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Home » travel planning » Dodecanese Islands overview

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Dodecanese Islands overview

Tom & Ella
Last updated: 4. March 2026 14:18
By Tom & Ella
No Comments
21 Min Read

Miracles under the sun! With 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, the Dodecanese Islands one of the sunniest regions in Europe. It is said that 12 islands belong to the archipelago (Greek: “Dodekanisa” = “twelve islands”). In fact, there are twice as many inhabited islands and over 100 more rocky islands and reefs.

Symi Rhodos Dodekanes Inseln Griechenland
Typical Dodecanese: dream bays and pretty villages

Peaks up to 1,200 m high sink into the deep blue sea. Hills overgrown with wild herbs are populated by goats. Traditional villages alternate with tourist strongholds. On the coast, one beach follows the other. Colorful gravel, light sand or dark volcanic sand. There is something for everyone!

Numerous occupiers shaped the appearance of this Greek Islands in the south-east Aegean. Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans and Italians left their traces on the “Twelve Islands”, which are still visible today. Welcome to a journey of discovery through one of the most diverse Greek island worlds. Welcome to the Dodecanese!

In this article, we introduce you to the individual islands of the Dodecanese. In addition to the touristically sought-after islands of Rhodes and Kos, you can also expect some Greece Insider Tips. In the north, Greece connoisseurs are drawn to Patmos, Lipsi or Leros. In the south, you can enjoy heavenly peace on Tilos, Halki and Kassos.

Table of Contents
  • #1 The main islands of the Dodecanese
  • #2 Travel tips for the Dodecanese
  • #3 Popular Dodecanese Attractions
  • #4 Getting to the Dodecanese Islands
  • #5 Island hopping in the Dodecanese
  • #6 History of the Dodecanese Islands
  • #7 Dodecanese travel guide for your holiday

12 facts about the Dodecanese Islands

  • 160 large islands, small islets and reefs make up the Dodecanese
  • 200,000 inhabitants live together on all Dodecanese islands
  • 300 km separate Astypalea in the west from Kastellorizo in the east
  • 400 years, the Dodecanese Islands were occupied by the Ottomans
  • 5 Inhabitants live on the smallest inhabited island of Marathi
  • 66 years after its construction, the Colossus of Rhodes fell into the sea
  • 70 kilometers is the island of Kasos only away from the island of Crete
  • 80 percent of Dodecanese winegrowing comes from Rhodes
  • 90 years old, was the famous physician Hippocrates of Kos
  • 10000 descendants of the inhabitants of Kastellorizo live in Australia
  • 11 hours the ferry crossing from Piraeus to Kos takes
  • 1215 meters is the highest Dodecanese mountain Attavyros (Rhodes)

#1 The main islands of the Dodecanese

The Dodecanese stretches like a pearl necklace from north to south. With the exception of Rhodes, Kos, Karpathos, Kalymnos and Astypalea, all islands have an area of less than 100 km². Rhodes is the largest Dodecanese island, both in terms of area and population. About 110,000 people live on the island in the southeastern Aegean Sea.

More information about the other regions of the country can be found here: Greece Regions

Griechenland Inselübersicht Dodekanes Karte

1. Astypalea

⤷ 1,300 inhabitants ⭔ 96.4 km² area ⇆ Arrival via national airport JTY or ferry

Astypalea Dodekanes Inseln Griechenland Tipps
Chora of Astypalea

Astypalea is the westernmost Dodecanese island. It is located near the Cyclades and is also called the butterfly island of the Aegean Sea due to its shape. A highlight of Astypalea is the picturesque main town of Chora, which stretches up a slope with its white houses.

⤍ Our contributions to the Dodecanese island of Astypalea: Astypalea Highlights and Astypalea Travel Tips

2. Kalymnos

⤷ 16,200 inhabitants ⭔ 134.5 km² area ⇆ Arrival via national airport JKL or ferry

Dodekanes Insel Kalymnos Pothia Hafen
Heavenly view of the main town of Pothia

Kalymnos is the neighboring island of Kos, but nowhere near as touristy. With the exception of the lively capital Pothia, individualists appreciate the tranquility of the barren and mountainous island. Hip beach bars and great restaurants await holidaymakers. Climbers can let off steam on the island’s numerous rocky cliffs and caves.

