Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese islands — and one of the most rewarding sailing destinations in the Aegean. Ancient history, turquoise bays, a UNESCO-listed medieval old town, and anchorages that range from busy marinas to secluded coves. Whether you’re transiting from Turkey, cruising south from Kos, or making Rhodes a destination in itself, this island repays careful exploration.

Here’s what every sailor needs to know before arriving.

Mandraki Port — The Historic Heart of Rhodes

Mandraki is Rhodes Town’s most famous harbour, sitting at the northeast tip of the island beneath the walls of the medieval city. This is where, according to legend, the Colossus of Rhodes once stood astride the entrance — one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Approach: From the north, keep well clear of the shoal water and reef on the N side of the entrance. Large hotels line the W shore — useful visual references on approach. The entrance is straightforward in settled conditions but can be tricky with Meltemi winds.

Mooring: Anchor or med-moor inside the harbour. VHF Ch. 09. Maximum draft 3.5m. Maximum length 40m. Book in advance in high season — Mandraki is extremely busy July–August. No mooring lines provided.

Facilities: Water and electricity on some quays. Fuel by tanker (arrange 12–24 hours in advance). Full provisioning, restaurants, chandlery and all services available in Rhodes Town.

What to do ashore: The medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site — walk the walls at twilight when the heat drops. The Palace of the Grand Master and the Street of the Knights are unmissable. Allow at least half a day.

Full pilot guide: Rhodes — SeaTV
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Watch: Sail around Rhodes — SeaTV
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Watch: Rhodes Marina — SeaTV

Lindos Bay — Anchor Beneath an Ancient Acropolis

Approximately 24 nautical miles southeast of Rhodes Town, Lindos is one of the most dramatic anchorages in the Aegean. The acropolis rises sharply above the village on a 116m cliff — visible from sea long before you enter the bay.

Approach: The bay offers good protection from northerly winds (Meltemi) with 5–10m depths over sand and excellent holding. There is also a small bay south of the castle. Anchor freely in the bay — it’s large enough for many boats but fills up in July and August.

What to do ashore: Visit early morning or late afternoon when the heat and crowds ease. Walk the narrow, shaded alleys of the car-free village. Climb to the acropolis on foot or by donkey — the view over the bay is breathtaking. The beach at the head of the bay is one of the best on the island.

⚠️ Note: Lindos is exposed to southerly winds — check the forecast before committing to an overnight stay.

Full pilot guide: Rhodes & Lindos — SeaTV

Anthony Quinn Bay — The Snorkeller’s Favourite

Named after the actor who fell in love with Rhodes while filming The Guns of Navarone, Anthony Quinn Bay sits on the east coast roughly 14 nautical miles south of Rhodes Town. It’s small, dramatic, and popular — for good reason.

Why sailors love it: Crystal-clear water, good snorkelling directly from the boat, and a picturesque setting of pine-covered cliffs dropping into the sea. The bottom is sand and rock with reasonable holding in 4–8m.

⚠️ What to watch for: Very crowded in high season — both day-tripper boats and yachts compete for space. Arrive early or visit as a lunch stop rather than an overnight anchorage. Exposed to wind from the north.

Kolympia — The Quiet Alternative on the East Coast

A small settlement on the east coast of Rhodes, Kolympia is known among sailors for two things: it’s relatively uncrowded compared to the main tourist spots, and it has two excellent restaurants worth the detour.

For sailors: The coast here offers anchoring in 5–15m over sand with moderate holding. Not the most sheltered option in strong winds, but a pleasant lunch stop or early-season overnight when the crowds haven’t yet arrived.

Kritinia Castle — A Highlight for the Explorer

Not an anchorage in itself, but worth a mention for sailors exploring Rhodes’ west coast. Built on a hilltop in 1472 by the Knights of St. John, the castle’s ruins overlook the Aegean and offer one of the most dramatic viewpoints on the island. Accessible by land from any mooring on the west coast.

Sailing Notes for Rhodes

Meltemi: The summer northerly wind (NW–N) is the dominant factor in the Dodecanese. It blows strongly from July through September, sometimes for 5–10 consecutive days. The north and west coasts of Rhodes are exposed — plan accordingly and use the east coast anchorages as shelter when it pipes up.

Turkey crossings: Rhodes is close to the Turkish coast and a common crossing point. Formal customs and immigration clearance is required — check current procedures with the port authority before departing.

Onward destinations: From Rhodes, natural next stops include Symi, Chalki, Tilos and Kastellorizo — all covered in the SeaTV Dodecanese guide.

Explore the Full Dodecanese on SeaTV

SeaTV’s visual pilot videos cover the entire Dodecanese archipelago — filmed on location by sailors, for sailors. Every guide includes approach footage, docking notes, depth information and local tips.

Browse all Dodecanese anchorages — SeaTV
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