Destination Dodecanese

Prepare to be enchanted by the magic of the Dodecanese on a sailing cruise.
Imagine sailing on azure waters, lulled by the gentle wind breeze, as these Greek islands reveal their mystical charm.
Explore secluded coves, dive into dazzlingly clear waters, and be captivated by the authentic atmosphere of traditional villages.
A sailing cruise in the Dodecanese promises an unforgettable adventure, where every moment brings you closer to the Aegean paradise.

Embark on a maritime escapade full of discovery and pleasure.

But first, a little math!
Dodeca = 12 , Nisos = Island = The Twelve Islands…

Here they are: Astypalea – Rhodes – Patmos – Kassos – Kastellorizo – Kalymnos – Leros – Kos – Karpathos – Symi – Nisyros – Tilos
That makes 12!

In fact, there aren’t 12, but 164!

Of which 26 are inhabited!
Ah, we’re getting close – almost double the number of 12!

Today, the Dodecanese is made up of 26 inhabited islands.
The heart of these islands begins under Turkey’s chin (to the southeast) with Rhodes, and continues along the Turkish coast to Patmos (northwest)
These islands are much more inhabited and lush than those of the Cyclades.
The architecture is different too.
Here, there are no flat-roofed white houses with blue shutters on the windows, clinging to barren hillsides.
Everything is more gentle.
Less wind, more greenery and more trees.
Colorful houses in different shades.
Roofs with tiles and small pediments.

Geography in the Dodecanese

The Heart of the Dodecanese Islands stretches 400 km from Rhodes to Patmos.
Rhodes, the most southeasterly island, is almost at the end of the “Greek Empire”, almost under Turkey’s chin.

And Patmos, the most northeasterly, is home to St. John the Evangelist, who wrote the Apocalypse in his cave.
You can visit the cave (if it’s the right one) and the monastery built around it by the Greeks.

The Cultural Universe in the Dodecanese

We’re definitely in Greece!

Yet almost all the Dodecanese islands are very close to Turkey?

Yes, but this is Turkey, which was Greek for several millennia before becoming Turkish through colonization.
There’s nothing controversial here: the entire Turkish coastline bears witness to the Greek presence since antiquity. It’s part of the game of history to bring about changes in population as a result of wars and demographic and cultural explosions.

Rhodes is a fine symbol of this.
Always inhabited by Greek-speakers since the dawn of time, this island has only been officially Greek since 1948!

1912-1947: Rhodes belongs to Mussolini’s Italy
1522-1912: Rhodes belongs to the Ottoman Empire
1291-1522: Rhodes belongs to the Hospitaller Order
Between 673 and 1204, Rhodes changed masters (sometimes pirates) frequently.

Gastronomy

The secret of Greek cuisine is fresh produce and olive oil.

Lots of vegetables, fish, white meats and pork.

A traditional cuisine that often simmers over low heat for a long time.

Lots of vegetarian dishes and salads.

Examples:

Greek salad: Tomatoes, cucumber, feta, red onion, peppers, olives and capers
Dakos: A sliced tomato with a crumble of feta cheese on top and capers on a hard but crumbly loaf of bread.
Eggplant caviar, Tzatziki, hummus, Saganaki (grilled cheese served hot)
Moussaka: On a bed of fine potatoes, eggplant, béchamel sauce, cheese au gratin on top.
Papoutsia: A candied eggplant with candied onions, olive oil, tomato and a little feta.

The maritime world of the Dodecanese

The 2 main differences with the Cyclades are :

Islands lined up along the Turkish coast
The good thing about these islands is that they’re so close together.
You can easily change islands every day.
From the town of Rhodes, you can see the Turkish coastline very clearly.
From the island of Symi, you can see the cars driving along the Turkish coast, and almost the colors of them!

A moderate wind
The geographical position of the Dodecanese islands means that they are often cut off from the wind by the relief of the Turkish coast.
Although the wind is strong in the middle of the Aegean, it diminishes as you approach Turkey.

The weather in the Dodecanese

It’s hotter here than in the Cyclades!

Average temperatures over the sailing season :

March: 14-16°C
April: 17-19°C
May: 22-24°C
June: 26-28°C
July – August :29-31°C
September: 25-27°C
October: 22-24°C
November: 17-20°C

All these temperatures are in the shade and sheltered from the wind.

Sailing in the Dodecanese

15-day cruise

Heading for the Dodecanese – Tour 5

From1 960 €

Embark on a 15-day cruise to the Dodecanese and immerse yourself in the very essence of Greece. Explore idyllic beaches, picturesque villages and iconic historic sites. Savor authentic Mediterranean cuisine and discover the cultural richness of each island. With its bustling ports, varied landscapes and unrivalled hospitality, the Dodecanese promises an unforgettable seafaring adventure.

Interested in a cruise?

I’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.
I’m here to help you have the best vacation possible.

Contact me

Geography in the Dodecanese

The Cultural Universe in the Dodecanese

Gastronomy

The maritime world of the Dodecanese

The weather in the Dodecanese

Sailing in the Dodecanese

Heading for the Dodecanese – Tour 5

Interested in a cruise?

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