⤍ Travel tips for the Dodecanese island of Kalymnos: Kalymnos Highlights

3. Karpathos

⤷ 6,500 inhabitants ⭔ 302.2 km² area ⇆ Arrival via international airport AOK or ferry

Dodekanes Insel Karpathos Urlaub Olymbos
Mountain village of Olymbos on Karpathos

Karpathos is an authentic island in the very south of the Dodecanese. The island is popular with individualists and windsurfers and relies on gentle tourism. Dream beaches in the most beautiful shades can be found on every corner. The north of Karpathos is almost untouched. Especially the traditional village of Olymbos is a real highlight, here you can experience Greece like from a picture book!

⤍ Travel tips for the Dodecanese island of Karpathos: Karpathos Highlights

4. Kasos

⤷ 1,100 inhabitants ⭔ 66.4 km² area ⇆ Arrival via national airport KSJ or ferry

Dodekanes Insel Kasos Fry Karpathos
A Greek postcard motif: Fry on Kasos

There are only seven kilometres between Kasos and Karpathos, but there are worlds between the two islands. Only a few holidaymakers get lost on the small, barren boulder. Wrongly, we think! Because Kasos has a lot of Greek charm, originality and lived tradition.

⤍ Travel tips for the Dodecanese island of Kasos: Karpathos Highlights (Day Trip Kasos)

5. Kos

⤷ 33,400 inhabitants ⭔ 287.2 km² area ⇆ Arrival via international airport KGS

Dodekanes Insel Kos Strände Kavo Paradiso
Paradisiacal beaches await holidaymakers on Kos

Kos has been one of the most popular travel destinations in Greece for years. Dream beaches, lively villages (e.g. Zia) and archaeological sites attract holidaymakers to the island of Hippocrates. The ancient doctor already knew it: Kos is a place to feel good!

⤍ Travel tips for the Dodecanese island of Kos: Kos Highlights

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6. Leros

⤷ 7,900 inhabitants ⭔ 74.2 km² area ⇆ Arrival via national airport LRS or ferry

Dodekanes Insel Leros Panteli Urlaub
Caribbean feeling in the coastal town of Pantelis on Leros

Leros is located in the northern part of the Dodecanese Islands. Gleaming white houses, photogenic windmills and turquoise bays welcome holidaymakers. Some islanders are already talking about the second Mykonos. However, the tourist crowds stay away from Leros to this day and thus ensure a very relaxed holiday.

⤍ Travel tips for the Dodecanese island of Leros: Leros Highlights

7. Lipsi

⤷ 800 inhabitants ⭔ 15.8 km² area ⇆ Arrival by ferry

Dodekanes Insel Lipsi Fähre Tagesausflug
Pure idyll on the small island of Lipsi

Not far from Leros lies the idyllic island of Lipsi. Sailors and Greece connoisseurs appreciate the blue and white island treasure. Lipsi with its turquoise blue bays focuses on sustainable tourism. Large hotels have been banned by decree, an ideal destination for individualists seeking peace and quiet!

⤍ Travel tips for the Dodecanese island of Lipsi: Patmos Highlights (Day Trip Lipsi)

8. Nisyros

⤷ 1,000 inhabitants ⭔ 50.1 km² area ⇆ Arrival by ferry

Dodekanes Inseln Urlaub Nisyros Nikia
Nikia on Nisyros perched on the edge of the volcano

In the center of the Dodecanese there is a volcano – the island of Nisyros! On the edge of the accessible crater are quaint villages. Ancient hiking trails crisscross the island. Nisyros has been able to preserve its unmistakable identity to this day, despite its proximity to Kos.

⤍ Travel tips for the Dodecanese island of Nisyros: Nisyros Highlights

9. Patmos

⤷ 3,100 inhabitants ⭔ 34.6 km² area ⇆ Arrival by ferry

Dodekanes Insel Patmos Chora Kloster
Above the Chora of Patmos towers the Monastery of St. John

Like sugar cubes, the whitewashed cubic houses line up the slope. A medieval monastery is enthroned on the top of the mountain. Patmos is one of the most beautiful Greek islands in the world. The capital Chora is a labyrinth of picturesque alleys and countless photo opportunities. The numerous bays of the island are perfect for a beach holiday.

