Greece’s cultural crossroads
The Dodecanese
Dodecanese Yacht Charter
Luxury Yacht Charter Through Greece’s Cultural Crossroads
The Dodecanese lie in the south-eastern Aegean, close to the Turkish coast, at the far end of Greece’s yacht charter cruising grounds. A Dodecanese yacht charter links Rhodes, Symi, Kos and Patmos, with medieval walls, neoclassical harbors and UNESCO monasteries between them. Distances are longer than in the Cyclades, and anchorages are quieter, so the cruise suits guests who want culture, history, and space.
Sunrise
Guest: 12
Cabins: 5
Crew: 9
From/Week:
EUR
LEXSEA
Guest: 12
Cabins: 5
Crew: 9
From/Week:
EUR
EMOCEAN
Guest: 12
Cabins: 5
Crew: 9
From/Week:
EUR
Go
Guest: 10
Cabins: 5
Crew: 6
From/Week:
EUR
JUST MARIE 2
Guest: 6
Cabins: 3
Crew: 4
From/Week:
EUR
ChristAl MiO
Guest: 10
Cabins: 5
Crew: 4
From/Week:
EUR
WISH
Guest: 10
Cabins: 5
Crew: 3
From/Week:
EUR
LUNA
Guest: 12
Cabins: 7
Crew: 30
From/Week:
EUR
SOLANDGE
Guest: 12
Cabins: 8
Crew: 34
From/Week:
EUR
PLAN B
Guest: 12
Cabins: 8
Crew: 20
From/Week:
EUR
Looking for More Yachts in The Dodecanese?
We work with a significantly wider range of yachts than those displayed online, including off-market and upcoming charter opportunities.
As a MYBA-certified charter broker, Your Boat Holiday provides independent access to the world’s leading charter yachts through trusted owners and management companies.
CONTACT A BROKER
New to Yacht Charter?
An introduction to yacht charter, designed to guide you through every step with confidence and discretion. Your satisfaction is our priority.
READ THE GUIDE
Discover Itineraries
Explore some of the world’s most iconic cruising destinations and charter routes. Let us deliver your personalised yacht charter itinerary.
GET INSPIRED
Why the Dodecanese Reward a Longer Cruise
The Dodecanese reward guests who like a cruise with depth. The islands are further apart than in the Cyclades, and each has its own history, from the Knights of St John in Rhodes to the monastery of Patmos.
✔ Deep historical and cultural significance
✔ Longer cruising routes with varied landscapes
✔ Less crowded than the Cyclades
✔ Colorful neoclassical harbors
✔ Strong local traditions and cuisine
✔ Ideal for experienced and repeat charterers
A luxury yacht charter in the Dodecanese is perfect for guests who value exploration, culture and slower, meaningful travel.
Five Islands, Five Characters
The Dodecanese archipelago includes diverse islands, each offering its own identity — from cosmopolitan hubs to spiritual retreats and untouched anchorages.
Contact a Broker
Rhodes
The historical and logistical hub of the Dodecanese, featuring medieval architecture and modern marina facilities.
➡️ Rhodes yacht charter
Symi
A postcard-perfect island known for its neoclassical harbour, elegance and tranquillity.
➡️ Symi yacht charter
Patmos
A spiritual and serene island with UNESCO heritage and a refined, low-key atmosphere.
➡️ Patmos yacht charter
Kos
A lively island offering easy access, sandy beaches and excellent cycling-friendly landscapes.
➡️ Kos yacht charter
Kalymnos
Known for dramatic cliffs, sponge-diving heritage and authentic island life.
➡️ Kalymnos yacht charter
Three Ways Through the Islands
7–10 Day Cultural Discovery
Rhodes – Symi – Kos – Patmos
Extended Cross-Aegean Route
Rhodes to Cyclades (for experienced crews and guests)
Slow Exploration Charter
Focus on fewer islands with longer stays and cultural visits
(All itineraries are fully customizable.)
YOUR JOURNEY, DAY BY DAY
From Kos to Rhodes by Sea
Explore the Dodecanese on a seven-day luxury yacht charter through the beautiful islands of the southeastern Aegean. Beginning in Kos and finishing in Rhodes, this sample itinerary combines the volcanic landscapes of Nisyros, the peaceful bays of Tilos, the elegant harbour of Symi and the historic coastline of Rhodes. Discover turquoise swimming waters, traditional Greek island villages, memorable waterfront restaurants and some of the Mediterranean's most atmospheric harbours. Designed for a suitable crewed motor yacht, the route can be adapted to your preferred pace, yacht availability and prevailing weather conditions, particularly during the summer northerly winds.
DAY 1
Embarkation in Kos
Begin your Dodecanese yacht charter in Kos, one of the region’s principal yachting gateways. Embark at the confirmed marina and settle into life aboard before enjoying a relaxed cruise along the island’s coastline. Discover a beautiful swimming bay, enjoy lunch on deck and explore the historic streets and waterfront restaurants of Kos Town in the evening.
