Visit Greece | Dodecanese Tweet The island complex of Dodecanese in south-eastern Aegean is the sunniest corner in Greece. Twelve large islands and numerous smaller ones with crystal clear waters, sandy or pebbly beaches, important archaeological finds, imposing Byzantine and medieval monuments and unique traditional settlements are waiting to be discovered. If you are desperately seeking to discover lesser-known, unspoiled destinations visit Leros or Pserimos. But there is always Rhodes and Kos, larger and more cosmopolitan islands awaiting to offer you strong, and treasured memories. Just take your pick! Welcome to Rhodes , a medieval treasure beautifully preserved throughout the centuries. Wander around its magnificent Old City, surrounded by medieval walls with seven gates, and admire the Palace of the Grand Master, the most awe- inspiring building in the whole island. Take a romantic stroll around the famous Street of the Knights and feel like a holy warrior in shining armour, or a noble princess. Peer into the historic past of the city with a visit to the Archaeological Museum. Mandráki, the (ancient) harbour, is distinguished from the outer harbour by the 3 windmills and the fortifications at the end of the dock.

During your quest, you will encounter some of the city’s most remarkable buildings: the National Theatre, the Courts, the City Hall and the Governors Palace. Visit stunning wonders of nature, such as the Seven Springs, the Valley of the Butterflies and Rodíni Park, a green valley with running waters, small bridges and many peacocks, the trademark of the park! Get a deeper insight into the rich history of the island through your visit to the breathtaking Acropolis of Líndos and Ialissós as well as Ancient Kámiros, which were all powerful cities in ancient times. Well-preserved castles, like the ones of Kritinia and Monólithos are also waiting to be discovered! Don’t forget to come back in spring to attend one of the most famous medieval festivals in Greece, the Sound and Light Festival, a visual extravaganza that you cannot afford to miss. Kos. Sandy beaches, turquoise waters, lush vegetation, ancient and medieval monuments, tree-lined wide roads, large squares, parks, a superb city plan and an extensive bicycle-only routes network are the distinctive characteristics of the third largest island of the Dodecanese, Kos!

The island’s trademark is its medieval castle (Nerantziá Castle) situated at the entrance of the port. Wander along the impressive avenue with the Palm Trees, or stroll around famous squares like Platánou Square and Elefthería Square and admire legendary buildings, remains of the Italian rule. Interested in history? Pay a visit to the ancient city of Kos and observe important archaeological finds dating back to the 4th century. Did you actually know that you can sit under the plane tree where Hippocrates himself, the Father of Medicine, used to teach his students and examine his patients? The plane tree must be over 2,500 years old, and it is in fact the oldest in Europe! Don’t miss the 4th century Asclipiion, the Antimáhia 15th century castle with its imposing battle tower, as well as one of the most scenic villages of Kos with a distinctive traditional character, Ziá nestled amongst a dense cedar forest. Kalymnos. Welcome the opportunity to visit the “island of the sea sponge harvesters”, an internationally known alternative tourism destination.

Did you know that after WWII Kálymnos remained the only Greek sponge-harvesting industry supplying both domestic and international markets with sea sponges? The first picture to see upon arriving on the island is Póthia, both the capital and the port of Kálymnos, spreading amphitheatrically on two hills. Visit among others the castle of Chrissoheria and the Archaeological Museum. Set out on a day trip to the traditional settlement of Horió, the former capital of the island, and admire interesting Byzantine monuments (like the Great Castle). The early-Christian settlement at Eliniká is a must-see, since it is perhaps the best preserved settlement in Greece. A perfect occasion to visit the island would be the International Climbing Festival in May, a unique festival that will thrill the action fans! The culinary enthusiasts should taste mouth watering delights, such as sweet smelling thyme honey, juicy tangerines, homemade mizithra cheese, delicious sea-dried lobster tail, and sea ray preserved in sea water! Pserimos means “looking for the ideal destination for serene, relaxing holidays”.

Enjoy sandy beaches with crystal clear waters, swim in paradise bays (like the small bay of Vathí), rent a boat and sail around the island’s beaches, follow several hiking routes, participate in local fairs (the most famous ones take place on 15th August) or go scuba diving and climbing. Whether you are looking for an action packed holiday or a relaxing visit, you will be quite astonished by the choices on offer on such a small island! Telendos. Did you know that this tiny beautiful island formed part of Kálymnos in antiquity, but was separated in 554 AD due to a devastating earthquake? Today there is only one small village on the island. Follow walking paths through the dense pine forest on the south of the island, where also ruins of Byzantine residencies still stand. Swim in sun-drenched beaches (like Plaka, Potha, and Paradise), go scuba diving and explore the ancient city sunk between Kálymnos and Télendos or go hiking, climbing, wind surfing, canoe-kayaking and spear fishing! You can reach Télendos by boat departing from the cove of Mirtiés at Kálymnos.

Karpathos. An island blessed with an abundance of streams, pine-tree forests, vineyards, olive groves, rocky caves (which are actually home to monachus monachus) and mountainous landscapes, Kárpathos is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and lovers of deep-rooted tradition. The villages of the island seem like open folklore museums, whereas their inhabitants are still dressed in old traditional costumes, and speak their local, old dialect. The rich folklore tradition of villages, such as Ólympos and Mesohóri, will weave a powerful spell over you. Even if you are a wind surfing fan, “anemoessa” Kárpathos (“she of the many winds”, according to Homer) is the perfect place to exercise your favourite sport. Visit also Kárpathos during Easter or Carnival time and participate with the locals in celebrations that will remain in your memory forever! Tilos . Ragged mountainscape, densely forested ranges and hilly vistas, verdant valleys –home to four hundred species of flowers and herbs–, and habitat of rare species of birds. These are the ingredients of an unparalleled destination, a huge ecological park protected by international treaties. This is Tílos!