⤍ Travel tips for the Dodecanese island of Patmos: Patmos Highlights

10. Rhodes

⤷ 111,500 inhabitants ⭔ 1,401 km² area ⇆ Arrival via international airport RHO

Dodekanes Insel Rhodos Stadt Sehenswürdigkeiten
The old town of Rhodes is a magnet for visitors

Rhodes is the visitor magnet of the Dodecanese Islands. Millions of tourists spend their summer holidays here. In some places, such as the town of Lindos, it gets really crowded in the high season. Nevertheless, the varied island is large enough to always find a quiet place.

⤍ Travel tips for the Dodecanese island of Rhodes: Rhodes Highlights

11. Symi

⤷ 2,600 inhabitants ⭔ 65.7 km² area ⇆ Arrival by ferry

Dodekanes Insel Symi Gialos Sonnenuntergang
Grandiose spectacle: Gialos on Symi at sunset

Symi is the small neighboring island of Rhodes. Rhodes holidaymakers usually explore the picturesque main town of Gialos on a day trip. However, it is worth spending a few days on Symi and also exploring the lonely hinterland. The Panormitis Monastery in the south is the top attraction of the island.

⤍ Travel tips for the Dodecanese island of Symi: Symi Highlights

12. Tilos

⤷ 800 inhabitants ⭔ 61.5 km² area ⇆ Arrival by ferry

Tilos Inseln Dodekanes Tipps Urlaub Livadia Ausblick
Tilos is considered an insider tip among the Dodecanese Islands

Tourism has not really arrived on Tilos yet. So the island, which can only be reached by ferry, still remains a Greece insider tip with original villages, picturesque hiking trails and lonely bays.

⤍ Travel tips for the Dodecanese island of Tilos: Tilos Highlights

Is there more than the 12 Dodecanese Islands?

In addition to the twelve main islands listed above, the archipelago includes over 150 other islands and tiny islets, as well as rocky reefs. You can find the complete overview at Wikipedia. Enclosed we have all the inhabited Dodecanese Islands listed:

  • Agathonisi ⤍ 185 inhabitants ⭔ 14.5 km² area ⇆ Arrival by ferry
  • Arki ⤍ 44 inhabitants ⭔ 6.7 km² area ⇆ Arrival by ferry
  • Halki ⤍ 480 inhabitants ⭔ 37 km² area ⇆ Arrival by ferry
  • Gyali ⤍ 21 inhabitants ⭔ 4.6 km² area ⇆ Arrival by ferry from Nisyros
  • Kastellorizo ⤍ 490 inhabitants ⭔ 9.1 km² area ⇆ Arrival via nat. Airport KZS or ferry
  • Levitha ⤍ 8 inhabitants ⭔ 9.1 km² area ⇆ Arrival by sailboat
  • Marathi⤍ 5 inhabitants ⭔ 0.4 km² area ⇆ Arrival by ferry from Arki
  • Pserimos ⤍ 24 inhabitants ⭔ 14.6 km² area ⇆ Arrival by ferry from Kalymnos/ Kos
  • Saria ⤍ 40 inhabitants ⭔ 20.4 km² area ⇆ Arrival by ferry from Karpathos
  • Telendos ⤍ 94 inhabitants ⭔ 4.6 km² area ⇆ Arrival by ferry from Kalymnos
Dodekanes Insel Telendos Kalymnos Sonnenuntergang
Sunset behind the small island of Telendos

#2 Travel tips for the Dodecanese

The islands of the Dodecanese are among the Cyclades Islands the most popular destinations in Greece. In terms of their tourist infrastructure, the main islands of Rhodes and Kos are the best developed. Nevertheless, all islands are scenically and architecturally varied, so that every holidaymaker can find his favourite island.

Dodecanese Islandhopping – Guide with 12 Islands
Explore the Dodecanese Islands at your own pace: scenic beaches, the best restaurants and handpicked insider tips are waiting for you.

🗺️ 12 Islands with maps
🏖️ Beautiful beaches & swimming spots
🏛️ All top sights & attractions
🔍 Valuable planning tips
🍽️ Accommodation, tavernas & cafés
To Dodecanese Travel Guide →
Inselhopping Griechenland Reisefuehrer Dodekanes Buch Ebook

What are the most popular Dodecanese islands?

Rhodes and Kos are the most visited islands in the Dodecanese. At the same time, the two main islands are also among the most popular islands in Greece. Countless hotels, all-inclusive resorts, resorts, as well as holiday homes and apartments offer an extensive selection for potential Dodecanese holidaymakers.

