Why go there?
Explore the bustling harbor of Kos Town, overlooked by the towering 14th-century Castle of the Knights of Saint John, or relax along long stretches of sandy beach. Cross the windy channel to Kalymnos, world-famous for its dramatic limestone cliffs that attract rock climbers globally and its historic sponge-diving culture. Drop anchor off the car-free islet of Telendos for stunning sunset views, or moor in the quiet, turquoise bay of Pserimos for a peaceful beach stop.
Your Charter may coincide with these events:
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Hippocratia Festival (Kos - July to September): A summer-long festival honoring Hippocrates, featuring classical concerts, outdoor theatrical plays, and traditional dances.
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Kalymnos Climbing Festival (Autumn): An international gathering bringing hundreds of climbers to the island's famous sheer rock faces.
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Sponge Diving Celebrations (Kalymnos - Easter/Spring): Traditional ceremonies and dances marking the historical departure of the island’s sponge-diving fleets.
How to get there?
This hub is the most accessible entry point in the Dodecanese:
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By Air: Kos International Airport "Hippocrates" (KGS) receives numerous daily direct international charter flights from across Europe throughout summer, as well as domestic connections from Athens. Kos Marina is just a 30-minute taxi ride from the airport.
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By Ferry: Regular high-speed ferries connect Kos and Kalymnos with mainland Athens (Piraeus) and neighboring Aegean islands.
Approaching by yacht
Sailing between Kos and Kalymnos requires active seamanship. The Meltemi funnels through the wide channel between the islands, generating brisk winds (often 20–25 knots) and building short sea swells. The steep fjord of Vathy on Kalymnos offers a dramatic, highly sheltered approach.
Marina facilities
This hub features some of the best technical marina infrastructure in the Aegean:
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Kos Marina:
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Services: Modern, full-service blue-flag marina offering 250+ berths with full utility pedestals, fuel berth, 24/7 security, travel lift, chandleries, and commercial provisioning centers.
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Capacity: Primary charter base; advance booking recommended for transit berths.
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Pothia Harbor (Kalymnos):
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Services: Large, bustling commercial harbor with quayside berths, water, electricity, fuel tanker service, and maritime repair shops.
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Capacity: Plentiful berth space along the main breakwater.
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Vathy Fjord (Kalymnos):
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Services: A spectacular narrow fjord opening into a small quay lined with seafood tavernas and basic facilities.
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Capacity: Limited quay space; stern-lines to rocks along the fjord walls are standard.
What food to expect?
Gastronomy in the central hub combines classic Dodecanese flavors with unique regional specialties:
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Mirmizeli: A traditional Kalymnian salad made with hard barley rusks, tomatoes, sea salt, olive oil, and local goat cheese.
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Spinialo: A historic sponge-diver delicacy consisting of sea squirts, stingray, or octopus preserved in seawater.
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Posa Cheese (Kos): Local cheese cured in red wine lees, imparting a distinct reddish crust and sharp flavor.
Provisioning advice:
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Optimal Stocking Base: Kos Marina is one of the best locations in the Greek islands for a major initial stock-up, featuring large chain supermarkets right outside the marina gates.
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Kalymnos Options: Pothia provides excellent fresh markets, fishmongers, and bakeries directly along the harbor front.
Language and currency
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Main Language: Greek. English is fluently spoken across all marinas, charter offices, and restaurants.
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Widely Accepted Currency: Euro (€). Cards are accepted everywhere, though cash is helpful for smaller beach bays on Pserimos.
Visa requirements
As part of Greece and the Schengen Area, standard entry regulations apply:
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US, Canadian, UK Passport Holders: No visa required for tourist stays under 90 days within a 180-day period. Valid passport required.
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EU Passport Holders: Valid national ID card or passport required for entry.
