THE DODECANESE
A sun-drenched chain with a layered past, the Dodecanese balances raw Aegean beauty with traces of Ottoman, Venetian, and medieval influence. From the neoclassical charm of Symi to the fortified old town of Rhodes, these islands feel at once storied and understated.
Rhodes
Have An Island In Mind?
Symi
Patmos
Karpathos
Where We Eat
The Dodecanese offers dining with soul and a strong sense of place. Expect hyper-local ingredients, unfussy presentation, and moments that linger long after the meal.
Our Dinner Go-Tos
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A local institution since 1933, Mavrikos delivers refined takes on traditional Dodecanese cuisine with white tablecloths and courtyard charm. Expect dishes like squid ink risotto, zucchini blossoms, and grilled catch of the day, all plated with surprising elegance.
Lindos 851 07, Greece
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A graceful food destination split into two addresses: the main garden terrace in Chora and the waterfront spot in Skala. Celebrated for fresh seafood, inspired cocktails, and welcoming hospitality that feels both polished and personal.
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Perched above pebble-studded Loukakia Beach, Pleiades blends refined Mediterranean cuisine, genuine views, and farm-to-table freshness. With inventive combinations—like shrimp risotto with vanilla herb essence—it’s a creative standout on the island.
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A classic Symi institution in Gialos harbor, famous for grilled prawns, local shrimp linguine, and a harborfront candlelit setting. The food is solidly traditional, but delivered with flair and warm attention.
Ano Symi 856 00, Greece
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A beloved local cantina on the beach of Steno, serving simple traditional dishes beneath olive trees and beside the Aegean. Think grilled fish, salad, and homemade snacks in a relaxed, coastal setting that feels timeless.
Astypalea 859 00, Greece
Street Food
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Not just a name—this tiny, always-busy corner shop serves some of the best gyros in Kos. The chicken gyro is especially good, wrapped with cabbage slaw, spicy sauce, and soft pita.
Bar Street Kardamena, Greece
Go All Out
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Perched inside the stunning Elysium Resort & Spa, Noble is one of the few fine dining restaurants in the Dodecanese to blend molecular technique with hyperlocal Dodecanesian heritage. It holds a Toques d’Or award and showcases seasonal produce in dishes like octopus with smoked eggplant and chickpea foam, or goat with vine leaves and herbs from nearby mountains.
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Located within the Patmos Aktis Suites & Spa, Plefsis offers refined dining just steps from Grikos Bay. The ambiance is relaxed-luxury—linen tablecloths, flickering lanterns, and waves practically lapping at your feet. The menu leans modern Mediterranean, with a focus on just-caught seafood, elevated Greek classics, and an excellent local wine list.
Best Desserts
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A decades-old dairy café serving up traditional Greek desserts like galaktoboureko (custard pie), loukoumades, and velvety sheep’s milk yogurt topped with wild thyme honey. It’s nostalgic, low-key, and truly excellent.
Agias Anastasias 28, Rodos 851 00, Greece
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A scenic café tucked into the hills near Lindos with panoramic views and a refined take on traditional sweets. Their rosewater ravani, served warm with ice cream, is reason enough to make the trip.
Where We Wake Up
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Tucked just off a cobbled alley in the heart of the Old Town, Rodi blends organic island produce with warm, minimalist interiors and impeccable coffee. Expect bowls of Greek yogurt with seasonal fruits, sourdough toasts, and specialty espresso brewed with care.
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Patmos’s stylish little secret, Stoa offers third-wave coffee, flaky bougatsa, and cold-pressed juices in a restored stone house near the heart of town. It’s where island creatives linger over flat whites and morning pastries before heading to the port.
Where We Sleep
Marco Polo
Mansion
Rhodes Old Town
A jewel‑box of a restored Ottoman house, where bright design and history coalesce in Rhodes’ Old Town.
