Dodecanese Islands

Greece has more than 6,000 islands and of those, more than 200 islands are inhabited. The Dodecanese Islands are the southern Greek Islands, in which consist of 27 islands and out of those 27, 16 are inhabited. This island archipelago is influenced by its rulers and has Venetian, Ottoman and Italian charectaristics. Located in the south-eastern Aegean Sea, the Dodecanese is close to the coast of Turkey. With medieval architecture, a fascinating history, stunning landscapes, peaceful beaches, unique style and crystal clear waters, these islandsare definitely worth visiting. Hire our luxury charter services today and explore all the Dodecanese islands.

Top Attractions of Dodecanese Islands

• Rhodes: Of the 12 islands that make up the Dodecanese archipelago, the best island is Rhodes. It is also the capital of Dodecanese. The city has beautiful medieval architecture like palaces, fortresses, churches, synagogues and more.
• Lindos: It mixes Greek and European cultures and architecture. It has so much to see and explore that two days won't be enough time to see everything. Visit Acropolis of Lindos, whitewashed villages, Church of Panagia, Rooftop Bar-Café, St. Paul’s Bay, Lindos Beach, etc.
  • Kos: Kos is known for its Roman landmarks, 15th-century Neratzia Castle, mountain-top villages and charming beauty. Top 10 sightseeing places in Kos are Asklepieion, Ancient Gymnasium, Ottoman Mosques, Basilicas of Saint Stephen, Kastri Islet, Ancient Agora, Nerantzia Castle, Thermal Springs, Hippocrates Plane Tree and Casa Romana.
• Karpathos: This isolated island has its own customs and traditions. The island looks beautiful with white-pastel houses and tall cliffs. Top attractions are Menetes, Olympos, Apella Beach, Amoopi Bay, Achata Beach, Achata Beach, Lefkos Beach, Diakoftis Beach, Michaliou Kipos Beach and Kyra Panagia Church.
• Patmos: This Greek island is a Christian pilgrimage site. Christians believe John of Patmos wrote the Book of Revelations in the Cave of the Apocalypse. Top attractions of Patmos are the Monastery of Saint John in Chora, AgiaLevia Square, Cave of Apocalypse, port of Skala and Agrio Livadi Beach.
• Kalymnos: It has amazing mountainous regions, steep landscapes, beautiful beaches and ancient sites. Top attractions you must see here are Plati Island, Platis Yialos beach, Chrysocheri Castle, Kalolimnos, Telendos, Kefalas Cave, Church Panagia Kyra Psili and Archaeological Museum among others.
• Leros: This Island has its own unique charm as it boasts its’ beautiful olive groves, tranquil seas, freshwater streams and laid-back lifestyle. Dive under the water to explore the WWII shipwreck seen here.

Other top islands that we definitely recommend are Agathonisi, Astypalaia, Chalki, Kasos, Tilos, Leipsoi, Nisyros, Symi and Kastellorizo. Other notable islands in the Dodecanese chain include Alimia, Pserimos, Arkoi, Farmakonisi, Gyali, Kinaros, Levitha, Marathos, Nimos, Saria, Strongyli, Syrna and Telendos.

Other Attractions: The Valley of the Butterflies, Filerimos, Archangel Michael of Panormitis Monastery, Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes, Acropolis of Rhodes, Colossus of Rhodes, Farma of Rhodes, Tsambika Beach, Kritinia Castle, Castle Of The Old Town, Archaeological Museum of Rhodes, Petaloudes, la valledelle farfalle, Mandraki Port, Anthony Quinn Bay, Sesklio, Aquarium of Rhodes, Tsambika Monastery, Elli Beach, Traganou Beach, Rodini Park, Kallithea Springs, Cave of the Apocalypse, Saint Nectarios Church, Feraklos Castle and Monastery of Filerimos.

Best Beaches, Hotels and Restaurants

Best Beaches: The Dodecanese islands have some fantastic beaches to relax and enjoy a long beautiful day.

