Rhodes

Why go there?

Mooring beneath the historic walls of Mandraki Harbor in Rhodes Town, where the Colossus once stood, and exploring the vast medieval UNESCO World Heritage Old Town. Sail down the eastern coast of Rhodes to Lindos to drop anchor beneath its towering ancient Acropolis. For seasoned skippers looking for true offshore passages, venture southwest to the wild, windswept peaks of Karpathos, or sail far east to Kastellorizo—Greece's isolated easternmost outpost—to enter its famous Blue Cave by dinghy.

Your Charter may coincide with these events:

• Medieval Rose Festival (Rhodes - May/June): A historic reenactment festival bringing knights, craft markets, and medieval pageantry to the Old Town streets.
• Olympos Feast Days (Karpathos - August 15th): A world-famous traditional gathering where women wear elaborate ancestral folk costumes and musicians play the lyra in a remote mountain village.
• Kastellorizo International Documentary Festival (Late August): An acclaimed cultural gathering bringing international filmmakers to the island's picturesque waterfront.

How to get there?

Rhodes serves as the primary international aviation and nautical hub for the region:

• By Air: Rhodes International Airport "Diagoras" (RHO) is one of Greece's busiest airports, with direct flights from major European hubs all summer. Karpathos Airport (AOK) also accepts domestic and seasonal charter flights.
• By Ferry: Major ferry lines connect Rhodes with Athens (Piraeus), the Cyclades, and Turkey (Marmaris/Fethiye).

Approaching by yacht

This is an advanced sailing ground. Offshore passages between Rhodes, Karpathos, and Kastellorizo involve long, open-sea stretches exposed to the full force of the Meltemi and strong Aegean swells. Eastern coastal bays along Rhodes (like Anthony Quinn Bay and Lindos) offer exceptional protection from northerly winds.

Marina & Port Facilities

Rhodes features primary charter base operations alongside deep-water commercial harbors:

• Rhodes Rhodes Marina & Mandraki Port:
• Services: Rhodes Marina offers full-service luxury berths with water, power, fuel berths, security, and technical support. Mandraki Port provides historic town quay mooring right outside the Old Town gates.
• Capacity: Plentiful berths; Mandraki requires careful anchor laying to avoid crossed chains.
• Lindos Bay (Rhodes):
• Services: Iconic anchorage beneath the acropolis. Onshore access to restaurants, shops, and taxi stands via dinghy dock.
• Capacity: Large bay with sandy holding; popular for daytime swim stops and overnight anchoring.
• Kastellorizo Harbor:
• Services: Deep, protected natural harbor with quayside berths, water, electricity, and waterfront tavernas.
• Capacity: Moderate space; yachts moor stern-to right along the colorful village promenade.

What food to expect?

Rich culinary traditions influenced by ancient Greek, Byzantine, and Ottoman heritage:

• Pataroudo: Rhodian stuffed goat or lamb cooked with rice and herbs, traditionally prepared for festive occasions.
• Karpathian Makarounes: Hand-rolled fresh pasta topped with caramelized onions and local salted goat cheese (Sitaka).
• Kastellorizo Katoumari: A sweet, fried pastry sprinkled with sugar, cinnamon, and rosewater.

Provisioning advice:

• Rhodes (Primary Base): Extensive provisioning options including large international supermarkets, specialty wine merchants, and fresh fish markets near Mandraki and Rhodes Marina.
• Outlier Strategy: Fully stock supplies, fuel, and fresh water in Rhodes before setting out on long passages to Karpathos, Kasos, or Kastellorizo.

Language and currency

• Main Language: Greek. English is spoken fluently across tourist sites, ports, and charter bases.
• Widely Accepted Currency: Euro (€). Cards accepted widely, though cash is essential on remote outer islands.

Visa requirements

Standard Schengen rules apply:

• US, Canadian, UK Passport Holders:Visa-free entry for up to 90 days in a 180-day window.
• EU Passport Holders: National ID card or passport required.