Cruise tip: Bodrum - Santorini - Bodrum
About 290 nm
I first did this cruise in the summer of 2002. Countless crews have since gone on my recommendation and been highly impressed with the wind conditions and the island itself. In summer, the meltemi blows back and forth pretty constantly at around 6Bf. It doesn't make sense to get up early in the morning. Winds rise around 13.00, reach their strongest at around 16.00, then slowly die down. We have never left base earlier than 13.00. The distance is between 40-45 nm, so that means the island can be reached in 6-7 hours.
1st Day Bodrum - Nisyros (Pali Harbour)
From the base at Bodrum we make our way past Cape Knidos and go south towards the fishing harbour of Pali on the north east side of Nisyros. Nisyros is a small, but interesting island with an active volcano, whose crater you can walk on. As you go along it, steamy, sulphur-rich air leaking from the cracks make for an unforgettable experience. There's moped rental at the harbour, but you can reach the volcano in about 20 minutes by taxi or bus. There's a water supply available and diesel is also available from a fuel truck. There are good tavernas in the harbour.
2nd Day Nisyros - Astypalaia
In many guide books this island is wrongly described as having rotted away. On the contrary, a great deal of time and money has been invested in the restoration of the charming old houses over the last 10 years and the results are clearly visible. The island is in the shape of a butterfly. At the narrowest point, about 1nm west of Maltezana, is my favourite cove. During the day there are bathers here, but in the evenings, even in high season, you are mostly alone. At the kiosk on the beach there is a bus stop. It takes about 10 minutes by bus to the main town of Skala. On the east side of the island you'll find yourself in the almost entirely enclosed bay of Vathy, which is very safe in any wind conditions and is home to an excellent taverna.
3rd Day Astypalaia - Santorin (Thira)
This place is one of the absolute highlights of the Greek islands. The volcanic eruption of its prehistoric past has left bizarre cliff and sandstone formations, which are practically indescribable. On this stretch of the cruise it's advisable to set out early because the approach to the new marina in the south of Santorini is not without difficulty. Crags , which are clearly visible in daylight, stretch out in front of the harbour. Therefore, manoeuvring at night is extremely tricky. The marina is not quite complete, but there is plenty mooring. Electricity and water connections were being installed in 2003. In the marina there are tons of adverts for car and moped rental. If you're interested, one will be delivered to you at the harbour within 30 minutes. The capital city of Thira is about half an hour's drive away. There are plenty of shops, tavernas and things to see. Naturally, tourism and trade here is brisk but that adds a certain flair to the island. The nicest beaches are on the east and south coasts. Fine, black lava sand awaits you and water temperatures of around 30°C are the perfect invitation for a dip.
4th Day Santorin - Amorgos
From Marina Santorin, heading through the volcanic crater while casting a final view at the steep rock faces with Thira at the top, we head north. Now we reach Amorgos. On the west coast there are a host of bays, and 2 villages; Katapola und Ormos A.Annas. My preferred place to drop anchor is just after the southern cape of Amorgos opposite the island of Gramvousa. Worth-seeing and also a good place to stay the night is the bay on the west coast in front of the monastery - easily seen from the sea and weaved into the cliff face like a swallow's nest. A hike up the steep steps will reward you with a fantastic view.
5th Day Amorgos - Levitha
Levitha is the eastern most island in the Cyclades and uninhabited but for a single farming family. This family runs a restaurant on the hill above the bay to the east. The farmer has put up mooring in this bay and it's recommended to reserve a table with him shortly after arriving. The number of tables is limited and his restaurant is much prized by yachties. Don't forget your torch for the way back because there isn't any electricity on the island.
6th Day Levitha - Kalymnos
From Levitha we head east to the island of the sponge divers - Kalymnos. The massive appearance of this island is impressive. On the north west side is the bay of Ormos Emporios, where you'll find mooring. A trip inland is worth it because there are many caves and places where Christians took refuge during the time of their persecution. In the south, 1 nm west of the main town of Kalymnos there's another bay called Vlikadia, which also has 2 tavernas.
7th Day Kalymnos - Bodrum
Every cruise must come to an end, but I hope I've been able to whet your appetite sufficiently enough in the hope that I get to welcome you on board one of the Frankonia yachts in Bodrum
Sailing from Bodrum, Milta Marina - our tips:
Cruise tip Bodrum - Gökova, Akyaka
Cruise tip Bodrum - Akbük Liman
Cruise tip Bodrum - Greek Islands
Cruise tip Bodrum - Santorini - Bodrum
General information: Sailing Region Bodrum
Map of Milta Marina: Bodrum harbour
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