The Dodecanese archipelago consists of a gorgeous 12 main islands that offer many various historic sites, pristine nature, secluded beaches… An interesting fact is that the name the Dodecanese comes from the Greek word twelve islands. The size, the number of these islands, and the distance between them make them a perfect destination to visit with a yacht or a gulet. We listed the top 5 jet set islands that absolutely everyone should visit in one week tailor-made Greece Gulet Cruise.
1. Yacht Greece Destination no.1 – Rhodes Island
Rhodes island with its capital city is a must-visit place. Here you can scuba dive, windsurf, hike or do other extreme sports, or just lay on the beach and relax the whole day. In the evening you can “shop till you drop” and party until early in the morning.
Rhodos is one big open-air museum
If you are a history lover you can be certain that you won’t be disappointed by the rich history that this city offers. In the old town, you picture yourself being one of the knights of St. John and ride with your horse through the streets. But don’t get lost in the beauty of these labyrinth streets.
Later in the day, you can fully indulge yourself in shopping. There are so many small shops with souvenirs as high fashion brands that you can only imagine. Here you can meet your Greek Adonis and get easily seduced with the charm of Greek hospitality. As you are once in Rhodos, do not forget to take a ride to Lindos where you will be impressed with white houses and narrow streets to the Acropolis.
Tavernas and restaurants
You can dine on top of the roof in many restaurants in the old town and enjoy the view of the city. In Rhodos, there are many high-end restaurants held by world-recognized chefs. If you would prefer something more casual there are many great street food options. So if you are more into the grab and go, you can start with gyros, typical greek fast food, and continue with crepa (the Greek name for pancake). Crepa is served with many addings and toppings which makes her delicious. But you can always put on your “tuxedo” and go where the celebrities go.
What about swimming?
Do you prefer secluded beaches or you prefer beach parties all day? Good things are you will find both on Rhodos. If you prefer calmness and easy Greek pace, go towards the east coast and be sure that you will find something for your taste. You can stroll through the long Afandou beach where swimmers are far away from each other and enjoy crystal clear water or go to Faliraki beach where you can find water sports for all generations. But if you stay in the city you can visit beaches loved by the locals that can be a bit crowded but never boring. Those are just some of the special moments to remember.
Looking for some watersport fun?
Take the west part of the island for some fun on the sea. In Ixia, you can kite or windsurf, but don’t forget the sunscreen. The sun is still strong although because of the wind you may not feel it. But if you are really into surfing, we would suggest you go to Prasonissi. It’s a paradise for surfers! Later you can let yourself enjoy one of many bays and afford yourself a delicious greek lunch. You can order locals’ favorite octopus on the grill or just greek salad, either way, you won’t be disappointed.
It’s simply a place for hedonists
Sitting in a small taverna, watching the sea, while you are drinking your cocktail you will appreciate this time of your life and find the meaning of it again. We recommend you to take your time and spend a whole day or two in Rhodos because this area has a lot to offer. You will absolutely fall in love with this place and after spending some time here you will simply say: “ I’ll be back!”
2. Yacht Greece Destination no.2 – Symi Island
Symi is an island that will take your breath away. Rocky island, just a few miles away from Turkey and easy to reach.
Just relax and swim
Get ready to be mesmerized by this magical island. Symi is a place where you just grab a book and get swept away. You will forget the time and it will make you want to stay there forever. Many beaches can be reached only by boat and since you are lucky and cruising with your gulet or yacht, you can choose any of them. Enjoy your stay away from the port and experience the tranquility of this magical island.
You can’t avoid history
Interestingly, Symi is an island that during the Ottoman times had the right to fish for sponges in Turkish waters. In return, they supplied the Sultan with the top-quality sponges and first-class boat builders. They mastered it. So this is the place where you can learn more about the history and buy some souvenirs that you can bring back home so they will remind you of your cruising through the Meditteranean sea.
Nightlife and tavernas
There is not much nightlife in Symi but there is a Symi summer festival, full of events that attract tourists from all over.
We suggest you walk on top of the island. You will be amazed since the view is stunning. It is a little challenging and takes time to climb, but after you will get a cold beer and best view which will help you forget all the difficulty. Well, ok if you are not into walking you can grab a taxi and take an easy way. We advise you to explore the island with no rush and go for an easy stroll through the shops and have a tasty lunch. Buy some herbs, find authentic shops and walk away from the harbor.
You are into the culture and historic buildings?
Panormitis is a must-see place. It’s a little bay, where you will find the Monastery of St. Michael. It has an 18-century Venetian style building with the highest baroque bell tower in the world. There you will find the inner courtyard that is covered with a pebble mosaic floor which is very impressive.
The only thing that might spoil the sacred moment is the crowd of the tourists so we suggest avoiding the midday hours. Visit it early in the morning or late in the evening and you will be overwhelmed with the beauty. Take your time while on gulet charter and stop in Symi. You won’t regret it…
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3. Yacht Greece Destination no.3 – Karpathos
Karpathos, with its capital town and port Pigadia, is the island that has everything. Sport, mountains, beaches, culture, music and good food.
