DODEKANESE

The Dodecanese are a complex of islands in the southeastern Aegean Sea, opposite the coasts of M. Asia, between the islands Samos and Crete.

Find Properties to Dodecanese

On the crystal waters of the Aegean Sea, the Dodecanese islands impress with their breathtaking natural landscapes, beautiful beaches and unique culture. Eighteen islands of the Dodecanese complex are inhabited, besides the fact over 200 are included. They have gained a worldwide reputation, providing clean waters and a variety of activities to thousands of tourists every year.

The unique color and the Mythology of the Dodecanese

Each one of these little paradises has a unique story.

Rhodes is the island of the Knights, the “queen” of the tourism and the capital of the Dodecanese complex. According to mythology, the island was given to Sun as a gift by the other gods. Since then, Sun has bathed this island in his rays, making it the brightest and shining of them all.

It is named after Sun’s wife, the nymph Roda, daughter of Poseidon.
Kos is the birthplace of Hippocrates, the father of medicine. In ancient times it was the place of worship of the healer Asclepius and the demigod Hercules. According to tradition, it is also the birthplace of Europe, the nymph who gave his name to the Old Continent.

The volcanic island of Nisyros on the other hand is characterized by a landscape of wild beauty. It is said to have been created by a piece of Kos, which Poseidon dislodged from the island during the Clash of the Titans, in order to crushes with it the giant Polybotis.

Symi, is an aristocratic island reminiscent of a painting of a Venetian village. About the origin of the island’s various legends are known: one of them is about the nymph Simi, who mated with the god Poseidon and gave birth to Xthonios, the “man of the earth” and leader of the first inhabitants of the island.

Another myth tells the story of Symi, daughter of Ialysos and Dotidas, who was kidnapped by the god Glaucus and brought to live on the island. Finally, it is said that the island was formerly called Egly, named by of the eponymous nymph, who gave birth to the Three Graces on the island.

Tilos has an impressive capital city, built inside the walls of a Venetian castle, right on the foundations of ancient Tilos. It took its name from the youngest son of Alia, sister of Sun and Telchines.

Karpathos is characterized by numerous height points of extraordinary view and according to mythology, the island was home of the Titans before the famous Clash of the Titans took place.

Patmos is the island of the Apocalypse, Kalymnos the island of the sponge divers, graphical Astypalaia the romantic island of the Dodecanese, borderline Kastelorizo an incredible mosaic of colorful mansions and Kasos the quiet, remote and “untouched” island of the Dodecanese.

Halki is characterized by unique authenticity and Leipsi by its traditional insular style. Leros is the island of Artemis, ideal for peaceful and relaxing holidays and finally the small islands of Pserimos Agathonisi Telendos and Arki are the perfect destination for a short getaway in a pristine environment.

History, Attractions and Activities

As a result of their tumultuous history that starts from Neolithic era, crosses the ancient era and comes across many conquerors, such as Saracens, Venetians, Genoese, Crusaders and Turks, the Dodecanese islands enumerate many monuments and attractions. Crucial historical moment was their conquest by the Knights of St John (1309-1522), period during which they experienced great economic and cultural prosperity.

Besides the monuments, the Dodecanese are distinguished for their picturesque old towns with narrow streets and beautiful houses, and their natural wealth. With many protected areas, rare plants and animal species, such as the monk seal (monachus monachus), they are a true paradise for nature lovers. The Dodecanese provide excellent opportunities for climbing, diving, trekking and caving.

In Rhodes, you can prowl in the medieval Old Town that has been named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Visit the Knights’ Avenue, the Grand Master’s Palace, the Archaeological Museum and the beautiful medieval churches. Do not miss the opportunity to visit the Butterfly Valley, the healing hot springs of Kallithea, the building Yeni Hammam, Monolithos Castle, ancient Lindos and Ialyssos, the archaeological site of Kameiros, Rodini Park and the Aquarium of Rhodes.

Protected monuments of UNESCO are also the ruined castle – town in Halki and the town of Patmos, as well as the imposing fortified monastery of St. John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse on the same island.
In volcanic Nisyros you can walk among steaming craters and go back in time viewing the exhibits of Volcanology Museum. Symi not forget to visit the Venetian Castle, the fortress of the Dragon and the Monastery of Archangel Michael.

Significant findings in Leipsi are the monuments of the early Christian era, while in Kastelorizo you can admire the medieval castle and the Byzantine castle Paleokastro, the Cyclopean Walls, the Catacombs of St. Haralambos and the impressive Blue Cave.

We must also mention the Venetian castle and windmills in Astypalaia, the historic monastery Panormitis in Symi, the Byzantine church of Panagia Charitoneni and the Grand Castle in Kalymnos.
In the town of Kos impressive is the Avenue of Palms that leads to the famous plane tree of Hippocrates. Also visit the famous Asklipieio and the excellently preserved Venetian castle in Antimachia.

In Karpathos will be impressed by the picturesque villages of Olympos and Mesochori and in Leros by the imposing castle of Virgin Mary on the hill Apityki, as well as the Italian fortifications. In Kassos walk across the pirate bay Buka, visit the impressive caves Ellinokamara and Selai and do not miss the opportunity to view the archaeological collection in Fry, the island’s capital city. Inside the castle of Tilos worth visiting are the small museum that exhibits the bones of prehistoric dwarf elephant and the Italian unique building in Libadia.