Kos Yacht Charter

Kos offers some of Europe's most appealing sailing, with summery days characterised by the fiery orange glow of sunsets over paradisiacal white beaches, diverse local arts and events spilling into the cobbles of antique old towns, and sailing routes that take in the best of Greece's charms, whether you're searching for elysian coves lapped by the Aegean, towns filled with classical architecture or stirring underwater ruins. Begin in Kos old town to explore the grandeur of its ancient cultural roots, with a medieval castle, impressive churches and an ancient Greek agora, before finding out why the island is called the "Garden of the Aegean" with lakeside hikes to see pink flamingos, pelicans and migratory birds, as well as underwater adventures with Caretta-Caretta turtles and Mediterranean seals. Kos' historical footprint is astounding, with ruins littered throughout, interspersed with historical monuments like the Asclepeion temple complex and the Defterdar Mosque, as well as the relatively modern sight of Antimachia village's charming windmills.

A Yacht charter to Kos opens up a stunning itinerary of historical Greece, with sweeping landscapes seemingly unchanged by time offering glimpses of more than 2000 years of culture. Sail into Tilos to explore the beautiful island and the atmospheric abandoned village at Mikro Chorio, go to Ano Symi for its pleasant Venetian harbour and multi-coloured mansions at Gialos, and Nisyros for the active volcano, thermal springs and the evocative ruins of Paleokastro's acropolis. Wild anchorages at the old ruins of Avlaki or the colourful village of Pali provide two different backdrops for an evening's dinner, while the uninhabited Seskli Islet offers a glorious contrast to its neighbours, where thriving nature and a poignant collection of weather-battered ruins dividing pebble beaches live in complete serenity.

Sail to Rhodes, the largest island in the Dodecanese, to explore 'the Island of the Knights', and traverse a mosaic of an old town that stitches together a long tapestry of Greek history - with elements of ancient Greece, Byzantine and the Knights of Saint John/St John. Ornate church towers give way to evocative minarets, and medieval palaces watching over colourful neoclassical villas.

The island's rocky coast is indented with a romantic collection of villages and towns, while its interiors are lush with forested valleys, home to wild deer, ponies and butterflies, best seen in august in the Valley of the Butterflies when thousands of butterflies swarm the valley to reproduce.

Charter a catamaran, motor yacht or sailing yacht from Kos Harbour, and the breadth and beauty of the entire Dodecanese is within easy reach. Sail a breathtaking route through Roman, Greek and Ottoman history via Rhodes, Symi and Leros. Anchor in bays lapped by the translucent blues of the Aegean or sail across the sea to the Turkish coast to sample local Raki and see the quiet gardens and ruins of the Mausoleum of Maussollos, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Sail your yacht charter from Kos Marina to the southwest fringes of the island and anchor within the delicate curves of Kamari Beach. Here, a white pebbly shore with crystal clear waters and a decent taverna wait, should you want to take in the views of the sails fluttering along the sparkle of sun-kissed water. Sail the craggy coastline seeking out beautiful beaches like the mountain-enclosed Cavo Paradiso, the rugged beauty of Helona Beach and the ruin-topped Agios Stefanos. Or head inland for sights that include everything from ancient Greek Agoras, Roman Odeons and nature parks with sweeping vistas of the lush interiors to forested parks home to peacocks and castle ruins with irresistible sunset views.

From marina Kos, follow the delicate strings of Dodecanese Islands fantailing out in every direction. To the south Tilos, Rhodes, Symi and Nisros form an elegant sailing route that takes in rural beaches full of castaway charm and picturesque old towns filled with historic sights stitched together by antique cobbles. Sail north and small islands like Leros, Lipsi and Levitha provide serene glimpses of old Greece (with untouched beaches and sheltered bays) from the times before the tourists arrived. Go further and Patmos' Skala Harbour invites with flowery tavernas, picturesque white houses and an 11th-century monastery, beguiling with its collections of rare books and antique frescoes.