Sailing out of Kos, Dodecanese Islands, Greece, we head south in the 10 mile wide bay separating Kos, Greece from Bodrum, Turkey. Passing the southeastern tip of Kos we turn southwest towards Nisyros, Greece. The long Turkish peninsula of Datca will stay with us; now to our south, later to our north as we head east to Symi Island.

Itinerary, Kos, South Dodecanese Islands, Greece

To keep the prevailing northwest winds to our side much as possible, we plan a crisscrossing itinerary with a short upwind sail on our fifth day from Tilos to Mandraki, Nisyros, our second visit to Nisyros but each overnight a different, equally interesting port.

Lividia, Tilos, Greek Island Sailing

Nasuo, Symi Island, Greek Sailing

This itinerary allowed for several days of 25 – 30 nm, helped along by the steady NW meltemi winds. We also had a few breaks in our day-sails to enjoy a lunch swim at small coves such as Nasuo and Orfos; each with turquoise water, clear to the bottom in our 30-40 feet anchorage.

Perhaps the best indication of a well-planned itinerary was the crew’s inability to select a favorite: “It depends if you want a lively port like Symi Town or a quite, pretty spot like Lividia”.

Symi, Dodecanes, Greece Sailing