Dodecanese

From arid, sun-drenched landscapes to verdant valleys, from medieval fortresses to whitewashed villages. These islands are shaped by millennia of history and a strong maritime legacy, forming one of Greece’s most historically layered and geographically diverse regions.

Despite its rich assets, the Dodecanese faces escalating environmental and developmental challenges. Rapid tourism growth, especially on popular islands like Rhodes and Kos, places strain on water resources, local infrastructure, and coastal ecosystems. Unsustainable construction, marine pollution, and pressure from cruise tourism threaten fragile habitats, including nesting sites for endangered sea turtles and vital underwater ecosystems like Posidonia oceanica meadows. However, increasing interest in sustainable tourism and responsible travel creates an opportunity to shift towards practices that respect and preserve both nature and cultural identity.

Culturally, the Dodecanese is a treasure trove of heritage. From the medieval Old Town of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to the sacred island of Patmos with its Monastery of St. John, the region reflects a unique synthesis of ancient Greek, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Italian influences. Island communities uphold vibrant traditions—through local music, festivals, religious ceremonies, and crafts—that express a deep-rooted sense of place. Stone mansions, ancient ruins, and fortress-towns tell stories of trade, conquest, and resilience, while also inspiring contemporary life and creativity.

The Dodecanese is also a hotspot for biodiversity, with important Natura 2000 sites, rare flora, and protected marine zones. On islands like Nisyros and Tilos, small-scale environmental initiatives demonstrate how nature conservation and community wellbeing can go hand in hand.

For more information on what to do and see in this region, visit: www.visitgreece.gr/islands/dodecanese/ and www.discovergreece.com/dodecanese

Support local producers and experience local gastronomic specialities while you stock up on provisions

Found across all islands:

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Local Ouzo or Tsipouro
• Herbal Teas & Natural Remedies
• Spoon Sweets (Cherry, Fig, Tomato, Quince)
• Wine from Local Varietals – Especially from Rhodes and Kos
• Baklava or Amygdalota (Almond Sweets)
• Organic Soaps (Olive Oil, Honey, Herbs)

From Rhodes:

• Melekouni – A traditional honey-sesame bar with orange zest and spices, often served at weddings.
• Souma (Tsipouro-like spirit) – A local distilled grape pomace drink, smoother and often homemade.
• Rhodes Olive Oil – Known for its rich, peppery flavor from local groves.
• Caper Leaves in Brine – A unique local delicacy used in salads.
• Koriandolino – An orange-scented, coriander-flavored liqueur found in select shops.

From Kos:

• Kanelada Syrup – A refreshing cinnamon drink concentrate, served cold or with soda.
• Cheese from Pyli or Kefalos – Such as local mizithra or hard goat cheeses.
• Tomato Spoon Sweet – A rare and unique treat of sweet preserved tomatoes.
• Local Herbal Teas and Spices – Especially mountain tea, oregano, and thyme.

From Kalymnos:

• Sea Sponges – Not edible, but iconic and traditionally harvested here.
• Thyme Honey – Potent and aromatic, from wild Kalymnian herbs.
• Cured Fish or Octopus – Sometimes available vacuum-packed in local delis.
• Homemade Ouzo or Tsipouro

From Karpathos:

• Sitanomelo (Honey with Sesame) – A thick spread or bar packed with energy and flavor.
• Karpathian Pasta (Makarounes) – Handmade, grooved pasta often sold dried.
• Goat’s Milk Cheese and Butter – Rich and deeply flavored, available in local markets.
• Traditional Herbal Mixes – Gathered from mountain slopes.

From Patmos:

• Kserotigana (Sweet Fried Pastries) – Twisted fried dough with honey and nuts, often homemade.
• Herbal Liqueurs and Spoon Sweets – Especially from small monasteries and family producers.
• Fava from Patmos – Dried yellow split peas used in purées, rich in protein and flavor.

From Symi:

• Symiako Garidaki (Tiny Symi Shrimp) – Often preserved or available frozen; sweet and crunchy, unique to Symi.
• Herbs and Salt Blends – Wild oregano, bay, sage, and thyme.
• Symi Honey – Small-batch, highly aromatic honey with a floral profile.

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Don’t miss the opportunity to explore some of the many cultural sites in the main Dodecanese islands that are easily accessible on foot from their main ports or marinas:

Rhodes (Port: Mandraki / Old Town)

• ‍Medieval City of Rhodes (UNESCO World Heritage Site): Right across from Mandraki port – Walk straight into the largest inhabited medieval city in Europe. Cobbled lanes, Gothic architecture, and fortifications.‍
• Palace of the Grand Master: 10-minute walk from the port through the Old Town – Imposing fortress built by the Knights of St. John in the 14th century; now a museum with medieval exhibits.‍
• Street of the Knights (Ippoton Street): 5–8 minutes from the port – One of Europe’s best-preserved medieval streets, lined with inns for each "langue" (ethnic division) of the Knights.‍
• Archaeological Museum of Rhodes (Old Hospital of the Knights): 10-minute walk – Includes artifacts from ancient Rhodes and neighboring islands.‍
• Church of Our Lady of the Castle (Panagia tou Kastrou): In the Old Town, \~10-minute walk – Gothic church from the 11th century, later converted by the Knights and Ottomans.

Kos (Port: Kos Town)

• ‍Ancient Agora & Temple Ruins: 2-minute walk from the marina – Ruins of temples, stoas, and Roman buildings right beside the harbour.‍
• Neratzia Castle (Castle of the Knights): Right at the entrance of the harbour – Fortress built by the Knights Hospitaller, with views of the port and mainland Turkey.‍
• Plane Tree of Hippocrates & Ottoman Fountain: 2–3 minutes inland from the castle – Under this ancient tree, Hippocrates supposedly taught his students. Nearby are Ottoman buildings and a fountain.‍
• Archaeological Museum of Kos: 5-minute walk from the harbor in Eleftherias Square – Impressive mosaics, statues, and inscriptions from Roman and Hellenistic periods.

Symi (Port: Gialos)

• ‍Neoclassical Harbor Mansions: All around the port – The town itself is the attraction—pastel-coloured mansions built by sponge merchants, rising amphitheatrically from the water.‍
• Symi War Memorial & Clock Tower: At the port – Italian-era clock tower and WWII memorial plaques.‍
• Archaeological & Folklore Museum (Kali Strata): 10–15-minute uphill walk via the stone staircase of Kali Strata – Housed in a neoclassical mansion—offering traditional costumes, ceramics, and island life displays.‍
• Church of Evangelismos (Annunciation): 5-minute walk from the port along the coast – Ornate church with a beautiful bell tower and garden, right by the water.

Patmos (Port: Skala)

• ‍Church of Agios Ioannis (St. John at Skala): 5-minute walk from the port – Small waterfront church commemorating St. John’s arrival on the island.‍
• Skala Traditional Mansions: Walk through the town's backstreets (5–10 minutes) – Discover neoclassical houses and Ottoman-era architecture as you wander uphill.‍
• Simantiri Mansion: 15–20 mins walk – A family home turned museum with icons and heirlooms; requires a bit more time or transport.‍
• The Monastery of St. John and Cave of the Apocalypse are must-sees but require a vehicle or a steep 30–40 min uphill walk

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