Visit Meyálo Horió, the island’s capital, with its imposing stone houses and narrow alleys. The view from the medieval castle (built in the location of ancient Tilos) that stands imposingly at the top of the hill will certainly take your breath away. Leros. Welcome to the island of Artemis, the goddess of forests and hunting, according to mythology. If you are looking to spend peaceful holidays in a pure, dreamy environment with pine trees, olive groves and low plains with freshwater streams, then Léros is your destination! Swim in azure seas, admire exquisite works of Italian architecture in Ayia Marina, the capital of the island, wander around centuries-old magnificent castles (like Brouzi and Castle of Panayia), or go scuba diving to explore ship wrecks lying on the seabed since the Second World War. Don’t forget to come back in Carnival time when ancient old customs revive. Patmos . The “island of the Apocalypse” or “Jerusalem of the Aegean” welcomes you! Pátmos is quite popular amongst pilgrims since in one of the island’s caves John the Theologian, one of Christ’s disciples, wrote the “Book of Revelations”.

The stunning beauty of Hóra, a carefully preserved medieval settlement with narrow, maze-like alleys and stone-built houses will take your breath away. Don’t miss the imposing fortified monastery of Saint Ioannis and the Theologian Apocalypse cave! Visit Patmos at Easter, when deeply religious and spiritual celebrations are held throughout the Holy Week. Arki & Marathi. Visit a dreamy cluster of islands east of Pátmos with sparse vegetation, old whitewashed houses, and cute little tavernas. Get into a boat and sail around Maráthi, another small island with a beautiful beach covered with lentisks and tamarisk (salt cedar). Astipalea is the westernmost island of the Dodecanese, located at the point where the Dodecanese meet the Cyclades. This is the reason why in Astipálea the characteristics of both island complexes blend together to create the island’s uniquely varied scenery. Visit Hóra, the island’s capital and port, one of the most picturesque settlements of the Aegean. At the hilltop stands imposingly Hora’s castle, surrounded by small houses with whitewashed walls, blue doors and wooden balconies overlooking the open blue sea below. Kassos.

Despite its small size, Kássos was once a mighty maritime and commercial power. The well-preserved mansions that still stand in Fre, the island’s capital and main port, reflect today this former grandeur. Take a stroll around Boúka, an old pirate lair, with moored small fishing boats, traditional coffee shops and its old lighthouse. Don’t forget to visit Armáthia, the largest of the islands around Kássos, where you can find some excellent beaches, like Marmara and Karavostassi! Symi . There are many reasons to visiting Simi apart from experiencing its unique cosmopolitan atmosphere, and wandering around its remarkable neo-classical settlement. Many visitors, for instance, come here to venerate the miraculous icon of Archangel Michael kept at the monastery of Panormítis, one of the most significant monasteries of the Dodecanese. Alternatively, you can come to Sími in summer to attend the famous Simi Festival, which includes among others classical music concerts, dance performances, and art exhibitions. Halki. Enjoy peaceful holidays in the “Island of Peace and Friendship”, where young people from all over the world gather here every year for their annual meeting!

The town of Halki or Niborió, the island’s capital, is listed as a traditional settlement and it is amphitheatrically built overlooking the clear-blue sea, whereas impressive neoclassical mansions reveal the prosperity the island enjoyed in the past. Nisyros. Take the opportunity to visit an unspoiled destination formed by volcanic eruptions. It is rather impressive that today Nísyros is still an active volcanic centre together with the volcanic centers of Milos, Santorini and Methana! Actually at the village of Nikia there is a “Volcanic Museum”, the only one of its kind in Greece, exhibiting samples from the most characteristic volcanic rocks of Nisyros. Strolling along the narrow streets of beautiful Mandráki , the island’s capital and port, is a richly rewarding experience. Don’t forget to observe its colourful houses which are actually built with hewn slabs of andesite and dacite (volcanic material)! Lipsi is the largest island belonging to a cluster of many others islets. It forms part of the Natura Network. It is an ideal destination for relaxing, and serene holidays.

Here, both landscape and people will definitely help you find inner peace and tranquility. Lipsi is also surrounded by countless uninhabited islets ideal for bird watching. Agathonissi is the northernmost island of the Dodecanese; it consists of three large traditional settlements (Agios Georgios, Megalo Horio and Mikro Horio). Agathonissi has a significant and vulnerable ecosystem rendering it an important habitat of rare bird species. Together with the nearby islands it belongs to the Natura Network as well. Kastelorizo lies at the easternmost end of Greece, a stone’s throw away from the Turkish coast. Its main settlement is filled with cheerfully painted houses of exceptional architecture, awe-inspiring churches and picturesque alleys. Taste the island’s traditional sweets katoumári and stráva, and organise a boat excursion to Galazio Spileo, the largest and most spectacular sea cave in Greece. Don’t forget to visit the nearby legendary island of Ro where the famous “Lady of Ro” Despina Achladioti used to raise the Greek flag every day.

