DODECANESE ISLANDS

See the map below for the Dodecanese sailing area in Greece.

Located at the South-Eastern end of Greece, the Dodecanese is a group of islands in the Aegean Sea. Although this area consists of 163 total islands and islets, of which 26 are inhabited, only twelve (Dodeca) of those are the major ones – giving the area its name.  The barren landscape (Rhodos and Kos are excluded!) along with the cultivate green are the main characteristics of this destination. Offering stunning beauty and very good facilities, the Dodecanese islands are among the most cosmopolitan holiday spots in the Mediterranean.

The climate, around the Dodecanese islands, is dry and warm (sometimes very warm!) with average temperatures from 18 (64,4F) to 31 (87,8F) degrees celsius from April to October. During the summer period in the Dodecanese, Meltemi is the prevailing wind blowing from North-West at force 4-6. On the contrary, in spring and autumn the winds are usually less strong than in the open Aegean Sea blowing from South-East.

Moderate to advanced sailing skills are required to sail the Dodecanese islands!

Lying to the East of the Cyclades islands, off the Southwest coast of Turkey, Dodecanese islands offer some of the most interesting sailing itineraries. If you wish to discover something out of the common “twelve islands”, Kastelorizo is your place. It is situated at the extreme South-Eastern corner of Greece, at a distance of 72 miles from Rhodes and 1 mile from the Turkish coast. Even though Kastelorizo island has very few inhabitants (50 inhabited houses), they are all very hospitable and wait on the port to welcome the tourists. It is worth sailing there! Due to the Dodecanese’s proximity to Turkey sailors can sail the Turkish coast as well (after going through the customs procedure).

The history of the Dodecanese islands is very rich and has been much influenced by two different civilizations: in 1522 the islands were occupied by the Turks and in 1912 by the Italians. Thousands of places of interest attract many sightseeing lovers around the year. Archaeological and folk art museums, castles and medieval buildings are only some examples.

Kos Marina in Kos island, the old Mandraki harbour in Rhodos island as well as the Pythagorion marina in Samos island are the charter bases for Galazio Sailing & the Dodecanese. All these three bases are close to airports/ ports with daily ferry connections to and from Athens (Piraeus port) and daily normal (or direct charter flights) from many capitals around the world.

See some of the islands/ approaches included in the Dodecanese sailing area:
Astypalea, Kalymnos, Karpathos & Kasos, Kastelorizo, Kos, Lipsi, Arkii & Fourni, Leros, Nissiros, Patmos, Rhodos, Samos, Symi, Tilos.

NOTE: Samos island is geographically a part of the East Sporades islands, but for the sailors, it could be included in the Dodecanese area.