The Dodecanese is the name given to the long string of Greek islands follow the Turkish coast. Where east meets west, many ate rich in culture and history with a strong Ottoman influence.
The Dodecanese Prefecture is a group of the following islands: Rhodes, Karpathos, Kos, Kalymnos, Astipalaia, Kasos, Tilos, Symi, Leros, Nisyros, Patmos, Halki, Saria, Lipsi, Pserimos, Agathonisi, Levitha and Kastellorizo.
Rhodes and Kos are the premier holiday islands with good flight and ferry links. Other popular holiday islands for independent travellers are Kalymnos, Patmos and Leros while Halki, Symi, Lipsi, Pserimos, Tilos and Nisyros are favourite day trip destinations.
The largest island of the Dodecanese, is Rhodes. Rhodes has two cities the medieval city, which is the most famous attraction and the new town which lies west of the medieval wall. Many impressive attractions like the medieval walls, the Grand Masters Palace, Acropolis of Lindos and the Valley of the Butterflies. The island has beautiful beaches … some of them are the beach in the town of Rhodes, Anthony Quinn Beach, Kallithea, Agia Agathi,Kalathos, Glyfada and Prasonisi.
Karpathos is an island of stark contrasts. The northern part of the island has remained intact over the years and is more traditional, while the south has evolved based tourism. Visit the Olympus, one of the most traditional villages of Greece, but also other villages. Karpathos has some wonderful beaches: Afoti, Achata, Votsalakia, Apella, Damatria, Mikri Ammopi, Vrontis and Valias.
Kos is a fantastic island with beautiful beaches and attractions. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Kos, the Roman house, Nerantzia Castle, Antimachia Castle , the plane tree of Hippocrates. Swim in Paradise Beach, in Tigaki with fantastic golden sand beach, in Kardamena beach and in Thermes beach.
Kalymnos is ideal for relaxing holidays. Swim in the beautiful beaches and beautiful caves, or explore the mountainous part of the island. It can become the island of relaxation or adventure .. you decide!
Astypalea could be instead of one, two islands that have stuck with a strip of land. The butterfly of Aegean as many call it because of the particular shape, will fascinate you with its amazing beaches, some of them are Koutsomyti, Kounoupa, Livadi, Kaminakia and Tzanakia.
Kasos is located between Crete and Karpathos. Mountainous island with a wild beauty, untouched by mass tourism, will fascinate you with its simplicity and serenity.
Tilos is a small island, ideal for carefree and peaceful holidays. One of the most famous beaches are the beaches Eristos, Prairies and Agios Antonios.
Simi is one of the most picturesque mansions and islands. You will be impressed by the beautiful traditional houses and idyllic beaches with pebbles.
Leros is a green island, with many bays and beautiful villages. The capital of Leros is Platanos, built under a beautiful castle with picturesque houses and romantic alleyways.
Nisyros is a volcanic island with uniform circular beaches. Visit the caldera of the volcano in the center of the island and swim in the beautiful beaches Palon, Pachia Ammos, Chochlakon and Lies.
Patmos will amaze you either you visit it for its religious side, or to enjoy the amazing beaches and overall serenity of the island. In Patmos you will find many monasteries, the most important is the monastery of Agios Ioannis Theologos. The most famous beaches are, Livadi tou Geranou, and the beaches Grikos, Psili Ammos, Agriolivado and Lampi.
Halki is a small mountainous island with beautiful beaches. Nimborio is the capital of the island and the only settlement.
Kastelorizo or Megisti is the border island of Greece. Forgotten by many, but certainly not by its inhabitants, who are trying to resubmit the old glory that the island deserves. It is a wonderful island for exploration and peaceful holiday. Visit the Castle of the Knights of St. John, the Lycian tomb, Palaiokastro the Cathedral of St. Constantine and St. Helen and of course the Blue Cave!