Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Greece / Dodecanese Islands
 |  | Destination Guide : Dodecanese Islands |
|
| | | Archipelago of the ancients |  | Why go on holiday to the Dodecanese?
Closer to Asia Minor than mainland Greece, the Dodecanese islands have been subject to invasion and occupation countless times. They are dotted with ancient temples, massive crusader forts, mosques and imposing Italian neo-classical edifices.
Rhodes and Kos are throbbing hives of holiday activity while the farther flung islands offer a chance to see the island way of life undisturbed by tourism. Go for clear seas, warm sun and blue skies.
How much does it cost?
Rhodes has one of Greece's major airports, while Kos and Karpathos mainly deal with seasonal package-tour flights.
Depending where and when you go, expect to pay from £250 (low season) for a seven-night self-catering package but prices vary depending on the level of accommodation. Flight-only deals start at about £150. Ferry fares from Piraeus to the islands range from £12 to £17 at time of writing.
When should I go?
The Mediterranean climate means long, hot summers that are good for sun worshippers. Winters are mild but many hotels and other tourist destinations shut up shop until the spring - a pleasant time to visit, though the sea may not have warmed up yet.
The average summer temperature is 26C (80F), winter 14C (58F).
|
|
|
|
|
| | | Island bliss |  | What should I do when I'm there?
Scuba diving, yachting, sailboarding, tennis and even Greek dancing lessons are all available on the Dodecanese. Go hiking, swimming and sightseeing.
Eat and drink on lovely little terraces overlooking the gorgeous Mediterranean, visit historic sites, and dance the night away on Kos.
Many of the islands are fair distances away from each other, however, so island hopping is not such an easy option as it is in the other Greek archipelagos.
What has Rhodes got to offer?
The walled town of Rhodes is the oldest inhabited settlement in Europe and is full of impressive structures, museums and galleries.
Don't miss the Knights' Hospital and archaeological museum, housing the Aphrodite of Rhodes; take a stroll down the Odos Ippoton - or Avenue of the Knights; go for a guided walk around the old city walls. Take a Turkish bath in the 18th-century bathhouse.
Also visit Lindos with its Acropolis, and the ancient site of Kamiros. If you have a car, explore the island's beautiful rural interior. You could also take a boat trip to the outstandingly lovely Symi town on Symi Island.
What about Kos and the other main islands?
Kos town has a fine museum and a 13th century fortress and, four kilometres away, the ruined ancient spa of Asclepion.
Kamari and Kefalos are popular beach destinations, the southern peninsula has wild scenery, and the Karpathean mountains are dotted with beautiful, unspoiled villages.
From Kos it's a short hop to the islands of Kalymnos (with many tourist facilities and great beaches), Pserimos, and Nisyros.
Patmos is starkly scenic and although crowded in summer it stays tranquil - when there make sure you visit the Monasteries where St. John wrote Revelations.
Where is more off the beaten track?
Catch a glimpse of traditional Greek life on Kassos, where the beaches of Helathros and Ammounda are tranquil, the villages of Agia Marina and Arvanitohori are beautiful and the monastery walks splendid.
Agathonisi is tiny and rarely visited - with only 112 residents, it's just the place for total rest and relaxation. Tilos has gentle hills with good walking and fine beaches.
Tiny Kastellorizo has a Blue Grotto comparable to the one on Capri; due to the island's remoteness it is in pristine condition.
Leros' capital, Lakki, is a showpiece of Italian architecture and planning, and the almost landlocked bays give mirror-like water and great swimming. Karpathos is still unspoilt and worth visiting if you like the quiet life.
|
|
|
|
|
| | | Rocky Rhodes | | Where's good for nightlife?
Kos Town has two streets of bars - Diakon and Nafklirou - which pulsate in high season, and three big discos - two of which, Heaven and Calua, have swimming pools. The Orfeus outdoor cinema opens in summer only.
In Symi, check out the lively bars in the streets behind the south side of the harbour. On Tilos, Livadia town has bars around the quay, some open till 4am in summer. On Kassos visit the Perigaili Bar for Greek music.
In Rhodes Town see the son et lumiere and check out the Folk Dance Theatre on Andronikou. Mango Cafe Bar and Kafe Besara are two of the old town's liveliest bars. Rhodes' new town has more than 600 discos and bars and Faliraki buzzes with bars and clubs.
What's the food like?
Your visit to Greece would be incomplete without sampling some of the local food. Fresh fish dishes are popular on the islands, and vegetarians are often surprised at how easy it is to find food to their liking.
Specialities include tzatziki, a cucumber and yoghurt dip; Greek salad, consisting of feta cheese, olives, peppers, onions and tomatoes with oregano and olive oil; and dolmades, stuffed vine leaves. Spinach and cheese pie is a popular snack.
Greek wines can be very good - retsina (an acquired taste) is commonly had straight out of a barrel. Also try the more easy drinking domestica and Kefalonian whites.
What should I buy?
Gold and silver jewellery, leather goods and ceramics are all good value in Rhodes old town and generally well made across the Dodecanese. Olive oil, dried herbs and honey make nice presents.
What is there for children to do?
Some of the major resorts on Rhodes, Kos and Kalymnos provide kiddies' clubs in hotels or at self-catering complexes - check with your tour operator. The islands are lots of fun for kids who like sand, sun and sea.
Tourist office
Hellenic Tourism Organisation, 4 Conduit Street, London W1S 2DJ. Tel. 020 7495 9300.
|
|
|
|
|
| | Available rental properties in Dodecanese Islands |
|
|
|
|
Why Rent With Us
