The “twelve islands”, according to their name, are located to the SE of the Aegean Sea near the Turkish coast. These 12 large islands, accompanied by a cluster of smaller ones, each with its own distinctive features and peculiarities, are rich in history and a favorite sailing area. If you are chartering a sailboat, you will probably start from either Rhodes or Kos. This post includes some islands you should definitely include in your sailing itinerary.

These are the Best Sailing Destinations in the Dodecanese Islands

Rhodes (Rhodos)

The most popular of the Dodecanese, gorgeous and famous for its diverse lifestyles, Rhodos has contributed the Colossus, a huge statue which stood at the port’s entry, one of the seven wonders of the world. The old city is circled by strong fortifications with bastions, battlements, gates, and a moat; an excellent example of 15-16th century art. In the midst of the old city, and insulated from it by an internal wall, stands the Palace of the Grand Masters of the Order of Saint John. Now fully restored, with its fine wooden ceilings and floors paved with marble in various colors or with ancient mosaics brought over from Kos and alabaster windows its fine 16th-century furniture; this castle will delight you and make you appreciate the great variety of Greek history. 

Rhodos offers beautiful holiday hotels along an endless coastline, restaurants, tavernas, etc. and a popular casino. Numerous excursions and sailing trips can be made to visit sights like Kamiros, viewed as the Pompeii of Rhodes, and Butterfly valley, the Castallia fountain, and many more. Last but not least, the Acropolis of Lindos, where a spacious arcade marks the inception of a stately staircase leading to the raised terrace on which stand the remains of 5th century BC Propylaea.

Past this, the way heads to the sanctuary of the Lindian Athena with its beautiful 4th century BC temple perched on the edge of the cliff commanding a breathtaking view of the sea below. Rhodos is the main base in the Dodecanese for bareboat charters in the area and the adjacent Turkish coast.

Karpathos

The second-largest island of the Dodecanese that lies between Rhodes and Crete. Most settlements are found on the south coast. The island has many beautiful beaches such as Amfiali and Finiki at the southwest, Agia Irini at the west coast, Agios Nikolaos at the east, and Makriyialos at the southeast.

Kalymnos

More and more travelers discover Kalymnos, the island of the sponge-divers. It is surrounded by picturesque bays, sandy and pebble beaches, and sea caves. The main port of Kalymnos (or Pothia) bustles with life, whereas in the villages, life is more simple and for those who love serenity, we advise sailing to the islands of Telendos and Pserimos where you can moor for the night.

Sailors tip: Visit the little fishing port of Vathi (1 mile N of Port Akti) at the end of a deep fjord, excellent protection from the Meltemi wind.

Patmos

Saint John the Apostle came to the island exiled by the Romans and wrote “The apocalypse” in a cave over which in later times (1088AD) the famous Monastery of Saint John was built. A castle, dominating the island with its heavy dark silhouette in complete contrast to the blinding white mansions surrounding it. Numerous small churches, mansions, uninhabited islets, and beautiful beaches in secluded sea embraces, hundreds of boats, and above all the Monastery, paint the picture of this biblical island.

We suggest you sail to the 15 uninhabited islets of Arkii at about 8miles from Patmos to the north. On the largest of these islands live four dozen fishermen in a small port hidden at the end of a double fjord made of shoals and rocks which offer maximum protection from the wind and waves.

Symi

A beautiful island, the birthplace of the Three Graces. The capital lies at the north of the island and is divided into the Ano Symi (upper town) and Kato Poli (lower town). The Emborios village is Symi’s second port. One of the island’s most famous landmarks is the Archangel Michael Panormitis monastery on the southwest coast, built in the early 18th century. There many wonderful beaches at Yialos, Emborios, Marathounda, Nanou, Nimos, and Agia Marina.

Kos

The birthplace of Hippocrates, the father of medicine In August, the islanders celebrate the Hippocratea festival with drama performances, musical evenings, and the re-enactment of the Hippocratic oath. The island is fertile with rich vegetation and lots of water. The coast, in some parts steep, in others tame, creates beautiful bays with sandy beaches. Kos is famous for her wild nightlife, which makes her very popular!