These islands are a sailor’s paradise of more than 163 islands and islets!
The Dodecanese means the twelve islands but in fact plenty more!
Dodecanese is actually a group of over 163 islands, and only 26 of those are inhabited. The Islands include 14 larger islands of Astypalea, Rhodes, Kos, Kasos, Karpathos, Lipsos and the traditional sponge divers island of Kalimnos where you can buy some of the best natural sponges in the world, Leros, Nisyros, Khalki, Patmos with its famous Monastery, Symi, Tilos, as well 40 smaller islets and rocks.
It is a rather eclectic mix of wonderful places to go. Chartering a yacht is the best way to go and visit these islands as there are so many.
The Dodecanese are located East of the, West of the coast of Asia Minor, and North-East of Crete. It is an enchanted world, where the sun paints pictures and gives life. The mild winters and refreshing summers give the Dodecanese one of the healthiest climates in the Mediterranean.
You would need a few weeks just to see the major attractions in these islands and what better way to spend a few weeks than on a rental yacht with friends or spouse.
This area with the mild climate, soft breezes and bright sun on crystal clear water is a pleasure to sail in. You can take in all of the natural beauty that this area has to offer while you are on the sea. You can rent a skippered – or crewed boat in order to take trips into the specific islands to get a closer look at all that they have to offer for a fun nightlife, shopping, and ancient sights to behold.
The beaches are sandy and offer trees for shade. They are clean and the beaches can offer you a fun day in the sun, and some beaches like Psili Ammos are only able to be reached by boat, so renting a yacht would be of great use here. Dock your hired boat in the sparkling port and relax and swim on the beach by day, and go back to the luxury motor yacht in the evening.
The islands of the Dodecanese are engaged in a beauty contest with no clear winner.
In the Summer the prevailing wind is the meltemi blowing from a North-West direction at Force 4-6. In Spring and Autumn the wind is less strong and blows from the South-East.
You will find on each island uncounted beautiful beaches and bays that you should not miss. The remotest of the Greek archipelagos the Dodecanese was only incorporated into modern Greece in 1948, after 500 years of occupation by the Latin Knights of St John, the Ottomans, the Italians, the Germans and the British.
Through it all the islanders have retained their Greek cultural identity. The islands’ history has left a legacy of rich and diverse archeological remains.Dry limestone outcrops such as Kalymnos, Symi and Kastellorizo attract those in pursuit of the traditional island life while the sprawling sandy giants of Rhodes and Kos have beaches and bars galore.

One thing is sure; you will want to come back again, and you will absolutely enjoy all of the amenities of a yacht charter when you sail this area of the Seas as you will experience real yacht senses!
Nisyros and Tilos are volcanic, while Astypalea and Patmos at the fringes resemble more the Cyclades. Patmos is island of Religious significance; this is where St John wrote Revelations, the Apocalypse. It is also a popular spot for fun on a sunny beach luxury motor yachts and sailing. There are historical sites to see on this small island, like the Monastery of St John the Theologian, the historic villages with their charming white washed homes. It is full of old world charm and beauty.
This island group is renowned for its temperate climate and long tourist season.