Southern Dodecanese
An Aegean journey island by island, from Kos to Rhodes and from Symi to Knidos
Photo: SymiArt · CC BY-SA 4.0
Setting out from Bodrum, this route brings together the very different islands of the Southern Dodecanese in a single journey: the ancient heritage of Kos, the volcanic caldera of Nisyros, the tranquillity of Tilos and Chalki, and the medieval city of Rhodes.
On the way back, Panormitis Bay and the pastel-coloured harbour of Symi; and on the Turkish coast, the calm of Bozburun and the ancient harbours of Knidos give the route a strong finale.
Route: Bodrum → Kos → Nisyros → Tilos → Chalki → Rhodes → Panormitis → Symi → Bozburun → Knidos → Bodrum.
This is a sample itinerary. The route is planned flexibly by our captain according to the weather conditions and your preferences.
Stop 1
One of the most iconic yachting centres of the Aegean, Bodrum is the natural starting point of the route with its white houses, lively marina life, historic fabric and clear bays. After Bodrum Castle and the vibrant atmosphere of the town, guests begin their journey towards the Greek islands.
Stop 2
Thanks to its proximity to Bodrum, Kos is one of the ideal first stops on the Southern Dodecanese route. Known as the birthplace of Hippocrates, Kos brings history and modern island atmosphere together with its ancient heritage, above all the Asklepion, its long beaches, cycling culture and lively harbour life.
Stop 3
One of the most extraordinary stops on the route, Nisyros stands out with its volcanic character. The impressive caldera and craters at the centre of the island offer visitors a nature experience unique in the Aegean, while the white houses and traditional streets of Mandraki complete the island's authentic spirit.
Stop 4
For those seeking a calm, natural island experience far from the crowds, Tilos is one of the most special stops on the route. It offers a peaceful atmosphere with its mountainous landscape, quiet bays and traditional settlements. The dwarf elephant remains discovered in Charkadio Cave are one of the island's most interesting features.
Stop 5
Small, elegant and quiet, Chalki is one of the finest examples of the classic Greek island atmosphere. With its harbour of Nimporio surrounded by colourful neoclassical houses, its clear sea and slow pace of life, it is a peaceful stopover on yacht routes.
Stop 6
One of the largest and richest destinations of the Dodecanese, Rhodes stands out above all with its medieval city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With sights such as the Street of the Knights, the Palace of the Grand Master and Lindos, it is the most comprehensive stop on the route for guests who wish to experience history, culture, shopping and gastronomy together.
Stop 7
The sheltered Panormitis Bay in the south-west of Symi offers an impressive view as you approach from the sea. The Monastery of the Archangel Michael of Panormitis at the centre of the bay is one of the important religious buildings of the Dodecanese. Thanks to its quiet atmosphere and natural surroundings, it is a highly characteristic stop before Symi.
Stop 8
Gialos Harbour, surrounded by pastel-coloured neoclassical mansions, turns the approach to Symi from the sea into one of the most unforgettable moments of the route. With its narrow streets, the Kali Strata steps, traditional tavernas, small bays and clear waters, Symi is one of the most photogenic destinations of the Southern Dodecanese.
Stop 9
On the return to the Turkish coast, Bozburun fits the spirit of the route very well with its calm and its maritime tradition. Thanks to its bays surrounded by mountains, clear waters and traditional gulet-building culture, it offers an unpretentious, natural and peaceful Aegean experience.
Stop 10
Located at the tip of the Datça Peninsula, where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean, Knidos gives the route a strong finale with its ancient ruins and dramatic geography. Swimming between the ancient harbours, exploring the ruins on the shore and watching the sunset are among the most special experiences of Knidos.
Luxury Motor SailerFrom €105,000 / weekMEIRA is a 55-metre luxury sailing yacht accommodating up to 12 guests in 6 cabins. Bringing together generous open-air living areas, elegant interiors, a sauna and massage room and a rich selection of water toys, MEIRA offers a privileged charter experience with her professional crew of 10.
Motor YachtFrom €105,000 / weekThe 42-metre motor yacht PRINCESS MELDA is a modern, distinguished luxury motor yacht accommodating up to 12 guests in 6 cabins. With her spacious flybridge, jacuzzi, master cabin with private balcony, airy living areas and rich collection of water toys, she brings comfort and fun together at sea.
Luxury GuletFrom €38,500 / weekThe 40-metre QUEEN OF SALMAKIS is a distinguished luxury sailing yacht commissioned and carefully built by Salmakis Yachting, accommodating up to 18 guests in 8 cabins. With her generous open-air living areas, jacuzzi, spacious cabins and rich choice of water toys, she offers a comfortable and privileged charter experience in the Aegean.
Luxury GuletFrom €32,500 / weekThe 36-metre DOLCE MARE is a distinguished luxury sailing yacht built by Neta Marine, accommodating up to 12 guests in 6 cabins. With her two master cabins, spacious living areas, jacuzzi on the foredeck and rich choice of water sports, she offers a comfortable and privileged charter experience in the Aegean and the Mediterranean.
From Bodrum to the Southern Dodecanese
Share your dates and number of guests, and we will prepare our route, yacht and price proposal.
Starting from Bodrum, the route passes through Knidos, Datça and the sheltered bays of the Gulf of Hisarönü and ends in the colourful harbour of Symi and within the medieval walls of Rhodes.
Blue Cruise to the Northern Dodecanese
A Blue Cruise from Bodrum to Kos, Telendos, Leros, Patmos, Lipsi, Kalymnos and Pserimos, discovering the quiet harbours and clear bays of the Northern Dodecanese.
From Bodrum via Kalymnos, Leros and Patmos to the Cyclades: Amorgos, Mykonos, Paros and Naxos; a 14-night route rounded off by Astypalaia on the way back.
