Dodecanese

The Dodecanese (Δωδεκάνησα) are an island group in the southeastern Aegean, strung along the coast of Turkey. The name means twelve islands, yet the group has around fifteen larger islands and many islets. Knights, Ottomans and Italians ruled here, and the islands joined Greece only after the Second World War. Rhodes is the largest island and the region’s hub.

The Knights of Saint John left the walled Medieval City of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the same island rise the Acropolis of Lindos and Ancient Kamiros. Kos is the island of Hippocrates, with the Asklepieion and Neratzia Castle. On Patmos the Monastery of Saint John, the Cave of the Apocalypse and the Chora are also UNESCO listed. Nisyros has a walkable volcanic crater, and Symi a harbour of pastel mansions. Kalymnos draws climbers, and Karpathos keeps old traditions in its mountain village of Olympos. Leros shows Italian-era architecture in Lakki, and Kastellorizo has its Blue Cave. Show more

Beaches range from Tsambika and Anthony Quinn Bay to the kitesurfing spot of Prasonisi. Rhodes and Kos have international airports, and ferries and catamarans link the islands for easy island hopping. The beach season often lasts well into autumn.