Greek Islands Tour by Motor Yacht from Bodrum: How Many Days, What Kind of Route?
Sailing from Bodrum, one of Turkey’s most popular holiday destinations, into the enchanting world of the Greek islands across the azure waters of the Aegean Sea is a dream for many travelers. A route encompassing the islands of Kos, Kalymnos, Pserimos (likely referring to the island you mentioned as “Eros”), and Patmos is a perfect fit for those seeking history, nature, and tranquility. So, what’s the ideal duration for this unforgettable sea holiday, and what kind of itinerary should you follow? In this comprehensive guide, you will find all the details to chart your course, from accommodation alternatives and yacht options to daily schedules and budget tips.
Ideal Duration: How Many Days Should You Allocate?
To properly explore these four islands (Kos, Kalymnos, Pserimos, Patmos), feel the spirit of each, and enjoy the pleasures of the sea, a minimum of 7 days and 8 nights is ideal. A shorter period (e.g., 5 days) could force a very fast and exhausting pace, especially considering the distance to Patmos. 10 days allows for a more relaxed, in-depth exploration and perhaps adding extra small coves to the route.
Our Recommendation: A 7-day program offers the perfect balance. Here’s why:
- Travel Pace: You can spend at least one full day on each island and experience its atmosphere in the evenings with overnight stays.
- Sea Time: With average daily sails of 2-4 hours, you won’t get tired and can enjoy the sea.
- Flexibility: You have some buffer time for bad weather or spontaneous discoveries.
Detailed 7-Night, 8-Day Route and Itinerary
This route efficiently covers all islands with both overnight stays and daytime stops.
Day 1: Departure from Bodrum & The Historic Texture of Kos
- Morning: Early meet-up at Bodrum Marina, boarding your chartered yacht, safety briefing, and provisioning.
- Afternoon: Set sail. A pleasant 1.5-2 hour cruise from Bodrum to Kos (Kos Town).
- Evening: Settle in at Kos Marina or by anchoring off the town. For dinner in Kos Town, you can choose famous restaurants like Aspava and see the ancient Agora and the Plane Tree of Hippocrates under night lights.
- Accommodation: In Kos, at the marina or at anchor.
Day 2: Exploring Kos
- Morning: Explore the city of Hippocrates. The world-famous Asklepieion (ancient healing temple), Kos Castle, and the Archaeological Museum are must-sees.
- Afternoon: Swimming break in a quiet cove near Plaka Forest.
- Evening: Experience Kos’s vibrant nightlife on Bar Street or have dinner at a quieter marina restaurant.
- Accommodation: In Kos.
Day 3: From Kos to Kalymnos: The Island of Climbers and Sponge Divers
- Morning: After breakfast, depart Kos for the capital of Kalymnos, Pothia (approx. 1.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Lunch in the colorful port of Pothia. You can visit the Sponge Diving Museum.
- Evening: Move to the stunning blue villages of Myrties or Masouri in the north of the island, offering magnificent views of the neighboring island Telendos. Seafront fish tavernas are ideal for dinner.
- Accommodation: At anchor or moored in front of a taverna in Myrties/Masouri.
Day 4: Adventure and Relaxation in Kalymnos
- Option A (Adventure): Kalymnos is one of the world’s top rock climbing destinations. You can experience a guided climb.
- Option B (Relaxation): Enjoy swimming and natural beauty in the calm, inner fjords like Vathy or Emborios.
- Evening: Sunset and dinner at a pleasant spot in Myrties.
- Accommodation: In Kalymnos.
Day 5: Serenity Stop: Pserimos and Journey to Patmos
- Morning: Wake up early and sail to Pserimos, a small and pristine island between Kalymnos and Kos (approx. 1 hour). Stop for breakfast or lunch on this island famous for its two sandy beaches.
- Afternoon: From Pserimos, begin the longer sail to the most mystical island of the route, Patmos (approx. 3-4 hours).
- Evening: Arrival at Patmos’s main port, Skala. Settle in at the marina or at anchor.
- Accommodation: In Patmos.
Day 6: In the Mystical Ambiance of Patmos
- Morning: Take a minibus or taxi from Skala up to the island’s heart, Hora (Chora). The Monastery of Saint John the Theologian (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and the Holy Cave of the Apocalypse are absolute must-visits.
- Afternoon: Stroll through the labyrinthine narrow streets of Hora and have lunch.
- Evening: Dinner at a romantic restaurant in Skala or Grikos Bay.
- Accommodation: In Patmos.
Day 7: The Start of the Return: From Patmos to Kalymnos/Kos
- Morning: Bid farewell to Patmos and start the return journey. You can make a small detour to Lipsi island for lunch.
- Afternoon/Evening: Drop anchor in another cove of Kalymnos or a quiet cove in Kos’s Kefalos Bay (e.g., Paradise Beach) for the evening. Enjoy your last night’s dinner on board or at a seaside restaurant.
- Accommodation: At anchor in Kalymnos or Kos.
Day 8: Return to Bodrum and Farewells
- Morning: After the final breakfast, sail back to Bodrum Marina (approx. 2-3 hours). Yacht handover and farewells.
Yacht Options, Capacities, and Pricing
You have two main options for this route: Charter Yacht (Bareboat) or Charter Yacht with a Captain (Skippered Charter). If you are not an experienced sailor, definitely opt for the captain option.
1. Charter Motor Yachts/Sailboats (Bareboat or with Captain):
- Capacity: Models available for 4-12 people. A 4-cabin yacht is ideal for a group of 7-8.
- Example Yachts:
- Lagoon 40 / Bali 4.1 (Catamaran): 4+1 cabins. Spacious and stable. Weekly charter: €4,000 – €8,000 (varies by season).
- Oceanis 46.1 / Bavaria 46 (Sailboat): 4+2 cabins. Economical and enjoyable. Weekly: €3,000 – €6,000.
- Princess 50 / Fairline 48 (Motor Yacht): 4-5 cabins. Luxurious and fast. Weekly: €8,000 – €15,000+.
- Captain Fee: Additional, approximately €150-€250 per day.
2. Crewed Yacht (Gulet) Charter:
- Capacity: 8-20+ people. Traditional Turkish gulets offer luxury, comfort, and full service.
- Example: A standard 8-10 person gulet (4-5 cabins) in peak summer season ranges from €12,000 to €25,000 per week. This price typically includes the captain, one or two crew members, meals, local harbor fees, and fuel. This is an excellent option for a hassle-free holiday with all costs known upfront.
Factors Affecting Pricing:
- Season: July-August is most expensive, May-June and September (“shoulder season”) are more reasonable, October-April is low season.
- Yacht Age and Luxury Level: Newer and more luxurious models are more expensive.
- Included/Excluded Services: On a bareboat, you only pay the yacht charter. Food & beverages, fuel, marina/restaurant fees, transit log (Greece passage fee) are extra. On crewed yachts, most things are included in the package.
Estimated Average Cost Per Person:
- Economy (Skippered Sailboat, eating out): €800 – €1,200 per week
- Mid-Range (Skippered Catamaran, some meals on board): €1,300 – €2,000 per week
- Luxury (Crewed Gulet, all-inclusive): €2,500 – €4,000+ per week
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This guide provides the essential framework for an unforgettable blue cruise starting from Bodrum and covering the islands of Kos, Kalymnos, Pserimos, and Patmos. Remember, part of the joy of the sea comes from a bit of unplanning and spontaneous decisions. Chart your course based on this daily plan, but also allow the wind and your sense of adventure to sometimes lead you to different coves and surprise discoveries. Fair winds and following seas!
