AREA GUIDE TO THE DODECANESE - GREECE
The Dodecanese Islands are located south of Samos, and Fourni, east of the Cyclades, west of the coast of Asia Minor, and northeast of Crete. It is an enchanted world where the sun paints pictures and the sea gives life.
Rhodes - The largest island in the group is Rhodes, also known as the island of the Sun. The capital city of Rhodes is like a valuable coin with two faces. One face, "heads", is the old town, a fairy-tale place surrounded by medieval walls and traversed by the Street of the Knights of St John. On either side of the road is the old town with the 'Inns', the Hospital of the Knights and the palace of the Grand Master. The other face, "tails", is the modern city with an intense nightlife, broad streets, beautiful buildings, large hotels, and hundreds of shops.
Patmos - Between Leros and Ikaria is the "ascetic shape" of Patmos, called the Jerusalem of the Aegean due to the overwhelming atmosphere of the island during the great celebrations of Christianity. Here, in one of Patmos’ many caves, St. John the Theologian had a vision of the Apocalypse. An imposing monastery devoted to the saint dominates the heights above the picturesque houses and mansions, which appear to be 'hooked' to the roots of the monastery.
Lipsi – an attractive island with enchanting beaches and scenic fish taverns offering local wine.
Leros - a hilly island with deep green coves, idyllic valleys, indented shores and the imposing Frankish Byzantine castle over the Hora.
Kalymnos - Grey, gold, and green, framed by the blue of the sea and the sky, are the colours composing the portrait of Kalymnos; naked rock, golden beaches, and verdant valleys. The capital Pothia is built amphitheatrically with multi-coloured geometrically shaped houses, churches, and scenic roads. Beautiful areas with picturesque villages, radioactive springs, and idyllic spots for swimming, fishing, and relaxing holidays are everywhere.
Astypalea - small white houses with brightly painted windows open to the sun. A row of windmills, and caves with stalactites and stalagmites are at Vathi and Vetses.
Kos - Kos is a splash of deep green located between Kalymnos and Nissiros. Among the thousands of impressive sights are the Asklepeion, the houses dating from the Roman era with fabulous mosaics, the palace of the Knights of St John, and the early Christian churches with their noteworthy frescos. The island also has many charming villages, some for quiet fishing, others for splendid beaches, ranging from empty to full.
Nissiros – Nissiros is an impressive island of contrasts formed by the white houses on the island’s grey volcanic soil, and the beautiful sea and sun of fishing villages.
Tilos - fine sand beaches, untouched nature, medieval castles and a respect for the island's traditions.
Simi - You will know you are on Simi by the mountains and small valleys, wonderful coves, strong sense of tradition, and the monastery of the Archangel Michael with its Byzantine frescos.
Halki - West of Rhodes lays a small mountainous island, Halki. A thousand songs pay tribute to this quiet place that is ideal for relaxing in. Back...
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