Best Anchorages in the Dodecanese

Grikos is a picturesque, lake-like bay on the SE coast of Patmos, sheltered from the prevailing NW Meltemi by Tragonisi islet and the surrounding hills.

Vathy (Port Rina) is one of the most dramatic anchorages in the Dodecanese — a deep fjord enclosed by sheer limestone cliffs on the east coast of Kalymnos, with orange and lemon groves filling the fertile valley beyond.

Lakki (Portolago) is one of the finest natural harbours in the Aegean — a vast, almost fully enclosed bay on the west coast of Leros with an excellent mud bottom and outstanding all-round shelter.

Marathounda is a beautiful, remote deep inlet on the SE coast of Symi, enclosed by dramatic limestone hills and accessible only by sea or a long walk.

Panormitis is the spiritual heart of Symi — a virtually landlocked bay enclosing the magnificent 18th-century Monastery of the Archangel Michael, patron saint of sailors.

Lindos is one of the most spectacular anchorages in the Mediterranean — an ancient white-washed village and Doric Acropolis rising above a turquoise bay.

Kamari Bay at the SW tip of Kos, beneath the ancient Kefalos promontory and with the Early Christian basilica ruins on Kastri islet as its backdrop, is one of the most scenic anchorages on Kos.

Lipsi is a charming, unhurried island — one of the smallest permanently inhabited Dodecanese islands — with a tight, picturesque harbour on mud and sand.

Livadia is the main port of Tilos — a small, genuinely off-the-beaten-track island that sees far fewer charter yachts than its better-known neighbours.

Mandraki is the main port of extraordinary Nisyros — a still-active volcanic island with a caldera that can be visited on foot, a beautifully preserved white village, and tavernas serving some of the best local food in the Dodecanese.