Twelve islands

Endless sands and unexplored islets, castles, ancient civilisations, cosmopolitan but unspoilt twelve islands that have endured for years, await you with all their charm and hospitality

A cluster of 12 islands in the south-east of the Aegean, lined up like jewels in a big blue sea: The twelve islands form a bridge between Europe and the East, and everywhere you will find traces of people and cultures over the centuries: Ionian, Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, Ottoman, Italian. Each island has its own character and all of them have plenty to offer for relaxation, sightseeing, adventures, and culinary delights – not forgetting the stunningly beautiful beach scenery.
Whether you’re travelling with your child, your loved one or a large group of friends, you’ll find the island that’s right for you. While Rhodes and Kos are hugely popular, the islands of Kilimli, Sömbeki, volcanic Incirli, Kastelorizo and Kassos, Kerpe, Istanbulia, Herke and Lipsi have their own unspoilt charm. And the one-of-a-kind Batnaz is famous as the holy island of the ‘Jerusalem of the Aegean’ in St John’s Book of Revelation. The journey begins: Set sail for the Dodecanese and discover their beaches and culture. The surprises will be endless. Beautiful images and exciting, unforgettable experiences on your holiday here will come together like a film.

On the twelve islands, you will be spoilt for choice with countless beaches. Each one has its own speciality. If you are an active person, scuba diving, snorkelling and all kinds of water sports are available. If you are looking for something quieter and more intimate, you will sunbathe, swim and relax on your own in secluded coves. In Rhodes, the beaches are fun for everyone: water sledding, jet skiing, windsurfing, go-carting, bungee jumping and dozens of beautiful beach bars to sip cocktails and watch the waves crash on the shore. Enjoy your holiday at these outstanding beaches: Elli and Ialyssos, Lendos, Agathi and Kiotari will enrich your Rhodes experience. Kerpe’s golden coast will also impress: the award-winning, sandy Apella and the touristy Amoopi stand between them. Kos, too, has all the qualities you could wish for, in addition to its boundless beauty. But if tranquillity is more your thing, head to Armathia, near Kalymnos, Lipsi, Tilos and Kassos.

Nature and man-made sites and attractions

Nature and man-made sites and tourist attractions

1. Rhodes: The beautifully preserved medieval city of Rhodes, whose world-famous Old Town has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Rhodes has incredible monuments: The Avenue of the Knights, the Palace of the Grand Masters, the ancient acropolis of Lindos, the great public buildings of Mandraki, and the small castle of St Nicholas. The lush green Butterfly Valley, which attracts millions of butterflies and hundreds of visitors each year, is so famous, it is reason enough to visit this wonderful island in the Dodecanese.
2. Kos: The birthplace of Hippocrates, Kos’ must-see sights include Nerantzia Castle and the Old Town.
3. Istanbulia: With its windmills and whitewashed houses, Hora resembles a Cycladic settlement.
4. Batnaz: The Monastery of St John the Theologian, picturesque Hora with its large, stately houses, and the mystical atmosphere of the Cave of Doom, an important pilgrimage for Orthodox Christians.
5. Kerpe: The village of Olymbos with its windmills, old bakeries, chapels and modest houses.
6. Kalymnos: Vathy and Esperidon Fjord, the most beautiful fjord in the Aegean, and its underwater treasures, the world famous sea sponges.
7. Tilos: Harkadio cave with fossilised bones of dwarf elephants, and the great monastery of Agios Panteleimon.
8. Sömbeki & Meis: These neoclassical settlements are architectural masterpieces.
9. Figirli: With its three-crater volcano, lunar landscape and picturesque harbour of Mandraki, it will make your journey here unforgettable.