Why Is Kalymnos Island the Ultimate Travel Spot in Greece?Kalymnos...
Home - Travel Destinations - Wander, Swim, Eat, Repeat – Your Dodecanese Island Escape Starts Here!
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Discover the beauty of the Dodecanese Islands! Explore Astypalaia, Karpathos, Rhodes, Kos, Kalymnos, and Leros for stunning beaches and rich culture.
If you’re planning to hop between Greek islands, knowing about island groups helps you save money while enjoying awesome adventures. It’s like smart travel on a budget without missing out on amazing experiences.
Picture this: sun-kissed shores, turquoise waters, and a whole cluster of islands steeped in ancient legends and local charm. Yep, you’ve just landed in the Dodecanese Islands! Nestled in the southeastern Aegean, this dreamy Greek archipelago is a gorgeous mix of history, culture, and seriously swoon-worthy beaches.
Let’s talk highlights: there’s butterfly-shaped Astypalaia—part Cycladic beauty, part Dodecanese spirit—where whitewashed houses tumble down to a castle-topped hill. Then you’ve got Karpathos, wild and rugged, with hidden mountain villages where time feels like it stood still. Over on Rhodes, medieval magic takes center stage—think knights, fortresses, and ancient ruins galore. And don’t overlook Leros, a low-key gem with a tranquil vibe, neoclassical architecture, and a fascinating wartime history.
Each island has its own rhythm—some slow and sleepy, others buzzing with festivals and beachside tavernas. You can swim in crystal-clear coves, get lost in maze-like alleys, feast on local delicacies like pitaroudia (chickpea fritters) and koukouvagia (Cretan-inspired tomato-and-feta bread), and hear whispers of ancient gods in every ruin and stone path.
So whether you’re craving a quiet retreat or an epic adventure, the Dodecanese is calling. Ready to island-hop your way through paradise? Let’s dive in!
The cosmopolitan Rhodes island has some of the most important historical sights and monuments of all the Greek islands. Despite modern diversity, the island kept its traditional character, and that makes it one of the best Greek islands to visit.
And then of course the beaches. With around 300 days of the year bathing in sunshine, Rhodes long and beautiful beaches are enough to tempt anyone!
You can book an almost 16-hour long ferry, or do island-hopping via the ferry, or you can fly into Rhodes International Airport “Diagoras”. The air time is about 50 minutes.
Eli Beach
A butterfly-shaped island that basks in obscurity! Chora, the island’s capital, is home to the imposing medieval Kastro castle fortress. The island also holds the title of the home to the oldest known homoerotic graffiti in the world. Archaeologists discovered phalluses and a chiseled declaration in the limestone dating back to the 5th or 6th century BC.
During the summer you can fly in from Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” to the island’s “Panaghia” national airport in the Maltezana region.
Kalymnos 42.5 sq. miles / 110 sq. km, Dodecanese
Karpathos 116 sq. miles / 300 sq. km, Dodecanese
Be available to go to the Plaka Forest. This is where you’re likely to see peacocks roam wild!