The 9 most beautiful villages in the Dodecanese

This summer, why not visit the most beautiful villages in the Dodecanese? In the heart of the Aegean Sea, this Greek archipelago invites you to discover exceptional communes.

The Dodecanese is an emblematic archipelago of the Aegean Sea, comprising nearly 160 different islets. However, most of them are uninhabited. The main islands then form around traditional communes, sheltering magnificent historical vestiges. Over the centuries, this territory has been conquered many times. He thus developed around multiple cultural influences. A true wealth for this region, this is probably what seduces its visitors. They take advantage of it to discover its history through its ruins and atypical architectures. Also, the best way to explore this archipelago is to visit the most beautiful villages in the Dodecanese. Between History and Nature, you may not be bored!

1. Zia

The beautiful hamlet of Zia, or Lagoudi Zia, is one of the most beautiful villages in the Dodecanese. This mountain town is actually on the slopes of Mont Dikeos. A popular destination for tourists, it is characterized by beautiful paved streets and traditional shops. Its atypical buildings will give you the impression of crossing the centuries. Through your steps you can also admire the amazing Orthodox churches and their domes.

Also, your visit to the most beautiful villages in the Dodecanese will allow you to enjoy the fabulous natural setting of the region. Zia is indeed the starting point of many hiking trails. However, it also offers extraordinary views of the surrounding valley.

2. Patmos

Patmos is not only one of the most beautiful villages in the Dodecanese. This town is indeed the only one of a small island in the eponymous archipelago. In the heart of the Aegean, it has only a little more than 3000 inhabitants. Yet, it attracts many tourists from the region every year.

In fact, this must-see hamlet is particularly appreciated by the fairytales of History. Over the centuries, the island has been conquered by the Greeks, the Romans, the Ottomans and the Venetians. Nowadays, it has many vestiges of its exceptional influences. Nature lovers will also enjoy its amazing environmental heritage. The city will allow them to follow several hiking trails and explore the fabulous landscapes of the island.

3. Asklipiio

If you visit the most beautiful villages in the Dodecanese, you will certainly not be able to miss Asklipiio. This town is part of the splendid island of Rhodes, a few kilometers from Patmos. However, it seduces its visitors with its extraordinary historical sites. In particular, they can discover the famous Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos. Also, they can admire the magnificent fourteenth paintings that the place of worship preserves.

But Asklipiio is particularly famous for the ruins of its legendary castle, overlooking the town for centuries. After exploring this exceptional vestige, you can enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of the town. In the evening you can even stop in a delicious specialities restaurant. You can then fully appreciate the richness and traditions of one of the most beautiful villages in the Dodecanese.

4. Masouri

This exceptional hamlet is part of the steep island of Kalymnos . Also, Masouri is a must-see place for discoveries. It is also at the start of many hiking trails and outdoor activities. However, this small resort is particularly appreciated for its beaches. Unmissable stop of your trip to the most beautiful villages in the Dodecanese, you will love to dive into its turquoise waters. The sun of the Aegean Sea will warm you and invite you to pleasant afternoons of farniente on the fine sand.

Also, Masouri is one of the most beautiful villages in the Dodecanese thanks to its incredible popularity. Over the years, the affluence of this town has seen the birth of magnificent hotels, shops and places of relaxation. Today, it is undoubtedly home to the best restaurants in the archipelago. You could thus enjoy it to try delicious local specialties. Nothing like this to conclude a nice day trip to this seaside resort.

5. Pandeli

A small fishing port, Pandeli has been standing on the shores of Leros Island for nearly two thousand years. This commune forms around an eponymous bay, attracting visitors from all over Europe. The archipelago’s iconic Hameau, it is one of the most amazing villages in the Dodecanese. It offers travellers to discover the excellent culinary specialties of the region and admire its historical vestiges.

Nevertheless, it is the exceptional setting of Pandeli that gives it its unique charm. This town is indeed surrounded by steep mountains, lush vegetation and splendid coves. Also, it is a must for nature and hiking ferus. But this village of Dodecanese invites you mainly to relaxation and discovery. By exploring its wild setting, you can only better appreciate its paradise landscapes. You will also be charmed by its extraordinary warm atmosphere.

6. Lipsi

Like Patmos, Lipsi is one of the Dodecanese villages, but also an island. It is also located north of Leros, a few kilometers south of the fabulous Samos. In the eponymous archipelago, it is among the smallest islets. However, it houses one of the most beautiful villages in the Dodecanese. It is characterized by its splendid beaches, such as those of Platis or Katsadia. They form a place of relaxation and swimming ideal for visitors to the region.

Nevertheless, Lipsi is particularly distinguished by its many independent islets. Surrounding the town, they only make a few dozen square meters each. Also, they are an exceptional place of discovery for adventure fairies. For example, tourists can rent pleasure boats or jet-skis to explore them. Their isolated and protected bays also give them heavenly looks. What better for an unforgettable experience in the most beautiful villages in the Dodecanese?

7. Astipalaia

The island of Astipalaia, or Astypalée, is the largest of the Aegean archipelago. Also, it houses one of the most extraordinary villages in the Dodecanese. This eponymous hamlet is particularly representative of this Greek region. It develops effectively thanks to the many influences of the peoples who conquered it. It is also full of historical vestiges and real architectural treasures. By walking through its paved streets, you can only better understand its various cultural influences.

Nevertheless, this village of Dodecanese also has a pleasant fishing port. Its visitors can thus discover the amazing local traditions and customs. In the evening, they can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the quays after a day of discovery. However, they can instead opt for a relaxing afternoon on its splendid sandy beaches. In mythology, Astypalée was actually abducted by Zeus before being changed to a paradise island. It is thus believed that its magnificent natural setting reflects the beauty of the divinity which is its origin.

8. Symi

Since ancient times, Symi is a particularly strategic village in the Dodecanese. A must-see shopping centre in the archipelago, it was also at the heart of the Peloponnese War. Today, its economy depends in part on the region's exceptional tourism. However, it is the many historical vestiges of the hamlet that attract visitors. They can visit the Monastery of Mixalis and the Château des Chevaliers.

Nevertheless, if Symi is among the most beautiful villages in the Dodecanese, it is also thanks to its beautiful paved streets. As you walk, you will admire the amazing colorful houses that make up it. These amazing buildings will give you the impression of crossing ages and plunging you into regional traditions. We recommend you to enjoy it to take great pictures of this island.

9. Olymbos

The former independent city of Olymbos is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful villages in the Dodecanese. It is located on the splendid island of Karpathos, in the heart of the eponymous archipelago. Nevertheless, it is particularly distinct from the other communes of the Aegean Sea. It has been isolated and independent for many decades. Also, she invites her visitors to discover her fabulous regional traditions.

In fact, its buildings and customs will give you the impression of crossing the ages. By walking around his paved streets, you will observe his buildings almost out of time. If you attend a local party, you can even enjoy traditional songs accompanied by lyre. This unusual visit will immerse you in the heart of the extraordinary history of the region.