The Islands of the Sun

Dodecanese — the name means "twelve islands," although the archipelago actually consists of 15 inhabited and over 150 other islands and islets. Located in the far southeast of Greece, some islands are only a few kilometers from the Turkish coast. From Athens, the Dodecanese almost feels like another country — and it was for a long time: Until 1947, they belonged to Italy, before that to the Ottoman Empire, and in the Middle Ages, the Knights of St. John ruled here. This layering of cultures makes the Dodecanese unique in Greece.

The sun record is impressive: Rhodes has over 300 sunny days a year, making it one of the sunniest places in Europe. The climate is drier and warmer than on the Cyclades, the wind less brutal. The bathing season lasts from May to October, with the sea still at 25°C in September.

The big stars are Rhodes (with its UNESCO-protected Crusader old town and endless beaches), Kos (the birthplace of medicine, flat as a pancake and perfect for cycling), and Patmos (the holy island where John wrote the Revelation). But the true discoveries lie beyond the main islands: the photogenic Symi with its picture-book harbor, the volcanic Nisyros with its smoking crater, the quiet Tilos, and the remote Karpathos with its vibrant traditions.

Getting there: Rhodes and Kos have international airports with direct flights from Germany (summer). Alternatively, domestic flights from Athens (45 min.) or ferry from Piraeus (12–18 hours overnight). Ferries and speedboats regularly operate between the islands — Dodecanese Seaways and Blue Star Ferries are the main providers.

Plan at least 10–14 days if you want to see more than one island. For Rhodes alone, 5–7 days are enough, Kos 3–4 days, Patmos 2–3 days. The ferry connections are good, but not always daily — flexibility helps.