Rhodes Old Town
On this yacht charter itinerary in Greece, far over on the eastern side of the Greek Islands, cruise through the Dodecanese Island Chain. The word Dodecanese is derived from a Greek word for “twelve is”, for there are 12 main islands in the Dodecanese Island chain. The Dodecanese Islands run along the coast of Turkey and in some instances are closer to the mainland of Turkey than to other Greek Islands, however they remain truly Greek in nature and are wonderful to visit via yacht charter.
As all feel of all Greek islands vary from one to the other, the “twelve” of the Dodecanese also vary from Samos, the home of Pythagorus at the northern end to Rhodes, once home to the Knights of the Templar and other medieval knight orders, at the southern end. In between , amongst others, are Patmos capped by the Monastery of St. John, Kos, the gateway to Bodrum, Turkey, and Symi, considered one of the nicest of all of the Greek Islands.
Knidos, Turkey
Charters for the Dodecanese Islands generally include highlights of Turkey, such as the ruins of Knidos, that border the island chain as well. Great starting points for a charter of the Dodecanese Islands are Kusadasi, Turkey, after a tour of Ephesus, and a short cruise over to the most northern of the main Twleve Islands of Samos, or a start in Rhodes or Marmaris, Turkey.
There are a variety of itineraries possible, including the itinerary below.
Greek Dodecanese Islands
Rhodes – Samos or Kusadasi (Turkey)
Day 1: Join your yacht in Rhodes, 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. Overnight.
Rhodes Old City Architecture
Day 2: 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 with bottle messages 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, Nanou as well as on the nearby islets of Agia Marina and Nimos. 23 NM from Rhodes.Day 3: Cruise over early to the tiny remote island of Kastellorizo. This islands 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 uncrowded beaches of Eristos (shaded), Agios Antonis (sandy) and Plaka are a real treat. Overnight
Kos Harbor
Kos
Samos
