Sailing in Greece

Are you planning a vacation in Greece? Have you thought of exploring the Greek isles? Do you know a sailor or do you have any experience in sailing? The best way to see the Greek islands is to sail them in your own sailing boat. There is a lot of sailing vacation companies offering sailing in Greece. Even if you do not know how to sail, you can hire a crew or a captain. Or you can join a flotilla. Many flotilla itineraries include special events like shore parties and fun regattas, andgive you the chance to mingle with other sailors.

The Dodecanese (TwelveIslands or Dodekanes) is the most southerly group of islands in the Greek archipelago. Visit Rhodes andKos, islands full of history and beautiful beaches, Symi and Patmosis islands uncorrupted from the civilization. Since Turkey is only 5 nautical miles away from Kos, this country is certainly within reach for a sailing vacation in this area.

Did you know that for many years rumors circulated that in 1940 Winston Churchill secretly offered the Dodecanese Islandsto Mussolini in exchange for staying out of World War Two?

The 14 Dodecanese islands captivated travelers since Odysseus. You will find a wonderful blend of architectural styles of eastern and western civilizations. Almost every island has its classical remains, its Crusaders' castle, and its traditional villages.

The Meltemi wind has its peak in July and August. It starts sporadic in June, blows more strongly in July through to September and again sporadic in October These northerly winds do affect any itinirary and considera one-way charter from Kos to Rhodes during July to September.

Usually sailing charter companies in Dodecanese have their basesin either Rhodes or Kos.

Kos is overlooked by a Crusader castle and known as the place of birth of Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine. The lovely harbor at Kos city is a great place to put a yacht. The harbor is filled with sights and sounds both day and night as visitors party on boats just off the coast, and in bars, restaurants and clubs located on the port itself. Of course, there are locals here too, and small fishing boats make up the majority of the sea traffic. The island of Kos is populated by nearly 180,000 people, many of them still living the old-fashioned lives of Greek fishermen.

Rhodes is the largest island in the Dodecanese. It is well-known for the Colossus, one of the seven wonders of the old world,which was sadly destroyed. Rhodes has everything from beautiful beaches to alush, green interior, a capital full of intense and noisy activity and one of the top sunshine records in Greece.The rock-rose is so fertile here that it has been named the 'Island of Roses'and whiles the northern coast is famous for its active vacation resorts thesouth offers nice beaches and a slower, more simple pace of life.