Matt Barrett's Greek Islands: The Dodekanese Greek Island Guide Dodecanese Islands The Dodecanese chain of islands are the southeasternmost and some of the islands are close enough to Turkey for day-trips. Ferries leave Pireaus in the late afternoon and arrive in Rhodes some fifteen hours later after stopping in Patmos, Kalymnos, Leros and Kos. Some of the islands have a well developed tourist infrastructure with fancy resorts and packed beaches while others are perfect for those who seek an escape from the masses. Click on these links or scroll down. You can use the top button to return. When you finish you can use this link or the link at the bottom of the page to return to Greek Island Synopsis Main Menu . If you want help with your Greek Island combination try my Create-an-Itinerary page. If you have any questions or can't decide what you want to do you can always e-mail me . If you find this page useful please share it with your friends on Facebook and Google+ by using the buttons at the bottom of the page.

Tilos You can find hotels in Dodekanese Islands by location, price, whether or not it has a swimming pool or is on the beach, and see photos, maps and customer reviews by using this link to Booking.com . Excellent prices and many hotels you can book and then cancel with no cancellation fee. For those who want to book without using a travel agency this is the best way to do it. Astypalia Looks like two separate islands connected by a narrow isthmus. Most of the visitors are Greeks. The island is more like a Cycladic island then the Dodecanese chain which it is a part of. Beautiful geometric white houses and a labarynth of a village crowned by a Venetian castle. Many coved beaches, it is remarkable that the island does not get more tourists. It could be the boat schedule. By my count there were only three a week last summer. Go! (and then write and tell me about it). I have not made a website yet but Booking.com has a number of hotels on their Astypalia Pages Top Halki Small island which caters to package tourists looking for an unspoiled island. For that reason it is tough to find a room.

When the sponge in the area died out many of the inhabitants moved to Tarpon Springs Florida and the old Horio is deserted. There is a daily caique connecting the island to Rhodes and a hydrofoil once a week to Kalymnos, Kos, Nisiros and Tilos, but no ferries since there are no cars on the island. Top Kalymnos Spongefishermen's island. The main port of Pothia is lined with cafes and as home to Greece's spongefishing fleet is a working town. There is a sponge museum there too. There are resort beaches around the island and several other small ports and towns worth visiting. There are small excursion boats from Pothia to the small islands of Nera and Pserimos and from the resort town of Myrties to Telendos where there are rooms to rent, tavernas and beaches. People who visit regularly rave about Kalymnos. Kalymnos is connected by an almost daily boat from Pireaus to the other major islands of the Dodecanese chain and also a ferry and hydrofoil to Samos. There may even be an airport there by the time you read this.

It takes around 12 hours by ferry from Pireaus and a little less on the Blue Star Lines. If you have been to Tarpon Spring Florida then you probably have met someone from Kalymnos. See Gill Collins review of Kalymnos You can book this island through Fantasy Travel and you can find hotels for Kalymnos at or search Booking.com Top Karpathos Another world. Don't come here to party but to watch, listen and learn. Very traditional, especially the mountain village of Olympos which was isolated for centuries and still carries on many medieval customs and crafts.One side of the island is rocky while the other is more fertile and green. A line of mountains seperate the two sides. Many nice beaches some with hotels and restaurants but tourism has not gotten out of hand here...yet. The port town of Pigadia is the island's capital and has hotels, restaurants and cafes on an active waterfront. There are only a couple ferries a week from Pireaus and perhaps one or two a week to Rhodes, Crete, Santorini, Milos, Kassos, Halki, Paros, and Naxos. There is an airport and most people come here that way.

For hotels see or search Booking.com or contact Aegean Thesaurus Travel Top Kassos A great island for walking and witnessing the vanishing tradions of Greek island life. One of the least visited islands in Greece. You can walk from the main village of Phry to all the other villages and beaches on the island or to the two monasteries. There are only 2 boats a week from Pireaus. There is an airport though with flights to Athens, Karpathos and Rhodes. My favorite restaurant in Athens is called Bakalogatos and the owners are from Kassos and so they serve a lot of food from the island and if the food on the island is as good as the restaurant you should go. Top Kastellorizo Tiny island made famous by the film Mediterraneo, a must-see for anyone visiting Greece. Also called Megisti, the island has no beaches but has instead the rocky coves that make it one of the best islands for snorkling. The island has a dramatic history and has been occupied by just about everyone and was even bombed severely during WWII.

There are also excurson boats to the islets which surround Kastellorizo including the island of Ro whose last inhabitant, Despina Achladioti, died in 1982. Every day she would raise the Greek flag over the small island, clearly visable from the Turkish coast and she became a symbol of the Greek Spririt in the face of adversity. There are daily flights to and from Rhodes to Kastellorizo in the summer and ferries twice a week to Kalymnos, Kos, Rhodes, Symi and Tilos. For hotels see or contact Aegean Thesaurus Travel Megisti Hotel is a 4-star hotel located on the east side of Kastellorizo�s beautiful natural harbour between the cape of Agios Stephanos and Nifti. Because of its incredible location, Megisti Hotel boasts the only private area for one to enjoy swimming or snorkelling in Kastellorizo�s crystal clear waters. Alternatively, just relax in the sun and bask in the feeling of being a whole world away. Designed in absolute harmony with the island�s breathtaking natural surroundings, this hotel provides spectacular views of the cape and the harbour.

Click for photos, reviews and booking information Kos Very popular with Scandinavians in the past, Kos is rich in archaeology including Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and Venetian sites. Many of the islands beautiful beaches used to be quite crowded just as they are in Mykonos and Santorini and the other popular islands, but a drop in the number of package tourists mean there are bargains to be found. The interior of the island is still undeveloped, fertile and agricultural and best of all, largely flat so that riding bicycles (and of course motorbikes) is a fun way to get around. There are daily ferries to and from Pireaus and the other large islands of the Dodecanese, daily boats to Bodrun in Turkey and three flights a day to and from Athens. There are also several boats a week going to the smaller islands. If you are coming in the summer better book in advance (as anywhere). Top Leros The main port of Laki is one of the best examples of Art Deco Architecture.

