CRUISING THE DODECANESE ISLANDS IN JULY & AUGUST
Due to their strategic position,
this group of islands has been the scene of much turbulence throughout its history. Originally twelve in number (“dōdeka” in Greek), there are in fact 164 of them, although only 26 are inhabited. With their archaeological and classical reminders of the past, superb scenery, long sandy beaches and delightful villages, the Dodecanese islands have much to offer visitors whilst being relatively “off the beaten track”.
In the mornings, practise your favourite outdoor pursuit…
… be it a hike, a shorter walk, swimming or visiting a noteworthy site. Around midday, we set off for your new destination. Depending on where that is, we may be able to drop anchor in a sheltered cove to do some snorkelling or swimming... When we reach our evening’s destination near the end of the afternoon, there’ll be time to take a look around before dinner in a good Greek taverna.
With its beautiful, secluded beaches
and lovely walks through valleys amid cypress, walnut and almond trees, Tilos has retained the casual appeal of an island that is still barely touched by tourism. Arriving by boat into Symi’s harbour town, Yialos (Gialos), has to be the best way to admire its dignified neoclassical buildings, built on the slopes surrounding the harbour. The charms of Nisyros are grouped around its houses built several storeys high in Mandraki harbour, in its maze of tiny streets and its lovely main square. Connoisseurs will appreciate Halki (Khalki), a small, unassuming and rocky island where restored homes alternate with houses in ruins. Kos, the birthplace of Hippocrates (the father of modern medicine), is of considerable archaeological interest and also boasts its famous castle of the Knights, overlooking the harbour. Kalymnos was formerly a sponge-fishing centre and now offers a good choice for visitors in search of tasty cooking. Far-removed from mass tourism but popular with Greeks in search of “la dolce vita”, Leros offers the full range of holiday attractions including some very good restaurants. With its glorious beaches, delightful Lipsi is one of the secret jewels of the Dodecanese islands.
Cross the Aegean Sea from Kea to Rhodes via Naxos, Iraklia, Amorgos, Levitha, Astipalaia... for a two-week odyssey of sailing, walking and sightseeing.
