Yacht Charter Itinerary Kusadasi, Turkey to Rhodes, Greece

Written by Missy Johnston

Samos

Join your yacht in Kusadasi, Turkey, after flying into either the Izmir airport. Cruise to Samos, Greece, just off of the Turkish Coast, and the birthplace and home of Pythagoras but known today as an upmarket, cosmopolitan island with several port towns, including the lovely Pythagorion. The Greek Goddess Hera is said to have been born on this island in the village of Heraion, where today lie remnants of the Temple to Hera. Visit the Tunnel built by Eupalinus, a famous Hellenistic Engineer. This tunnel, which was once part of an ancient aqueduct system and in use for conveyance of water for over 1000 years, was considered one of the Eight Wonders of the Ancient World and was constructed with fascinating precision. On the western side of the island is the Cave of Pythagoras, where the famous mathematician once hid from his political detractors.

Cruise to the island of Ikaria, where the mythological Ikaros fell and was buried after flying too close to the sun. On the way, stop at the small island of Samiopoula, meaning “small Samos” for lunch and a swim. The island of Ikaria is truly off of the beaten path with breathtaking panoramas, clean mountain air, and therapeutic hot springs. Archeological sites on Ikaria hail from the Classical, Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods, and include remnants from the Temple of Artemis at Nas, Drakano Fortress, a Hellenistic watchtower, Roman baths at ancient Therma, Roman/Byzantine small theatre in Kampos, and the Byzantine Castle of Koskina. Be sure to try the local Ikarian wines which have been produced and praised since antiquity.

Patmos
Photo Credit Missy Johnston

Sail for the tiny island of Fourni, between Ikaria and Patmos. Fourni is truly a hidden gem, rarely visited, and view of the traditional Greek fishing village of yesteryear, barely touch by time. This is where you want to sample fresh fish in one of the local Tavernas of traditional Greek food, at an outdoor table under the plane trees in the village square. For the athletic hike up along the ridge of the island for great views of Turkey and the surrounding islands. Overnight in a quiet anchorage off of an isolated beach.

Patmos Island
Photo Credit Missy Johnston

For both Orthodox and Western Christians, Patmos has long been a place of pilgrimage, for it was here that St John wrote his divinely inspired Book of Revelations. Once a favorite destination for the devout, Patmos is now just as popular with sun and sea worshippers. All boats dock at glitzy Skala, which sprawls around a large curving bay. Wrapped around the immense Monastery of St John the Theologian lays the beautiful hilltop village, Hora. With its immaculate whitewashed houses and maze like alleys, it is absolutely enchanting. The Monastery of St. John is well worth a visit and a nice walk up from the harbor for views from the hilltop village of Hora. Inside the monastery is the cave where St. John is said to have written his Book of Revelations. Explore the village of Hora and the many shops. There are a number of sandy tree-shaded beaches around the island. Psili Ammos is the best beach and is only accessible by boat.

Lipsi Harbor
Photo Credit Missy Johnston

After a leisurely breakfast, sail for Lipsi stopping on the way to Leros. The island’s gentle, sloping countryside is spotted with smallholdings and huge, impressive, almost-landlocked bays, resembling lakes more than open sea. Platanos, the capital of Leros is 3km north of Lakki, the main port. This tiny picturesque village spills down the narrow hillside to the port of Agios Marina. On the east side of Platanos, a massive castle crowns the mountainside dwellings. Set on the wide Alinda Bay, are the adjoining resorts of Krithoni and Alinda, which have a lovely, long tree-shaded sand beach. At Belfoutis Bay you will find a shaded sand and pebble beach and a good taverna. A good spot for snorkeling, Xirokambos Bay, is a mellow resort with a sand beach.

Nisyros

After breakfast, cruise over to Nisyros, which is said to be one of the most beautiful of all Greek islands. It is a strange combination of luxuriant vegetation and stark moonscapes. A dormant volcano lies at the center of the island. The charming port town of Mandraki is comprised of winding alleys and brightly colored houses. It is situated beneath the cliff top monastery, Moni Panagias Spilianis. Near the port you will find the black stoned beach of Koklaki. Set on the volcano’s ridge are the villages of Emboreios and Nikea, which both have spectacular views into the caldera. The islands best beaches are at Pali and Lies.

Tilos Island Taverna Octopus Drying in the Sun

Cruise over early to the tiny remote island of Halki. This island has no beaches and has instead several rocky inlets, where you can swim and snorkel in the crystalline sea. With the Knights of St John Castle situated above the quay, it is one of the most picturesque harbors in the Dodecanese. On the southeastern coast of the island is the beautiful blue cave. Enjoy lunch before heading across to Tilos, which has fine tranquil beaches, vistas of high cliffs, rocky inlets and valleys of almond and walnut trees. There are only two settlements, the peaceful whitewashed village of Magalo Horio and the waterfront town of Livadia. The un-crowded beaches of Eristos (shaded), Agios Antonis (sandy) and Plaka are a real treat. Overnight

Ministry of the Archangel Michael Panormitis, Sym
Photo Credit Missy Johnston

A lovely, mountainous island, Symi (or Simi) was reputed to be the birthplace of the Three Graces. While its interior is punctuated with small valleys, its coastline alternates between being steep and rocky or sandy and indented with little coves. One of the island’s most famous landmarks is the monastery of the Archangel Michael Panormitis on the southwest coast. It was built in the 18th century, and contains marvelous frescoes and a carved iconostasis. This Ministry claims that all waters of the world pass through their bay at some point. If you would like to reach them, simply place a message in a bottle and at some point it will reach them. Whether or not this is always true, be sure to stop in at their museum and see the bottle messages that they have received over the centuries. If you ask, perhaps one of the priests will give you a vile of blessed waters for your journey. There is no lack of wonderful beaches on Symi. You’ll find good swimming at Yialos, Pedio, Emborios, Marathounda, and Nanou as well as on the nearby islets of Agia Marina and Nimo.

Medieval city of Rhodes
Photo Credit Missy Johnston

Sail to Rhodes to disembark. With an east coast of endless sandy beaches and sunshine 300 days a year, Rhodes is the most popular of the Dodecanese. The incredibly well preserved old town of Rhodes is the largest inhabited medieval town in Europe. Behind imposing walls, it is the fortified nucleus of Rhodes City. The tranquil, twisting alleyways in the old town are a web of Byzantine, Turkish and Latin architecture. Faliraki Beach is the island’s premier resort; the beach at Kalithea Thermi is the site of an abandoned Italian spa. If you are looking for quiet shores, cruise over to Stegna Beach or the sandy cove of Agathi.