This intimate, artist‑restored guesthouse—once a Turkish mansion—is filled with bespoke furniture, colorful details, and historical layers that unfold with each corner . The owners, artists themselves, revived architectural heritage with polished care, turning high ceilings and arch‑framed rooms into soulful sanctuaries . The garden‑courtyard restaurant blends local life with insider ambiance—lively by night, tranquil by day . It’s authentic—no pretense, just quietly perfect.
Image courtesy of Marco Polo Mansion
From ~€90/night
Only nine individually designed rooms
Courtyard breakfast in a quiet setting
Tucked into the Turkish quarter, just meters from the clock tower
No elevator—located in a historic building with stairs
Pets are not allowed
Operates March 20 through October 31
The owners, both artists, sometimes invite guests to linger and peek at unfinished sketches or restored details on site—it’s a creative kindness that you won’t find in any travel listing.
Details To Know
Why We Like It
Tholaria
Chora, Astypalaia
A quietly elegant, white‑washed hideaway, where quiet mornings by the pool feel profoundly genuine.
Why We Like It
It’s small, personal, and run by people who clearly care. The rooms are bright and simple but have the right upgrades — rainfall showers, decent mattresses, balconies for the view. Breakfast is homemade, different each morning, and feels like it actually comes from the island rather than a buffet supplier. The location is the sweet spot: just far enough from the main square to be quiet, but a quick walk to Livadi Beach or up into town for dinner. It’s not trying too hard, and that’s exactly why it works.
Image courtesy of Tholaria
From ~€99/night
Nine rooms, each with its own balcony and sea or castle view
Homemade breakfast with daily changing local dishes
Five-minute walk to Livadi Beach and ten-minute walk up to the heart of Chora
Rainfall showers, bathrobes, and espresso machines in all rooms
Small outdoor pool with open Aegean views
Family-run, with staff who remember your name and preferences
Easy access to hiking trails starting from the property
If you mention you’re headed to the beach, they’ll often send you off with cold water and a snack — it says everything about the place.
Details To Know
Emporio
Symi
A six-room hideaway overlooking Symi harbour, where thoughtful service meets a pace that lets you breathe.
It’s small enough that you’re not a number. The rooms are quietly modern, and some open to sea views you’ll wake up to without thinking. Breakfast is simple but generous, and the bar spills into a beautiful terrace. It may feel tucked away, but you’re still within a leisurely stroll to the harbour and local tavernas. And the staff—Symi locals—offer directions and insider recommendations that no guidebook nails.
Image courtesy of The Hotel Guru
From ~€280/night
Only six rooms, which means peace and zero crowding
Air‑con and hypoallergenic pillows, surprisingly noticeable comfort
Some rooms offer direct sea views (ask upfront)
Breakfast tastes homemade, served in the common area
Owner‑led hospitality—requests are personal, not scripted
Small bar and terrace where locals mingle in the evenings
Quiet setting in Nimborio, but walkable to Symi port and cafes
No pool, but you spend more time exploring
A guest once dropped their umbrella on the way to dinner; by the time they returned, the staff had left it neatly hanging inside their room. That kind of quiet attention says everything.
Details To Know
Why We Like It
This 11-room retreat feels like Patmos’ best-kept secret—timeless, refined, and unpretentious.
Image courtesy of The Petra
From ~€350/night
Eleven apartments—privacy that still feels social
Large pool with sea backdrop, no crowds ever
Rooftop terrace where evenings drift into moonlit conversation
Decor includes pieces by noted Greek artists—more character than catalog
Spa offers aromatherapy and body treatments for when you feel indulgent
Personalized ferry pickup with sparkling welcome—it’s a mood setter
In Grikos Bay, still easy walk to Chora but never feels touristy
Open seasonally from late April through October, two-night minimum
Details To Know
The Petra
Patmos
It doesn’t feel like a hotel so much as a restored local village that just happens to have a spa and a pool. The apartments open to balconies with wide sea views, the decor is effortlessly clean, and Greek art is part of the story. They’ll drive you from the ferry, a ritual that includes a welcome drink, and before you know it, you’ve forgotten about airports and schedules. Everyone—from the spa masseuse to the barista—feels like a thoughtful host, not a hiresheet. It’s quietly luxurious, not showy, and that makes all the difference.
