Whether you are heading to Greece for your annual family vacation, a romantic getaway or a group trip with friends, Rhodes is an ideal holiday destination thanks to its beautiful blue sea, sandy beaches, sunny weather and cultural sights. If you decide to hire a yacht through providers like BorrowABoat then Rhodes can also act as the perfect base to explore the rest of the Dodecanese.
Chartering a yacht is guaranteed to make your stay in Greece a very memorable one and will give you the chance to enjoy a huge range of activities. Let’s take a look at some of the top activities you can do when chartering a yacht from Rhodes, but before we do here is a bit of important background information that you should know about this popular Greek island:
The island of Rhodes
Located to the northeast of Crete and southeast of Athens, Rhodes is the largest and possibly most well known of the Dodecanese islands of Greece. It is home to more than 50,000 residents and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the whole of Europe.
The climate is hot-mediterranean and its location makes it one of the warmest parts of Greece, with average temperatures being around 26C in Summer and 12C in Winter.Those planning to charter a yacht will be interested to know there are a selection of ports on the island.
Central Port is the busiest and is exclusively for international traffic, there is also Kolona port to the north which is suitable for all size yachts travelling around the Dodecanese and the smaller Akandia Port to the south. The oldest port is Mandraki, which is most often used for boat trips to the small island of Symi.
Top activities to do in and around Rhodes
Chartering a yacht
While there are a good range of transport options on the island, they cannot really compare to sailing in your own yacht. Buses and private hire vehicles may be good for getting around in-land, but travelling by boat allows you to easily hop between islands and enjoy more scenic views.
Group boat tours are one option for seeing multiple destinations across the Greek islands, however hiring your own boat gives you much more freedom to explore at your own pace and visit places of your choosing. You don’t need to be a qualified sailor either as it is possible to hire the services of a skipper with your yacht.
Why not take a gentle sail over to Lindos, a beautiful and historic part of the island of Rhodes? Visitors often find the bright white buildings with traditional architecture to be striking.
Once on land, you can take a walk through the Citadel and along the steep roads to the Acropolis, viewing the medieval walls and towers along the way. At the back of the Acropolis, visitors can find St Paul’s Bay, the ideal location for a swim in crystal blue waters.
South of Lindos is Navarone Bay, film buffs may recognise the beaches in this area as the setting of the 1961 hit film The Guns of Navarone. This area is less commercialised than other island hotspots and feels like a very private idyllic location to relax in the sunshine.
If quiet beaches are your style then Pefkos is another location for a trip on the yacht. Pefkos is on the east of Rhodes and is home to a number of small hotels and restaurants, on Lee beach you will find soft golden sands and over on Plakia beach you are able to stroll over to the caves and watch the sunset.
Day trips to nearby islands
While Rhodes has plenty to explore, with access to a boat you can enjoy the neighbouring islands. Sail over to some of the smaller destinations in the Dodecanese island complex to look around ancient religious buildings, monuments and quaint villages.
On Tilos you will find the magnificent Agios Panteleimonas monastery, while over Chalki you can stroll around the picturesque villages with colourful houses and enjoy the local seafood delicacies.
A yacht charter is also the perfect opportunity for…
While not specific to Rhodes, there are a wide range of activities to try out onboard or in the sea while out on a yacht. For example, there are many water sports to enjoy, such as wakeboarding, tubing and kayaking to name a few.
Those interested in the underwater life around Rhodes can bring along their snorkelling or scuba diving equipment. The gentle, warm water makes these activities enjoyable most months of the year.
Perhaps you are holidaying to celebrate something special, such as a birthday or anniversary. Why not throw a party onboard your yacht with tasty cocktails and Greek-themed appetisers? Bring along some great company and good music for a truly unforgettable celebration, just be sure to be conscious of noise to prevent disturbing residents near to the beach or port.
Rhodes has so many options for entertainment and cultural enrichment, chartering a yacht during your trip is guaranteed to open up your options for activities and sightseeing destinations and allow you to make the most of your time in Greece.
