Introducing Dodecanese
Strung out along the coast of western Turkey southeast of Greece, like jewels upon an impossibly aquamarine sea, the Dodecanese both entrance and attract passers-by – many of whom return year after year to sample some of the most culturally and geographically diverse islands in the Aegean.
These 18 islands (including satellites) are an entity unto themselves. Under Italian rule until 1947, they maintain an air of slight separateness and, unsurprisingly, still attract large numbers of curious Italian visitors. The islands are a beguiling mix of sea, mountain and meadow and, because they are all close to one another, can easily be ‘hopped’. They need that extra effort to get to, but the rewards far outweigh the investment.
The spiritually inclined will make a beeline for Patmos. The developed resorts of Rhodes and Kos have beaches and bars galore, while Lipsi and Tilos have seductive beaches, minus the crowds. The far-flung islands of Agathonisi, Arki, Kasos and Kastellorizo await Greek-island aficionados in pursuit of traditional island life, while everyone gapes at the extraordinary volcanic landscape that geological turbulence has created on Nisyros. The islands’ chequered history has also endowed them with a wealth of diverse archaeological remains.
Activities in Dodecanese
Rhodes
The largest of the Dodecanese Islands, Rhodes (Ρόδος; ro-dos) is abundant in beaches, fertile wooded valleys, vivid culture and ancient history.
Rhodes Town
The fortified Old Town is bursting with atmosphere at its medieval seams, and losing yourself in its maze of alleyways and crumbling buildings is half the fun.
Dodecanese destination guides
Karpathos
This rugged island of Karpathos (Κάρπαθος), celebrated for its wild mountains and gas-blue coves, faintly resembles a woman being buffeted by the wind.
Hotels in Dodecanese
Budget Hotels & Hostels in Dodecanese
Guesthouses and B&Bs in Dodecanese
Apartments in Dodecanese
Kalymnos
This rugged island of vertical cliffs – drawing hardy climbers and catalysing an annual climbing festival in May – is best known for its history of sponge diving.
Need to know
Entertainment in Dodecanese
Kos
With a landscape veering from barren rock to hidden green valleys and alpine climbs carpeted in Aleppo pine, Kos (Κως; koss), the second-largest island in the Dodecanese, is full of surprises.
Shopping in Dodecanese