The Dodecanese is the name of the Greek islands complex in the north eastern Aegean sea. They are situated between the islands of Crete, the Cyclades, lkarias, Samos and the Asia Minor seaboard.
Apart from the twelve main islands, which gave the name to the island complex (Rhodes, Astypalia, Kalymnos, Karpathos, Kasos, Kos, Leros, Nysiros, Patmos, Symi, Tilos. Halki), the islets of Lipsi (16 square kms), Pserimos (14.6 square kms), Agathonisi (13.4 square kms), Kastellorizo (9.1 square kms), Levitha (9 square kms), Giali (6 square kms), Kinaros (4.3 square kms) amongst other islets, barren islets and rock peaks, all constitute the group of islands known as the Dodecanese.
The Dodecanese islands are a beguiling mix of sea, mountain and meadow and, because they are all close to one another, can easily be ‘hopped’. They need that extra effort to get to, but the rewards far outweigh the investment.
Rhodes is the most popular island in the Dodecanese and rivals both Santorini and Mykonos as one of the most popular islands in Greece. Rhodes town is more of a city but a nice one, in fact I could easily live here. The old town is something special, a medieval walled city and one of the most important historical sites in the world. Fantastic castle built by the Knights of Saint John. Lots of nightlife, and plenty of archaeology to get through the days if beaches packed with beautiful women (and men) bore you. Try Sticky Fingers or the 60's bar. Check out the rest of the island which is agricultural with great beaches and some fancy resorts, villages, mountains and the longest summer of any Greek island. Lindos is picturesque and packed during the season but go early or late and share it with the locals.
Plenty of undiscovered spots but you will need a car to find them. Don't forget the Valley of the Butterflies. Well they are moths actually but nonetheless impressive.
Kalymnos mountainous Greek island in the Aegean Sea, part of the Dodecanese group, 42 square miles (111 square km) in area. The capital, Kalimnos (Pothia), located at the head of an inlet inthe southeast, is the chief port and a prominent Aegean commercial centre with the bulk of the island's population.
As in classical times, sponge fishing remains the chief industry, with the sponge fleet away to the North African coast for up to six months each year after Easter. Toward the centre of the island, the volcanic valley of Vathys, irrigated from springs, supports citrus, olives, figs, and vines. Kalymnos is the seat of a metropolitan bishop of the Greek Orthodox Church. For those cruising the Greek islands yacht refueling stations can be found in Kalymnos.The most beautiful beaches are on the west coast of the island and includes Panormos, Kantouni, Linaria and Platy Gialos.
The third largest island in the Dodecanese, after Rhodes and Karpathos, Kos lies between Kalimnos and Nissiros. It is mainly flat with a mountain chain-Mts. Dikeos (875 m.) and Simpatras running along the south coast. Famous as the birthplace of Hippocrates, the father of medicine, Kos is also known for its lovely, gentle scenery. Inhabited since prehistoric times, Kos, like Rhodes and the other Dodecanese, has known periods of great prosperity but also times of great hardship over the centuries.
Kardamena is the best known resort on Kos. It spreads out along the island's eastern coastline about 40 minutes drive south west of Kos Town. The beach offers excellent clear water and safe swimming. It's covered with sunbeds near the resort centre, but becomes less crowded as you head off in either direction. The original village square and small fishing harbour are still at the heart of the resort, but they're now surrounded by tavernas and bars, ideal for anyone looking for fun in the sun.