It was designed by Mussilini's architects in 1923, though in defiance of the dictator, the capital was moved above to the village of Agia Marina.The rest of the island is green with stunning beaches and large bays. It is also the base for sailing trips to the coast of Turkey and the other Dodekanese islands. Daily or almost boat from Pireaus make the overnight trip and then continue on to the other larger Dodecanese islands. There is also a daily flight from Athens in the summer. You can find hotels for Leros at or search Booking.com You can book holidays on Leros through Aegean Thesaurus Travel . Top Lipsi Few people had heard of the small island of Lipsi until 2002 when the leader of the Greek terrorist group November 17th was captured here in his villa where he had been quietly living for the last 15 years or so. But Lipsi is one of the most interesting of the small islets that sit between Patmos and the coast of Turkey. Despite it being a relatively unknown island there is some package tourist activity here and just showing up because you assume you will find a room may be unwise in July or August.

There is really only one town which is the port. With a number of good tavernas in town, a few hotels and a dozen beaches within walking distance and a few ouzeries on the waterfront, this may be the quiet island you are looking for, if you can get here. A travel agent can help but finding one that books Lipsi maybe tough. Try Aegean Thesaurus Travel who seem to be willing to book the islands that other agents have no interest in. Top Nisyros This fertile island is actually a dormant volcano and even though there is little water it is rich in agriculture because of the mineral rich soil. The colorful port of Mandraki is host to and ancient acropolis, a monastery and a black stone beach. There is a thermal spa at Loutra. The volcano itself attracts many visitors and the villages of Nikea and Emboreios sit on the rim with spectacular views of the caldera. An excellent island for walking, the volcano has created and altered some incredible landscapes. There are several ferries and hydrofoils from Kalymnos, Kos, Rhodes, Symi, Tilos and Kastellorizo. Patmos Quiet island at night but busy stop by day for Cruise ships.

Great beaches and landscape this is where the Apocalypse of John, or Revelation was written. The main town of Skala caters to the many people who arrive on cruise ships but is still a comfortable enough place to base yourself to see the rest of the island. A place you have to visit is the monastery of Saint John the Theologian above Skala and the Monastery of the Apocalypse built around the cave where John had his vision of the end of times. A popular island with spiritually minded people, there is no denying the feeling of sacredness here. There are daily ferries from Pireaus for the almost overnight trip, continuing on to kalymnos, Kos, leros and Rhodes. There is a daily hydrofoil in the summer to Ikaria, Samos and Fourni and another small boat to the picturesque island of Lipsi. Because the ferries from Pireaus get in after 2am probably the best way to see Patmos is on a cruise ship and just about all the Greek Cruises stop here. For more info on Greek cruises see Rhodes The most popular island in the Dodecanese and rivals both Santorini and Mykonos as one of the most popular islands in Greece.

Rhodes town is more of a city but a nice one, in fact I could easily live here. The old town is something special, a medieval walled city and one of the most important historical sites in the world. Fantastic castle built by the Knights of Saint John. Lots of nightlife, and plenty of archaeology to get through the days if beaches packed with beautiful women (and men) bore you. Try Sticky Fingers or the 60's bar. Check out the rest of the island which is agricultural with great beaches and some fancy resorts, villages, mountains and the longest summer of any Greek island. Lindos is picturesque and packed during the season but go early or late and share it with the locals. Plenty of undiscovered spots but you will need a car to find them. Don't forget the Valley of the Butterflies. Well they are moths actually but nonetheless impressive. I loved it here on Rhodes and actually shopped for a house here. I stayed at the Hotel Mediterranean in town right on the beach where the Aegean sea meets the Mediterranean. Several boats a day during the summer from Pireaus do the overnight journey and a cabin is recommended.

These boats stop in Patmos, Kalymnos, Leros and Kos along the way. As the hub of the Dodecanese islands, there are boats to all the islands in the chain as well as several a week to other islands in the Cyclades and NE Aegean islands and Thessaloniki, or at least there was before the economic crisis. There are daily boats to Marmaris in Turkey, only an hour or so away so you can go there for the day. There is an international airport too.There are daily boats as well as to the nearby islands of Symi, Halki, Tilos and the other Dodecanese. Many people do day trips to the other islands. Rhodes is on the itinerary of just about every cruise so if you are going on a Greek-Island Cruise you will be stopping here. If not, you should probably find another Greek Island cruise. Check out Fantasy Travel's Greek Island Cruise Page for itineraries and timetables.

See my Guide to Rhodes (One of my better pages) For a travel agency specializing in Rhodes see For hotel descriptions, bookings and rates visit: or search Booking.com If you are coming to Rhodes on a cruise and want a private tour of the island by comfortable air-conditoned Mercedes visit Symi Beautiful bays and pebbled beaches, best reached by small boats that leave frequently. Daily boats between Symi and Rhodes and many people come for the day to eat in the restaurants and wander around the beautiful town. There are several ferries a week to Kalymnos, Kos, Kastellorizo, Rhodes and Tilos as well as a hydrofoil twice a week. There are a couple ferries a week to and from Pireaus. See Symi: A Local Perspective . You can find hotels for Symi at or search Booking.com Top Tilos A great island for walking, with deserted villages, dramatic landscapes, a spectacular monastery, a medieval castle and uncrowded beaches. There are plenty of places to stay in Livadia and camping is permitted on the beaches.There are several ferries a week to Kalymnos, Kos, Kastellorizo, Rhodes and Simi as well as a hydrofoil twice a week.

