Dodecanese Yacht Charter Itinerary

Set in the middle of the Dodecanese Islands, and only 30 minutes from the airport, Kos Marina is the perfect launchpad for voyages into the southern Aegean. Well supplied with a chandlery, supermarkets, restaurants and good facilities, the full-service marina makes it easy to get everything ready for your monohull or catamaran charter. An intriguing mix of ancient Greek and Roman ruins, modern culture and ornate Italianate squares, Kos is a historical marvel, best known as the birthplace of Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine. Well worth a stroll around the old town, to soak up the atmosphere and spot a few historical oddities, such as the Ottoman mosque.

Begin your Dodecanese yacht sailing holiday with a short trip northeast, sailing into the prevailing Aegean breeze for 16nm towards the colourful town of Pothia, Kalymnos. Best-known as the home of the famous sponge divers, the area is a haven of activity, especially for climbers, with over a thousand signposted trails on the island. Culinary musts include the mououri, a dish of lamb stuffed with rice, and stuffed vine leaves, or fylla.

Turning south-west out of Kalymnos, you'll sail around the western tip of Kos with the wind at your back, and make for the dramatic island of Nisyros, complete with dormant volcano rising dramatically from the sea. The overnight stop of Palon is a pretty harbour, surrounded by traditional, whitewashed Greek tavernas.

It's an early start today to cover the week's longest distance, reaching across the wonderfully open stretch of water between Nisyros and Symi, then skirting along Symi's eastern coast before arriving at the gorgeous Ano Symi, the main town on the island. A riot of colour, the town is full of terracotta-topped, pastel-hued neoclassical houses and cosy, tempting tavernas.

From Ano Symi, plot a course along the island's jagged west coast, dotted with well-sheltered inlets to stop off for lunch. A hop around the headland takes you to the picturesque, enclosed anchorage of Panormitis, perfect for a quiet night under the stars. The bottom is sand and weed, and provides good holding. The small town has a taverna and bakery, as well as the impressive 18th-century monastery on the shore.

Reach back across towards the unspoilt natural beauty of the island of Tilos, and the small port town of Livadia. The island's main settlement, Livadia is a small village of about 300 people, with a large sand and pebble beach just outside the harbour. The mole offers good protection from all winds, there is very good bakery, and several tavernas in the village.

The last leg of the journey is a 30nm stretch from Tilos back to the marina in Kos, and a chance for one last big sailing day before the end of your charter.