With over 160 islands scattered across Azure seas, the Dodecanese offer endless island-hopping adventures. We’ve selected seven not-to-be-missed paradises easily accessible via regular ferry routes, from lush greens in Telendos to the volcanic Nisyros, and cosmopolitan Rhodes to peaceful Patmos. Here is the best of the Dodecanese islands via ferry.
Why visit the Dodecanese islands?
The Dodecanese islands are picture-perfect. One minute you’re roaming cute villages with white-and-blue houses and pristine beaches on Kos; the next you’ve hopped over to Rhodes to get lost in medieval mazes down to the sparkling harbor.
If you just want to relax, head to Patmos to wander peaceful nature trails or find your own secret cove while hiking Lipsi’s gorgeous green hillsides.
Adventurers can hunt for ancient ruins and climb up to mighty castles with epic views while foodies will enjoy mouthwatering fresh seafood and Greek salads at tavernas by the sea. With so many islands to pick from, each with beautiful beaches, tons of culture, and small-town charm, you’ll find it hard to leave paradise in the Dodecanese.
Which ferry services operate around the Dodecanese islands?
There’s no better way to island hop than by jumping on a ferry and cruising the cool Azure seas until reaching your next destination. Here are some of the ferry companies currently offering services across the Dodecanese islands.
- A.n.e.kalymnoy: Operates ferry services within the Dodecanese.
- Aegeon Pelagos: Offers routes to various Dodecanese islands, including longer crossings like Piraeus to Rhodes, which can take up to 31 hours.
- Alko Ferries: Another operator within the Dodecanese network.
- Blue Star Ferries: Known for shorter routes like Patmos to Lipsi, taking around 25 minutes, as well as serving almost daily crossings to islands like Kos, Rhodes, and Karpathos.
- Dodekanisos Seaways: Provides services across the Dodecanese.
- Exas Shipping Service: Part of the regional ferry network.
- Lafasi: Operates in the Dodecanese islands.
- Makri A.e.: Another ferry operator in this area.
- Sea Dreams: Offers ferry services within the Dodecanese.
- Sebeco Lines N.e.: Part of the ferry network in the region.
- Sky Marine: Also operates in the Dodecanese.
Travel times vary depending on the destination and starting point. Getting to Kos can take the best part of 12 hours, while Karpathos ranges from 22 to 26 hours. Rhodes is at least a 15-hour journey, while Kos to Nisyros offers shorter times of 30 to 50 minutes, as does Kalymnos to Leros, which can be as short as 45 minutes.
Which Dodecanese islands should I visit?
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to Dodecanese islands, so we’ve whittled it down to seven of the best just for you.
1) Rhodes
Evoking crusader tales of knights and maidens fair, Rhodes exudes romantic medieval charm. Within the impenetrable walls of its UNESCO-listed Old Town, time seems to stand still along cobblestone lanes lined with Gothic arches and delicately frescoed facades that whisper of Byzantium and the Ottoman Age.
Lose yourself amid this living relic where tavernas and boutiques now occupy stone manors of conquering crusaders, like the 14th century Palace of the Grand Masters. Beyond the city, storied ruins like the acropolis of Lindos overlook the glittering sea from their haughty heights while golden sand beaches, tranquil villages and lush green interiors lock visitors under Rhodes’ magical spell.
With its tales of valiant knights and graceful damsels, splendid ruins peeking from citrus groves and turquoise waters that lap against ancient walls, Rhodes ultimately captures the exotic elegance of Greece.
2) Kos
Kos has it all—ancient sites, pretty beaches, cute villages, tasty food…you name it! Base yourself in the main town to explore the epic medieval castle, shop-lined harbor, and ruins from ancient times.
The little whitewashed village Zia up in the hills serves up special panoramic views over the island. Enjoy them with your glass of local wine. Palm Beach has beach clubs under swaying palms and offers tons of water fun and sports. Or perhaps you want to relax in the thermal spring baths at Therma before enjoying an organic meal at farms like Zouroudi.
History buffs can check out ruins like the Asclepion temple and the Casa Romana archaeological site tucked away in olive groves around the village of Zia while beach bums will find paradise in hidden coves of azure waters. Whether you’re after adventure and culture or just reading your book in peace, Kos offers a perfect Greek escape with friendly locals and delicious local flavors.
3) Patmos
Enveloped in spiritual airs, Patmos entrances as Greece‘s holy isle. In chic whitewashed Chora town, boutique hotels and minimalist spas neighbor venerable monasteries where Byzantine rituals carry on behind fortified walls. Follow winding roads from hilltop St. John’s Monastery down to a glittering Mediterranean bay dotted with cafes and million-dollar yachts. Here the salads are as divine as the views.