What are the hidden gems among the Dodecanese Islands?

Arki, Agathonisi, Halki, Lipsi, Kassos, Kastellorizo and Telendos are insider tips among the Dodecanese islands. In general, the more remote the island, the less touristy the island is. If you are not afraid of the tedious journey with several ferries, you will find a lot of fun on the unknown islands. Originality and authenticity rewarded.

Dodekanes Arki Griechenland Inseln Geheimtipps
Arki is a true insider tip of Greece

When is the best time to visit the Dodecanese?

The best time to travel to the Dodecanese Islands depends on your comfortable temperature. If you’re the sun-drenched type, then you should visit Rhodes, Kos & Co. in July and August. On the southern Dodecanese Islands, temperatures will then reach over 30 degrees every day. For those who don’t like it so hot, spring and autumn are worthwhile.

Keep in mind that June to August is the main tourist season in Greece. Many places on the popular islands are then bursting at the seams. If you like it quieter, you should consider the pre-season (April – May) or the post-season (September – October) as Travel time for Greece consider.

Do you have any recommendations for hotels in the Dodecanese?

We are advocates of healthy and sustainable individual tourism. On the Dodecanese Islands, numerous old stone houses have been lovingly restored in recent years. These are available to holidaymakers as holiday homes or house family-run hotels or traditional guesthouses (Archontiko).

nisyros emporios pyrgos stone house
Traditional stone house on Nisyros (Pyrgos)

⤍ On Booking.com* you will find beautiful holiday homes: Accommodation in the Dodecanese*

We personally have already stayed in the following accommodations and can recommend them without hesitation. Check prices and availability on Booking.com*:

  • Karpathos: Irene’s House*
  • Kos: Nissia Kamares*
  • Leros: Asterias*
  • Nisyros: Pyrgos Stone House*
  • Patmos: Mistral Patmos*
  • Rhodes: Kamariko Traditional House*

For all Greece vacationers who are looking for the all-round carefree package, there is a large selection of all-inclusive resorts, as well as 4- and 5-star hotels on the Dodecanese islands of Rhodes and Kos. On portals such as Check24* andHolidaycheck* you will find suitable offers for yourGreece Package Holidayson the Dodecanese.

Kos Hotels Familie Urlaub Pool
ROBINSON Club Daidalos on Kos

Here we have the best hotels of the Dodecanese main islands listed:

  • Best hotels in Kos
  • Best hotels in Rhodes

💡 Help with the Greece Holiday Planning: You don’t know where to start and how to go about planning your holiday in the Dodecanese? No problem, benefit from our years of experience with traveling to Greece and let us help you. We advise you on all your questions and concerns, even via video chat. You can book your consultation here: Travel Advice Greece

 

#3 Popular Dodecanese Attractions

Asklepieion of Kos

Asklepieion von Kos Tipps Erfahrung Griechenland Sehenswuerdigkeiten
View of the Asklepieion of Kos

The Asclepieion of Kos is one of the most important archaeological sites in the Dodecanese. The hospital and sanatorium was built in honour of the ancient physician Hippocrates in the 4th century BC. Today, the remains of the former temple complexes can still be admired on the impressive complex. For many Kos vacationers, the Asklepieion is one of the top highlights of the island.

➯ Here you can find more information: Asklepieion of Kos

 

Old Town of Rhodes

griechenland rhodos stadt altstadt gassen
In the alleys of Rhodes Town

The old town of Rhodes has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988. Not without reason, because the medieval complex immediately takes you back to the times of the Crusaders when you enter and also offers other attractive sights.

➯ Here you can find more information: Day trip to Rhodes Town

Volcano of Nisyros

Nisyros Vulkan Kos Sehenswuerdigkeiten Dodekanes
Caldera of the Nisyros volcano

An unusual sight awaits you on the island of Nisyros. In addition to the well-known volcanic islands of Santorini and Milos (both Cyclades), there is also a volcano on the Dodecanese. On Nisyros, you can even descend into the Stefanos Crater. In some places it is still bubbling and it stinks incredibly of sulfur! You can also reach Nisyros by tour from Kos, bookable via GetYourGuide*:

➲ To the volcano tour to Nisyros*

Acropolis of Lindos

Lindos Akropolis Rhodos Urlaub Sehenswürdigkeiten
It’s worth getting up early on the Lindos Acropolis

