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Greece
- One Week Sailing the Dodecanese from Rhodes
If island hopping’s your thing and you’re looking for a bit of wind to chase then the Dodecanese are your best bet. It’s said that these islands in the south-eastern Aegean are the sunniest corner of Greece. With historical sights, warm climate and appealing sailing conditions this route will give crews a bit of adventure and starting from Rhodes there’s plenty to explore with ancient ruins and undiscovered bays all at your disposal.
Being closer to Turkey than the rest of Greece this area stays warmer for longer. A windy destination for experienced sailors, the meltimi blows through the islands reaching its peak in July and August with an average wind speed of force 4 – 6, with occasional gusts up to a force 7. It pays to pay attention to weather forecasts in the local area. At the beginning and end of the season, May and October, you will find an average wind speed of force 3 – 5.
The beauty of sailing here is that you will often find there are no mooring fees when staying on a town quay. If the local port authorities do come along and ask you to pay, then you can expect no more than €10 for a 38ft yacht; note this is very very rare.
When you arrive in Rhodes, it's a nice short transfer to the base and once here you'll be met by the charter company. After they've completed your paperwork you'll be shown to your boat and after a quick briefing it's over to you!
There's plenty to do on your first night in Rhodes, the Old Town is a UNESCO protected heritage town and it's also the largest medieval town in Europe and we recommend going for a walk along the moat walls which give great views out to sea.
On your first days sailing why not sail north to Symi. It's just over 20 miles and when you get there the colourful mansions that are sprawled up the hillside give quite an impressive entrance. Toli Bay is a beautiful beach which is hard to reach from inland making it private and calming.
Rhodes
Symi
From Symi head west over to the island of Nisyros. Here you can choose to stay in either Mandraki or Pali. Mandraki is the main harbour on the island and has lovely white washed houses lined pebbled streets that lead to some fantastic tavernas and bars.
From Nisyros head north to Kos. It's around 10 miles and once you get there you'll be spoilt for choice of great bars and restaurants to try out. Whether you go to the Turkish quarter or the Italian influence there's a wide variety of cuisine to try here.
After you've explored Kos head south for around 20 miles down to the island of Tilos. A great harbour to moor up in Livadhi and although it might not look like there's much on Tilos, Livadhi has some great seafood restaurants. You can also head inland on the minibus to the capital Megalo Chora.
Tilos
Kos
Nisyros
On your last island hop before heading back to Rhodes why not pop south to the island of Chalki. Less than a 10 mile sail from Tilos, Chalki is a lovely small island off the beaten track and has only one town on the island. Nimporio town has lots of great tavernas along the promenade and some stunning beaches too, such as Giali and Potamos.
On your last day it's time to head back to Rhodes. Most charter companies like you to be back in the marina between 4-6pm and this gives you an entire evening to have one last feast before heading home the next day.
Rhodes
Chalki
Below is an indication of the yachts that will sail on this flotilla. Please call us on 020 8459 8787 to check live availability.
Our Shore to Sail holidays are a combination of a one or two week flotilla sailing holiday with another relaxing week or two ashore.
These holidays will appeal to those who enjoy sailing but have family or friends who are not quite so enthusiastic about sailing - a compromise can now be made!
Most people opt for a week of sailing followed by a week of winding down on shore. However it is entirely up to you to do what you want to do (and when!)
The Iris Hotel has been a popular choice for flotilla sailors for many years. This accommodation option will fit in with any of our flotillas starting and finishing on Lefkas Island. The hotel itself is a small family run hotel located close to Nidri Town. It has a combination of studio rooms for two or three people and apartments that can sleep up to 4.
The Salvator Spa Hotel is perched in the hills above Parga town and is a slightly more luxurious offering. The rooms on offer range from the Deluxe Room for two people, up to the Superior 2 Room Villa for up to 6 people. The hotel itself has an excellent restaurant, pool and spa facilities and all villas come with their own private pool.
Our brand new villa in Sivota on Lefkas is exclusive to Sailing Holidays Ltd. Built with families and groups in mind, the 3 double bedrooms all feature en-suite bathrooms. Built into the hill the ground floor level comprises of the master bedroom, a large kitchen and living space. On the same level you will find a huge outdoor seating area and a private pool.