YBH note: Kos Marina is an established yacht charter departure point. Embarkation facilities and berth suitability depend on the vessel's dimensions and confirmed arrangements.
DAY 2
Kos to Nisyros
Cruise south toward Nisyros, a fascinating volcanic island with dramatic landscapes and authentic Greek villages. Enjoy swimming in clear Aegean waters before heading ashore to discover the island’s traditional architecture and extraordinary volcanic scenery. Spend the evening around Mandraki, where whitewashed houses and waterfront tavernas create a welcoming island atmosphere.
YBH note: Nisyros is known for its active volcanic landscape. A visit to the volcanic crater requires suitable ground transportation and compliance with local access and safety rules.
DAY 3
Nisyros to Tilos
Continue toward Tilos, a peaceful island celebrated for its natural landscapes and unspoilt atmosphere. Spend the afternoon swimming in a beautiful bay before exploring the small waterfront settlement of Livadia. Enjoy a relaxed evening aboard or discover traditional Greek cuisine in one of the island’s welcoming tavernas.
YBH note: Tilos offers an attractive alternative to busier Greek islands, but anchorage and harbour suitability must be assessed according to wind, swell and yacht size.
DAY 4
Tilos to Chalki
Cruise toward Chalki, one of the Dodecanese’s most picturesque small islands. Arrive off the colourful harbour of Nimborio, where neoclassical houses rise above remarkably clear water. Spend the afternoon swimming along the island’s coastline before enjoying a peaceful evening in this beautiful maritime setting.
YBH note: Chalki's historic harbour has limited capacity for larger yachts. Suitable anchoring and tender arrangements should be confirmed according to local conditions.
DAY 5
Chalki to Symi
Continue toward Symi, an island renowned for its spectacular neoclassical harbour and rich maritime history. Enjoy a swimming stop along the coastline before arriving off Gialos, where colourful mansions rise around one of Greece’s most beautiful waterfronts. Explore the harbour, boutiques and traditional restaurants before spending the evening aboard or ashore.
YBH note: Symi Harbour is a highlight of the Dodecanese but can become very busy in summer. Larger yachts may need alternative anchoring and tender arrangements.
DAY 6
Symi & Panormitis Bay
Spend the day discovering Symi’s beautiful coastline, from peaceful swimming bays to the historic monastery at Panormitis. Enjoy lunch aboard, explore secluded coves by tender where appropriate and relax in the clear waters surrounding the island. In the evening, enjoy a final night in the Dodecanese before continuing toward Rhodes.
YBH note: Panormitis Bay can offer useful shelter in certain conditions, but its suitability varies with wind direction, traffic and yacht size. The captain may recommend an alternative bay.
DAY 7
Symi to Rhodes
Enjoy the final cruise toward Rhodes, the largest island in the Dodecanese and a major Mediterranean yachting destination. Admire the island’s coastline before arriving at the agreed marina or port. Depending on your disembarkation schedule, explore the extraordinary medieval Old Town or enjoy a final lunch aboard before concluding your luxury yacht charter.
YBH note: Rhodes Marina provides an important arrival option for suitable yachts. A one-way Kos-to-Rhodes charter may involve repositioning fees, and final arrival should be planned around the agreed disembarkation time.
DISCOVER ALONG THE WAY
Harbours and Anchorages of the Dodecanese
From the colourful harbour of Symi to the volcanic island of Nisyros and the secluded bays of Patmos, the Dodecanese offer exceptional variety for a luxury yacht charter. Discover historic island ports, beautiful swimming anchorages and some of the Aegean's most memorable maritime landscapes, with each experience tailored to your yacht and prevailing sea conditions.
Gialos · Symi
Port YBH Featured
Symi Harbour
One of Greece's most beautiful historic harbours, framed by colourful neoclassical mansions and elegant waterfront restaurants.
Arriving off Symi is an unforgettable yacht charter experience. Colourful neoclassical buildings rise above the natural harbour, creating a spectacular setting for an afternoon ashore or an evening of waterfront dining. Larger yachts may need to anchor outside the harbour and arrange tender transfers according to conditions.
Kos Town · Kos
Marina YBH Featured
Kos Marina
An established Dodecanese yacht marina and a practical departure point for exploring Nisyros, Tilos, Kalymnos and neighbouring islands.
Kos Marina is an important starting point for private yacht charters in the southeastern Aegean. Its position offers convenient access to several Dodecanese cruising routes, while Kos Town provides restaurants, hotels and historic attractions for guests before or after their charter. Berthing suitability must be confirmed for each vessel.
Nisyros · Central Dodecanese
Attraction YBH Featured
Nisyros Volcano
An extraordinary volcanic landscape offering one of the most distinctive shore excursions during a Dodecanese yacht charter.