For the past 16 years, Tilos, has banned hunting and has as a result become a paradise for birds, some of them endangered. Animal protection groups and the Mayor of Tilos are attempting to create an official natural park in Tilos which will guarantee a long term hunting ban. However, local hunting clubs are putting pressure on the Greek Government and islanders to lift the ban and are thereby jeopardising efforts to shift the island economy to conservation uses of their natural resources. If I am not mistaken, Tilos was the first island to legalize same-sex marriage in Greece. You can find hotels for Tilos at Booking.com Top You can find hotels in Dodekanese Islands by location, price, whether or not it has a swimming pool or is on the beach, and see photos, maps and customer reviews by using this link to Booking.com . Excellent prices and many hotels you can book and then cancel with no cancellation fee. For those who want to book without using a travel agency this is the best way to do it.

Dodecanese islands travel guide, Holiday planner - Greeka.com Greek islands Travel guide to the Dodecanese, Greece Located on the south eastern side of the Aegean Sea, the island group of Dodecanese, in Greece, are getting very popular for summer holidays. Due to the long Venetian occupation, these islands have a strong Medieval style and many interesting monuments. Rhodes and Kos are the most popular islands of the group, while Karpathos and Patmos are also gradually developing without losing their original character though. The rest of the islands are more quiet and truly relaxing. Travel info Dodecanese islands is a group of Greek islands geographically located on the south eastern side of the Aegean Sea, close to the borders with Turkey. The name Dodecanese actually means twelve islands in Greek, as this is the number of the largest islands of the complex. The most popular islands are: Rhodes island, Kos island and Karpathos island. Our Dodecanese islands travel guide will give you all the necessary tourist information to organize your holidays in these islands of Greece. All about Dodecanese Select an island Here is the Dodecanese islands travel guide that we have prepared.

Each guide is complete and includes information on beaches, villages, museums, churches and interesting sights on every island. Also check our large collection of photos, 360 pictures, videos and maps. Although Rhodes and Kos are the most popular islands of Dodecanese, we suggest a trip to the less known islands to get a better view of this amazing complex. Astypalea The Dodecanese Guide | Greece Travel | Rough Guides Europe » Greece » The Dodecanese Curving tightly against the Turkish coast, almost within hailing distance of Anatolia, the Dodecanese (Dhodhekánisos) are the furthest island group from the Greek mainland. They’re hardly a homogeneous bunch. The two largest, Rhodes (Ródhos) and Kos , are fertile giants where traditional agriculture has almost entirely been displaced by a tourist industry focused on beaches and nightlife. Kastellórizo , Sými , Hálki, Kássos and Kálymnos , on the other hand, are essentially dry limestone outcrops that grew rich enough from the sea – especially during the nineteenth century – to build attractive port towns.

Níssyros is a real anomaly, created by a still-steaming volcano that cradles lush vegetation, while Kárpathos is more variegated, its forested north grafted onto a rocky limestone south. Tílos , despite its lack of trees, has ample water, Léros shelters soft contours and amenable terrain, and further-flung Pátmos and Astypálea offer architecture and landscapes more reminiscent of the Cyclades. Major Dodecanese attractions include the beaches on Rhodes and Kos; the wonderful medieval enclave of Rhodes Old Town; the gorgeous ensemble of Neoclassical mansions that surrounds the harbour on Sými; the rugged landscapes of Kálymnos, Kárpathos and Níssyros; the cave and monastery on Pátmos, where St John had his vision of the Apocalypse; and the hilltop village of Hóra on Astypálea. Each island has its own subtler pleasures, however; every visitor seems to find one where the pace of life, and friendly ambience, strikes a particular chord.

Thanks to their position en route to the Middle East, the Dodecanese – too rich and strategic to be ignored, but never powerful enough to rule themselves – have had a turbulent history. The scene of ferocious battles between German and British forces in 1943–44, they only joined the modern Greek state in 1948 after centuries of rule by Crusaders, Ottomans and Italians. That historical legacy has given the islands a wonderful blend of architectural styles and cultures; almost all hold Classical remains, a Crusaders’ castle, a clutch of vernacular villages and whimsical or grandiose public buildings. For these last the Italians, who held the Dodecanese from 1912 to 1943, are responsible. Determined to turn them into a showplace for Fascism, they undertook ambitious public works, excavations and reconstruction.

The Dodecanese Greek Island Groups | Cyclades | Dodecanese | Crete | Sporades | Ionian Islands | Argosaronic | Five Star Greece The Mani Ever since Patrick Leigh Fermor made his home here in Kardamyli, pilgrims following his tracks have been rewarded with fascinating villages, unspoilt coastline and the warm welcome of the fiercely honourable and traditional locals. DODECANESE AND SAMOS Patmos, Samos, (Kos, Tilos, Symi, Rhodes, Kalymnos, Leros, Chios et al.) Closer to Turkey than Greece, these islands have a long and rich history, with traces from classical Greek times through Byzantium, the Crusaders, Venetians and Ottomans. These islands lie outside the main path of the “meltemi” wind, but still enjoy some stiff breezes. Patmos and Samos are islands where we have houses. Patmos is very atmospheric and elegant, and of course is the island of St John the Evangelist and the monastery where he received the Revelations.

