Ready for the ultimate Aegean challenge? The North Route is a trip for the true sailing enthusiast. This is the route where we look the notorious Meltemi wind right in the eye.
The plan? We fight our way north, against the prevailing wind. This means a few days of sailing close-hauled, full of action, heeling, and serious sail trim. This is the real deal.
And the reward? As soon as we reach Samos, we turn the bow and surf our way back to Kos with the wind at our backs, in total comfort. You will feel the difference!
Sailing experience itself is absolutely not required – the crew will teach you everything! But this trip does demand an adventurous spirit. It’s for those who love a physical challenge and know what our ‘camping on the water’ vibe means: longer sailing days, the chance of strong winds, and magical nights in remote bays.
Is this your trip? Then this is what awaits you: from the ‘Blue Lagoon’ to holy Patmos and the ‘Blue Zone’ of Ikaria!
Day 1 (Thursday): Kick-off on Kos! Welcome aboard! From 6:00 PM, you can check into your floating home for the next 12 days. We kick off the trip with drinks, you’ll meet the rest of the crew, and we’ll go over the need-to-knows. Once everyone has arrived, we’ll all dive into a cozy Greek taverna. The perfect start!
Day 2 (Friday): Start The Challenge (Kalymnos) Cast off! We immediately begin the northward journey. We set course for Kalymnos, with a lunch stop at Pserimos on the way. We’ll spend the night in the beautiful bay of Palionnisos, where we’ll eat at a local family restaurant with a killer view over the bay.
Day 3 (Saturday): Northward to Leros (BBQ night!) After breakfast, we continue our battle against the wind. We sail further to the green, lush island of Leros. We find a quiet bay on the north side, drop anchor, and get ready for an epic BBQ on board. This is stargazing 2.0.
Day 4 (Sunday): The ‘Blue Lagoon’ of Lipsi A shorter, relaxed trip today! We sail from Leros to Lipsi, but not without a crucial stop at the ‘Blue Lagoon’. The name says it all: impossibly clear, turquoise water. Swimming is mandatory! In the evening, we moor in the lively harbor of Lipsi.
Day 5 (Monday): Paradise Bay Marathi We hop over to the mini-island of Arki today and spend the night in the bay of Marathi. This is a tiny, idyllic paradise where time seems to stand still. Ultimate relaxation.
Day 6 (Tuesday): Hidden Gem Agathonisi Today we tick off the northernmost island of the Dodecanese: Agathonisi, close to the Turkish border. This is a true hidden gem, far from all tourism. We moor in the small harbor and eat in an authentic Greek taverna.
Day 7 (Wednesday): We’ve made it: Samos! Goal reached! We arrive in Pythagorion on Samos, a super cozy harbor town full of history (and UNESCO heritage). Time to stretch our legs, conquer the town, and toast to completing the northern leg.
Day 8 (Thursday): Exploring Samos We’re staying on Samos but moving the boat to the beautiful bay of Marathokampou. This is your chance: rent a scooter or car and explore the inland of this surprisingly green and diverse island.
Day 9 (Friday): ‘Blue Zone’ Ikaria Time for the return trip, and we start with a mythical stop: Ikaria. This is one of the five ‘Blue Zones’ in the world, a place where people live significantly longer (and happier). We go ashore and try to discover the secret!
Day 10 (Saturday): HIGHLIGHT: Holy Patmos Today is a long, but (hopefully) fast sailing day with the wind at our backs! We surf to Patmos, a must-see on the UNESCO World Heritage list. We’ll climb the impressive Monastery of St. John and visit the Cave of the Apocalypse. Even if you’re not into religion, the atmosphere and the view here are magical.
Day 11 (Sunday): Downwind to Kalymnos (Pirate Bay?) We surf further south on the Meltemi, back to Kalymnos. Depending on the wind and the crew’s wishes, we’ll find a unique bay (like ‘Pirate Bay’!) or a small fishing village for our last night at anchor.
Day 12 (Monday): Last sailing day & Kos by Night The circle is almost complete. We sail the last stretch back to our home port. But not before we drop anchor one last time for lunch and a final swim in a beautiful bay. Around 5:00 PM, we moor up in Kos Marina. In the evening, we go out with a bang: one last Greek dinner with the whole crew, and then (optionally) we dive into the nightlife of Kos!
Day 13 (Tuesday): Until next time! It’s a wrap. Time to check out. With (most likely) a healthy tan and a backpack full of new memories and friends. Until next time!
The Crew: Minimum 5, maximum 8 adventurers.
Please note: This is real sailing! The route is a plan, but the wind and weather have the final say. Our skipper will always choose the best and safest route based on the conditions. Flexibility is key – that’s what makes it an adventure!