Best Things to Do in the Dodecanese (2026 Guide)
The Dodecanese are a chain of 12 major islands in the southeastern Aegean, clustered close to the Turkish coast. From the medieval grandeur of Rhodes to the volcanic drama of Nisyros and the sacred caves of Patmos, this guide covers the best things to do in the Dodecanese, including the Knights' Castle in Kos and the traditional villages of Symi.
Find Things to Do →
The unmissable in Dodecanese
These are the staple sights — don't leave Dodecanese without seeing them.
Destinations in Dodecanese
Browse by experience type
More attractions in Dodecanese
Compare tours, check availability, and book with free cancellation.
The Dodecanese offer Greece’s greatest island variety: UNESCO-listed medieval towns (Rhodes), active volcanoes (Nisyros), Crusader castles (Kos), Byzantine monasteries (Patmos), and the colourful neoclassical harbour of Symi. The best things to do in the Dodecanese start in Rhodes Old Town, one of the best-preserved medieval walled cities in Europe — the Street of the Knights, the Palace of the Grand Masters, and the Turkish bazaar all within walking distance — and extend to island-hopping by high-speed catamaran. Unlike the Cyclades, the Dodecanese are largely undiscovered by non-Greek tourists outside Rhodes and Kos, offering authentic taverna culture and village life at every turn.
Best time to visit
May, June, and September are the sweet spots: reliably warm, uncrowded (outside Rhodes and Kos), and with full ferry services. April and October work well for Rhodes, where the walled city and beaches are pleasant without crowds. July and August are hot (35°C+) and busy in the main resorts, but quiet islands like Symi, Nisyros, and Kastellorizo are never overwhelmed. The Dodecanese have longer summers than the Cyclades, with swimming-warm water well into November.
Getting around
Rhodes and Kos have international airports with direct flights from major European cities. Blue Star Ferries and Dodekanisos Seaways connect the island chain, with daily services to most islands from Rhodes in summer. Symi is two hours from Rhodes by fast catamaran. Nisyros is accessible from Kos (one hour). Patmos is reached from Piraeus (Athens) by overnight ferry or from Rhodes by high-speed catamaran. Car hire is available on all major islands; scooters are ubiquitous on smaller ones.
What to eat and drink
Dodecanese cuisine reflects the islands’ diverse history — Greek, Ottoman, and Italian influences all appear. Rhodes is known for pitaroudia (chickpea fritters), macarounnes (fresh pasta with caramelised onion), and local wines from the Embonas village vineyards on Mount Attavyros. Kos produces excellent vegetables — the Kos lettuce (romaine) was named here. Symi is famous for tiny sun-dried shrimp (Symian garides). Grilled fish, octopus, and horta (wild greens) are universal. Ouzo is produced locally on several islands; Rhodes has its own distillery.
Islands to explore
Rhodes — The Dodecanese capital and most visited island. Rhodes Old Town (UNESCO) contains Europe’s most complete medieval city; beyond the walls, Lindos village with its acropolis and the wine villages of Embonas are essential.
Kos — The island of Hippocrates, with the Asklepieion healing sanctuary, a well-preserved Knights’ Castle, and excellent cycling terrain through olive groves.
Symi — A small, car-light island with one of the Aegean’s most photogenic harbours: stacked neoclassical mansions in ochre, terracotta, and cream around a perfect inlet.
Patmos — The island where St John wrote the Book of Revelation. The Cave of the Apocalypse and the hilltop Monastery of St John are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Nisyros — A volcanic island with an active caldera — visitors can walk into the crater. The village of Mandraki, perched above the harbour, is a maze of whitewashed lanes.
Karpathos — One of Greece’s best windsurfing destinations, with traditional villages (Olympos) where older women still wear traditional dress daily.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in the Dodecanese?
The best things to do in the Dodecanese include exploring Rhodes Old Town, island-hopping to Symi and Nisyros, visiting Patmos's Cave of the Apocalypse, cycling the Hippocrates trail on Kos, and eating fresh seafood at a Symi harbourside taverna.
How many days do I need in the Dodecanese?
Ten to fourteen days is ideal for a multi-island itinerary: three nights Rhodes, two nights Symi, one night Nisyros, two nights Kos, two nights Patmos. A week works if you focus on Rhodes plus two islands.
What is the best time to visit the Dodecanese?
May-June and September for best conditions. The Dodecanese season runs April to November; outside this period most smaller island facilities close.