Luxury Gulet Charter: Bodrum to the Greek islands

Sometimes the options for blue cruise Turkey are overwhelming with so many beautiful places to visit and explore. However, if you have decided to begin your journey in Bodrum, all that remains is planning your itinerary for visiting the nearby Dodecanese islands of Greece. The following islands are easily accessible and all stunning in their own unique ways. Depending on your time frame, it is possible to explore the majority of the islands, getting a very good taste for Greek culture in this region of the Aegean sea.

Kos
Kos is the largest of the northern Dodecanese islands and is known for its abundantly sandy beaches. The island is rich with Greek and Roman landmarks, including a castle, many temples, and a villa that boasts lavish mosaics. It is also one of the most fertile Greek islands and has three large protected areas for nature to flourish. The sunsets on Kos are an extremely beautiful sight and there are many vantage points around the island from which to enjoy this marvel. Busy cosmopolitan cafes and rustic taverns in the town of Kos are a perfect way to end your day after exploring the history and natural beauty of this island.

NORTHERN ISLANDS

Pserimos
A small island with only 80 reported inhabitants, Pserimos is an isolated island with a pleasant amount of charm. It is one of the smallest inhabited islands in Greece making it a unique stop along your gulet journey. Although small, Pserimos has a number of sparkling white sand beaches and a few tavernas with delicious local food.

Leros
Leros is a very mountainous and green island with many secluded bays and beaches to enjoy. You can rent a bike or explore the island easily by foot. Be sure to take a walk around Plantanos, the main city of Leros, and if you are feeling energetic, climb the 300 steps up to the Castle of Leros. The narrow streets and flower gardens make Plantanos a charming place to spend an afternoon ashore.

Lipsi
On Lipsi you can enjoy sandy beaches and explore the capital with its traditional white houses and local tavernas. Platis and Giolos beaches are particularly beautiful and provide the perfect place to relax and marvel at the crystal clear water.

Patmos
Patmos is another small island but is well known for its religious history. It is also a mythological phenomenon as it is known to have been a present from Zeus to his daughter, Artemis. You can easily spend an afternoon strolling around and exploring the local monasteries.

Kalymnos
After Kos and Rhodes, this is the 3rd most populous Dodecanese island. It is one of the wealthiest Greek islands and is known as the “sponge divers” island as sponges were once the main source of income for the island. With its dramatic mountains, it is also a popular rock-climbing spot year-round, attracting climbers from all over the world. Pothia Harbour is the capital of this island and is linked to other towns by a coastal highway with spectacular views.

SOUTHERN ISLANDS

Nisyros
Nisyros remains a peaceful island destination, relatively undisturbed by tourism. It is a private spot along the southern route, making it an ideal stop while en route to the larger islands of Symi and Rhodes. It is mostly famous for its young and active volcano but is also known for its picturesque villages and pristine local beaches.

Symi
Symi should definitely be included on your itinerary and have your cameras ready when approaching this harbour. The waterfront is lined with colourful 19th-century neoclassical homes that have been originally restored according to strict regulations. There is also an annual music festival hosted here and if you plan it right, you might be able to stop over at the right time. On the opposite side of the island, there is a major Greek Orthodox pilgrimage site known as the Monastery of Archangel Michael Panormitis. Symi is incredibly charming and well worth the visit.

Rhodes
Be sure to reserve some time on your itinerary for Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese islands. As home to over 50,000 people, Rhodes has a vibrant downtown and plenty of nature to explore around the island. Lindos, another town approximately 50 kilometres away from the city of Rhodes, is worth travelling to either by organized tour or rented motorbike. The nightlife on the island is also a particularly fantastic so be sure to take a wander around after enjoying a relaxing dinner onboard your gulet.

No matter which of the Greek islands you choose to explore while on your private blue cruise Bodrum, you are sure to enjoy all that this region has to offer. Relish in the beauty of Greek culture and delicious local cuisine. Soak in some sun and enjoy the incredible natural beauty of this unique area while enjoying the luxuries of a private Turkish gulet experience.