Week cruise: Our recommendation
The area north of the island of Kos with its smaller neighbours Kalymnos, Leros, Lipsi, Arki and the famous monastery island of Patmos is one of the most beautiful in the Aegean. Kos is easily accessible by plane, and the better fleets are further south in the starting harbour compared to Rhodes, which is similarly well served.
The episodes of this mini-series:
- The ideal week on the Baltic Sea
- The ideal week on the Adriatic
- The ideal week on the Aegean
- The ideal route in the Caribbean
In the early and late season, when the Meltemi has not yet built up, the area is downright lovely. From mid-June to the end of September, however, sailing there becomes increasingly sporty. The wind often blows at four to six Beaufort and a second reef is usually required. The routes are short, but if the wind is against you, don't disregard the cross when planning your time and route! On the way back, however, you are often rewarded with a great space-sheet ride.
Week trip: Day 1 and 2
The classic northern route recommended here first leads to the sponge-diver island of Kalymnos. Its pretty and lively main town of Pothia boasts a pretty, winding old town and, of course, the sponge diving museum. If you prefer a quieter trip, sail to the narrow bay of Vathi on the south-eastern tip.
Almost all of the islands are very rugged and indented. Accordingly, there are many beautiful and often sheltered anchor bays with plenty of space and lovely little island villages or tavernas on the shore. The next destination on the journey north is the captain's island of Leros. The east side is the more beautiful, the villages of Panteli and Agios Marina, separated by a steep mountain ridge, are a highlight. The best moorings on mooring buoys - for a fee - are located off Panteli. However, you can also anchor, usually with a shore line. Tip: Head up the mountain to "Harris Bar" in the late afternoon for a sundowner - the view from there is a dream.
Week trip: Day 3 and 4
The cruise continues north to Lipsi. The tranquil island has a beautiful town harbour where yachts moor with bow anchor and stern to the pier. There is a lot of chain in the harbour and sometimes there are gusts of wind from the side. The town climbs up a small hill and is a Greek idyll with white and blue cube houses, bars and tavernas, as well as many churches with blue round domes. Tip: There is a good Winery on Lipsiwhich you can visit for a tasting. If you like, you can then sail the detour to the sleepy island of Arki. The highlight and turning point of the trip is Patmos with its monastery village. The old mountain fortress is a World Heritage Site. There are some beautiful bays to the north and south of the main harbour.
Week trip: Day 5 and 6
We then head back towards Kos along the western shores of the archipelago, mostly sheltered from the lee. On the south side of Leros is the great anchorage Xerokampos, on Kalymnos the Ormos Ambeli is worth a visit. The last harbour is either Pothia or Vathi before returning to the charter base. The Dodecanese North Tour ends in Kos.
The trip in compact form:
- Day 1: Kos - Kalymnos To the island of the sponge divers 17 nm
- Day 2: Kalymnos - Leros Northwards against the wind on the east coast 20 nm
- Day 3: Leros - Lipsi Northwards, the islands are getting smaller and smaller 14 nm
- Day 4: Lipsi - Patmos Northernmost turning point of the trip 11 nm
- Day 5: Patmos - Kalymnos Southwards to the lee of the islands: great bays 34 sm
- Day 6: Kalymnos - Kos Back to the charter base with a tailwind 17 nm
- Total distance 113 sm
