1. Leros, northern Dodecanese
The most diverse island in the archipelago: highlights are the villages of Pandeli and Agios Marina. In Pandeli there are comfortable buoy moorings (subject to charge) at the foot of the slope on which windmills tower above. It is the island's fishing village. Agios Marina is more upmarket, where a number of former merchant captains have settled in ornate historic mansions with an almost stately appearance. Both villages are separated by a high mountain ridge. Leros has it all: a beautiful mountain panorama with some greenery, great anchorages, interesting places with pretty buildings, windmills on the mountain, shops and restaurants on the shore, beaches right next to them. Lakki in the west even has a marina, but the associated village exudes rugged charm. It is an idiosyncratic retort town of the Italian fascists under Mussolini with a corresponding architectural style. In the north, there are anchor bays, some more, some less well protected from the Meltemi wind, which are worth discovering - once you have seen the rest of the island.
Possibilities for anchoring: Perfectly protected from Meltemi and beautiful: Xerokampos in the south. A few buoys, restaurants on the shore, plenty of space for anchoring. Ormos Alintas: in front of the old captain's village of Agios Marina, the most beautiful on the island. Some swell in Meltemi, then lie as far north as possible. Total tranquillity: eastern shore of the island of Archangelos in the north of Leros.
Worth seeing: The old fortress above Agios Marina is worth a visit and a climb, it tells the story of Turkish raids and the island's role in the Second World War. Great view, exciting history.
Restaurant: In Agios Marina the "Mylos" ( www.mylosbythesea.com ) right by the windmill on the waterfront. Top seafood, a culinary discovery, and above all affordable. In Pandeli, from 5.30 pm, a steep climb (or by taxi) to the old windmills on the hill to the "Harris" bar. The view of the island, town and harbour is simply breathtaking.
2. Kalymnos, Dodecanese
The stronghold of the sponge divers and so versatile that you can visit it several times during the trip. For example, the east side at the start of the trip against the Meltemi, the west side on the return. The very busy ferry port of Kalymnos Town is a little busy, but the berths in front of the pier in the centre of the port are very good and sheltered. The sponge diving museum is well worth the stop. The large town centre also offers ideal shopping opportunities. The super-narrow, fjord-like Vathys harbour bay in the south-east is quaint. There are a few places on a pier there, but be careful, it is narrow and there is sometimes swell from ferries. Keep a greater distance than usual from the pier! The other island villages consist of just a few houses and tavernas, they are wonderfully sleepy places where often only yachtsmen stop!
Worth seeing:The Sponge Diver Museum right by the harbour of Kalymnos is definitely worth a visit. It shows how arduous the hunt for the animal (!) was. The archaeological museum is small, but has very beautiful exhibits!
3. Symi, southern Dodecanese
Perhaps the most beautiful harbour in the Aegean for many skippers. The village lies in a crevice that rises steeply on both sides, and its colourful houses nestle against the mountain slopes. The harbour is surrounded by winding alleyways lined with cafés, tavernas and shops. If you make the effort to climb up one of the mountain sides, you will be rewarded with a constantly changing panorama at every turn. Especially in the late light, when the colours of the houses really shine, Symi is unforgettable. The harbour bay is very deep, quickly reaching around 20 metres in the middle. So you have to put practically all the chain on board. And you also need to weigh anchor well, as excursion boats sometimes cause a bit of swell during the day. If the swell is stronger in the bay, you should leave the main town, as waves build up quickly! Fortunately, the island and the main town of the same name have much more to offer: The very beautiful, well-protected Pedi anchorage to the south has recently even opened the small "Marina Symi" with moorings at the pier. Another highlight is the perfectly sheltered monastery bay of Panormitis in the south.
- Here are three more pearls of the Aegean: Cyclades for skippers - Sifnos, Santorini and Kythnos
