Ferry To the Dodecanese islands from Athens port Ferry Schedules, Timetables & Online Tickets

Why the Dodecanese islands are ideal holiday spots

They're one of the most popular holiday destinations with a past that goes back centuries, endless natural beauty and unique culture. Not only have the islands achieved international popularity, but they also won the love of tourists from all over the world who come to experience those tiny charming paradises.

One of the most elegant and exotic islands is Astypalaia, with the Venetian Castle dominating its top, a youthful destination with the spectacular beaches of Kaminakia, Vatses or Ai Giannis.

Even though Patmos is a majorly preferable destination it retains its quiet character as much as possible. Its main attraction is the famous Kastromonastiro (Agios Ioannis) and the charming beaches, Kampos, Groikos or Livadi.

Kalymnos is widely known for its sponges, while being the ideal destination for a relaxing vacation, leaving visitors impressed by the wild landscapes and its wonderful beaches. Make sure to visit Therma and Akti beaches as they are absolutely exquisite.

Tilos is considered to be a quiet corner in the Dodecanese, with its traditional port called “Livadia”, the Gothic church of Taxiarchis, the Byzantine Castle in Megalo Chorio, the medieval and abandoned settlement of Mikro Chorio and the gorgeous beach of Eristos.

Kasos is an island of serenity, offering you the most extraordinary and at the same time authentic vacation with its magnificent port Agia Marina, Arvanitochori, Poli the oldest village of the island and Panagia. The volcano provides a special character to Nisyros, with its black pebbled beaches as in Palos or Chochlakia in Mandraki with the black rocks and the magical landscapes will offer you an alternative view of the Dodecanese.

Lipsi, the island of the goddess Calypso, where, according to mythology this is where she kept Odysseus. It has a superb residential theater, in the middle of a protected bay. It’s the perfect destination for travelers looking for peace and relaxation.

Rhodes is a unique destination, the old Medieval City, with its castles and the walls, which are a wonderful example of fortification of the 14-15th century. In the Old Town, the Palace of the Grand Masters stands out, a very imposing building that you should not miss for the world.

Symi is an island that has a little bit of everything, beautiful surroundings, delicious cuisine and lovely beaches. The neoclassical mansions, the fisheries, the stone bridge, Gialos, and impeccable landscapes will enchant you from the first sight.

Sophisticated, mysterious and authentic, the tiny island of Chalki remains one of the most unexplored ornaments in the Dodecanese. Built amphitheatrically on the slopes around the gulf of the port, with colorful high-raised mansions of Italian architecture making the island famous around the world.

Kos is the third largest of the Dodecanese islands, teeming with history, plenty of greenery, countless breathtaking monuments and the most splendid beaches you’ve ever witnessed. Be sure to visit its thermal springs, which have healing affects and the spectacular ancient city of Kos. Another great attraction is the exquisite castle of Neratzia which was built by the Knights of St. John and of course Asclepieion, one of the most important sanatoriums of antiquity.

Leros was the original home of Artemis the Huntress, it is said. There is definitely something attractively untamed and breathtaking about the island, dotted with spectacular Orthodox churches, powerful windmills, blue coves and whitewashed villages.

In reality, everything about the Dodecanese is even more lush and dramatically beautiful than you could ever imagine.