The Dodecanese Islands are located just off the coast of Turkey and stretch from Patmos in the north down to Kastellorizo in the south east. Being the furthest east of the Greek islands, they tend to get the best weather for longest (along with Crete). Some of the islands have traditional whitewashed houses, but many are painted in pastel colours.
There is a ferry line which runs up the majority of the line twice daily so this makes for easy island hopping and there is even an island hopping flight which makes its way from Rhodes to Astypalaia via Kos, Kalymnos and Leros.
There is a ferry line which runs up the majority of the line twice daily so this makes for easy island hopping and there is even an island hopping flight which makes its way from Rhodes to Astypalaia via Kos, Kalymnos and Leros.
Which island will you choose?
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Halki
Halki (sometimes spelt with a C) is one of the smaller Greek islands and not the easiest to reach, despite its proximity to Rhodes. Ferries are limited, often departing from Kamiros Skala rather than Rhodes Town.
What Halki lacks in accessibility, it more than makes up for in charm. The island is a UNESCO site, so large tourist developments are minimal, allowing visitors to enjoy a traditional Greek island experience. The tiny harbour is surrounded by tavernas and cafés, traffic is virtually nonexistent, and the beaches are some of the cleanest in Greece, with Pondamos being the only sandy option. For those who like to explore, there are the ruins of the Kastro and the Panormitis Monastery. Halki is perfect for walking, swimming, reading, or simply relaxing – a true escape from the crowds. Pack your bags and get there before everyone else discovers this hidden gem! Kos
Kos is the third largest of the Dodecanese and nearly as popular as Rhodes. With over 300 days of sunshine, it’s perfect for beaches or exploring.
Kos Town is lively and sophisticated, with a harbourfront, excellent restaurants, chic bars, and hidden spots in winding back streets. Kardamena is a bustling resort for younger visitors, offering water sports, nightlife, and a great beach. Kefalos is more traditional, with ancient ruins, windmills, and charming tavernas. Tingaki on the north coast combines it all, with a 6km sandy beach, low-key bars, watersports, and day trips to Kalymnos or Pserimos. Kos truly has something for everyone! 
Everyone has heard of Mount Etna and Mount Vesuvius, and most people know that Santorini was formed by a huge volcanic eruption. However, Nisyros is far less well known. The two large volcanic craters at the centre of the island are still active, though the last eruption was in 1888, and the fertile volcanic soil makes the island much greener than its nearby neighbours.
You can walk on the crater floor, where the sounds are said to be the groans of a giant defeated by Poseidon. Despite its dramatic geology, Nisyros remains largely untouched by tourism, offering a peaceful and authentic Greek island experience. Mandraki, the capital and harbour, has most of the island’s facilities. Its narrow, pebbled streets are lined with houses built from local volcanic rock, insulated with pumice stone. Nightlife is low-key, but a selection of tavernas, cafes, and bars ensures you’ll have an enjoyable evening. Symi
At just 24 miles from Rhodes, Symi can feel very different depending on the time of day. The main town fills with daytrippers from Rhodes for a few hours, but once they leave, the island settles into its true, relaxed rhythm.
Symi was once a commercial centre, which is evident in the impressive houses lining the hills. The capital is split into Chorio at the top and Yialos at the bottom, linked by 400 steps called Kali Strata, each with its own tavernas, shops, cafes, and unique atmosphere. The island also offers several beaches, including Pedi, Emborio, Marathounda, and Nanou, all great for snorkeling. For history and culture, the 6th-century monastery at Panormitis is a must-see, with stunning Byzantine frescoes and intricate carvings. Symi has a bit of attitude, but it’s part of its charm. |
A short boat ride from Kos, Kalymnos is a friendly island with plenty to offer within its 21km length.
Once famous for its sponge-divers, the island enjoyed a spell of package holiday success in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Both of these industries have declined, so Kalymnos has reinvented itself and is now well known for rock climbing, scuba diving, and activity-based holidays. The main town, Pothia, has a bustling Greek atmosphere. Narrow streets wind up from the port, revealing neoclassical mansions, one of which you can even stay in. In summer, an open-air cinema operates and excursion boats run to nearby islands such as Pserimos and Alikarnassos. On the west coast, Massouri and Myrties are low-key resorts with a handful of tavernas, cafés, bars, and shops. From Myrties, a small ferry takes you across to the island of Telendos, where you’ll find a few traditional tavernas and four beautiful beaches. Leros
Leros was a bit of a hidden gem for us, not highly praised in guidebooks yet full of charm. You can reach it via Athens or Kos, and the journey is straightforward. The airport is in the north, and as you travel through the villages, the island’s attractiveness becomes clear.
