Rhodos, Karpathos, Kastellorizo, Tilos, Nisyros, Astypalea, Symi, Kos, Leros, Patmos, Lipsi
The remotest of the Greek archipelagos the Dodecanese was only incorporated into modern Greece in 1948, after 500 years of occupation by the Latin Knights of St John, the Ottomans, the Italians, the Germans and the British. Through it all the islanders have retained their Greek cultural identity.
The islands’ history has left a legacy of rich and diverse archeological remains.
This island group is renowned for its temperate climate and long tourist season.
PATMOS
For both Orthodox and Western Christians, Patmos has long been a place of pilgrimage, for it was here thatSt Johnwrote his divinely inspired revelation, the Apocalypse. Once a favorite destination for the devout,Patmosis now just as popular with sun and sea worshippers. All boats dock at glitzy Skala, which sprawls around a large curving bay. Wrapped around the immense Monastery of St John the Theologian, the beautiful hilltop village, Hora. With its immaculate whitewashed houses and maze like alleys, it is absolutely enchanting. A tour of the monastery and of the cave where John received his divine revelations, the Monastery of the Apocalypse, is a must.
There are a number of sandy tree-shaded beaches around the island. Psili Ammos is the islands best beach, it is only accessible by boat.
ARKI
Arki, is the biggest of a group of islands to the north of Lipsi. The local people live mainly from fishing. Arki is not a tourist island and is very quite and peaceful. There is only one little village on the island as there are not many people living on Arki.
The ruins of an acropolis on the hill overlooking the harbor is the perfect place to see the sun set over the sea.
LIPSI
Lipsi is a delightful little island with good beaches. The picturesque port town ofLipsiis the only settlement. The countryside is dotted with olive groves and cypresses. Lipsi produces a strong wine known as Lipsi Black. The island’s main attraction, are its beaches, such as Platys Gialos a lovely sandy beach with a good taverna and the pebbled beach of Monodendri (nudist), set on a rocky peninsula.
LEVITHA
Levitha has 4 small harbors so no matter from where the winds are blowing you can always find a safe place to dock.
Levitha is a small island with no electricy, only sun panels and generator and only one family is living on the island that also owns the local taverna.
The island is even unknown to many Greeks.
LEROS
Leros’ gentle, slopping countryside is spotted with smallholdings and huge, impressive, almost-landlocked bays, resembling lakes more than open sea. Platanos, the capital of Leros is 3km north of Lakki, the main port. This tiny picturesque village spills down the slender hillside to theportofAgios Marina. On the east side of Platanos, the mountainside dwellings are crowned by a massive medieval castle.
Set on the wideAlindaBay, are the adjoining resorts of Krithoni and Alinda, which has a lovely, long tree-shaded sand beach.
At Belfoutis Bay you will find a shaded sand and pebble beach and a good taverna. A good spot for snorkeling, Xirokambos Bay is a mellow resort with a sand beach.