The concierge will print out bespoke maps if you ask them - they know the best hiking trails and pit-stops and are more than happy to help.
Why We Like It
Aqua Blu
Kos
Understated retreat just above Lambi Beach—stylish, salt-air–infused, and genuinely soothing without showiness.
It’s the kind of hotel where you wake up, wander down for espresso, and find the sea quietly framed in a perfect way. Rooms are spare, well-crafted, and feel better in person than photos suggest. The spa isn’t flashy, but every touch—from its Aegean-themed treatments to herbal loungers—feels considered. Staff are relaxed but precise. It lets luxury sit quietly next to everyday pleasure.
Image courtesy of Aqua Blu
From ~€380/night
Adult-only spa hotel—peaceful, restorative atmosphere
Simple-modern rooms, each inviting clean light
Spa has Aegean-inflected treatments
Short walk to Kos Town—quiet retreat with access
Espresso bar tucked by pool for unwinding afternoons
Local olive fruit masks in spa—ingredient-driven and authentic
No loud guests—genuine quiet and serenity
Small bike loans, but incredible roads to ride
Guests are often offered a fresh juice or coffee brought directly to their balcony in the mornings.
Details To Know
Why We Like It
A polished sanctuary blending Cycladic minimalism and monastic tranquility.
Image courtesy of Patmos Eye
From ~€300/night
White-washed volumes and clean lines that echo local architecture
Private terraces for each suite, many with sea glimpses
Spacious interiors with custom wood furnishings—understated
Villas blend into landscape rather than dominate it
Regional breakfast items—honey, cheese, fruits—highlighted daily
Steps into Chora are short yet feel secluded
Owners quietly present—warm but not overbearing
Details To Know
Patmos Eye
Patmos
The design feels light, pristine, and perfectly Patmian. White cubes, simple furnishings, and room layouts that naturally catch light and breeze. It’s small, thoughtful, and deeply quiet—yet walking distance to the monastery and main village. Perfect for that slow, serene pause between island hopping.
A nightly ritual of lighting traditional oil lamps in common walkways brings an unexpectedly poetic glow to the architecture after dark.
Why We Like It
Patmos Aktis
Patmos
A Luxury Collection beach resort blending calm Mediterranean minimalism with subtle spa luxe.
Not the cheapest option—and that’s why it fits. Patmos Aktis pairs beachfront elegance with wellness and serene service, without tipping into pomp. There’s a soft blend of luxury and local ease throughout.
Image courtesy of Liostasi
From ~€500/night
Luxury Collection branding—reliable upscale experience
Spa, beach, and wellness offerings integrated seamlessly
Calm, grown-up aesthetic—no jarring décor details
Quiet seaside setting with walking access to Monastery area
Multilingual concierge offers privately tailored tips
Pet- and family-friendly potential, depending on room type
Wellness spaces speak of calm—no over-branded spa theater
The property quietly includes EV charging—a subtle signal that future thought went into both comfort and purpose.
Details To Know
Why We Like It
What We Do
From medieval castles to monastery-topped peaks, the Dodecanese offers history you can walk through, markets that still feel local, and landscapes made for exploring. Sail between pastel harbors, hike windswept ridges, dive into hidden coves, and discover workshops, ancient ruins, and trails that lead to quiet beaches.
Culture & Shopping
Culture & Shopping
Palace of the Grand Master – Rhodes
Built in the 14th century by the Knights of St. John, this fortress-palace anchors Rhodes’ UNESCO-listed Old Town. Inside, you’ll find mosaic floors, vaulted chambers, and galleries tracing the island’s layered history from antiquity to Italian rule.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: End of the Street of the Knights, Rhodes Old Town
Price: €8 per person; combination ticket with Archaeological Museum available for €10
Vibe: Grand, atmospheric, and steeped in medieval power
Need to Know: Go early or late in the day to avoid cruise ship crowds. Wear comfortable shoes—the cobblestones can be uneven.
