Ideal for Summer Season
At the southwestern edge of the Aegean, where Greek islands and Turkish coastline face each other across a narrow stretch of water, few yacht charter itineraries cross an international border as a matter of course, but this seven-day route from Kos to Rhodes does exactly that. Moving through the southern Dodecanese and across to the Turkish peninsula of Datça and Bozburun, it combines the ancient healing sanctuaries of Kos, the ochre-stacked harbor of Symi, the unspoilt quiet of Tilos, and the immaculate neoclassical village of Chalki with a stretch of Turkish coastline where the ruins of Knidos overlook the point where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean.
- Day 1
Embark in Kos
The third largest of the Dodecanese islands and the birthplace of Hippocrates, Kos is a destination that earns its place as the starting point of this route on both historical and natural grounds. Yacht charters in Kos begin in a port town where ancient ruins sit between palm-lined streets, and the harbour ambiance is entirely unhurried.
Begin the morning at Therma Beach, famed for its naturally warm waters where hot springs meet the sea, one of the more unusual swimming experiences in the eastern Aegean.
In the afternoon, head into Kos Town to explore the rich concentration of archaeological sites within easy walking distance of the waterfront, including the Asklepieion, the ancient healing sanctuary where Hippocrates is said to have practised, and the Plane Tree of Hippocrates at the edge of the old town, reputedly one of the oldest trees in Europe. The gentle pace of life here makes for a fine first evening on the water.
- Day 2
Hop across the border to Turkey's Datça
Perched at the southernmost tip of the peninsula that divides the Aegean from the Mediterranean, Datça is one of the most rewarding cross-border stops available on a Turkey yacht charter from this part of the Dodecanese. Established by Dorian settlers in the 5th century BC, it carries a depth of history that is low-key, unhurried, and full of charm.
The ancient city of Knidos at the peninsula's tip is the headline attraction, a remarkably intact archaeological site where the remains of temples, theaters, and harbors speak to a civilization that once commanded considerable influence across the Aegean world.
For those preferring a quieter day, Datça Plaj offers clear, calm water in a setting that feels genuinely secluded. Several coves nearby make ideal private anchorages for the afternoon before continuing south.
- Day 3
Explore Bozburun
On the third day of your Mediterranean yacht charter, a short cruise brings you to Bozburun, a quietly distinctive village on the Bozburun Peninsula that has long been the spiritual home of traditional Turkish gulet construction.
The village itself is small, unhurried, and genuinely enchanting, featuring a waterside promenade lined with family-run restaurants and small boutiques where the pace of life feels entirely removed from the busy resort towns to the north.
For charter guests wanting more privacy, the nearby Suluca Island offers a deserted anchorage with the kind of seclusion that makes a luxury charter in the Bozburun Peninsula particularly appealing to those seeking quiet over spectacle.
- Day 4
Unwind and relax in Symi
Cruising into Symi's harbor is one of those arrival moments that the Dodecanese does better than almost anywhere else in Greece. The neoclassical mansions stacked in tiers of ochre, gold, and terracotta above the cobalt water are immediately and almost implausibly beautiful, the defining image of yacht charters around Symi.
The Venetian Castle above Gialos harbour is well worth the climb for panoramic views across the island, while the monastery of Panormitis on the southern tip is one of the most significant religious sites in the Dodecanese charter routes, accessible only by sea.
For a quieter afternoon, Agios Georgios Beach provides clear, sheltered water away from the main harbor. Overnight on the island ahead of an early morning departure for Tilos.
Find out more:
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Panormitis Monastery
Attraction
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Climb the Kali Strata stairs
Activities
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Panormitis Monastery
- Day 5
Windsurf in Tilos
One of the least visited islands in the Dodecanese, Tilos rewards those who seek out off-the-beaten-track yacht charters in Greece with a level of authentic quiet that is increasingly rare in the eastern Aegean. Car traffic is minimal, the landscape is wild and green, and the welcome from locals is genuinely warm.
The hilltop settlement of Megalo Chorio is the island's most striking landmark, a medieval castle and ruined monastery perched above the main village, with views stretching across the valley to Eristos Bay, one of the longest and least crowded beaches in the island group.
In the afternoon, head to Talka Beach, where the consistent winds create near-perfect conditions for windsurfing, and the wide open coastline offers excellent anchorage for endless hours of fun with your watersports yacht charter.
- Day 6
Explore ancient ruins in Halki
One of the smallest inhabited islands in the Dodecanese, Halki sits between the charter routes of Rhodes and Tilos and carries the kind of unspoilt character that makes Halki a favourite among those who have already done the more obvious Dodecanese stops.
The island's single village, Nimborio, is impeccably maintained, with its neoclassical and Venetian-influenced architecture rivalling Symi's photographic appeal.
History enthusiasts will want to make the walk to the medieval castle of Halki above the village, while the Monastery of Agios Ioannis Alarga at the western tip is one of the most isolated and atmospheric religious sites in the island group.
In the afternoon, settle into Kania Beach, the island's most popular stretch of coast, for a long, easy swim before the final overnight passage to Rhodes.
- Day 7
Disembark in Rhodes
The largest of the Dodecanese and one of the most historically layered destinations in the entire eastern Mediterranean, Rhodes makes a fitting conclusion to the route. Rhodes yacht charters end in a harbor that hosts the site of the ancient Colossus, which stands at the entrance to a port that still feels properly grand.
Before completing your East Mediterranean yacht charter, spend the morning exploring the Rhodes Medieval Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved walled cities in Europe, where the Palace of the Grand Master and the cobbled Street of the Knights are among the finest surviving examples of Crusader architecture anywhere in the Mediterranean.
Before disembarkation, make the short trip to Faliraki Beach on the island's eastern coast for a final swim in exceptionally clear water, and, for the more adventurous, some of the best conditions for diving in the Dodecanese.
Find out more:
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Castle of Monolithos
Attraction
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Lindos Acropolis
Attraction
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Castle of Monolithos
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*All distances are approximate
