journey is smooth, memorable, and tailored to your ideal sailing holiday.

The Isle of Sun: A Living History

The Gem of the Dodecanese: Rhodes (or Rodos). The largest of the Dodecanese, Rhodes (or Rodos) has become an important regional centre, thanks to its location, climate, and natural attractions.

It is known as the Isle of the Sun. The capital, also called Rhodes, occupies the northernmost tip of the island all over. There are actually three cities on this site - modern, ancient and mediaeval.

Modern Meets Ancient: Rhodes Cityscape

The modern town has a cosmopolitan character, many late 20th-century buildings and hotels. The ancient town, which was founded in 408 B.C. according to plans by Hippodamos of Milesios (the first town planner), started from Monte Smith hill where the acropolis stood and extended as far as what is now the mediaeval city.

The Enduring Relics: A Stroll through History

All that is left of it today is the ruins of the temples of Zeus, Athena Poliados and Apollo, the Stadium, Gymnasium and the Theatre, which has been restored.

The Old Town: A Timeless Journey

The medieval town (the Old Town) is surrounded by medieval walls with seven gates. If you visit, you may have the chance to admire the Palace of the Grand Master. Take a romantic stroll around the famous Street of the Knights and feel as a Knight or a Princess.

Exploring Mandraki: The Heart of Rhodes

Also visit Mandraki, the ancient harbour, and while walking admire the National Theatre, the Courts, the City Hall and the Governor’s Palace. Rhodes offers a thriving yacht charter industry, with Mandraki as a prominent hub.

Nature’s Grandeur: Rhodes’ Natural Beauty

Rhodes has many natural beauties to offer such as the Seven Springs, the Valley of the Butterflies and Rodini Park, a green valley with running waters, small bridges and many peacocks.

Ancient Cities and Brilliant Views: Lindos, Ialissos, and Kamiros

It is also worth visiting the ancient cities of Lindos and Ialissos as well as Ancient Kamiros. Especially Lindos is a must-see place, as the brilliant white houses and winding lanes make for stunning views in Greece, best experienced through a boat rental journey in Rhodes.

Myths and Legends: The Origin of Rhodes

Pindar mentions in one of his Odes that it was born of the union of Helios the sun god and the nymph Rhoda. In antiquity, it also bore the names Aithraia, Ophiousa and Telchinis. It was first inhabited in the Neolithic era.

Historic Unions and Cultural Flourish

A major milestone in the island's history, which affected the fate of the other Dodecanese as well, was the founding in 700 B.C. of the Dorian Hexapolis, a union of its three cities with Knidos, Halikarnassos and Kos. Its economy and culture continued to flourish until the 3rd century B.C., when it was the predominant power in the Aegean.

The Knights’ Era: A Glimpse into the Past

When, a thousand years later in 1309, it fell into the hands of the Knights of St. John, it became again the centre of power, symbolised by its magnificent mediaeval town and the imposing castle and palace of the Grand Masters. The island's terrain is in large part fertile with a great variety of vegetation; its highest mountain is Atavyros (1,215 m. asl) in the southwest.

The Medieval Cityscape: Collachio and Burgo-Hora

The mediaeval city is still surrounded by the high walls erected by the Knights. It is divided by an inner wall into two unequal parts, the smaller Collachio and the larger Burgo or Hora. Collachio is further split by the Street of the Knights, both of whose sides are lined with the sombre stone façades of the Inns of the Tongues or nationalities that belonged to the order of the Knights Hospitalers of St. John.

Preserving History: The Grand Master’s Palace and Archaeological Museum

At the end of the street stands the palace of the Grand Masters, which today houses a collection of 16th and 17th-century furniture and Roman mosaic floors from Kos. The Hospital of the Knights, another of the town’s most magnificent buildings, has been converted into the Archaeological Museum. Burgo-Hora lies to the south of Collachio; its walls once enclosed the humbler residences, the marketplace, the Synagogue and Jewish quarter, Orthodox and Catholic churches, public buildings and army barracks.

Journey to Idyllic Villages and Ancient Ruins

The island abounds in lovely and interesting places to visit, such as the Valley of the Butterflies; the village of Trianda near the site of ancient Ialyssos (Ialissos) on the top of Filerimos hill, where the 15th-century monastery of the same name also stands, along with the ruined temples of Athena and Zeus Poliea in the ancient acropolis; Kameiros (Kamiros) and the ruins of the Dorian city; Kalithea with its thermal baths; Koskinou, Afandou, Faliraki and Rodini. But above all, don't miss Lindos.

The Majestic Sight of Athena Lindia

The temple of Athena Lindia (4th century B.C.) coming gradually into view as you ascend the stairs is a sight never to be forgotten. This is especially true when you charter a yacht in Rhodes to explore its coastline.