Are you thinking of a holiday 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 yacht. There are a lot of sailing charter companies offering sailing yachts for charter. Even if you do not know how to sail, you can hire a crew or a captain. Or you can get together in a flotilla. Many flotilla itineraries include special events like beach parties and fun regattas, and give you the chance to mingle with other sailors.

The Dodecanese (Twelve Islands or Dodekanes) is the most southerly group of islands in the Greek archipelago. Visit Rhodes and Kos, islands full of history and beautiful beaches, Symi and Patmos is 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 "Dodecanese" means "twelve islands" in Greek and that is why these groups of islands sometime is called "Twelve Islands".

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 consider a one-way charter from Kos to Rhodes during July to September.

Usually sailing charter companies in Dodecanese have their bases in 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 beautiful 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 harbor 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 traditional lives of Greek fishermen.

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

For more information on sailing vacations in Greece, be sure to visit the sites listed below.