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The Dodecanese
In the south-eastern corner of the Greek
archipelago, the Dodecanes ('Twelve islands") have long been
a bridge between West and East, over their long and stormy history.
By assimilating elements of many different cultures they kept
their Greek character intact, before finally becoming part of
Greece after the last World War. All the islands of the Dodecanese
are connected by sea on a daily basis, and some of them are also
linked by air. There are big differences between the twelve islands,
which offer a rich variety of choice for those who visit. The
biggest islands, Rhodes and Kos are
cosmopolitan and bustling, while the smaller islands have individual
characters and offer different pleasures. Patmos,
the holy island of Saint John the Theologos, attracts visitorsfrom
all over the world, while Karpathos,
more than any other island, maintains its traditional colour.
Every year more and more tourists visit Kalymnos,
the island of the sponge divers, and it now competes with fascinating Leros and
its lovely beaches. Nisyros,
with its unique active volcano, and remote Astipalia and
its magnificent Hora, offer tranquillity and relaxation. The
smallest islands (Kasos, Lipsi, Agathonissi) attracts visitors
who long to get away from the fast pace of modern life. The islands
close to Rhodes - Symi, Halki, Tilos and Kastellorizo - each
have their own character.
Agathonissi
Astypalea
Chalki
Fourni
Kalymnos
Karpathos
Kassos
Kastellorizo
Kos
Leros
Lipsi
Nissyros
Patmos
Rhodes
Symi
Telendos
Tilos |