The mountain top Chora , is the chic place to be, with the monastery crowning it, divine views and medieval cobbled lanes, but those wanting pool and easy beach access can now find houses down on the water too. Samos is a large and varied island with some wonderful mountain villages and lots to see. It has an airport and Ephesus is just a day trip away. IONIAN ISLANDS Corfu, Paxos, Levkada, Ithaca, Kefalonia, Zakinthos, (Kythira) Gentle, fertile, mountainous and beautiful islands on the west coast of Greece facing Sicily, in the Ionian Sea, the forgotten side of Greece. Wetter off-season than the Aegean islands, and a shorter summer season – hence the greenery! These are the islands to go to if you don’t like the wind. The calm water and sensational swimming attract the yachters. Some sandy beaches, mostly clear, pebbly coves and limestone cliffs and grottoes. Italianate villages with tiled roofs and pastel coloured houses framed with cypresses, olive groves and pine trees.

These islands were part of the Venetian empire for 400 years and have an Italianate charm that is unlike the rest of Greece. Greek Purists do not consider these to be true Greece, as they have a definite character of their own which is not the image of sugar-cube houses and windmills that the Greek Tourist Office promotes, but they still love to come and enjoy the greenness and the fabulous swimming in crystal clear, translucent water. The islands here are less geared to wealthy Athenians, so tavernas and shopping are rather unsophisticated. Corfu is a large and rich island with a huge amount to see and do, especially the fabulous old Corfu Town (a UNESCO World Heritage site), with its Venetian architecture , churches and fine museums, but parts of the coastline have been developed intensely. This is the most sophisticated of the Ionian islands, with some great restaurants and boutiques. Paxos is small and chic, with beautifully preserved pastel fishing villages, and home to some very jet setting families who live a simple, low-key summer existence here. Wonderful west-coast cliffs, grottoes and beaches, and Antipaxos like a peacock blue teardrop hanging below it.

Frequent access from Corfu. Zakinthos has Greece’s most famous beach “Shipwreck Bay” and blue grottoes in the beautiful and unspoiled north of the island. The south has been definitively spoiled by airport -fuelled downmarket tourism. Luckily the two areas are completely distinct! Kefalonia has some famously beautiful beaches, plenty to see and do, and the port of Fiscardo, considered one of Greece’s most picturesque villages. Lefkada is emerging as a new destination as people discover its amazing kilometre long sandy beaches on the west coast with turquoise water, the pretty coves and bays of the east coast, the island archipelago (includes SKorpios), and the beauty of its rugged mountainous terrain. Architecture here is not very distinguished, but it does enjoy easy road access from the mainland and Prevesa airport. Ithaca is harder to get to and is definitely “off” the track. Expect goat bells, mountain herbs, fishing boats in the early morning, donkeys and dogs, and some very picturesque little villages.

Ithaca is sublimely beautiful and the summer-home to low key super-wealthy connoisseurs, but not for those wanting fine dining outside the house, night-life and shopping! Kithera, closer to Crete than to the other Ionian islands, is a hybrid of Aegean and Ionian in its landscape and villages which embrace both white, cubic style and Italianate. Wonderful waters and plenty of beaches, an airport has made access here a lot easier. ARGO-SARONIC & PORTO HELI Hydra, Spetses, Poros, Aegina, Porto Heli, Kilada Hydra and Spetses are hot, calm islands, historically wealthy and interesting. Lovely mansions built by 18th and 19th century merchants and sea captains cluster together on steep hillsides and water fronts, and are now weekend or summer homes to elegant Athenians and artistic foreigners. Easy access from Athens (3 hours by car and then water taxi, or 2-3 hours by frequent hydrofoil from Piraeus). Water taxis take visitors for glorious bathing in coves and bays, but not so great for beaches.

All these places are well situated for sightseeing on the mainland, such as Epidauros, Mycenae, Corinth, Nauplion, and for ease of access to Athens. Spetses – is known as the Hamptons of Athens – easy to get to, greener and gentler than Hydra, it has always been a popular island for summer houses – relaxed but with a rather elegant social life. The island has a wonderful historical car-free town with beautiful mansions, good shopping and dining. Take advantage of the calm waters and pretty swimming coves by going on boat trips, thus avoiding the beaches which aren’t great. Hydra – is a picture postcard, car-free island with an artist colony, (Leonard Cohen lived here) and a fine, historical town. Dominated by a great, rather barren mountain, it has very limited beach life, but residents find the easy boating, charm, beauty and style of the island more than makes up for this. Porto Heli & Kilada – is a 6 minute water taxi ride away on the coast opposite.

Not a beautiful town, but a very upmarket resort with some of the highest property values in Greece, where wealthy families have summer homes and the King of Greece vacations, so bring your jewellery and charter a yacht to go with the house! Shipping magnates congregate here with their yachts and hop between friend’s villas in Spetses and Porto Heli. Ideally placed for sightseeing on the mainland and well served for water sports. EVIA (EUBOIA) Evia is a large, fertile, mountainous and beautiful island close to Athens and connected by a bridge as well as ferries, so great for those needing to be in touch with a city. It has a wild and windy east coast with cliffs and roller-pounded sandy beaches that are uncrowded even in August. The west coast is the calm and pebbly inland sea between Evia and Athens. The villages are pretty well post-war 1950’s onwards, and get crowded with local tourism, but prices are low and the food is excellent. Sporades Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonnissos & Skyros Islands here are calm, green, with white houses with tiled roofs and wooden balconies.