The Acropolis of Athens is the most famous complex of its kind. 2,000 years ago, there was probably such an upper town in every larger town. Very few of them are still preserved today. On Rhodes, the picturesque village of Lindos has an acropolis, too. The castle, which is located above the village, offers impressive views of the surrounding area. On GetYourGuide* you can book your guided tour to Lindos:

➲ To the guided boat trip to Lindos*

St. John’s Monastery of Patmos

Patmos Kloster Johannes Dodekanes Inseln Sehenswuerdigkeiten
Patmos Monastery: Surrounded by white sugar cube houses

As soon as you enter the natural harbour of Patmos, your eyes are drawn to the imposing St. John’s Monastery, which is located on the city hill of Chora. The Orthodox faith has been preached at heavenly heights for 1,000 years. Patmos is nicknamed the Jerusalem of the Aegean. A visit to the complex is not only worthwhile for history fans and pilgrims.

Caribbean beaches of Karpathos

karpathos strände apella beach
Amazing views of Apella Beach

Can beaches be a sight to see? We say: YES! The beaches on the island of Karpathos are among the most beautiful beaches in Greece. The sea sparkles in Caribbean blue tones. There are just so many magical stretches of coastline and it’s great fun to discover a new beach every day.

➯ Here you can find more information: Karpathos beaches

Gialos: Capital of Symi

Dodekanes Symi Gialos Rhodos Urlaub
Colorful captain’s houses line up in Gialos

In many travel guides, Symi is described as the pearl of the Aegean. Justly! The colourful neoclassical captain’s houses in the main town of Gialos are a testament to Greece’s versatility. The pastel-colored mansions offer countless photo opportunities along the harbor bay. Especially at the golden hour in the morning and in the evening, the place is simply magical!

➲ To the guided Symi boat trip (GetYourGuide)*

Tours Greece Activities Get Your Guide Sailing
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#4 Getting to the Dodecanese Islands

The most convenient way to travel to the Dodecanese Islands is by direct flight. The Dodecanese islands of Karpathos, Kos and Rhodes have an international airport. Cheap flight deals are available from 50 EUR each way. All other islands can be reached by ferry or domestic flight.

⤍ Find great flight deals to Dodecanese on Skyscanner*:

  • Cheap flights to Kos*
  • Cheap flights to Rhodes*

In 2021 there are flights to the Dodecanese Islands from the following airports:

  • Direct flights to Karpathos from: Munich and Dusseldorf
  • Direct flights to Kos from: Baden-Baden, Berlin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt a. M., Hamburg, Hanover, Cologne, Leipzig, Munich, Münster, Nuremberg, Saarbrücken, Stuttgart
  • Direct flights to Rhodes from: Baden-Baden, Berlin, Dresden, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt a. M., Hamburg, Hanover, Cologne, Leipzig, Munich, Münster, Nuremberg, Paderborn, Saarbrücken, Stuttgart

Alternatively, a Flight to Samos (Search on Skyscanner*) is possible. Samos is located above the Dodecanese and is very well connected to the neighboring islands by ferry. There is also the possibility of taking a direct flight to Athens (Search on Skyscanner*) and then take a domestic flight to the islands of Astypalea, Leros, Kalymnos, Karpathos, Kasos and Kastellorizo.

Travelling to the Dodecanese by ferry from Piraeus is only worthwhile if you are travelling in Greece with your own car or camper. The ferry prices for taking cars to the Greek islands are quite high. In addition, there is a long driving time, e.g. to Kos about 11 hours.

Ferries to the Dodecanese Islands

You can only reach most of the Dodecanese Islands by ferry. There are large and small ferries every day, as well as excursion boats between neighbouring islands in summer. The archipelago has a very good ferry network of several shipping companies. All inhabited islands are visited several times a week.

