The Dodecanese Islands are a set of twelve main islands in the south of the Aegean Sea near Turkey.

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The Dodecanese island complex consist out of more than 150 different islands located in the south of the Aegean Sea in between Turkey and Crete. The main twelve islands (Dodecanese Islands literally means Twelve Islands) are Rhodes, Astypalia, Karpathos, Kalymnos, Kasos, Kos, Leros, Patmos, Nysyros, Symi, Tilos and Halki, all having a rich historic past in the form of Byzantine churches and medieval settlements. Nowadays, farming, fishing and tourism are the main source of income for many of its inhabitants.

Rhodes Island is with its picturesque medieval fortifications and Venetian castle one of the most touristic regions to visit. Archeological findings, interesting places of worshipping, excellent nightlife, golden white beaches and warm Mediterranean waters make it a holiday destination out of a magazine. Kos was the birthplace of Hippocrates, the father of medicine, but also offers a wonderful medieval Knights' Castle. Patmos is known for its beautiful Holy Monastery on the top of a hill dedicated to Saint John. Most of the islands have a fantastic coastline, are mountainous and rocky, mainly dry and barren with sometimes green valleys and gardens in between.

Its marine life, mollusks and crustaceans have formed a rich ecosystem perfect in equilibrium with its environment. You can spot turtles and the rare Mediterranean seal found near rocky non touristic shores. Although Greece in general is not first known for its dive potential, the islands of the Dodecanese offer warm, nutrient rich waters with high visibilities and surprisingly diverse and numerous species of fish and critters.

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