This advertorial is by Benjamin Medison
Situated in the south-eastern Aegean Sea and Eastern Mediterranean, the Dodecanese is a collection of 15 large Greek islands and 150 small islands.
They are a popular holiday destination for tourists from the United Kingdom, Europe, and beyond due to their sunny climate, historic towns, and beautiful scenery.
Many of these islands have been built in a Medieval style and have monuments with interesting backstories. Each destination has its own unique features and local delicacies.
While you may have explored the more well-known islands such as Rhodes, Kos, and Karpathos, by chartering a yacht during your stay in Greece you can also experience fewer known wonders, including Astypalaia, Chalki, Lipsi, Leros, and Nisyros.
Whether you are on a romantic getaway, a family holiday, or a group trip with friends, a yacht charter is certainly one of the best ways to see the Dodecanese in style and is easy to find through sites such as BorrowABoat.
Rental yachts in Greece can come complete with luxury dining and entertainment areas, comfortable guest cabins, and a skipper to help navigate the open seas.
While there are other transport options such as coach trips and private vehicle hires, having access to your own yacht allows you to explore at your own rhythm and pace and tailor the experience to perfectly suit you.
It also gives you access to coastal locations of the beaten track that may not be easily accessible by road.
So, if hiring a yacht in the Dodecanese, what are some of the best activities and locations to explore?
Starting out from Rhodes...
Once you have explored Rhodes, the small neighboring island of Symi has a great number of places to explore and is characterized by its quaint colorful houses, rich seafood, and charming fishing boats. In Symi main town you will be greeted by pastel-colored Venetian mansions at Gialos harbor and if happy to climb up the 450 steps to the old-village part of the town you will find refreshments at the Olive Tree Café.
There is also the monastery of the Archangel Michael Panormitis on the south end of the island, which has a beautiful 18th-century building with a courtyard decorated with exotic trees. Within the courtyard is the iconic church dedicated to Panormitis, a must-see for those interested in historical sites and architecture.
Starting out from Kos...
Alternatively, if you are based on the popular island of Kos there are a number of small neighboring islands to see. If moored in Kos Old Port, Kalymnos is just a short sail away.
On Kalymnos, you will come across Sifnos with picturesque villages like Vathi with small caves and sandy beaches to explore as well as family-run eateries with delicious homemade Greek delicacies.
From Kalymnos you can easily reach the island of Pserimos by Yacht, here you can Marmari Beach, an ideal windsurfing destination, and a selection of Mediterranean Greek dining spots, including Taverna Manola, Sunset Cafe Restaurant, and Aphrodite.
If you fancy a quick swim in the ocean between Kalymnos and Pserimos then the Plati islet has a beautiful beach and stunning coastal views.
Starting out from Karpathos…
If sailing from Karpathos, you will most likely begin your journey from the port of Pigadia.
Along the way, you may wish to stop off at some of Karpathos’ finest beaches, such as the Achata beach, Apella beach, or Kyra Panagia before heading to the nearby island of Saria.
Saria is a small volcanic island to the north and has a small population with sparse plant or animal life. Walk along the steep cliffs and if you are lucky, you can spot some Mediterranean seals. For nature lovers on Saria, you can also take a trek to see the Turkish pine forests and olive groves.
If you are done with island hopping, then you may wish to enjoy some time out on the open water in your chartered yacht. For a relaxing afternoon, bring along some fishing tackle and see what you can catch.
The Aegean Sea is also well known for its beautiful and diverse sea life, if you are an experienced scuba diver you can take your own scuba diving equipment on board and witness the flourishing underwater life surrounding the Dodecanese.
The gentle warm sea is also ideal for those who prefer to snorkel.
Depending on the size of your yacht there are plenty of other watersports to participate in, popular choices around the Dodecanese include jet-skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking if you have space for the equipment.
The ideal time to explore the Dodecanese is May to September if you prefer warmer climates, this is also when more of the tourist attractions and nightlife options will be open too.
However, whatever time of year you visit these islands, exploring by yacht will give you the best opportunity to enjoy the Greek culture and breathtaking sights.