Ferries arrive either at Lakki, a long coastal town, or at Agia Marina for smaller boats. Agia Marina, along with Platanos and Panteli, forms the main hub. Panteli is a small bay with tavernas, a few bars, and mini markets, while Platanos is the old capital, boasting many well-preserved traditional houses. Hiring a car is recommended to explore the island properly. You’ll find beautiful beaches, an intriguing WW2 museum with underground tunnels, and scattered tavernas offering a taste of local life. 
The Book of Revelations was written on Patmos by St John the Divine, and years later the island also attracted David Bowie, albeit in a very different form of expression. At just over 20 square miles, it is one of the smallest islands in the Dodecanese.
Skala, the main port, is an attractive hub with elegant cafes, smart boutiques, and a handful of excellent restaurants tucked into its narrow backstreets. It makes a great base, and the surprisingly reliable bus service links the town to beaches, villages, and the Chora. The Chora sits high above Skala, dominated by the Monastery of St John, founded in the 11th century and home to highly prized treasures. Wandering the flower-filled courtyards and old mansions, you’ll also find some wonderful restaurants along the way. Tilos
Tilos has been in the news recently for becoming the first Greek island to provide its own electricity, but it’s also a protected nature reserve home to rare species like the Bonelli Eagle. Despite these modern developments, the island has managed to retain its charm.
Life for a visitor is relaxed, choosing which beach to visit, wandering through flower-filled valleys, and ending the day over a glass of local wine in a taverna. Accommodation is traditional rather than luxurious, keeping the authentic Greek island feel. The two main settlements, Livadia and Megalo Chorio, offer tavernas, bars, cafes, and a range of accommodation. A small minibus connects the villages, though Greek-style timing means it’s not always precise. Those who make the effort to visit often become devoted fans of the island. |
A fan of Pink Floyd or Oscar films may recognise Kastellorizo. David Gilmour wrote a song named after the island, and Mediterraneo won Best Foreign Language Film.
Kastellorizo, or "Kazzie," sits just a mile from the Turkish mainland yet remains proudly Greek. A four-hour ferry or 30-minute flight brings you to this remote island. There are no traditional beaches; you swim in the harbour alongside turtles. The small population of around 500 gives a sense of its past when it was a major port in the eastern Mediterranean. Don’t miss the Blue Grotto, where boats take you into a cave with unforgettable deep blue waters. Lipsi
If your idea of a dream holiday is complete seclusion, few tourists, a sleepy atmosphere and a handful of restaurants, Lipsi may be perfect. The island has just one village, meaning limited accommodation and a truly peaceful escape, despite being on the daily catamaran route between Patmos and Rhodes.
Most tavernas line the quayside, which becomes lively in the evenings, while a few more are tucked away in the squares behind the waterfront. Lientou is the only organised beach on the island and, being closest to the village, is also the most popular. A small minibus runs to the other beaches during the day, or you can take a boat to Thymena, a neighbouring islet with a great beach. Early booking is recommended due to the limited accommodation on offer. Rhodes
Rhodes is an island that offers a little bit of everything – beaches, history, nightlife, and sun-soaked relaxation. Whether you want to explore cobbled streets or soak up the atmosphere in a seaside taverna, there’s something for everyone.
Rhodes Old Town is a highlight, with its mixture of palaces, churches, narrow alleys, squares, and boutiques. Faliraki is the hotspot for younger visitors, offering the island’s biggest nightclubs, a lively beach, and a range of tavernas. For a more relaxed experience, Lindos has a beautiful sandy beach and a UNESCO-preserved town with a unique ambience, while Pefkos is ideal for families with gentle, turquoise waters and plenty of tavernas serving fresh fish and traditional Greek dishes. |
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Chris and Ian are the team that is The Greek Specialist. As a brand of Verini Travel, part of PTS (Protected Trust Services - number PTS5880), we work with ABTA and ATOL protected operators and with significant experience in the travel industry and in travelling to Greece, we can ensure that you we will provide you with the best holiday possible at the best possible price.
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Verini Travel Limited is an ATOL holder, number 12280.
All the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. Please see our booking conditions for further information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to www.caa.co.uk
Our privacy policy can be found at the top of this page.
