When travelers head to Greece to relax on the Greek Islands, they often head to popular island chains like the Cyclades (Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, etc.) or the Ionian Islands (Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, etc.). However, there is a lesser-known group of Greek Islands called the Dodecanese, off the coast of Turkey, with stunning blue waters, quaint towns, fewer crowds, and lower prices. Consider these 10 Greek Islands for your next holiday.
10 Kos
Kos is a gorgeous island in the Dodecanese, with Roman and Greek historical landmarks and a plethora of sandy beaches. Top attractions to visit in Kos include Neratzia Castle (built in the 15th Century), the Ancient Agora ruins, and the Casa Romana Villa (built in the 3rd Century). Visit the Plane Tree of Hippocrates, which is linked to the father of medicine, and relax on popular beaches like Lambi and Psalidi Beach.
9 Patmos
Patmos is one of the northernmost Dodecanese islands and has significance for those who believe in Christianity. The Cave of the Apocalypse on the island is rumored to be where the Book of Revelations in the New Testament was written by John of Patmos. Saint John is an important historical figure on the island, so visitors should also check out the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian while they are there. The old Greek Orthodox Monastery is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Besides a long and interesting history, Patmos offers visitors beautiful beaches like Paralia Lampi, Psili Amos, and Petra Beach to relax on. Don’t miss the Windmills of Patmos, which look gorgeous at sunset.
8 Leros
Located close to Patmos, Leros is a laid-back island in the Dodecanese that is known for its impressive medieval castle of the Knights of Saint John. The castle is likely built on a byzantine fortress. The top reason to visit Leros is that it’s one of the last Greek islands that is largely untouched by tourism and outside influence. Here, travelers will experience authentic Greek culture and cuisine at its finest.
7 Astypalaia
Astypalaia is the westernmost island of the Dodecanese and is an idyllic destination with whitewashed homes and turquoise blue waters surrounding sandy beaches. The island is unique in that it has two distinct sections, Mesa Nisi (inner island) and Exo Nisi (outer island). Chora is the port town and capital of the island and is a charming hilltop town with breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. Visit the Castle of Astypalaia and the archeological museum to learn more about the island’s history. Then, relax on Kaminakia or Livadi beach - travelers might even have these beaches all to themselves.
6 Kalymnos
Kalymnos sits between Leros and Kos, so for travelers with a one-week window for island hopping, these islands are the perfect trifecta. History buffs can visit the Archeological Museum of Kalymnos to learn more about the island or check out the Sponge Factory, which is an important part of Kalymnos’ economy. Take a drive down Masouri Beach Road in a rental car or on a quad bike for stunning views of the Aegean without any other tourists.
5 Symi
Symi is a lively island known for its colorful, neoclassical houses lining the coast. The island hosts an annual music festival each summer. This is one of the biggest artistic events in Greece each year and has been taking place in July, August, and September since 1995. The pastel buildings of the village aren’t the only impressive architecture in Symi; travelers can explore the Sacred Monastery of Saint Archangel Michael the Panormitis, which is a well-preserved convent with an affordable entry fee. Visit the Folklore Museum or swim at one of the many beaches, such as Sesklio or Agia Marina.
4 Karpathos
Karpathos is the second largest of the Dodecanese islands and lies southeast of the Aegean Sea. Surrounded by shockingly blue waters, Karpathos is perhaps one of the best Greek Islands for a day at the beach. Apella, Achata, Damatria, Lefkos, and Amoopi beaches are quiet and accessible. Visit the town of Menetes, where white houses steeped on the cliffs are overlooking the sea below. It’s also worth visiting the formerly isolated village of Olympos, which is more colorful than Menetes.
3 Halki
Halki is a small island in the Dodecanese with a rolling, hilly landscape and secluded beaches that are inaccessible by car. Travelers must hike down to these waterfront areas and enjoy a dip away from the rest of the island. There is a good mixture of upscale villas and open-air bars by the port town of Nimborio, which is where ferries arrive from Athens and other islands. Besides the beautiful beaches to explore, travelers will want to visit the Castle of Monolithos, which is a medieval ruins site atop a hill.
2 Rhodes
Rhodes is the biggest island in the Dodecanese and is located closer to mainland Turkey than mainland Greece. The highlight of Rhodes (besides its beaches) is the medieval old town which has charming cobbled streets and approximately 6,000 residents. There are lots of historical sites to explore in Rhodes, including the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes, the seaside Colossus of Rhodes, the Acropolis of Rhodes, and the Street of the Knights of Rhodes.
1 Tilos
Tilos is gaining popularity but still remains a hidden gem of the Aegean Sea. This small Greek Island is located between Rhodes and Kos and has quiet beaches for swimming and sunbathing, including Despoti Nero and Skafi Beach. Travelers can visit Charkadio Cave, which is south of the main town, Megalo Chorio. Megalo Chorio is the island’s capital. It’s got about 250 residents and stone houses in a traditional layout. The quaint village is the perfect spot to stay while exploring the island for a couple of days.