Sailing
Kos Region

Arrive to the Kos Island International Airport and take a half an hour bus or taxi ride to the town of Kos. Go through a check-in procedure, board a yacht and make your way to Vathi on the island of Kalymnos located around 15 NM west. Pass the island of Pserimos or make a swim stop in one of its bays.

Vathi is a picturesque port situated on the slopes of two hills and extends in a natural gulf. Get magnificent views of the most fertile spot of the island; the people here grow wine, citrus fruits and olives. Pay a visit to local taverns and start your gourmet journey through Greek cuisine. Go sightseeing castle ruins, the Monastery of the Virgin and a couple of caves. Swim in clear waters of beautiful coves of Vathi and Akti.

Sail 16 NM northwest to the island of Leros and moor in Agia Marina, a beautiful harbor and a tourist resort. You will see traditional white houses right from your boat. They build up from the port to the foot of the hill and, along with eye-catching mansions, they create idyllic narrow alleys. Visit the coastal Byzantine fortress Bourtzi and the lighthouse.

Let yourself be amazed by breathtaking panoramic views of the open sea that you can get from the Pandeli Castle (the Castle of Panagia) that was built on top of the hill. Immerse into Greek lifestyle by spending your time in cafés, bars and restaurants, as well as doing some shopping.

Your next destination is the island of kindness located around 19 NM north-northwest. Agathonisi, a unspoilt rocky island covered with wild olive trees, probably got this adjective from authentic hospitality of friendly locals. Join them in drinking Greek traditional drink ouzo and eating fresh fish, roast lamb and fava (peas puree) in seafront taverns. The island is also a Valuable Shelter of Rare Bird Species, so you will have the opportunity to see and hear rare birds’ tweets.

Moor in Agios Georgios, the port of the island and start exploring whitewashed houses and chapels along the island. The Church of Agios Georgios offers stunning panoramic views and is an excellent sunset spot. Find yourself a calm and quiet cove in sheltered bays of the island, or swim on the beaches of Poros, Spilia, Katholiko and Gaidourovlakos.

Sail 23 NM west-southwest to Arki, the small remote island protected against strong winds, which makes it a perfect shelter for yachts. You will be greeted by a few whitewashed houses and taverns that offer fresh fish caught by the locals during the previous night. There is a small port for boats where you can moor.

The island’s size is great for trekking, and you can swim on beaches of Padelia, Limnari and Tiganakia. The sea is crystal-clear and the shore is a bit rocky at some places. Relax completely even in high season, since the island is not a mainstream tourist destination.

Spend your morning sailing 26 NM south-southeast towards the islet of Telendos off Kalymnos Island. If you feel like it, make a swim stop in one of the bays on the island of Leros. Telendos Town, a small fishing place and a port, is the only settlement on the island and has all the basic amenities for tourists. There are no roads and no cars on the island, so you can enjoy tranquil atmosphere while lounging on sandy and pebbled beaches of Hohlakas, Paradise and Telendos. The beaches are not crowded, thus being ideal for naturists.

Go hiking or rock-climbing in the Crystal Cave that is bolted with stainless steel. Take a walk to the medieval fortress of Saint Constantine above the port and revel in an amazing sunset. Taverns and cafés serve local cheese, honey, mouri (stuffed lamb), kakavia (fish soup) or fylla (stuffed vegetable with rice).

Surround the island of Kalymnos and head 24 NM east to get to your starting destination, Kos Town. You will be able to make a swim stop near Pserimos island. When you approach Kos, you will see the magnificent medieval Neratzia Castle right on the coast. Spend your day relaxing on organized beaches, for example Nomikou-Barbagianni, a sandy beach that extends from the town. Choose to refresh yourself in either traditional Greek taverns or upscale restaurants with international gourmet dishes.

Stroll around town clashed with Venetian and Ottoman architecture, see the ancient Agora, the Roman Odeon and an ancient healing center of Asklepieion. Bars and clubs frequently organize themed parties and are open until early hours, so feel free to relax during your last night of your sailing holiday.

Spend your morning having breakfast on the yacht or in town. Check-out and spend the rest of the day sightseeing and shopping. Engage in a conversation with local people and find out a bit more about the island and Greece. Then take a ride to the airport and travel safe.