Monastery of Panormitis – Symi
A whitewashed 18th-century monastery set on a serene bay, Panormitis is dedicated to the Archangel Michael, protector of Symi. Pilgrims arrive by boat from across the Aegean to visit its ornate church and small folklore museum.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Panormitis Bay, Symi
Price: Free entry; donations welcome
Vibe: Peaceful, spiritual, and tied to deep maritime tradition
Need to Know: Best reached by boat or a scenic 30-minute drive from Symi Town. Modest dress is expected inside the church.
Folklore Museum – Symi
Set in a restored neoclassical mansion, this small museum captures the island’s cultural heritage through furniture, textiles, and photographs documenting Symi’s sponge-diving heyday.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Symi Town
Price: €3 per person
Vibe: Intimate, nostalgic, and deeply local
Need to Know: Exhibits are labeled in Greek and English. Pair with a stroll through the surrounding lanes lined with pastel facades.
Acropolis of Lindos – Rhodes
Perched high above the whitewashed village, this ancient citadel offers sweeping Aegean views and ruins spanning the Greek, Roman, and medieval eras. Climb past winding alleys and donkey paths to reach the temple of Athena Lindia.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Lindos, Rhodes
Price: €12 per person
Vibe: Dramatic, sun-soaked, and layered with history
Need to Know: Arrive early to avoid heat and crowds. The climb is steep and unshaded—bring water and a hat.
Archaeological Museum of Rhodes – Rhodes
Housed in the former Knights’ Hospital, this museum holds some of the finest ancient Greek and medieval artifacts in the Dodecanese, including the celebrated Aphrodite of Rhodes statue and intricate mosaics from surrounding islands.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Museum Square, Rhodes Old Town
Price: €6 per person; included in €10 combination ticket with the Palace of the Grand Master
Vibe: Scholarly yet intimate, with an evocative sense of place
Need to Know: The shaded courtyard is a quiet respite—pause here before exploring the galleries.
Castle of the Knights – Kos
Guarding the entrance to Kos Town’s harbor, this 15th-century fortress was built by the Knights of St. John using stones from the ancient city. Its battlements and towers offer a striking vantage over the marina.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Kos Town harbor, Kos
Price: €4 per person
Vibe: Rugged, windswept, and commanding
Need to Know: Combine a visit with a walk through Kos Town’s old quarter and nearby ancient agora.
Adventure & Nature
Adventure & Nature
Valley of the Butterflies – Rhodes
A shaded nature reserve where millions of Jersey Tiger moths gather each summer, filling the air with flashes of orange and black. Wooden bridges and walking paths wind through streams, waterfalls, and plane trees.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Petaloudes, 27 km from Rhodes Town
Price: €5 per person (June–September)
Vibe: Lush, shaded, and quietly magical
Need to Know: Peak butterfly season is late June to early September. Go early to enjoy cooler air and fewer visitors.
Sea Kayaking in Vlicha Bay – Rhodes
Paddle past hidden coves and dramatic cliffs on Rhodes’ east coast, with options to stop for snorkeling in turquoise shallows. Guided trips suit both beginners and experienced paddlers.
Location: Vlicha Bay, near Lindos, Rhodes
Price: From €100 per person for a half-day guided tour
Vibe: Active, refreshing, and scenic
Need to Know: Morning departures offer calmer seas and better light for photography.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Hike to Profitis Ilias – Symi
This scenic hike climbs from Symi Town to the island’s highest monastery, passing through pine forests, old stone paths, and sweeping views over the Dodecanese.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Starts in Symi Town, ending at Profitis Ilias Monastery
Price: Free
Vibe: Peaceful, panoramic, and rewarding
Need to Know: The hike takes about 2–3 hours each way. Bring plenty of water—there are no facilities at the summit.
