Find out everything about sailing from Rhodes town: itineraries, ports, yacht rental options & other useful information. We are here to help! The city of Rhodes, the capital of the island of Rhodes, is not only the center of history and culture, but also the number one starting point for sailing enthusiasts. The bustling city hidden in the heart of the Dodecanese offers sailors a unique opportunity to discover the hidden gems of the Aegean. Sailing to the nearby islands promises a journey full of breathtaking scenery, ancient ruins, steady winds and rich cultural experiences.
Here’s what the article will cover:

Rhodes weather for sailing
Why sailing from Rhodes town is a good choice?
Departure and arrival information
Ports of Rhodes town
Sailing from Rhodes town – itineraries

Rhodes Weather

Rhodes offers excellent weather conditions for sailing. With sheltered waters, reduced wave height, minimal tidal movements, weak currents, it creates favorable conditions, facilitating route planning and safe anchoring. The optimal sailing season in Rhodes is from the end of April to October. During this period, the weather is warm and the wind is generally steady, providing ideal conditions for sailing. July and August are the busiest months with the warmest temperatures and most consistent winds.

During the summer, the prevailing wind in Rhodes is the Meltemi, a steady northwesterly wind that blows continuously from June to September. It usually ranges between 15 and 25 knots, so moderate waves can be expected, especially in open water. It sometimes reaches higher speeds, but especially in July and August. .Next to the Meltemi, local sea winds often develop along the coast. These breezes are generally lighter and are common in the mornings and evenings, offering milder conditions for sailing. In the summer months, the temperature of Rhodes is between 25°C and 35°C, and the sea temperature is between 23°C and 27°C.

Summer is the dry season in Rhodes, with little or no rainfall, ensuring clear skies and undisturbed sailing. Most of the precipitation on the island falls in the winter months. Visibility on the water is typically excellent, with clear skies and low humidity. This allows for easy navigation and beautiful views of the coast.

Why sailing from Rhodes town is a good choice?

The city of Rhodes is the capital of the largest island of the Dodecanese, making it an ideal starting point for exploring this fascinating archipelago.
Located near the Turkish coast, it allows you to easily include the Turkish Riviera in your sailing itinerary. You can explore the island’s rich historical heritage influenced by Greek, Ottoman and Italian culture.
From May to October, the wind is generally steady and fairly strong, providing excellent sailing conditions.
The city of Rhodes has a number of well-equipped ports that provide all necessary facilities and services for sailors.
The surrounding islands, such as Symi, Kos and Tilos, are easily accessible, so they offer the opportunity for either shorter or longer trips. The Aegean Sea or even the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea is within sight.
The main season for sailing is from May to October, but the mild Mediterranean climate allows sailing almost all year round.
The city of Rhodes hosts many cultural festivals and events throughout the year, and the city’s taverns and restaurants offer authentic Mediterranean flavors, adding a unique flavor to your sailing trip.

Departure and arrival information to Rhodes

The most convenient way to reach Rhodes is to land at Rhodes International Airport. The airport is accessible from several major cities in Greece, as well as direct flights from various European destinations. The Athens International Airport (ATH) provides easy access for those arriving from overseas, from where you can continue to the island with frequent domestic flights. The city is approximately 14 kilometres from the airport.

Ports of Rhodes town

Mandraki Port, Rhodes

Mandraki is the historical Port of Rhodes. Based on old documents the Colossus of Rhodes, the world’s sixth wonder was erected here. Nowadays you can only see the pedestal. Fort Nicholas built by the templars stands at the end of the pier. On the shore, there are also three windmills from the 16th century. The port has a unique atmosphere with shops, taverns, and bars. It is a busy port, so it is advisable to book before your cruise. The port is quite shallow accepting smaller yachts – always check it beforehand! Mandraki is rather interesting from a historical aspect; if you want to cast anchor, head to the new port.

New Marina of Rhodes

The ‘new’ port of Rhodes was built for touristic purposes. This complex is state-of-the-art and innovative technology. There is a yacht repair garage and a dry dock. Moreover, this is the only port in Greece which accepts yachts of 120 m. It possesses about 400 berths. There are electricity, tap water, and wastewater tanks at every anchor point. Furthermore, you can find a car rental company, hotels, restaurants, and bars. Not to mention laundry and surgeries.

The commercial port of Rhodes (Kolona port)

It is close to the port of Mandraki, close to the medieval old town. The main commercial and passenger port of Rhodes. It serves large ferries, cargo ships and some cruise ships. .

Port of Akandia

It is located a little further east of the Commercial Port. Akandia is the newest and largest port facility in Rhodes. It mainly serves larger cruise ships and ferries when the main commercial port is full. It is also used as an emergency docking station.