REST OF DODECANESE ISLANDS

The Dodecanese are located south of Samos, and Fourni, east of the Cyclades, east of the coast of Asia Minor, and north-east of Crete. It is an enchanted world where the sun paints pictures and the sea gives life. The mild winters and refreshing summers give the Dodecanese one of the healthiest climates in the Mediterranean. The islands of the Dodecanese are engaged in a beauty contest, with no clear winner.

Southeast of Rhodes lies Kastelorizo, whose capital town of the same name is built amphitheatrically and reaches right down to the waterfront. A small island with important sights, such as the Blue Grotto, one of the most gorgeously coloured caves in Greece, and the cathedral of Saints Constantine and Helena.

Between Leros and Ikaria is the "ascetic shape" of Patmos, called the Jerusalem of the Aegean due to overwhelming atmosphere of the island during the great celebrations of Christianity. Here, in one of Patmo's many caves, St. John the Theologian had a vision of the Apocalypse. An imposing monastery devoted to the saint domlnates the heights above the picturesque houses and mansions which appear to be "hooked" to the roots of the monastery. The image the visitor will keep from Patmos will be completed by an excursion to its rocky coves and pleasant shores before passing over to the nearby islets of Fourni, Lipsi, and Agathonissi.

Lipsi or Lipso is very attractive with enchanting beaches and scenic fish tavernas offering local wine.

Leros is a hilly island with deep green coves, idyllic valleys, indented shotes and the imposing Frankish-Byzantine castle over the Hora.

Grey, gold, and green, framed by the blue of the sea and the sky are the colours composing the portrait of Kalimnos: naked rock golden beaches, and verdant valleys. The capital Pothia is built amphitheatrically with multi-coloured geometrically shaped houses, churches, and scenic roads. Beautiful areas with picturesque villages, radioactive springs, and idyllic spots for swimming, fishing, and relaxing holidays are everywhere.

Astlpalea: Small white houses with brightly painted windows open to the sun, a row of windmills, caves with stalactites and stalagmites at Vathi and Vetses.

The visitor will be impressed by the contrast formed by the white houses on Nlssiros's grey volcanic soil, just before he ends up in one of the beautiful fishing villages for some quiet sea and sun.

Tilos is fine sand beaches, untouched nature, medieval castles, and a respect for the island's traditions.

You will know you are on Simi by the mountains and small valleys, wonderful coves, strong sense of tradition, and the monastery of the Archangel Michael with its Byzantine frescos.

West of Rhodes lies a small mountainous island, Halki. A thousand songs pay tribute to this quiet place that is ideal for relaxing holidays.

The inhabitants of beautiful Karpathos are famous for their strong sense of tradition and the island is knowh for its scenic mountains in the north, as well as for its lovely beaches with their charming fishing villages.