Patmos allures with its contrasts—centuries-old chapels adjoin sleek design shops, humble hermitages cling to cliffs, while luxury villas front the sapphire sea. Sunset hour finds stylish revelers watching golden light illuminate labyrinthine alleys as monks commence their evening services. Worlds overlap on this mystic isle steeped in history.
Venture further, over lavender-scented hills to reach poetically beautiful beaches like Psili Ammos and rejuvenate body and spirit in the process.
4) Lipsi
Lipsi casts an irresistible spell as the Dodecanese’ enchantress—a beguiling beauty basking lazily in the Aegean Sea. Beyond the lively port town Lipsi Harbor, an island idyll awaits discovery for those who seek it.
Follow aged footpaths past low-stone walls through countryside’s flaunting olive and fig groves before plunging into sapphire coves where the silence is sublime. Live like a local in seaside Katsadia, feasting on just-caught calamari on wave-kissed terraces beside churches adorned with sky blue domes.
Ramble up to hilltop villages where life has stood still for centuries to find white-washed squares with old men sipping ouzo and sharing tales from times long gone. Let island rhythms lull you into tranquility on rabbit-soft Kimissi beach before returning to Lipsi Harbor to join gregarious Greeks celebrating late into the night, ouzo glasses raised in unchecked merriment ’till the early dawn.
5) Symi
Symi’s gorgeous amphitheater harbor framed by pastel-hued Victorian mansions guarantees a gasp-out-loud entrance. Prepare to access some serious leg workout potential too – verdant hillsides sliced by 500 winding steps connect colorful neighborhoods like Chorio and Pedi dangling high above the Gialos waterfront.
Let your nose guide you through labyrinthine walking paths shaded by vines to cute artsy tavernas, quirky handicraft shops selling local sponges and honey, and tiny chapels crumbling beautifully amid date palms.
Come sundown all paths converge to the harbor for the evening volta ritual. Join locals parading the palm-lined promenade in their sailing best as old wooden boats chug in dangling the day’s amberjack catch. Linger under fairy lights at one of the restaurants to down velvety red wine before tucking into the local cuisine with views of neoclassical mansions glowing gold as the sun dips below the Aegean horizon.
6) Kalymnos
This ruggedly rocky Dodecanese island cradled by azure waters beckons adventure-lovers and laid-back explorers alike. Get your thrills scaling the limestone cliffs soaring upwards from Myrties village—over 70 bolted routes transform these epic vertical seaside formations into a rock climber’s paradise.
When you’re not dangling daredevil-style, meander along coastal trails to discover sleepy fishing hamlets with whitewashed tavernas serving the freshest of seafood catches and sparkling Ikarian wine.
Don’t miss the capital Pothia’s bustling harbor exploding in color when boats chug in with glorious technicolor sponges – Kalymnians have been harvesting sponges for centuries. Finally, as the sun melts into the Aegean, join chilled-out locals for a promenade session along the seaside boulevard lining vibrant cafes and nautical-themed bars.
7) Karpathos
Traditional villages clinging to mountainsides, wind-battered southern beaches, and laidback locals … pristine Karpathos offers a remote, rugged beauty to explore. From soaring Pigadia, the whitewashed capital overlooking two harbors, hike steep hill trails to reach Olympos’s ruins or remote hamlets like Lastos where people don folk costumes for lively summer festivals. Karpathos’ north lures beach lovers to family-friendly Apella or historic ruins at Poseidon’s temple near waterfront Finiki. But venture south to discover Karpathos in all its windswept glory—secluded coves with pebble shores, caves hiding WWII secrets, the isle’s finest views from the scenic Spoa to Arkasa route.
Seafood also excels here, so savor fresh fish at low-key tavernas in Achata village or creative takes on local specialties at modern Nikos Taverna. Whether hiking rocky trails between villages or finding solitude on remote beaches along this untamed island’s shoreline, feel Karpathos working its timeless charm.
The best Dodecanese islands via ferry
Island-hopping by ferry unveils the diverse treasures of the Dodecanese—from atmospheric fortress towns to secluded pebble cove beaches, and wine-splashed hillside villages to seafood havens by the harbor. Whether sailing into the gentle pastels of Symi or the fortified medieval grandeur of Rhodes, connecting the dots between these Greek beauties offers adventure and culture in equal measure. So set your sights on the Aegean horizon as ferries stand ready to unlock the magical Dodecanese, this beguiling archipelago basking in ancient legends and sleepy island vibes.