Climbing in Kalymnos
Known worldwide for its limestone cliffs and sea views, Kalymnos offers climbing routes for every skill level, from easy slabs to challenging overhangs. Many crags are within walking distance of the main villages.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Kalymnos, various sectors around Massouri and Arginonta
Price: From €50 per person for a half-day guided climb
Vibe: Rugged, adventurous, and world-class in the climbing community
Need to Know: October and April are the prime months—summer can be very hot for climbing.
Scuba Diving at Chora Shipwreck – Patmos
Explore a modern shipwreck resting in shallow waters just off Patmos, surrounded by schools of fish and vibrant sea life. Accessible to beginners and certified divers alike.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: Off Chora, Patmos
Price: From €70 per person for a guided dive (equipment included)
Vibe: Atmospheric, colorful, and gently thrilling
Need to Know: Visibility is best in the morning. Ask for a dive that combines the wreck with nearby reefs for more variety.
Boat Trip to Agios Georgios Beach – Symi
Reachable only by water, this secluded beach is backed by sheer cliffs and lapped by crystal-clear water. Boats depart daily from Symi Town’s harbor, with time for swimming and snorkeling.
DETAILS TO KNOW
Location: South coast of Symi, 30 minutes by boat from Symi Town
Price: From €15 per person for round-trip boat fare
Vibe: Remote, dramatic, and unspoiled
Need to Know: There are no facilities—bring water, snacks, and shade if staying for the day.
Sample Itinerary
If You Have 48 Hours
PART ONE: Arrive In Rhodes
Check into Lindos Blu Luxury Hotel & Suites — an adults-only retreat built into the hillside above Vlicha Bay, where every terrace faces the Aegean. Drop your bags and take in the view before heading into Rhodes Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site that still hums with life inside its medieval walls.
Wander the Street of the Knights, step into the Palace of the Grand Master to see its mosaic floors and vaulted chambers, and linger over a coffee in the shady courtyard of Auvergne Café. The scent of bougainvillea and the hum of the Old Town make for an atmospheric start to the trip.
PART TWO: Coastal Lindos
Make the scenic 45-minute drive south to Lindos, a whitewashed village built beneath the cliff-top Acropolis of Lindos. Climb to the ruins for panoramic views over St. Paul’s Bay and the deep blue Aegean, then cool off with a swim in the bay’s sheltered cove. Spend the late afternoon exploring Lindos’ narrow lanes lined with mosaic-pebble courtyards and artisan shops.
As the sun sets, take in the changing light from the rooftop of Lindos By Night over a glass of chilled white wine, then stay for dinner at Mavrikos, a family-run institution serving elegant takes on traditional Greek recipes.
PART THREE: Day Trip To Symi
Catch an early ferry from Rhodes to pastel-painted Symi Town, where the neoclassical mansions seem to rise straight from the harbor. Stroll the waterfront promenade, browsing hand-painted ceramics and sponges at George & Maria’s Workshop, and pause for an espresso in the square.
In the afternoon, take a small boat to Agios Georgios Beach, a dramatic sweep of white pebbles backed by sheer cliffs, for swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear water. Return to Symi Town for an early dinner at Tholos, known for its seafood and views back across the harbor, before boarding the ferry to Rhodes.
PART FOUR: Old Town By Night
Back in Rhodes, visit the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes in the former Knights’ Hospital, where ancient sculptures and mosaics are displayed in airy medieval halls. As evening falls, the Old Town’s cobbled lanes glow in lantern light — perfect for a pre-dinner drink at Society Café Bar.
End your trip with a meal at Marco Polo Mansion, whose candlelit courtyard and Mediterranean-Levantine menu are as memorable as the setting itself. It’s a final taste of the Dodecanese’ blend of history, hospitality, and quiet glamour before your onward journey.