It is the second-largest island of the Dodecanese islands, situated between Rhodes and Crete and a must-see for travelers who want it all.
Two faces of Karpathos, Today and Yesterday
Approaching Karpathos you must get ready for some adventure, and we promise you, you will adore it. It is unbelievable how this island has good vibrations and good feelings in general. For hundreds of years, the north and the south parts were isolated and therefore developed independently. It is even though they have different ethnic origins. In the northern village, you will meet natives that still wear traditional clothes.
Also, get ready for some crowd, Olympos is the most visited village in Karpathos. There you will find the most fascinating views! The contrast in architecture from the modern south part creates a great balance between today’s modern and traditional architecture.
Beaches
Grab your mask, snorkel, and dive into the clean water of untouched beaches. Approaching Karpathos with your boat, make a stop in Diakoftis beach. There you will find shallow water, white sand, and pieces of coral and shells. Is there anything more that you want? If you have time don’t miss Damatria beach too, where taverna Poseidon is, run by ex master chef competitor and satisfy your taste buds. Make sure you anchor with your gulet in Amoopi bay, jump into the water, grab a cold beer, and just enjoy the greek atmosphere. After that do stop at Finiki beach in a small fishing village and enjoy delicious fresh calamari at Dolphin restaurant. Don’t get blown away because Karpathos can be pretty windy too. Highwind season is from June till September. Don’t worry, there are many beaches and bays where you can hide and enjoy the rest.
Want to explore on foot?
Just stroll through the colorful traditional houses of the village. See the local women with their colorful dresses, and then go on a walk through the shops and narrow streets. As the sun goes down you can relax and have a glass of wine on top of a roof overlooking the Aegean sea. Watching the sunset before you leave with your yacht, Karpathos will stay in your heart forever.
4. Yacht Greece Destination no.4 – Halki
This is a tiny little, rocky island occupying only 28 square km and 350 inhabitants. It’s also known as an “Island of Peace and Friendship” protected by UNESCO since the ‘80s. People here are really friendly, smiling, and making sure that everyone enjoys their stay. The fans of Halki are just getting higher.
Halki is a photographer’s favorite island because it looks like a postcard. Make sure you visit this island while you are cruising with your private yacht and it is still a hidden treasure for the masses.
But even here you can’t escape history.
Island is full of history and you can truly feel the Ancient period around while you visit the few remains of Apollo’s Temple. The medieval castle built on the ruins of an ancient Acropolis is very fascinating and indicates that the Knights of St. John were here as well.
Sea is crystal clear!
Feel free to jump into the water right from the port. The water is so clean and most of the locals do exactly that. But if you like more established beaches you can reach them by foot or hop on the city bus. By foot is the Potamos beach where most of the locals go, the other 2 beaches are only for the brave ones reachable by foot. Nice quiet beach Ftenagia and a small bay Kania. With a charming taverna are great choices for families. Since you are cruising with your gulet, you can also choose to stop in a small bay Alimia or many other beautiful private bays reachable only by boat.
Food
Along the beaches, restaurants await to stimulate your plates with fresh seafood snacks (mezedes). You want to visit nice dining, cozy small fresh fish restaurants in front of the water, make the evening breeze with a glass of wine, believe me, you won’t be disappointed.
For the ones always young, at heart, there is pizza, souvlaki, and traditional Greek food in many restaurants. There is a charming small bakery, pastry shop, quiet bars and you will find even an after-hours little club for the night adventures.
Whom to recommend
Halki is a great place not only for families and quiet seekers but for young couples too. As an island with an absence of cars, where everything moves at a relaxed pace, you can easily get laid back and fully relax. It is an unquestionable pretty and great place to stop and visit. Halki will captivate you. Enjoy the little things and see how life was intended to be.
5. Yacht Greece Destination no.5 – Kos
Kos is like a miniature version of Rhodos. It is the birthplace of Hippokrates, the father of medicine.
It is one of the most well-watered islands of Dodecanese. Therefore has lush vegetation and beautiful beaches.
It is a place with more beaches than days in a month
If you love spending days on the beach, you will love Kos. Guarantee! With its fine sand and tranquil crystal clean water it will blow you away. Once you will arrive with your gulet to the port you will get stunned.
It is filled with yachts, boats and great places to eat and drink. Very ideal! On the other hand, you can find places that are hidden and provide peace and privacy.
Family-friendly island and an absolute hotspot
Here you can satisfy all your needs. Children will enjoy waterparks and water sports, while youngsters clubs and beach parties until morning. There is a wide selection of bars and clubs. So if you are into this stay close to Kardamena – southern coast of Kos.
If you like a relaxed and quiet atmosphere stay close to Kefalos or just enjoy the culture and historic significance in the capital Kos town. Kos is well known also by thermal springs and as one of the top holistic center in Ancient times. The old town is full of archeological sites, but the new town has a beautiful palm – land promenade where you can enjoy your evening walk.
It is also a perfect place for cycling enthusiasts. There are many cycling trails and in general easy to get around by bike. Just grab a bike and ride around. You will love it. Every year Kos is visited by almost a million tourists. So do get ready for mass and a lot of tourists. Apart from this, Kos is a scenic unwind island. You will love it.
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