book2sail-kos island featured image

Kos, the third biggest island of the Dodecanese island chain just off the Anatolian coast, is a Greek gem waiting to be discovered. Its number of sandy beaches, secluded coves and historical spots will enthrall new visitors and keep drawing into its shore repeat guests. Its allure is no secret; while the clear seas enchant like any divine sorceress in ancient times, the Greek, Roman and Byzantine ruins, found at the most unusual of places, gives visitors a surreal experience where old meets new on the island’s cobbled streets.

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book2sail-charter a yacht in Kos greece

source: news.gtp.gr

Why a bareboat yacht charter can help you make the most of this Greek island

Sailing is always a good idea if you’re visiting an island, more so if it’s in Greece where you can easily hop from one to the other like stepping stones. Kos holds no secret to the sailor who is willing to adventure into every cove and explore every crevice in the rock.

book2sail-bareboat charter in greece

source: Twitter

Here at Book2Sail, we stand testimony to this and Kos is an island we have long since fallen in love with. The sea, the lush valleys and the vibrant town are ingredients which prove its success with tourists year on year. Visitors sail towards the coast of Kos predominantly for its beaches. Kos has 21 of them, each catering for a different kind of tourist.  Head over to Kamari for a beach enclosed by green cliffs. Sunsets here are magnificent and a treat to watch. Agios Fokas, on the other hand, is a long stretch of part sandy, part pebbled beach, which offers picturesque views over the Aegean. If you’re looking for a place to rest both body and soul, sail to Thermes, where the hot springs can ease off tension and muscle pain. The beach of Thermes is a rocky, quiet beach, embraced by steep cliffs and lapped by the dark cool waters of the Aegean.

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Step back in Grecian times

book2sail-kos island

source: Gala Hotels

Kos is more than just beaches and views. The island was colonized, invaded, taken and was the seat of many wars. Its strategic location and its size granted it first access to many trades from the East and was highly regarded by the Ptolemic kings of Egypt who used it as a naval base and as their eye to scrutinize the rest of the Aegean. The town of Kos gradually grew in importance and, despite the earthquakes which shook the island, we can still see the ramifications and the many influences today. Most prominent of which is the castle of the Order of St John, which keeps a watchful guard on the harbor to this day.

book2sail-kos island marina

source: LuxBerths

So step down from your yacht and enter a town full of rich treasures from ages long gone. Visit the Ancient Agora for a look at the Shrine of Aphrodite, or take a look at the Odeion, an ancient Roman theatre which seated up to 750 spectators in its heyday.

book2sail-kos anciet mystery

source: Wikipedia

Kos is an island of ancient mystery, of limpid seas and charming taverns so closely packed together that you fail to understand where one ends and the other begins. But it doesn’t matter, the food is exceptional everywhere. And if you wish to escape the hustle of the town, walk across the wilder parts of the island or sail away under a blanket of stars.

Frequently asked questions

  • 1
    What are some of the key preparations I should consider prior to my yacht charter?
    • Travel Documentation

      Always ensure you have some form of acceptable identification, in legible condition and valid.

      Medication

      Double check that both you and other individuals in your group remember to bring important medications that you are currently being prescribed, accounting for the amount of time you will be at sea.

      Money & Additional expenses

      It would be prudent to budget for slightly over what you anticipate spending. Charter related expenses will be made known, however you never know whether you will need something once travelling.

      Research

      Set aside some time look up the areas you intend on visiting, both whilst chartering (as part of your anticipated itinerary) and whilst travelling to the location at which you will begin your charter.

      Supplies

      As with any journey or holiday, ensure you have adequate toiletries, perhaps some favored foods and snacks.

      Clothing

      Bring the types of clothing that will, in your estimation, suit the weather conditions of the location in which you will be chartering. It may be handy to spend some time researching a few sailing blogs and weather forecasts.

      Equipment

      All necessary equipment should be found already aboard (including safety equipment and anything required to properly operate the vessel. Though you may like to bring a few extra mod-cons to ensure you have the best of experiences.

  • 2
    What is the best way to choose the right vessel and charter for me?
    • Choosing the best vessel for you and those joining you on your yacht charter, would be dependent on your personal preference. Though we recommend considering the following points:

      • Your level of experience
      • Where you will be chartering
      • The time of year and associated weather conditions
      • The ages and competence of both yourself and those in your group

      It would be very helpful for you to conduct some basic research pertaining to all of the above, by way of asking those who you know have chartered the type of vessel or been to the location you are considering, before. Yacht charter blogs and other relevant websites that will offer you an understanding of the key factors you should consider.

      And of course, we are more than happy to help you with your decision.

  • 3
    Do I need a licence to charter a yacht?
    • That all depends on where you intend to charter. If you would like to charter a yacht within Europe, the answer would be yes. It is important to remember that the correct licencing and/or documentation for your charter is your responsibility and we would strongly advise you to enquire into the legal prerequisites of your chosen charter region, taking care to note any differences if you are to cross maritime boarders.

      Regarding Europe, you will require an International Certificate of Competence, also known as the ICC.

  • 4
    What is an APA?
    • As a rule of thumb, the fee you pay for your charter, includes the rental of the vessel and the necessary crew to operate it, all other expenses associated with the charter are separate and are financed by the APA, which stands for the Advance provisioning allowance.

      The APA generally amounts to 30% of the total charter fee, though this may vary depending on the vessel.

      Dockage fees, fuel, communications and food & beverages will all be financed by the APA. Any remaining money from the APA at the end of the charter, will be returned to you.

  • 5
    What happens if the owner/captain does not show up, or is late?
    • All boat owners are bound to have someone meeting charterers on the day of charter. It is important that you as a charterer notify us if there is something wrong with your charter. For more information read the charterer’s policy.

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Charter a yacht with Book2Sail

Book2Sail makes you feel that when it comes to chartering a boat, there is no limitation. You can choose any form of boat at any time and anywhere (catamaran, sailboat, motorboat, jet ski). Whether you’re sailing in August with a catamaran to explore the Dalmatian coastline or spending Easter holidays in the French Riviera, you will find your dream boat.

Our team of chartering specialists are ready to assist you to make your chartering experience as easy as possible. We have different itineraries to cater for any type of activity you choose to do, once you are ashore.

Get in touch now and Book2Sail today.