Dodecanese are the most famous islands in Greece. With long age history, many natural beauties and remarkable culture, are a famous summer destination. They have gained international fame and fanatics all over the world, who go there every summer in order to get to know her better.
Every island has a special history. Every port is a picture of untold beauty. Every city and shore is a summer dream that becomes true under the August moon.
Everyone visited these islands lives with the best of memories and the hope to return there soon. And those who haven’t visited them yet, cant’ wait to relax in their magic beaches.
Do you still wonder which are those islands? The island of Knights, the magical Rhodes. The island of Ippokratis, the beautiful Kos. The island of Apocalypses, the atmospheric Patmos. The island of sponge divers, the enchanting Kalimnos. The baronial Simi, the graphic Astipalea, the limitary Kastelorizo, Chalki, Tilos, Nisyros, Leros, Karpathos, Kasos, Lipsi and the small islands Telendos, Pserimos, Arkous and Agathonisi. Each of these islands with natural beauties, traditional architecture and culture of Dodecanese attracts thousands of visitors.
Of course the queen of tourism is Rhodes, the capital of Dodecanese. It is one of the first islands that took action in tourism. The organization and infrastruction of Rhodes are a model for all the islands and regions wanting to evolve.
The nomarchy of Dodecanese is in the southeast part of Aegean Sea and is practically consisted by more islands and rocky islands than its name tells. More particularly, its number reaches up to 163! From these only 18 are inhabited! The rest are uninhabited. Dodecanese is the southest island complex of Greece. Most of the islands are right across the shores of Turkey.
The islands of Dodecanese – apart from their geographical position – are united by a common historic fate. They were the bone of contention for many conquerors. From the findings it is estimated that life existed since Neolithic Times. The time that Minoic civilization flourished, many of Dodecanese islands had trade intersections with Crete. As inhabitants of that period are reported Kares and Phinics. During the period of exchanging populations, Dorians came to the island. A big chapter in the history of Dodecanes opened then. It’s the period of bloom for Lindos, Kameroun and Ialissos, which along with Kos, Knidos and Alikarnassos of Minor Asia consisted the Doric Exapolis.
During Archaic times, the period of bloom is continued for all islands. Trade and seafaring flourishes, but is ended by Persian wars.
All Dodecanese islands were part of the Athenaeum Partnership.
A long period of decline followed for most of the islands.
Their geographic position and shipping tradition helped them reconstruct and from the 11^th century to bloom again financially.
In 1309 the islands were given to the Knights of Agios Ioannis’ Tagma. It is the period that they flourish financially and spiritually. Some of the most important sightseeings in Dodecanese were constructed then. Like the Medieval City of Rhodes. A work by the Knights of Agios Ioannis and a superb monument of cultural inheritance.
In 1522 the islands were surrendered to the Turkish. When the Revolution of ’21 burst out, the islands fought for their liberation. But when the war ended they were given to Turkey as exchange in order to relinquish Evia back to Greece.
In 1912 Italians conquered Dodecanese. After the end of World War Two, in 7^th of May 1948, Dodecanese were adjusted to Greece.
But apart from their very significant history and important historic monuments, all the islands have unique beauties. Green landscapes, fertile valleys, mountains and paths for ambulatory routes. Endless beaches, protected from the winds coves, crystal clear waters ideal for swimming and water sports.
The islands are justifiable one of the top travel destinations. They satisfy all tastes and demands. Options vary. Cosmopolitan and noisy islands for the lovers of entertainment. Quiet and isolated small islands for those seeking for some relaxation. Islands that combine all the above. Visit them and let the magic of Aegean Sea enchant you, travel you and fill you with the colours and sounds of Greece…