Greece - the Dodecanese Islands

If you'd rather hang out with the locals in a little taverna than play sardines with the packed-out tourist crowds - you'll love our little islands!

These days, one often has to travel just that little bit further to escape the homogenising influence of mass tourism. Of course, if your vacation goal involves drinking in Irish bars and eating McDonalds - you should be in the "big name" islands - Mykonos, Santorini, etc. Or start your sailing trip from Athens, and fight tooth n' nail for dock space in all the nearby islands.

But you'd prefer to experience some of the old-style Greek ambiance, with all it's original colour and lively spirit, it's a 50min plane ride away from Athens.

We think it's worth it.

Our islands are on the eastern side of the Aegean, close to the Turkish coast. The "Dodecanese" means "Twelve islands", all ideally spaced for the cruising sailor! - around 3-5 hrs sailing time from one anchorage to the next.

There are a few well known lively spots around these islands, which we do often throw into our itinerary mix - after all, it wouldn't be Greece without some late night dancing and partying - the locals excel at it!

But in general, we're all about going where the cruise ships can't - the little spots accessible only by sailboat (or hitching a ride with a fisherman!).