Greek serenity and azure sea - this is how the twelve beauties on the edge of the Aegean Sea present themselves. Although Dodecanese means "twelve islands", it consists of 15 larger and 150 smaller islets: Rhodes, Kos and Co offer picturesque beaches and wonderful panoramic views of the sea. They are of historical importance and are home to ancient castles, Byzantine churches as well as archaeological sites ...

Our shopping tips

Fleeting beauty

"Ephemeral" describes things that only exist for a short time, often just for a day. The floral 'Immortelle Flower' earrings from the label Keef Palas capture floral ephemerality to enchant the wearer with real blossoms, leaves or fruit. From € 55. keefpalas.bigcartel.com.

Gentle steps

Lightweight footwear by Ancient Greek Sandals are a must-have for the Greek summer - but not only there! From € 175,-. net-a-porter.com

Best nature experience

The island of Kalymnos is not only known for its sponge divers, but also for a city that "resurfaced" under water! The sea between Telendos and Kalymnos is therefore a popular diving area - here lies the ancient city of Potha, which sank in the course of an earthquake. Hobby divers also like to explore the shipwreck of the "Panormitis", which has been lying since 1966. Excursions from € 50,-. divessi.com

History

On the trail of Apollo

On Rhodes, the largest island of the Dodecanese, one of the most beautiful viewpoints is the Acropolis. Monuments include a temple of Apollo and one of Athena Polias and Zeus Polieus. Also impressive is an odeion, a theater that seated 800 people. From the center of the city you can walk to the Acropolis in about 40 minutes. The surrounding area is designed as a park. The shady Monte Smith Park was named after an English admiral in the Napoleonic Wars named William Smith. rhodos-wiki.com

Pathos on Patmos

The apocalypse was transmitted to the Apostle John on Patmos - recorded in the Bible as Revelation. Patmos is therefore considered the "Jerusalem of the Aegean". On the way between the capital Skala and the old town of Chora is the Grotto of John - according to tradition, this is where the apostle had his visions. Through the still visible triple crack in the rock wall, John is said to have heard the voice of God. Today the grotto is surrounded by an orthodox church from the 17th century. aegeantrails.com

Sports Tip

The only way is up! For climbing, Kalymnos is best visited in spring or autumn. The best spots are around Massouri, near the famous Grande Grotta. Here 40 climbing spots and 2000 routes, including single pitch routes as well as multi pitch options, make the sport a varied adventure. discovergreece.com

Best spa

Just a few kilometers from the island's capital, Kos Town, in the direction of Agios Fokas, are the Embros Thermal Baths. The hot healing springs of volcanic origin have a temperature of 49 degrees. The sulphur water, which comes from a crevice in the rock, is collected in a pool made of natural stones and measures around 25 square metres - great for skin, eye and respiratory diseases! info-kos.com

Best of Hotels

Porto Scoutari Romantic Hotel & Suites

Patmos is only 34 square kilometres in size and has a population of just over 3000. Despite its small size, as the presumed site of the Revelation, a Unesco World Heritage Site and one of the seven most important pilgrimage sites in Europe, the hilly island is one of the more important islands in the Aegean. On the "Holy Island", the "Porto Scoutari Romantic Hotel & Suites", staged all in white, perfectly blends into the landscape. The resort consists of four wings in bungalow style. The view of the Aegean Sea is mesmerizes as soon as one enters the picturesque courtyard. The accommodation resembles a treasure chest and boasts four-poster beds, antiques, nautical paintings and ship collectibles. Double room including breakfast from € 177 per person.

portoscoutari.com
Patmos Island, Patmos 855 00, Greece
T: +30 694 0827928

Oku Kos

Located four kilometers from the town of Marmari, OKU Kos creates an atmosphere inspired by mindfulness and slow living. The hotel is built like a village and offers an outdoor pool and a restaurant surrounded by planted gardens. Rooms have garden or ocean views, while suites have a rooftop terrace with wooden pergola, private pool or garden. The wellness centre, a yoga terrace and an indoor pool with hammam make relaxation easy. At the heart of the hotel is the "To Kima Beach Club", a communal eatery with the picturesque dunes in the background; offering menus driven by Mediterranean flavours from the region. If you want to enjoy the sunset after culinary delights, wooden walkways lead you to the private beach and open-air cabanas. Double room including half board from € 225,- per person.

okuhotels.com/oku-kos
Sikamini, Marmari, Kos, 85, 853 00, Greece
T: +30 2242 440380

Casa Cook Rhodes

Here it is easy to let your soul dangle all day without even setting foot in front of the hotel. The special thing about "Casa Cook Rhodes": every room - whether standard, loft suite or suite - has direct pool access with its own small terrace. But the cuisine is also a highlight: from breakfast to dessert in the evening, everything is lovingly prepared and impresses with its variation and quality. For those who can tear themselves away from the idyllic oasis of peace in front of the mountain panorama, a hike up Tsambika Mountain and a sunset sailing tour are recommended. Renting a car is a good way to visit places like Lindos and Rhodes Town. If your muscles go on strike from exploring, no problem: "Casa Cook" offers deep-tissue massages that dissolve any tension into thin air. Double room including half board from € 170,- per person.

casacook.com/casa-cook-rhodes
European Union St, Kolympia 851 02, Rhodes, Greece
T: +30 2241 056333

Boutique 5 Hotel & Spa

The small but all the more refined adults-only hotel with an upscale ambience and private beach is the setting for real love stories. Here, people regularly say yes and flirt in a very private and romantic way. Even without an occasion, the multi-award-winning hideaway is a hotspot to switch off. The hotel has wonderful wellness facilities, including an indoor pool, hydro-jet pool, sauna and Turkish bath. Sun-seekers will always find a spot on the hotel's own fine pebble beach, which also offers culinary delights. Tennis court, hairdresser's salon and a fitness room round off the holiday feeling. The "Boutique 5 Hotel & Spa" is located 55 kilometres from the port of Rhodes. Nearby attractions include St. Paul's Bay near Lindos and the ruins of Asklipiio Castle. Double room including half board from € 303 per night.

boutique5.gr
Kiotari, 851 09, Rhodes, Greece
T: +30 2244 039070