An In Depth Guide to Sailing the Dodecanese: Part 2

The Greek Dodecanese complex is known as one of the best island-hopping locations for a sailing charter holiday! Made up of exciting larger islands and some peaceful stop-offs in between, this part of the world has something to suit every traveller!

You can read our first instalment here where we explored the vibrant island of Kos, the relaxing town of Lakki on the coast of the island of Leros and the historic island of Levitha. This time, we’ll be looking at the white sand oasis of Lipsi, the buzzing Patmos and the secluded Marathos.

The tiny, idyllic island of Lipsi is a must-see for any Greek island hopping sailing holiday! This oasis of white sandy beaches and azure Aegean Seawater has only one town and main harbour, meaning you will be able to relax, feeling as though you have truly escaped civilisation. You’ll find excellent hiking trails, the stunning Monastery of St. John, great swimming and snorkelling conditions and beautiful beaches to relax on. Once you’re ready to unwind for the evening, you’ll find quaint market shops and traditional tavernas –  Lipsi is the perfect location to get a taste of old fashioned Greek island life.

From Lipsi, you can sail back to reality to the thriving Skala Harbour on the historic island of Patmos. As you approach, you will be greeted by a tapestry of whitewashed houses, interspersed with flowered courtyards, delicious tavernas and colourful shops. Dedicated as the “Holy Island” by the Greek Parliament in 1981, Patmos is a great spot for travelling history buffs as you can take time to explore churches that house manuscripts and artefacts dating back to the 11th century. This is the island where St. John wrote the Biblical book of Revelation and is also the site of Roman exile due to its rugged and steep terrain – Patmos is widely regarded as a deeply significant location in religious history. After a day of exploring, retire in the sun-kissed evening for traditional Greek cuisine and drinks in one of the many tavernas and then take a stroll along the harbour back to your sailboat.