The Dodecanese take their name from the Greeks words for “twelve” and “islands,” because they are a group of twelve major islands situated between Crete and the Cyclades. But to be completely accurate, in the region of the Dodecanese there are hundreds more minor islands, some like Kinaros, as tiny as four square metres!
Apart from Rhodes, which is a very popular tourist destination, most of the other Dodecanese islands are less popular, though still cater for tourists and have excellent facilities and much on offer from prehistoric settlements, ancient ruins, Byzantine monasteries, folkloric traditions, excellent cuisine, exquisite coastlines and a bustling day and night life.
The contemporary Greeks who inhabit these islands are both cosmopolitan, in the cities and larger towns, and completely untouched, in the remote and smaller towns and villages. They have developed an excellent diet rich in fresh fish from their pure and crystalline waters, as well as rich in fruits and vegetables and some rich and tasty cheeses. Their extra virgin olive oil is never missing from the table and they are excellent bakers to match.
There is so much to love about the Dodecanese islands. The climate is temperate to dry to tropical and its seems the sun is always shining here. The landscape is pure and untouched, with luscious forests of pine, cypress and cedar trees as well as olive and mastic trees. The fields and hills are thriving with herbs and other aromatic plants and there are some of the most unique animal creatures living in the islands' bays and coves.
These sublime islands are full of caves and crevices and full of wild and domestic beasts. You may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the rare Mediterranean seal and if not, simply visit some of the natural museums found on the numerous islands. Here in the Dodecanese you will find some of the most divine islands in all of Greece. Apart from the big tourist destination of Rhodes, you will find Kalymnos, the famous sponge-divers' island, where you can visit the sponge museum and learn all about this ancient trade and activity.
The main town of Pothia, with its busy port, offers excellent tavernas, cafés, bars and numerous boats offering excursions to other islands for the day.
Halki is a completely unspoiled paradise, while Karpathos is traditional and known for its medieval history. There are beautiful beaches here and good tourist facilities. Kassos is yet another nearly unspoiled Dodecanese island with strong island traditions and Kastelorizo is the tiny island made famous in the film Mediterraneo.
Kos island is famous for its archaeology and a great destination for lovers of Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and Venetian history. Nisyros is one of the newly popular islands and for its volcano, while Patmos is the quiet island that Saint John once visited and where he experienced.
Finally, Rhodes is the gem of the Dodecanese and an island as famous and as much loved as Santorini of the Cyclades. Rhodes is the quintessential island of the Dodecanese and everything in the region begins and ends here. It's old town is one of the most atmospheric in all of Greece and it is enough just to walk the winding and narrow streets within its mediaeval walls. There is good shopping here and an excellent night-life. In fact, for many first time visitors, Rhodes remains on the list of regions in Greece that they would like see again and again.