Visit Nisyros and discover the island’s remarkable volcanic caldera, where dramatic geological formations contrast with traditional Greek villages. A shore excursion to the volcanic landscape adds an exceptional experience to a yacht itinerary combining Kos, Nisyros and Tilos. Access is subject to local safety guidance and operating arrangements.
Southwest Symi
Landmark YBH Featured
Panormitis Bay
A beautiful natural bay surrounding the historic Monastery of Archangel Michael Panormitis.
Cruise around southern Symi and discover Panormitis, a distinctive bay with an important monastery overlooking the waterfront. Its scenic setting and cultural significance make it a rewarding stop on a private yacht charter. Anchoring and tender arrangements depend on wind, traffic and local restrictions.
Nimborio · Chalki
Port YBH Featured
Chalki Harbour
A picturesque island harbour with pastel-coloured neoclassical houses and beautifully clear surrounding waters.
Discover the peaceful island of Chalki, where an elegant waterfront and traditional maritime architecture create an intimate atmosphere. Enjoy swimming along the coast before heading ashore to explore Nimborio and its waterfront tavernas. The small harbour has limited space for larger yachts, making offshore arrangements important.
Patmos · Northern Dodecanese
Port YBH Featured
Patmos & Skala Harbour
An elegant island destination combining a sheltered harbour, traditional architecture and remarkable religious heritage.
Patmos is one of the northern Dodecanese’s most appealing destinations for a luxury yacht charter. Arrive around Skala and discover a sophisticated waterfront atmosphere before exploring the island’s historic Chora and celebrated monastery. The surrounding coastline offers beautiful bays for swimming and relaxed cruising.
Rhodes Town · Rhodes
Marina YBH Featured
Rhodes Marina
A major luxury yachting gateway in the southeastern Aegean, with access to Rhodes, Symi and the southern Dodecanese.
Rhodes Marina is an important base for private yachts exploring the Dodecanese and neighbouring eastern Mediterranean cruising grounds. Its proximity to Rhodes Town makes it convenient for embarkation, provisioning and guest transfers, while the island’s historic attractions provide excellent experiences before or after a charter.
When to Sail the Dodecanese
The best months for a Dodecanese yacht charter are generally June and September, when warm temperatures, beautiful swimming conditions and a good balance of cruising opportunities make island-hopping particularly rewarding. July and August offer long sunny days and warm seas, but seasonal northerly winds can affect exposed passages between islands. May and October are attractive alternatives for quieter cruising, with the sea becoming progressively warmer in spring and remaining pleasant into autumn. Your Boat Holiday tailors each itinerary to the yacht, preferred islands and prevailing weather conditions.
✔ May – June: Ideal weather and cultural exploration
✔ July – August: Warm seas and vibrant island life
✔ September – October: Excellent conditions and fewer crowds
The Dodecanese enjoy a long cruising season with stable Aegean conditions.
June
Excellent
21–29°C
Air
23°C
Sea
12 h
Sunshine
13 kn
Wind
YBH note: An excellent month for Dodecanese yacht charters, with long sunny days, increasingly warm seas and generally favourable opportunities for island-hopping. Stronger northerly winds remain possible.
Monasteries, Harbours and Tavernas
A Dodecanese yacht charter focuses on immersion and discovery:
✔ Cruising between historically significant islands
✔ Visiting UNESCO-listed towns and monasteries
✔ Anchoring in quiet, uncrowded bays
✔ Experiencing authentic Greek island life
✔ Longer passages ideal for relaxed onboard living
✔ Cultural excursions combined with sea exploration
The Dodecanese offer depth and contrast rarely found elsewhere in Greece.
Ask a charter broker
Yachts for Longer Routes
Your Boat Holiday offers a curated fleet across the Dodecanese, including:
✔ Luxury motor yachts
✔ Sailing yachts for longer passages
✔ High-end crewed catamarans for comfort and stability
✔ Explorer yachts suited to extended routes
All yachts operate with professional crews under MYBA or equivalent international charter standards.
Ask a charter broker
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning a luxury yacht charter in the Dodecanese often raises questions about distances, culture and itineraries. Below are clear answers to help you plan with confidence.
Contact a Yacht Charter Broker
Explore our full database of luxury yachts and catamarans in The Dodecanese
We design bespoke yacht charters tailored to your unique desires. We aim to match you with the perfect superyacht and professional crew, ensuring every detail exceeds your expectations.
Discover the ultimate luxury of a fully crewed private yacht charter, thoughtfully planned and seamlessly executed for your enjoyment.
Why Choose Us:
Exclusive access to the world’s finest superyachts and crewed catamarans
Tailored itineraries crafted by experts
Exceptional customer service, every step of the way
Global reach with expertise in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and beyond
Contact a Broker