This is where Mamma Mia was filmed. Skiathos – which has an airport, is the island here where we have houses. It is a well established tourist island with some of the finest beaches in Greece and famous pine forests as well. Rather crowded in summer, with a rather built-up coastline, fun for teenagers and people wanting a bit more zip and life than on the sleepier islands. It has a mountainous and unspoilt interior, and on the coast it buzzes all summer. Rather more genteel than Mykonos! The other islands are beautiful and unspoilt with lush forests, great beaches and pretty villages – great for cruising around as the sea is usually calm and the coast lines are tremendous. Crete Crete is almost a country in itself with a wealth of historical towns, archaeological sites, traditional villages, gorges, mountains and beaches. Be prepared to drive long distances to see it all. An island for luxury hotels rather than villas, we have the only sensational villa there, near Elounda Bay and wonderful Spinalonga. Visits to Knossos can be combined with a stay on Santorini, which is well connected to Crete by air and boat.

Please enter your email address Subscribe to newsletter: The Dodecanese Islands The Dodecanese Islands Position The Dodecanese or Dodecanisos is the name of the island complex in the north eastern Aegean. They are situated between the islands of Crete, the Cyclades, lkarias, Samos and the Asia Minor seaboard. Geophysical condition Apart from the twelve main islands, which gave the name to the island complex (Rhodes, Astypalia, Kalymnos, Karpathos, Kasos, Kos, Leros, Nysiros, Patmos, Symi, Tilos. Halki), the islets of Lipsi (16 square kms), Pserimos (14.6 square kms), Agathonisi (13.4 square kms), Sari a (11 square kms), Kastellorizo (9.1 square kms), Levitha (9 square kms), Giali (6 square kms), Kinaros (4.3 square kms) amongst other islets, barren islets and rock peaks, all constitute the group of islands known as the Dodecanese.

Sea shells and crustacean fossils which are found on top of mountains indicate that the formation of this island chain, either wholly or partly, occurred under the surface of the sea. During lengthy and complex geological upheavals, dry land emerged only to be, to a great extent, resubmerged some 3-4 million years ago, leaving only the mountain tops of" Aigaiida" above sea level to form today's Aegean Islands. The Dodecanese climate is of a transitional type and ranges from temperate to dry tropical climates which is characterized with lots of sunlight and an extended dry summer period. Fauna - Flora Forests and bush lands of pine, cypress, wild olive, cedar, mastic. arbutus bush and holly together with a variety of annual and long lasting turf, aromatic plants (oregano, thyme, lavender), carob and olive trees, all make for a rich mosaic of plant varieties. Often on the islets unique plant and animal species have been observed (especially reptiles and invertebrate), remnants of an isolated evolution and adaptation to the unique conditions, which were created when these islets were cut off from the larger islands.

At the same time these islets, from which both human beings and land meat eaters are absent, serve as refuges for ancient species which have disappeared with the passage of time from other areas. Fossil findings, which show the different evolution of animal species on these isolated ecosystems, aren't rare, a prime example being the dwarf elephants of Tilos The many caves, crevices in the rocks, high rocky formations, and dangerous dins all serve as refuges for rare species of birds such as birds of prey small hawks, wild pigeons, herons and cormorants. Also, due to their geographical position, the islands are a stopover for migrating birds. Tens of millions of these birds visit the islands each spring and autumn. Quite surprising is the rich sea life found in the Dodecanese seas. The rare Mediterranean seal finds refuge in the coastal caves, together with the dolphins, turtles, many varieties of fish, mollusks and crustaceans which form the rich ecosystem of the Dodecanese Sea. Every single island and islet is of itself a unique natural museum. This of course favors the development of special types of tourism.

For example only the island of Kasos boasts 450 plant species, which is more than exist in the whole of Holland. Diet The inhabitants of the islands keep to a traditionally light diet. They find nourishment mainly in vegetarian food (vegetables, greens), dairy foods (which are prepared even today by traditional methods), honey of exceptional quality as well as in fresh fish which are cooked according to traditional local recipes. Activities of the inhabitants The traditional occupations of the inhabitants are farming, animal farming, fishing, sponge diving and trading due to the advantaged position of the islands which lie between Europe, Asia and Mrica. For the poorer islands a source of income and therefore development was the monetary exchange coming from Dodecanese emigrants and shipping. Today, the main activities of the inhabitants has to do with tourism. However, many of the traditional occupations still survive such as stone masonry, carpentry and ship building and the women have never ceased producing exceptional textiles, knitted handicrafts and embroideries. The European Union and the Greek government support development through special programmes, which are helping the islands to participate in the new economic reality.

These islands are: Agathonisi, Astypalia, northern Karpathos, Kasos, Lipsi, Megisti or Kastellorizo, Nysiros, Tilos and Halki from the Dodecanese island complex. Information by: · The Dodecanese Guide, published by the Local Union of Municipalities and Communities of the Dodecanese. · Greek National Tourism Organization - GNTO The Dodecanese islands Greece The Dodecanese islands Area The Dodecanese (Δωδεκάνησα, Dodekánisa), which means ' the Twelve Islands' in Greek, lie in a crescent chain down the Asiatic Turkish coast curving west towards Crete. The name "Dodecanese" is of comparatively recent origin. They are a group of 12 larger plus 150 smaller Greek islands in the Aegean Sea, of which 26 are inhabited. They have a rich history, and many of even the smallest inhabited islands boast dozens of Byzantine churches and medieval castles. The islands are for the most part bare of vegetation although not to such an extent as the Cyclades.