• Saint Paul's Bay: Located in Lindos, this beach has soft sand and clear waters, surrounded by rocky mountains. There is a chapel above this beach as well.
• Kyra Panagia Beach: It is an organized beach with sunbeds and umbrellas. Kyra is a family-friendly beach. You will find small white pebbles with sand on this beach.
• Apella Beach: This beach is an ideal option for families with kids and there are many coves for a relaxing swim.
• Thermes Beach: This beach has black pebbles and hot springs with therapeutic benefits. It also features sunbeds and umbrellas for lounging in the sun.
• Other Beaches: Achata Beach, Myrties Beach, Kefalos, Tsambika, Paradise Beach, Lindos Beach, Faliraki Beach, Agios Stefanos Beach, Agathi Beach, Agios Pavlos Beach, Tigaki Beach, Prasonisi Beach, Kardamena Beach and Amoopi Beach among others.

Hotels: From private villas, luxurious suites to boutique hotels, you will find a variety of hotels with amazing views, 5-star services and a relaxing atmosphere. We recommend the following; Al Mare Villas, Amathus Elite Suites, Aqua Blue Boutique Hotel & Spa, Boutique 5, Castellano Village, F Charm Hotel, Kokkini Porta Rosa, Kos Aktis Art Hotel, MelenosLindos, Pylaia Boutique Hotel, RodosNiohori Elite Suites, Tholaria Boutique Hotel, The Old Markets, Eirini Luxury Hotel Villas, Lindos Blu Luxury Hotel & Suites, Porto Scoutari Romantic Hotel & Suites, Marco Polo Mansion, Chrysalis Boutique Hotel, Bellevue Suites, Pylaia Boutique Hotel & Spa, Mathios Studios and Apartments, Allegory Boutique Hotel, Patmos Aktis Suites & Spa, Trinity Boutique Hotel, Diamond Deluxe Hotel, etc.

Restaurants: The Dodecanese is known for its diverse culinary. From sun-dried fish recipes, squid dishes to local pasta, you can try everything here. Top restaurants we recommend you to visit are Taverna Mylos, To Paradosiakon, Marco Polo Cafe, El Greco, Haihoutes, Oria Taverna, Yevsea, O Makis, Bakaliko with Tsipouro, Tholos, Meltemi, Ktima Petra, Dimitris O Karaflas, Manolis Tastes, Pantheon, Alexandra's, Kalypso, Kania Beach Taverna, Mamouzelos, Marathounda Taverna, Barbarossa, etc.

Best Things To Do in the Dodecanese Islands

• Snorkeling& Scuba Diving: The Dodecanese have so many islands with calm waters and clear visibility. The most popular diving site is the Cave of Seal in Rhodes Island. Other diving sites in Dodecanese Islands are Plimmiri, Water hoppers house reef, Kallithea, Faliraki, Koutsomitis and Kounoupes and Ladiko Wall.
• Swimming: Most of the beaches in the Dodecanese island chain are clean and perfect for families. Enjoy swimming in clear waters and then soak up some sun on one of the sunbeds there.
• Hiking: You can spend hours hiking through the mountains of Rhodes, Kalymnos, Kos, Nissiros, Tilosand Symi.
• Other activities: Water skiing, sailing, wake-boarding, banana boat riding, parascending, jet skiing, canoeing, parasailing, speed boat riding and more.

The Dodecanese Islands are known for its diversity and unique charm. People visit Kalymnos for ancient sites, Tilos for hiking, Karpathos for a traditional experience and Rhodes for luxury and diving. The best way to explore 12 major islands of the Dodecanese chain is to charter a private yacht with us.

With Mykonos Yacht Charters, you will receive a customized charter package. We tailor your vacation based on what you want to explore, where you wish to go and what you want to do. When you charter one of our luxurious yachts, don't worry about accommodation, food, drinks, entertainment and water activities as our yachts are fully equipped to cater to your specific needs. So get ready to explore Greece's most unique island chain. Book one of our vessels for a day, one week, or for one month and experience everything the Grecian Islands have to offer. Contact our charter specialist to book your yacht today!