Symi is a superb base for sailing charter in the southern Dodecanese. The island sits in a natural sailing corridor between the Turkish coast and the Dodecanese chain, and the prevailing meltemi from the northwest delivers consistent conditions through June, July and August that suit crewed sailing yachts, gulets and traditional schooners equally well.
The distances between islands in the southern Dodecanese are longer than in the Cyclades or Saronic, which suits sailing yachts that prefer a genuine passage to a short motor between ports. A day sail from Symi to Tilos, continuing to Nisyros and then north toward Kos, covers a variety of anchorages and island characters without ever stretching the day beyond comfortable sailing range.
Weekly sailing charter rates in Greece start at around 20,000 euros for a crewed performance monohull and rise to around 150,000 euros for a large schooner or gulet with full crew. The advance provisioning allowance adds roughly 30 percent, covering diesel when motoring in light conditions, provisions, marina fees and crew expenses. Symi is a good embarkation or disembarkation point given its proximity to Rhodes airport.
The Turkish coast at Bozburun and Datca Peninsula adds further itinerary interest for sailing yachts willing to handle the brief customs formality, opening up protected anchorages and dramatic scenery not available within Greek waters alone.
