The Islands Of The Dodecanese

We shall first land at

Patmos

The holy island where St. John wrote his vision of the end of the world

Visit Patmos

Lipsi

Not far from Patmos is a group of tiny islands, known collectively as Lipsi. They cluster round the largest, the only one which is inhabited, Lipso or Lipsi.

Here you will find beautiful sandy beaches and translucent waters. The island is so small that you can go everywhere you want to on foot. The hamlet on the protected natural harbor is composed of spotless whitewashed houses, while its mini-piazza boasts tavernas, ouzeri, cafes and other eateries.

Visit Lipsi

Leros

Situated between Patmos and Kalimnos, Leros is an island of small fertile valleys sandwiched between rolling green hills, deep coves and pretty beaches.

Leros' topography has given rise to many villages. The most important is the capital, Agia Marina - united with two other villages, Platanos and Pandeli, on the back side of the hill - a collection of little white houses, neoclassical buildings and narrow alleyways.

It starts at the seaside and gradually climbs up the sides of the hill, whose summit is dominated by the somber remains of a Byzantine castle. Of special significance during Byzantine times, its shape is that given it by the Knights of St. John, who arrived in Leros in the l4th century. Still standing today are the circuit wall and the church of Our Lady within it.

Visit Leros

Kalymnos

The rocky island home of the sponge divers 12 hours by boat from Piraeus. Here is one of the great rock climbing places of the world.

Visit Kalymnos

Kos

The home of Hippocrates, the father of medicineand one of the international airports in The Dodecanese.

Visit Kos

Astypalea

Here you can visit the dragon's cave and view the remains of an ancient Roman villa.

Visit Astypalea

Nissirios

Bathe in the mineral springs famous for their healing since antiquity and still used or visit the lush central part of the island with its fruit trees, olives, figs, and grapes. Always taste the local wines.

Visit Nissirios

Tilos

See the rugged and mountainous island of Tilos

Visit Tilos

Symi

It has been called the most beautiful harbor in Greece. Nineteenth century houses rise high above the waterfront to form a natural amphitheater here.

Visit Symi

Rhodos

The Island Of The Sun famous throughout history as a place of great beauty and prosperity. Tour the largest of the Dodecanese Islands, home of The Colossus.

Visit Rhodos

Halki

Halki illustrates well the importance of fresh water in the islands of The Dodecanese. Once a fertile island boasting two crops of grain year, Halki is now dry and all fresh water must be imported.

Visit Halki

Kastalorizo

The tiny island of Kastalorizo lies just a few hundred yards off the coast of Turkey, an easy swim. The Greek government subsidizes residents so that the land remains a part of Greece.

Visit Kastalorizo

Karpathos

Visit the city where the women rule the men, Olymbos.

Visit Karpathos

Kassos

The small and unchanged island of Kassos is a quiet place. Here is a peaceful place to relax.

Visit Kassos

And now you have seen the major islands of The Dodecanese. There is much more to discover. Each link here has many more links to more information about these beautiful places. Wander through these islands at you leisure.

-Information on The Dodecanese submitted by Kallistos Alexandros



< Greek Islands Home  :: Next Stop: The Cyclades >