→ All the necessary information for the Arrival by ferry can be found in this article: Ferries in Greece

The following ferry companies connect the Dodecanese Islands:

  1. Anek Lines ⤍ Car ferries connect Rhodes, Halki, Karpathos, Kasos with Crete
  2. BlueStar Ferries ⤍ Car ferries connect almost all inhabited Dodecanese islands
  3. Dodekanisos Seaways ⤍ Fast catamarans connect the Northern Dodecanese
  4. Local ferry companies ⤍ Passenger ferries such as Kalymnos ⇆ Pserimos, Rhodes ⇆ Chalki
    • Tickets are purchased at the port on site (e.g. Mastichari, Kamiros Skala)

→ About the portal Ferryhopper* you can easily research connections and book them if necessary:➲ To the ferry booking with Ferryhopper*

griechische inseln fähren buchen tipps ferryhopper
Advertisement*

Prices for ferry crossings vary depending on the route and ferry company. As a rule of thumb, you will have to pay EUR 10 per passenger per hour of travel time. If you want to travel to the islands with your own car, we recommend our article: Getting to Greece

#5 Island hopping in the Dodecanese

Island hopping on the Dodecanese is a fantastic way to get to know a part of the picturesque island world. The reliable ferry network of the archipelago allows for quite “flexible hopping” from island to island. We recommend heading for fewer islands, but exploring them intensively.

Due to the more than 200 km extension, the Dodecanese Archipelago into the two areas of North and South Dodecanese. Some ferry companies are also guided by this division. In this way, two main island-hopping routes can be defined.

Inselhopping Griechenland Dodekanes Karte Route
Island hopping Greece – Dodecanese

⤍ Island Hopping Route North – Dodecanese

    • from the island of Kos to ⇆ Kalymnos ⇆ Leros ⇆ Lipsi ⇆ Patmos
    • Optional islands: Nisyros, Astypalea

⤍ Island Hopping Route South Dodecanese

    • from the island of Rhodes to ⇆ Symi ⇆ Chalki ⇆ Karpathos ⇆ Kasos
    • Optional islands: Nisyros, Tilos

A minimum stay of three days per island is recommended. On larger islands such as Kos, Rhodes and Karpathos, a stay of 5-7 days makes sense. Otherwise, many highlights will remain hidden from you during your Greece island hopping. You can visit islets such as Arki, Agathonisi, Pserimos or Telendos on a day trip.

⤍ More information and travel tips can be found here: Island hopping Greece

#6 History of the Dodecanese Islands

The Dodecanese looks back on an eventful past. The almost 8,000-year-old settlement of the islands can still be seen in many places today: archaeological sites, ancient temples, Byzantine chapels, as well as medieval fortresses are as present on many islands as the beaches and the sea.

Enclosed you will find the most important historical facts about the Dodecanese. Nevertheless, each Dodecanese island has its own history, which you can philosophize about for hours with the islanders 😉

Approx. 6,000 BC ➯ Neolithic settlements on the mainland islands of Kos and Rhodes.

Around 2,400 BC ➯ Dwarf elephants still live on Tilos (Skeleton location: Megalo Chorio).

From 2,000 BC ➯ First settlements of the Minoans of Crete emerge. They are believed to have been severely damaged by the Santorini volcanic eruption (around 1,600 BC).

From 1,400 BC ➯ The influence of the Mycenaeans from the Peloponnese begins.

Ancient life in the Dodecanese

Around 1200 BC ➯ According to Homer, Kos, Rhodes, Symi and Casos took part in the war for Troy.

Around 1,100 BC ➯ Doric settlers immigrate via Karpathos. Maritime trade with the Phoenicians begins. The islands experience an above-average flourishing period.

From 700 BC ➯ Kameiros, Lindos and Ialysos on Rhodes, as well as Kos and the cities of Knidos and Halicarnassus (Asia Minor) found the Hexapolis Trade and Cities League. Around

550 BC ➯ Occupation of the Dodecanese by the Persian Empire.

460 BC ➯ The famous physician Hippocrátes of Kos is born in Kos.

336 BC ➯ The islands belong to the Macedonian kingdom of Alexander the Great.

292 BC ➯ The Colossus of Rhodes is built. 66 years later, the 34 m high bronze statue falls into the sea due to an earthquake.

The Dodecanese in the Roman Empire

Around 150 BC ➯ The first Dodecanese islands such as Kos are annexed to the Roman Empire. The southernmost island of Karpathos does not become Roman until 42 BC.

1st century AD ➯ The apostle Paul spreads the Christian faith in the Dodecanese on his way to Patmos in the 1st century AD.

380 ➯ Christianity becomes the state religion. Numerous churches are built on the Dodecanese. Parts of the ancient temple complexes are “used” as building material.

395 ➯ Collapse of the Roman Empire. The islands belong to the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantium).

