This post follows up on our previous one.
Symi – Nisyros – Kalymnos
Dodecanese Sailing – August & September 2025
August 27th, 2025, we finally arrived in Symi Harbour, which was already quite full, colorful boats packed closely together along the quay. Boats were constantly arriving and departing, creating a lively, almost festive atmosphere. The harbour master helped us find a spot, and a friendly young man who collects the harbour fees charged us €38 for the first night, then generously allowed us to stay free of charge until the end of the month.
After three months without pork in Turkey, I was especially excited about dinner — the first thing I cooked was pork chops, and it felt like a small celebration.
Hot days and busy streets… August in Symi is intense.
– August 2025
Nisyros in September — authentic, unhurried, and kind.
– September 2025
We left Symi on September 1st at 8:30 a.m., heading to Nisyros. This time, docking was completely free, including water and electricity. It is probably the only island in the Dodecanese that does not charge for docking at the moment. We stayed there for 11 days.
On the 12th, we sailed to Kalymnos, where a local man helped us dock. The fee was €11 per day (with water and electricity charged extra), plus €5 in cash for the man who assisted us. Grilled octopus I had absolutely delicious.
Pothia, Kalymnos
calmer harbour — but not always calm seas.
September 2025
Leros at Moor – Dock Partheni boatyard
The next day, on September 16th, 2025, we left Pothia in Kalymnos and sailed to Leros. We moored at Partheni and tied to a buoy for one night, as our haul-out appointment was scheduled for the 17th.
Scooter rental was €15 per day, and a car rental was €35 per day.
– Changing Times – September 2025
It feels sad to see how quickly things are changing. There is more construction now, more development, and the quiet boatyard atmosphere is not the same. Many of the familiar boatyard cats have disappeared — small details, but they were part of the character, part of the charm.
It doesn’t feel as laid-back or easygoing as before. There are new rules for boat owners, more regulations, and extra charges separated out for things that once felt simple and included. The rhythm has shifted.
Places grow and change, but sometimes you miss how they used to be — the slower pace, the familiar faces, the uncomplicated way of life.
Still, we carry the memories of how it was. And those memories remain untouched.
P.s. we were motoring toward Leros, straight into the waves and wind.
Moor-Dock boatyard – Leros
Stephen fixed the anchor system himself, and it’s working well again. However, the water maker is out of order and cannot be repaired by the company, so we need to buy drinking water to fill the tank.– Small Kindness
Phill told me there was a mommy cat with five newborn kittens near the fence at the boatyard. She was so skinny, her body tired, but still protecting and feeding her tiny babies.
She needed food — real nourishment — to stay strong enough to care for them. So we brought high-quality canned food and made sure she ate well. Each day, we watched quietly as the kittens grew a little stronger.
It wasn’t something big. Just a small act of care.
But sometimes, the best we can do is simply help where we are, with what we have. And maybe that is enough.
I finally managed to put collars on some of the cats — the ones who allow me to touch them.
It takes time to earn that trust. Sitting quietly. Moving slowly. Letting them come closer in their own way. And when they finally accept a gentle hand, it feels like a small gift.
Being able to place a collar on them felt meaningful — a little sign that they are seen, cared for, protected in some small way.
It’s important to remember that supermarkets are closed on Sunday
Booking a berth at Lakki Marina wasn’t easy — there were far more requests than available spaces. However, we managed to get a spot briefly to fill up our drinking water, as our watermaker was not yet repaired.It cost €25 to fill the tank.
Leros – Kalymnos – Kos – Tilos – Symi
Dodecanese Sailing – October 2025
On October 11th, 2025, we left Lakki Marina on Leros and sailed to Kalymnos, docking in Pothia for two nights. The harbor atmosphere and familiar island rhythm welcomed us once again.
Pothia – Kalymnos
October 2025
On the 14th, we picked up Andreas and Les at Kardamena Harbour on Kos. After a few lovely days together in Kos, we set sail on the 15th for Nisyros.
The following evening, we had dinner at Emporio Restaurant — a special place that brought back memories from before the festival when we were last there. Some places carry more than food; they carry moments.
We also changed our scooter rental from Stavros to Manos — a better deal at 15€ per day. Small decisions, but part of the adventure.
October – 2025
Nisyros island
On the 18th, we left Pali for Tilos. Harbour fees were 22€ per day, not including water and power — simple island living.
Tilos – quiet October
Then on the 20th, we sailed from Tilos to Symi Harbour to celebrate my birthday. Harbour fees were 38€ for four nights. It was bittersweet to learn that the young harbour man would be leaving for Crete. Another reminder that everything changes.
Yes, things change… but we keep the good memories. And these islands will always hold a piece of our story.
Symi in October 2025 with guests Andreas and Les