Several of the islands with abundant natural springs, notably Kos and Rhodes, are relatively green and wooded. The most popular islands of the Dodecanese are Rhodes and Kos, while Karpathos has recently become a more popular holiday destination. Kalymnos is popular for rock climbing, Leros for diving, while Patmos is famous for its spiritual character. History The Dodecanese have been inhabited since prehistoric times.The island of Rhodes has dominated this part of the Aegean since ancient times, although many other islands in the Dodecanese also developed into significant economic and cultural centers; most notably, Kos, which in classical times served as the site of the school of medicine founded by Hippocrates. Like the Ionian islands, the Dodecanese have experienced a varied and turbulent history, at different times being occupied by the Minoans, the Mycenaens, the Dorians, the Persians, the Macedonians, the Romans, the Byzantians, the Venetians, the Ottomans until 19 12 and then the Italians until World War II. In 1947 they became Greek again.

Wind and sailing conditions In the summer the prevailing wind is the Meltemi blowing from the NW-W. It starts fitfully in June, blows strongly in July through to September and again fitfully in October. In the summer months it regularly blows Force 4-6 and may on occasion reach Force 7. It does not blow every day, but may blow without break for 5-10 days. When the Meltemi is blowing at full strength in July and August the gusts off the lee side of an island can be considerably stronger than the wind strength in the open sea. Gusts are particularly strong off Patmos, Kalymnos, Kos, Nissyros, Tilos, Karpathos and Astypalea. In the comparatively open stretch of sea between Astypalea and Karpathos a large and distributed sea is set up when the meltemi blows for days on end. Although it is possible to go N when the meltemi is blowing, it makes better sense to plan to be heading S in July and August. The typical short seas it sets up make sailing or motoring to windward arduous and tiring. In spring the Meltemi blows mainly SE and is not very strong.

During the winter it usually blows SE and sometimes N or S. Temperatures in the summer can reach 35 degrees Celsius. Planning your trip There are direct flights to Rhodes, Kos and Samos from many international locations, or domestic flights from Athens. A longer route, by sea is possible, with daily ferries from Athens' main port of Pireaus. Whether you fly to Kos and head south, or Rhodes and head north, you will most likely do a circular route, returning back to the same base, though sometimes one way trips between the islands is possible. Turkey and the Turkish coast is easily accessible, though you will need a special permit to enter Turkish waters by sea and you may need to pay for individual visas too. Crewed gulet charter is popular in this area. Key locations The most historically important and well-known is Rhodes (Rodos), which, for millennia, has been the island from which the region is controlled. Of the others, Kos (home of Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine) and Patmos are historically more important; the remaining nine are Astipalea, Kalimnos, Karpathos, Kasos, Leros, Nisyros, Symi, Tilos and Kastellorizo.

Other islands in the chain include Agathonisi, Alimia, Arkoi, Chalki, Farmakonisi, Gyali, Kinaros, Levitha, Lipsi, Nimos, Pserimos, Saria, Syrna and Telendos. One week itinerary from Rhodes 1st Day Greek Islands | Dodecanese Greek Islands Dodecanese Islands Greece | tourist holiday travel guide to Dodecanese The islands of Dodecanese (pronounced Dodecanisa in Greek) bare their name from the circular form that they engrave in the Aegean, surrounding the holy island of Delos. The Dodecanese (meaning "twelve islands") are a group of Greek islands in the Aegean Sea, off the southwest coast of Turkey. From butterfly shaped Astypalea to the medieval city of Rhodes, the Dodecanese Islands offer a wide choice to the visitor, with the added benefit of a long season.The Dodecanese are not only the twelve main islands that parts the group, there are hundreds of other small islands and islets and many of them are inhabited.

The largest of the Dodecanese and capital of the Perfecture of the Dodecanese is Rhodes. Among the Dodecanese belongs from North to the South Patmos, Lipsi, Leros, Kalymnos, Pserimos, Kos, Nisyros, Symi, Halki, Rhodes, Karpathos, Kasos and Kastelorizo at the northern part are also the islands of Astypalea, Fourni and Agathonisi. Rhodes, as the capital of the Dodecanese district, has regular sea connections with almost every island of its region, as well as with Pireaus, Iraklion and Thessaloniki. There are also some international ferry lines to Cyprus, Turkey, Egypt and Israel. The schedules and their frequency vary throughout the year with the most of them valid only for the months between mid April to mid October. The air connections are functional through all the year with some variations. The airports of Rhodes and Kos during the summer have regular international flight connections with the main European airports.

The most popular Dodecanese islands are: Find what you are looking for at: Enter your search terms Submit search form room, rooms, apartment, apartments, hotel, hotels, camping, travel, travel offices, travel office, car rentals, car rental, rent a car, tour, tours, bus, ferry, holiday, holidays, vacation, holiday packages, offers, destination information, popular destinations, tourist guides, guide, useful information, shopping, greek products, shopping, shop, jobs, recipies, maps, map, location, photos, gallery, webcam, beach, beaches, sea, sun, real estate, houses, land, for sale, for rent, rentals, sale, sales, food, greece island, cruise, ferries.

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 Methana, Poros, Salamina, Spetses, Alonissos, Skiathos, Skopelos, Skyros the endless kilometres of the Greek coasts and the thousands of Greek islands, the protected sea areas covering thousands of square kilometres, the mild climate, the high percentage of sunshine and its interesting and varying landscape make Greece the ideal destination for the development of sea tourism activities

Question: Which is the main island of the Greek group the Dodecanese?
Answer: Rhodes