The Dodecanese are located to the east of the Cyclades off the coast of Turkey. It is said that is a navy paradise with more than 163 islands and islets. There are countless beautiful beaches and bays that you should not miss on any island.
During the summer months (from June to September), the main wind is the “Meltemi” with a south-west direction, such as in the Cyclades islands and in the open Aegean. It starts blowing in mid-June, intensifies from late July to early September and weakens in October. The usual north wind force is 4-6 beaufort and can, in some cases, reach 7 or rarely 8 beaufort.
It does not blow every day, but when that happens (or it does), it happens (or it does) without a break for 3 to 4 days and sometimes for 5-6 days. When Meltemi blows with great force, especially in July and August, great care must be taken! The gusts on the left side of the islands are significantly stronger than those on the high seas or off the islands – due to the wind blowing over the hills and small mountains of the Greek islands in the area. The gusts are particularly intense in Patmos, Kalymnos, Kos, Nisyros, Tilos, Karpathos and Astypalea. Even stronger winds and high waves are often observed in the Ikaria area, while the south coast of the island of Samos is considered a calmer place for sailing in Greece and the Greek islands.
The most important islands of the Dodecanese
- Astypalaia
- Ikaria (birthplace of the SailingYachts.gr team)
- Kalymnos
- Karpathos and Kasos
- Kastellorizo
- Kos
- Leipsoi, Arkoi and Fourni Korseon
- Leros
- Nisyros
- Patmos
- Rhodes
- Samos
- Symi
- Tilos