5th–10th centuries ➯ Attacks by pirates, Arabs and Saracens. New villages are founded in the mountains, such as Olymbos on Karpathos.

1088 ➯ The monk Blessed Christodulos founds the monastery of St. John on Patmos.

Crusaders and Ottomans on the Dodecanese

11th century ➯ First Crusade: Looting of the islands (including Rhodes and Nisyros) by robber barons.

11th–13th centuries ➯ Byzantine fortresses (including Kos, Leros, Rhodes, Tilos) are built for protection. After the collapse of Byzantium, the Venetians and Genoese divided the islands.

From 1308 ➯ The Dodecanese is incorporated into the Order of St. John and belongs to it for 200 years. The fortresses in Kos, Leros and Rhodes are being expanded.

1522/23 ➯ After numerous fierce attacks, the Dodecanese falls to the Ottomans.

1832 ➯ Independence of Greece. The Dodecanese remains part of the Ottoman Empire.

1887 ➯ The last major hydrothermal explosion of the volcano of Nisyros takes place.

19th century ➯ Kalymnos, Symi and Halki are considered the centres of sponge diving.

7 May 1912 ➯ After 400 years of rule, the Italians expel the Ottomans. Its architectural style can be found in Kos, Rhodes and Leros. Leros becomes an important military base.

Dodecanese Islands in modern times

1920s/30s ➯ Great wave of emigration to America and Australia due to the economic situation. The number of inhabitants drops dramatically (Kastellorizo 1920: 20,000, today: 500)

1923 ➯ Italy is awarded to the Dodecanese after the Treaty of Lausanne. The Dodecanese residents receive Italian citizenship (without rights).

1943 ➯ The German Wehrmacht occupies the Dodecanese and commits several atrocities.

31 December 1947 ➯ The islands of the Dodecanese are annexed to Greece.

1967–1974 ➯ Military dictatorship in Greece. Exile of the Communists, including to Leros. 1981 ➯ Greece joins the European Community (EC/EU).

1990s ➯ The great tourism boom in Greece reaches the Dodecanese with Kos and Rhodes.

2009–2015 ➯ The economic crisis leads to significant social cuts. The number of tourists is declining.

2015 ➯ Refugees reach the Dodecanese via the narrow sea route from Turkey. On Leros and Kos, refugee groups are emerging.

July 21, 2017 ➯ An earthquake of magnitude 6.7 shakes Kos.

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#7 Dodecanese travel guide for your holiday

Are you planning a holiday on a Dodecanese island? Or are you flirting with a Dodecanese island hopping? To plan your trip, you can use high-quality travel literature. But not every island has its own travel guide. Small islands are usually part of the content of the travel guides about Rhodes and Kos. Click on the links to Amazon* and get more information about the travel guides:

Kos Guide:

  • ADAC Kos Travel Guide plus*
  • Kos – 10 day tours for your holiday
  • Kos Travel Guide Michael Müller Verlag incl. Nisyros, Kalymnos & Co.*
  • Guide Kos, Níssyros, Kálymnos, Léros, Lipsí, Pátmos*

Rhodes Guide:

  • ADAC Rhodes Travel Guide plus*
  • Rhodes Travel Guide Michael Müller Publisher: Chalki, Symi*

Karpathos Guide:

  • Karpathos Travel Guide Michael Müller Verlag*

Hiking guide Dodecanese:

  • Samos, Patmos, Ikaria, Kalymnos & six neighboring islands: 50 hikes*
  • Rhodes, Karpathos, Kos, Southern Dodecanese: 50 hikes*
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We were allowed to accompany the ADAC travel guide Kos as authors

*Support our blog Greece-Moments

In this post, you will find affiliate links marked with an asterisk (*). If you book or buy something through one of these links, we receive a small commission. For you, the price remains the same. In this way, you help us continue to provide high-quality content for free. Did you like this post and you would like to say thank you? Then just buy us the next Greek coffee ☕️ To the coffee checkout


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Gia sou, it's great to have you here! We're Tom and Ella, the folks behind Greece Moments. We're travel journalists, parents, avid globetrotters, and we love a good Freddo Espresso. We've been running our Greece blog since 2019 and have personally visited more than 50 Greek islands during that time. Here at Greece Moments, we're passionate about sharing our love for this stunning country with you and providing you with the best travel tips for exploring Hellas on your own. Kalo Taxidi!
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