SAILING JOURNEYS FROM KARDAMENA

The endless coasts with the turquoise waters, the vegetation, the affluent water springs, the ancient and medieval monuments, as well as the impressive Italian buildings are featured on the island of Kos; the third largest island of Dodecanese complex. Indeed, Kos is truly stunning but a day trip to the neighboring islands will absolutely excite you with their unique landscape and picturesque character.

 

The Volcanic Charm of Gyali

Right between the islands of Kos and Nisyros, there is a small gem made of pumice stone and obsidian. Gyali islet is found in the middle of the sea, with 21 inhabitants only and breathtaking beauty. A volcanic island, part of the Dodecanese, which has been shaped after numerous eruptions over the centuries.

If you are wondering about its name, Gyali or else Giali or Yali is the Greek word for Glass. Apart from pumice stone, there is also a substantial amount of obsidian and perlite on the island. These natural sources of glass have resulted in naming the land after its most precious material.

The strawberry trees and pine trees will offer you generous shade to cool yourself in between your dives into crystal waters.

 

The Volcanic island of Nisyros

Leave the port of Kardamena for an hour cruise to Nisyros where a bus can take you to the volcano, a short drive away. Explore Europe’s largest volcanic crater up close and experience unspoilt landscapes and traditional architecture. Reach the picturesque harbor of the island after an hour and discover the traditional way of life and authenticity of the island.

Witnessing the bubbling mud pools and steam geysers, you may think you have landed on the moon! Arriving back into the port you may visit the town of Mandraki. After a short walk through the narrow streets of blue and white painted houses, you can visit the monastery of Panagia Spiliani. This is one of the most beautiful monasteries in the Greek Islands. Returning to town you have time for lunch or some shopping, before embarking the boat for your return to Kos.

 

Pserimos, Kalymnos and Platy Lazy Sail

Depart from Kos for a full-day sailing tour north of Kos Island. Relax during the 1-hour sail to Pserimos, a small island with only 60 inhabitants. Spend over an hour in Pserimos enjoying the sun, water and lovely views at the sandy beach. Relax in one of the local taverns and fish restaurants, located directly on the beach. Leave Pserimos and sail towards the small island of Plati. Anchor near the coast of the island to enjoy some free time to swim. Then, sail to Kalymnos and visit its capital at Pothia. Enjoy one of the most colorful towns of the Dodecanese, where every house has a different colour and every colour bears a different symbolism. The island has a very dry mountainous landscape with some valleys. Stroll down to one of the many sponge factories of Pothia. Kalymnos is renowned for its sponge divers. Learn everything about sponge diving and watch a demonstration of cutting and bleaching sponges. Then, enjoy plenty of free time to walk through the small streets of Pothia and discover the shops of the main town.