Sailing around Greece 7 DAYS TRIP DODECANESE
Introduction DODECANESE The islands of the Docanese complex are located on the south eastern side of Greece. Even though they are not as world famous as the Cyclades, they possess a different architectural style and character, more influenced by the Medieval times, which enchants the visitor. They are also popular among travelers for their calm and beautiful beaches. The most famous islands of the Dodecanese are Rhodes and Kos, while Karpathos is also gaining in fame over the last years. Kalymnos is developing as a rock climbing destination and Leros is the perfect place for divers. Patmos is famous for its spiritual aura and unique atmosphere, as this is the place where Saint John wrote the Apocalypse. The remaining islands of the Dodecanese are smaller in size and provide excellent alternative destinations for tourists who love crystal clear waters, beautiful natural surroundings and less crowded areas, unaffected by mass tourism. Suggested Route 7 DAYS TRIP DODEKANESE Day 1: Kos Marina Kalimnos Island (16 NM) Day 2: Kalimnos Island Leros Island (19 NM) Day 3: Leros Island - Arkioi Island (19 NM) Day 4: Arkioi Island Patmos (13 NM) Day 5: Patmos - Lipsoi (13 NM) Day 6: Lipsoi Xerokambos Bay, Leros Island (19 NM) Day 7: Leros Island Kos Marina (27 NM)
7 DAYS TRIP DODEKANESE Day 1: Kos Marina Kalimnos Island 16 nm. Embarkation at 17:00 pm, demonstration of the safety equipment, sharing cabins and feeling familiar with the boat, discussion about the itinerary (always depended on the weather, therefore the itinerary may change for the safety and comfort of the passengers). In the afternoon sailing to Kalymnos (Vathi bay) with a refreshing swimming stop south of Pserimos island. Arrival at the fishing harbor of Vathi, famous for its delicious seafood. Day 2: Kalimnos Island Leros Island 19 nm. A morning swim and sailing toward Leros island to the small pretty port of Pandeli with the excellent food at the seaside tavernas. Optional visit to the castle on top of the hill, for a magnificent view. Day 3: Leros Island - Arkioi Island 19 nm. A swim stop at the beautiful beaches of Leros and Arkioi, and overnight anchor at the lovely and tranquil port, unspoiled from mass tourism. Day 4: Arkioi Island Patmos 13 nm. A swim stop at the tiny Marathi island, with an optional stay for lunch at a beach taverna. Continuation of sailing north, to the island of Patmos, a unique place with a long history and tradition, for overnight. The beautiful Chora is not to be missed with the monastery and the cave where John the Apostle wrote the Apocalypse (Book of Revelation). Day 5: Patmos - Lipsoi 13 nm. Lazy wake-up and a short sail to the south of Patmos for swimming. Arrival in Lipsoi islands and overnight in its protected port. A visit to the local church with the unique Panagia tou Charou (Madonna of Death) icon, is worth the time. Day 6: Lipsoi Xerokambos Bay, Leros Island 19 nm. Swim and snorkel in the bays of Lipsoi and then sailing towards south Leros. Overnight in a very safe anchorage in Xerokambos bay and an optional dinner at a shore restaurant. For history buffs, a visit to the WW II museum is an interesting proposal. Day 7: Leros Island Kos Marina 27 nm. Long sailing to Kos with a swim break in the bays of Kalymnos. Arrival at Kos marina late afternoon and free time to enjoy the vibrant nightlife. Day 8: Disembarkation
KOS At a short distance from the Turkey coasts, Kos holds the second position, among the most popular islands of the Dodecanese complex, after the island of Rhodes. Its large size enables Kos to remain balanced as far as touristic development is concerned. Some areas are very well organized, while others maintain their secluded sense, untouched by mass tourism. Kos Town, the capital, is a mosaic of Venetian and Ottoman architectural styles, full of fascinating sightseeing areas, such as an Ancient Agora, a Medieval Castle, a Roman Odeon and last but not least in a short distance from the Town, the famous Asklepieion, an ancient healing center, as Kos is said to be the birth place of antiquity father of medicine Asclepius. The most touristic places are found on the south of the island, as those are the areas where visitors can enjoy long, beautiful golden beaches with crystal clear waters.
KALYMNOS Kalymnos is located on the northern side of Dodecanese, and it is not far from the Turkish coasts. The natural scenery consists of rocky mountains, which has turned the island into a favorite rock climbing destination in the last few years, with the International Climbing Festival taking place in Kalymnos island every September. It is also known for sponge fishing and diving, as in the past, this was the way locals made their living. Although this activity is no longer vivant presently, there are still plenty of sponge sellers at the beachfront of Pothia, the capital of the island, adding a special folklore color to the setting. The beaches and tourist resorts in Kalymnos are nice and calm, and offer the visitor relaxation, by the beautiful crystal clear waters.
LEROS Leros is a small island that belongs to the Dodecanese, between Patmos and Kalymnos. According to mythology, Leros island, due the fact that it possesses a large number of deers, was the place where goddess Artemis would do her hunting. Leros has a long history, the signs of which are captured in the variety of sights that may be visited all over, including the Medieval Castle and the interesting museums. The most tourist spots are Aligna and Agia Marina, while many peaceful and relaxing beaches with crystal clear waters exist, and are worth visiting. Another activity which has developed on the island in the last years is diving. In fact Leros has become a favorite diving destination to many, because of a plethora of ancient shipwrecks that have been spotted in the sea that surrounds the island.
PATMOS Patmos is an island that belongs to the Dodecanese, and it is a place with a distinct spiritual aura, as it is mainly famous as the island of Apocalypse. Tradition says, that the Book of Apocalypse was inspired and carried out by Snt John, in a cave at Patmos. As a result, a huge Monastery of Saint John exists above Chora, the capital of the island, which is surrounded by strong walls looking more like a fortress. Chora is a wonderful place to explore by wandering around the paved paths and enjoying a magnificent view to the Aegean Sea. Skala is the place that attracts most tourists on the island, while there are beautiful serene and relaxing beaches all around. Patmos provides a comfortable holiday combination with Leros, as the two islands are quite close to one another.
LIPSOI A small island of the Dodecanese complex, Lipsi is between Patmos and Leros. Its tiny size and long distance from Athens, have not enabled a great touristic development on this island, so it provides a relaxing and peaceful alternative destination. Yet, its few tourist facilities are more than enough for the small number of visitors. The unspoiled nature, the crystal clear waters and beaches and the relaxing atmosphere of Lipsi have an appeal on tourists looking for tranquility and privacy. It is a frequent destination among those who like free camping and trekking, as many beaches can only be reached by foot.