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. Dodecanese islands offer some of the most interesting sailing itineraries.
Rhodes is the furthest southeastern island of Greece. It is a very popular, cosmopolitan island, where both Venetian and Turkish influences are apparent, giving it a special charm.
Rhodes has several nicknames, such as "Island of the Sun" due to its patron sun god Helios, "The Pearl Island", and "The Island of the Knights", named after the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem, who ruled the island from 1310 to 1522.
Historically, Rhodes was famous for the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Medieval Old Town of the City of Rhodes has been declared a World Heritage Site. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe.
Rhodes is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Greece. After Crete, the island is the most visited destination, with arrivals standing at 1,785,305 in 2013. Ten years later, in 2023, Rhodes recorded the highest number of international air arrivals among the selected islands in the South Aegean region of Greece. That year, inbound air arrivals in Rhodes totaled roughly 2.6 million.
TOP 5 BEACHES TO REACH BY BOAT / YACHT
ST. Pauls Bay
Anthony Quin
Traganou
Agathi
Kokkini Ammos
There is no lack of beautiful beaches on this island. Some of them are sandy, some of them are pebbly, and some of them are situated on small islets around Symi (Agia Marina, Agios Emilianos, Nimos, Sesklia) but all of them are bathed by crystal clear water.
Its main town, located on the northeast coast, is named Symi. The lower town around the harbour, is referred to as Yialos, and the upper town is called Horio or Ano Symi. Other townships are Pedi, Nimborio, Marathounda and Panormitis. Panormitis is the location of the island's famous monastery which is visited by people from all over the world, and many Greeks pay homage to St Michael of Panormitis each year.
TOP 5 BEACHES TO REACH BY BOAT / YACHT
ST. George Dysalonas Bay
Marathounda
Agia Marina
Nanou Bay
Agios Emilianos
*you can also visit St. Michael of Panormitis
Tilos is one of the small Dodecanese Islands, located between Rhodes and Kos. Tilos has developed over the last few years as the paradise for campers and peace lovers. The island has a great natural beauty: rocky mountains, crystal beaches, caves with stalactites and stalagmites, groves of fig trees, walnuts and olive trees. The wind blows frequently over Tilos, giving it a sense of coolness in summer.
TOP 5 BEACHES TO REACH BY BOAT / YACHT
Eristos
Agios Antonios
Livadia beach
Plaka beach
Lethra beach
Patmos, over the recent years, has also become a destination preferred by nature lovers and other holidaymakers who seek to experience this location’s spiritual atmosphere in a setting of beautiful land & seascapes. It forms together with the smaller islands Lipso, Arki, Agathonisi, and Farmakonisi the most northern group of islands in the Dodecanese and is a rugged island of volcanic origin perhaps the rim of an ancient caldera.
TOP 5 BEACHES TO REACH BY BOAT / YACHT
Psili Ammos
Petra beach
Agriolivado
Geranou beach
Loukakia beach
Lipso or Leipsoi is located between Patmos and Leros and is the ideal choice if you are looking for relaxation in nature, away from the crowds of popular tourist destinations.
Arkoi is a small island in the Dodecanese with a blue-green sea around it, excellent food & cheerful people who will make you enter the relaxed atmosphere of the island from the first moment.
TOP 6 BEACHES TO REACH BY BOAT / YACHT
Katsadia beach
Papandria beach
White island beach
Hohlakoura beach
Platis Gialos
Tiganakia
Kalymnos is widely known as the Spongefishers’ island, as it used to be the island’s main industry. The island capital, known as either Kalymnos Town, or Pothia, is a lively port situated in a natural amphitheater with brightly painted houses in blues and greens lining the narrow streets. It is a relatively small draw compared to the neighbouring island of Kos but during the summer months the island swells with Greeks and tourists enjoying the sun and sand. Another ideal time to visit the island, is in Easter. Kalymnos is undoubtedly the Easter Capital of the World. Although many Greek communities celebrate Easter with fireworks, the Kalymnians celebrate by throwing Dynamite (yes, the actual Hi-Explosive kind) from the high country surrounding the populated areas of the island. If you're into loud noises it's an awesome experience. The practice started shortly after World War II using leftover German ammunition.
TOP 5 BEACHES TO REACH BY BOAT / YACHT
Kantouni
Linaria
Platis Gialos
Akti
Agios Soulas
A fine spectacle is offered by the village of Astypalaia or Hora, beginning from the islets the traveller can admire before reaching the picturesque bay of the city. The large bay of Livadhi is located on the south side of the Chora where you can anchor at the head of the beach. Fairly well protected from the Meltemi.
TOP 5 BEACHES TO REACH BY BOAT / YACHT
Agios Kontantinos
Kaminakia beach
Vatses beach
Marmari beach
Vathi beach
Kastelorizo is a tiny but very beautiful island at the South Easternmost edge of the Dodecanese islands of Greece (South of Rhodes island) which consists of only one settlement, the town of Kastelorizo. The town is actually picturesque harbour with unique architecture and colourful houses. Some of the places worth visiting while you are in Kastelorizo are the medieval castle, the Lycian tomb, and the archaeological museum.
TOP 3 BEACHES TO REACH BY BOAT / YACHT
Saint George beach
Ro island
Mandraki beach
Nisyros also spelled Nisiros (Greek: Νίσυρος, romanized: Nísyros; Modern Greek pronunciation: [ˈnisiros]) is a volcanic Greek island and municipality located in the Aegean Sea. The main town and port of the island is Mandraki. Its coasts are generally rocky or pebbled, but there are also a few sandy beaches (mainly in the northeastern part). The volcano is currently active but not erupting, and fumaroles are found at the craters.
TOP 5 BEACHES TO REACH BY BOAT / YACHT
Hohlaki
Lies
Pachia Ammos
Katsouni
Pali
Leros is the fourth largest island in the Dodecanese. The sea has always been a focal point for the island life and its colorful traditions and sense of community remain almost unchanged. It is famous for its local food and sweets. Traditionally, this was due to the range of seabound trade that connected Leros to most other islands of the Eastern Mediterranean, and parts of Asia Minor and North Africa, guaranteeing fresh produce and a range of recipes and styles that made Leros cuisine unique. Picturesque landscapes for walking, clear blue seas for snorkelling or scuba-diving, rock faces of unique quality for climbing and warm-hearted hospitality are just some of the pleasures that await the visitor.
TOP 5 BEACHES TO REACH BY BOAT / YACHT
Alinda
St. Kioura
Vromolithos
Koulouki
Krithoni
The name Kos (Ancient Greek: Κῶς), is first attested in the Iliad, and has been in continuous use since. The island's capital and main port, also called Kos, is situated on its northeast coast. It is a beautiful town, set amidst abundant greenery. It offers everything you can wish for. Locals are hospitable, the beaches are sublime, the villages are picturesque and there are plenty of historic sites for you to explore.
TOP 5 BEACHES TO REACH BY BOAT / YACHT
Mastichari
Paradise Kefalos
Agios Stefanos
Kardamena
Limnionas
