Dodecanese Islands

Dodekanese or Dodekánisa in Greek means as much as twelve islands and is in fact a group of islands situated in the southeastern part of Greece. Although its name suggests that the group consists of 12 islands it has often contained more, and which ones they were also seems to have been alternating through history. If you love island hopping, and combining discovering medieval cities and historical sites with quiet time, then this might be the destination you have been looking for. The main islands of Dodecánisa are Rhodes & Kos, Kastellórizo, Symi, Chálki, Tílos, Níssiros, Kálimnos, Léros, Kásos, Astipálaia, Lipsoi, Patmos and Karpathos.

This group of islands, just like Greece in General, has been under foreign government for many years. After the Turkish occupation that ended after the independence war 1919/22 these islands fell under Italian rule and this explains why all islands go by a double name, their Greek and Italian name. Italian language is still widely spread as a second language, even though after WW II and a short English occupation Dodecánisa became Greek.

Rhodes

You could start your hopping experience on the islands of Rhodos (Rhodes) adding a visit to Kos island and traveling by boat from there to the islands of Astipalaia, Symi or Karpathos.

Situated on the South-East side of the Aegean sea and close to the Turkish coast this island is the third biggest island of Greece and can definitely count as a ‘traditional destination’. Due to the many hours of sun this island has every year it receives visitors all over the world almost all year round. No wonder that it was believed that this island was owned by the god ‘Helios’, the Greek God of the Sun! The island will surprise you with it’s hospitality, but also with it’s historic sites, legends and versatile nature.

The most charming medieval city!

The most well preserved, picturesque and charming medieval city of Greece is to be found on Rhodos, called ‘the old city’. Wander through the mystical paths of the Knight’s, and imagine the sound of their galloping horses. Visit the palace of the ‘Grand Master’ and discover it’s 160 well preserved rooms. Also visit the Archaeological Museum at the Knight’s hospital, the Turkish baths and mosques and off course the numerus cute cafés under arches with their flowered courtyards that will enchant you and travel you through time!

Lindos

A similarly interesting place on Rhodos is the old town of ‘Lindos’, situated on the South-Eastern side of the island overlooking the sea. The Acropolis of Lindos and it’s sanctuaries the well preserved reliefs and fortifications are a few of the things that make worth a daytrip to this ancient town. Similarly to the atmosphere in the old town of Rhodes, this place is quite well preserved and photogenic with beautiful sites over the Greek blue sea and sky.

If you like history and visiting historic sites then you might consider visiting the other old cities of the island, Ialyssos and Kamiros. Both are built amphitheatrically facing the sea and draw a lot of visitors each year with their Doric temples, arches and the ancient agora and remains of a mosque with aqueduct.

Monte Smith on the other hand, situated near the actual town of Rhodos discloses remains of the Rhodes Acropolis, and many remarkable temples.

The butterfly valley

Kalamonas is also named ‘The butterfly valley’ and is situated near the small village called ‘Theologos’ about 10 km away from the airport. This natural park is the magical scenery of transformation for thousands of butterflies each year, from mid-June till September. It is said that this type of butterfly , Panaxia Quadripunctaria is rare, and found in only a handful of places over the world. The valley that is crossed by a stream contains shady paths, wooden ponds and small waterfalls and if you are lucky you might see a cloud of butterflies flying you past, exhibiting their beautiful orange wings. However, during your visit try not to make too much noise in an attempt to make the butterflies fly, as clapping your ands or whistling will scare them so much, that it becomes fatal for them. Unfortunately during the years many people have not respected them as much, and their population has shrunken significantly.

Other beautiful walks

If you fancy a walk in nature near the city of Rhodes, you will find the ‘gardens of Rodini’ within a 3 Km distance from the town. Dense vegetation and ponds with flowery banks and idyllic paths are surrounded by trees. There is also a small zoo with its fancy peacocks and a refreshment room where you could stop and catch up your breath.

The Seven springs situated near the village ‘Archagellos’ is another beautiful scenery for a walk in nature, or an idyllic stop for drinks or for a Greek meal with a view.

Greek food and drinks

Can be found in almost every corner of the city center, however not all of them are equally good. Try to avoid the places that are located directly next to the places of interest, sometimes just in a narrow street away from the masses you will find many Greeks enjoying their meal on a terrace, that is usually a good sign for quality for your money.

The Marco Polo Mansion is a rustic place situated in the old town of Rhodes and offers next to a few rooms a good restaurant with Mediterranean meals and a nice garden. Agiou Fanouriou 40-42, Rhodes, Tel: +30 22410 25562,

Rustico is another good address in the old town where you can enjoy Greek and local specialties, including fish, fine meat and vegetarian dishes. Ippodamou 3-5, Rhodes - Old Town, Tel: +30.22410.73400,

Hatzikelis restaurant, also in the same area serves famous fish dishes next to traditional cuisine and offers a beautiful setting at the feet of the Church of the Virgin . Solomou Alchadef 9, Medieval Town, Rhodes Tel: +30 2241027215 ,

Out 8Km outside of the city center, in the village Ialyssos you will find restaurant Antonis that serves traditional food and seafood. Try the typical Rhodes cuisine! Leoforos Irakleidon ,Ialyssos, Rhodos, Tel: +30 2241 092536

More traditional hospitality and excellent food you will find at the entrance of Apollona village at restaurant Paraga, Tel: +30 6946 287 309 or +30 2246 091247

If you go to Lindos, pay a visit to Mavrikos Restaurant. This family restaurant is serving traditional Greek and local dishes that you can enjoy in outside as well as inside. Lindos village, Tel: +30 2244031232

Looking for dinner with a view when in Lindos? Then you should pay a visit to the beautifully situated Melenos restaurant on the top floor of the Melenos Lindos hotel. Tel: +30 22440 32222,

Check out the night life on Rhodos here!

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Where to stay ?

Here’s a hand full of beautiful choices for your stay. Click on the titles to be transferred to Booking.com for more details.

Try one of them, or search your stay on Rhodes here!

Castellum Suites

Set in Rhodes Town, 1.4 km from Elli Beach, Castellum Suites - All Inclusive offers accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool and a bar. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and room service, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The accommodation provides evening entertainment and a shared lounge.

Mitsis Grand Hotel

This beachfront hotel enjoys a privileged location, just a 15-minute walk outside Rhodes’ Old Town. Guests enjoy 3 swimming pools, sports facilities and luxurious rooms with sea or garden views. Free WiFi is available in all areas.

Island Boutique Hotel

Island Boutique Hotel is located just across Elli Beach in Rhodes Town, 700 m from Mandraki Port. Fine Mediterranean and international cuisine can be enjoyed at the on-site restaurant. Refreshing cocktails are served at the property's bar.

Giorgos Old Story

Set in Rhodes Town, within 1.4 km of Elli Beach and 1.3 km of Clock Tower, Giorgos' Old Story 2Bed Stone House with Private Hamam in the Old Town offers accommodation with free WiFi, air conditioning, a shared lounge and a garden. Guests benefit from a balcony and a terrace.

Enjoy your stay!

Hop to...the island of Kos!

You could start your hopping experience on the island of Rhodos (Rhodes) adding a visit to Kos and traveling by boat from there to the islands of Astipalaia, Symi or Karpathos.

Click on the picture to be transferred to Kos

Simply amazing Greece!