A picturesque, tranquil little harbor and a few pristine beaches for solo swims are all you need for unforgettable summer holidays in their simplest form. These small islands - gems of the Dodecanese hide true treasures worth discovering.
The big islands with their landmark sights, comforts, vibrant life and cosmopolitan sandy beaches are wonderful, but often the magic of summer holidays is hidden in little paradises. On unexplored islets that promise a different kind of escape, far from everyone and everything.
If what you seek from yourholidays is days of absolute carefreeness with sun, sea, sunsets and strolls in quiet little harbors away from the crowds, then it’s worth discovering the destinations below. On these small islands of theDodecanese you won’t find luxuries or intense nightlife, but authentic experiences and essential pleasures in the simplest wrapping.
Leipsoi
A picturesque, peaceful little harbor and a few stunning beaches are enough for unforgettable holidays on the island of the nymph Calypso, easily reached from Patmos. In Leipsoi the days pass quietly, with swims in gorgeous waters and walks along the island’s trails. Visit the church of Panagia tou Harou (celebrated on August 23) and explore the ancient acropolis and the ancient settlement at Kouselio. The beaches of Liendou, Kampos, Hohlakoura, Platis Gialos, Monodendri and Katsadia will offer you endless hours of relaxation.
Arkoi
Arkoi are a small gem of the Dodecanese, the largest of a cluster of islets, with wonderful landscapes and a tranquil atmosphere. The island has ferry connections with Patmos, Leros and Leipsoi. In this small corner of the Aegean with 40 permanent residents, the main activity is endless swimming and sunbathing on untouched beaches. The famed sandy beach is Tiganakia, with crystal-clear waters that look like a pool. There are only two settlements on the island, one of which is the picturesque port. There you will find little tavernas and shops where you can relax with views of the endless blue. The other settlement is Pano Chorio. Climb the hill with the picturesque chapel of Panagia Pantanassa to enjoy the view of the Aegean.
Marathi
Few sounds will reach you beyond birdsong and the tinkling of goat bells on this small Dodecanese island, east of Patmos, which belongs to the Arkoi complex. There are no roads here, no cars, just one gorgeous beach. Although extremely small, with an area of just 355 stremmas, Marathi is inhabited (5 residents according to the latest census) and has a small settlement. Two tavernas operate, along with a few rooms to let.
Pserimos
Between Kalymnos and Kos, tiny Pserimos at 15 square kilometers is an ideal destination for a day trip from the surrounding islands or for peaceful holidays. Summer visitors come to enjoy the island’s pristine beaches and a landscape that truly soothes you. Avlakia is the island’s only village and its port. There you will enjoy your swim at a very lovely, immaculate beach with shallow waters. On Pserimos there are no roads and no cars. If you follow the path leading out of the main settlement, you will find the island’s other beaches after 10 minutes to an hour of walking.
Telendos
Directly opposite Kalymnos lies a small, beautiful islet that many don’t know: Telendos. Telendos’ sole, eponymous settlement is on its eastern coast, opposite the village of Myrties on Kalymnos, with which it is connected by sea taxis running regular routes. The island’s most famous beach is Pnigmenos, undeveloped, with blue-green waters and a wonderful sunset. Also, the beautiful Hohlakas is a 10-minute walk from the port. Telendos also has wonderful trails (there are no cars or motorbikes on the island), so be sure to bring suitable shoes. Don’t forget to visit Agios Giorgis, the little chapel built into the rocks, right beside the sea.
Halki
A short distance west of Rhodes, Halki is a small island that hides true treasures. The doll-like port, Nimborio, with its brightly colored mansions like a painting, Chorio- the now deserted old capital- with the Fortress of the Knights of St. John and the incredible view over the Karpathian Sea, and the beautiful beaches with crystal-clear waters promise peaceful holidays you will never forget. Some of the island’s beaches can be reached on foot, while the rest you will reach by caique. Pondamos is the most easily accessible (and the only sandy) beach on the island, and it’s also worth visiting Ftenagia, Kania, Giali and Areta beach.
