SAILING HOLIDAYS OF 1 WEEK IN THE DODECANESE: START FROM RHODES ISLAND

Day 1: Rhodes – Symi, marina of Pedi (23 nautical miles – nm)

We embarked on the yacht from the New Marina in Rhodes, a modern and fully functional marina. We had the provisions delivered to the yacht and we left the marina as soon as possible, in order to arrive to Symi before dark. The excitement of starting our sailing trip in the Dodecanese was unique! Our destination was the marina in the bay of Pedi, at the eastern coast of Symi. As the sailing cruise to the neighoring island lasts for more than 3 hours, we arrived just after the sunset. Pedi marina is one of the few that allow for to book a spot in advance, so the harbor master was expecting us and helped us to berth. The marina is small but sheltered except to the eastern winds, but even in that case, the available lazy lines secure the yachts under any condition. There are full services in the marina, including shore power, water supply, wifi and showers. There are also restaurants and a mini market in the small village, while there is also a bus to visit the beautiful town of Symi. The landscape is wonderful, with high mountains surrounding a serene bay with clear waters. We dined on the boat and slept fast, after a long day. 

This is another amazing spot on the island, as the bay is fully protected, with a small entry looking to west. This is one of the places that a yacht can find shelter under almost any weather conditions. Anchorage is safe, also because the sea bottom is made mostly of sand and the depth in that large bay is between 3 – 7 meters. After we anchored, close to the small dock, we visited the impressive monastery. We found a nice restaurant, there was also a coffee shop and a mini market. Eventually, we enjoyed another peaceful night under the stars in one of the most renown sailing destinations in the Dodecanese islands. 

Day 3: Symi – Nisyros (32 nm)

The next day we enjoyed a morning swim in the wonderful bay of Panormitis and set sail to the port of Nisyros island, Palloi. The port is not large, with space for up to 25-30 yachts. The wind was stronger than the previous day, so sailing was fascinating for the 5 hours of the trip. We arrived early in the afternoon and anchored safely. We decided to rent a car in order to visit the sights of the island, including the unique volcano craters, the villages of Emporios and Nikia, as well as the second port of Nisyros, Mandraki. That port is used by the ferries, but it is less protected than Palloi. However, the village by this small port is quite traditional and picturesque.  The main village of the island is Nikia, also picturesque, but Emporios is mostly abandoned and most of the old houses are empty.
Nisyros is lacking safe bays to anchor safely, so we could only swim in the beach next to the port. Although the sea was clean and very beautiful, there were some waves as the coast is exposed to the prevailing northwestern winds.
Late in the evening we returned to Palloi port, very tired but satisfied after a full day. We had dinner at a restaurant there and relaxed in the boat.

Day 4: Nisyros – Tilos (18 nm)

Early next day we sailed to Tilos island. The northwestern wind of 20-25 knots was ideal for another satisfying sailing day, getting to the yacht with broad reach. The sailing trip was wonderful and we felt the yacht almost fly in many occassions. When we arrived to the bay of Livadia by the marina of Tilos island, the wind dropped and the waves were much smaller. We anchored to enjoy a refreshing swim after the sailing trip, and then we docked in the small port. The place is wonderful, calm and very relaxing. Later in the afternoon we took the bus for a visit to the main village (Megalo Chorio) of the island. It is worth mentioning that the winds change direction constantly in the port, but the capable harbor master alleviated any difficulty while berthing.

Day 6: Tilos – Chalki island (19 nm)

We left the bay of Eristos early in the morning, as there was some good distance to cover to the port of Chalki, while we knew that available berthing spots are very limited. We arrived around noon, after a beautiful, easy sailing trip. There were stilll available spots when we arrived in the port, so berthing was easy. 

The only available pier (depicted in the side photo) offers ideal protection to the northwestern winds, but it cannot host more than 10 yachts, approximately. Anchorage is problematic in the spots near the dock, so always get advice and guidance from the harbor master before berthing. 

The port is one of the most beautiful in Greece. The colorfull houses are built by the sea, the water is crystal clear and we could swim even from the yacht in crystal, transparent sea. The port is built so beautifully and kept clean by the locals, it is an ideal place to visit.

Day 7: Return to Rhodes island (37 nm)

It was difficult to realize that this was the last day of our sailing adventure on the boat, considering the amazing time spent already and the beauty of each destination. Alas, we started early because the trip was long, and we wanted to make a fast stop in the islet of Alymia, to have a swim and breakfast.

Alymia is an unihabited islet near Chalki. Its main bay is fully protected to the winds and is gifted with amazing beauty. We noticed ruins of various buildings, a small monastery near the beach, and the remains of a castle at the top of one of the hills. Alymia is a lovely place, worth spending more time to explore in snorkels or on foot.

After a quick breakfast, around noon, we continued our trip to the port of Rhodes, where we arrived at 17:00 pm. We spent the last night visiting the Old Town of Rhodes and disembarked from the yacht, early in the next morning.