 |
 |
Home
>
Greek Islands
> Aegean Sea
> Dodecanese islands
|
|
Dodecanese
islands in
Greece
The
Dodecanese is complex of over 163 islands and islets, of
which only 26 are inhabited, situated at the most eastern
part of Greece, at the borders of Europe. You will find here
a wonderful blend of architectural styles of eastern and
western cultures. Almost every island has its Classical
remains, its Crusaders’ Castle, and its traditional
villages. The most important are: Rhodes, Kos, Astipalea,
Kalymnos, Karpathos, Kassos, Kastelorizo, Leros, Nisyros,
Patmos, Symi and Tilos.
Dodecanese islands are formed, as the geologists say, from the peaks of the
mountains of the Aegeis, the dry land that joined Greece to Asia which sank into
the Mediterranean sea four million years ago.
Rich in history, culture and
cosmopolitan life, the Dodecanese Islands are one of the most
popular destination for thousands of tourists every year. |
 |
|
refreshing the page will bring up more
Dodecanese related sites
 |
|
|
Ancient history
The Dodecanese islands have been
inhabited since the prehistoric period and were first ruled by the
Minoans and then the
Achaeans. But their economic and intellectual development began with the arrival
of the Dorians in 1100 B.C., reaching a peak of growth in the 8th century. The
three large towns of Lindus, Cameirus and Ialyssus which were built on the
island of Rhodes in the 6th century B.C. by the Dorians and constituted along
with Kos, Cnidus and Halicarnassus in Asia Minor the Dorian Hexapolis. The
economical and cultural growth of this area was cut off prematurely by the
Persian tempest which then shook all Greece. After the defeat of the
Persians, the Dodecanese became members of the Athenian Alliance in 408 B.C.
and the three large towns of Rhodes united into one stale. More particularly,
Kos prospered in the 4th and the 3rd century B.C. because of the school of
"Medicine" founded there by HIPPOCRATES.
MedievalThe Romans occupied the islands in 146 B.C. to be
followed by the long Byzantine period till the time of the Crusaders. In 1309
the Knights of the Order of Saint John became the rulers of Rhodes and then
extended their sovereignty to the other islands as well. In 1522 the islands
were occupied by the Turks and in 1912 the Italians. The islands of
Dodecanese were united with Greece in 1948.
source:
www.helios.gr
|
|
|
Dodecanese islands today |
For
a wide variety of
Greek experiences,
there’s no better
activity than
island-hopping
around the
Dodecanese. Beaches,
medieval towns,
volcanic craters,
nightlife…take your
pick – you won’t be
disappointed.
Rhodes is by far the
largest of the
islands and attracts
its fair share of
tourism – mainly
from Britain,
Germany and
Scandinavia. It is
also the most likely
arrival point for
any visitor to the
Dodecanese.
Other quiet islands in this area
include Arki, Lipsi and Tilos – a real gem,
whose continued neglect by tourists remains
a mystery. Nearby Nisyros is one of
Greece’s most beautiful and distinctive
islands – characterised by the dormant
volcano at its centre. The list of
attractions in the Dodecanese could go on
forever, and the islands will keep you
enthralled for as long as you can afford to
stay there.
Flying to the Dodecanese Islands from the
Greek mainland is fairly straightforward.
Astipalea, Karpathos, Kos, Leros and Rhodes
all have direct flights to Athens. In
addition, Rhodes has flights to Iraklio,
Kassos (via Karpathos), Thessalonica, and in
summer to Myconos and Santorini (Thira) in
the Cyclades as well as to Kos, Leros and
Astipalea.
Rhodes, Kos and Karpathos
airports have international charter flights
during summer period.
A large fleet
of ferries and modern high-speed boats
connects Dodecanese islands with Athens and
other major Greek cities. |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
If you like me to assist you with your
holiday choice in Dodecanese Islands,
please
send me an e-mail with
your questions and enquiries. I will
be glad to reply and assist you, wherever I
possibly can. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
