The Dodecanese islands: charter a yacht with Istion yachting and sail the islands of Kos, Rhodos, Symi, Nisyros, Chalki, Tilos, Kalymnos, Leros, Pserimos, Arki, Lipsi, Patmos, Agathonissi, Farmakonissi, Marathi, Astypalea, Samos and the Turkish coast.

The Dodecanese are a group of 12 larger plus 150 smaller Greek islands in the Aegean Sea, of which 26 are inhabited. They are situated off the southwest coast of Turkey; southward of the island of Samos .They belong to the Southern Sporades island group. They have a rich history, and many of even the smallest inhabited islands boast dozens of Byzantine churches and medieval castles.

Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese islands in terms of both land area and population, is closer to Asia Minor than to the Greek mainland. Historically, Rhodes was famous worldwide for the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The medieval Old Town of the City of Rhodes has been declared a World Heritage Site.Moreover, the beautiful churches are worth visiting. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe.The most historically important and well-known is Rhodes, which for millennia has been the island from which the region is controlled. Of the others, Kos and Patmos are historically more important; the remaining nine are Astipalea, Kalimnos, Karpathos, Kasos, Leros, Nisyros, Symi, Tilos and. Other islands in the chain include Agathonisi, Alimia, Arkoi, Chalki, Farmakonisi, Gyali, Kinaros, Levitha, Lipsi, Nimos, Pserimos, Saria, Syrna and Telendos.

KosKos is located in the south-eastern Aegean Sea south of Kalymnos and north of Nisyros at the ancient Keramiko gulf (Kerme Körfezi) or Kos gulf, just 3 nautical miles from Asia Minor coast. It is the third largest island in the Dodecanese, its extent 290, 29 kilometers and its circumnavigation is around 60 nautical miles. From the prehistoric times it was an important channel of the sea ways that started from the Black Sea and along the shoreline of Asia Minor and the islands of Aegean and reached North Africa. Castles and Churches combine and create a magnificent scenery.See more about Kos island, Greece.

Chalki is just perfect for those who want to spend a vacation away from the stress of modern living. The setting is delightful; pretty houses scattered around a picturesque harbourside, fishing boats at anchor, and a backdrop of rugged mountains. With its great climate and its kind people, a trip to Chalki can be considered as a vacation haven for the "body and soul" both. The town of Chalki has a noble air about it that reflects its past glory and prosperity. it is well worth your while to walk through its narrow and picturesque streets. While visiting the island, take long walks and discover some of the more than 360 country chapels, the remnants of a medieval castle and Chorio, the island's ancient capital, which lies at the foot of the castle. Life on the island of Chalki is simple and unhurried and you can spend happy hours just lazing under the sun and swimming just wherever you fancy. Finally, if you wish a few hours' escape from the absolute quietness of the island, the bustling island of Rhodes is nearby. Bear in mind that there are no cars or buses on the island and your only means of transport will be on foot!

Patmos...recently the "Forbes" magazine voted Patmos as "Europe's Most Idyllic Places To Live", and we all agree! But the secret behind Patmos' popularity... Is the wide range of beautiful and talented people that keep coming back year after year. Living in Patmos is pure bliss. The laid back pace really draws you in, while the air inspires to take full advantage of the season at hand. The waters revive you and the sun seems to shine with magnified rays making you feel unique and alive. No words can describe the earth spirit present on this island, it's a geophysical phenomenon that not everyone can feel or see. The monastery really overwhelms you. It is visible from almost all the places on this scenic little island. The Cave of the Apocalypse is there attracting most of the interest. Driving or riding around is really uncomplicated, you won't find a single traffic light on the roads that swerve and turn unfolding a new spectacular view at every curve.

Kasos is located in the southernmost region of the Eastern Aegean and lies between Crete and Karpathos. It has an area of 64 square kms and a population of 1088 people.The land is mountainous and rocky with few areas suitable for agriculture. The visitor to the mountains of the island will find rare wildflowers and birds' species. Kasos has a mild, healthy climate.Clusters of barren islets and rocky peaks are found all around the island. Kasos has an ancient history. It has been a part of the historical fortunes of its neighbors, Crete and Karpathos, and has often been subject to pirate invasions. Within all the settlements as well as in exotic locations there are churches and chapels with pebbled flooring and beautiful wood carved iconostasis. Examples are the monastery of St. Mamma the lookouts post over the Egyptian Sea and St. George at Hadies which has a large hostel and is the favourite saint of the people of Kasos. These two monasteries soften the wild scenery. At both monasteries the most traditional festivals take place.

View Larger Map