Spread along the southwestern coast of Turkey, the Dodecanese Islands beckon. They offer everything for which Greece’s islands are famous - flawless beaches, exquisitely clear seas, quintessential mediterranean architecture, mythology and history, a deliciously healthy diet - and even more. What we appreciate most about the Dodecanese is their rustic character, the lack of crowds, and their sense of timelessness.  

The largest of the Dodecanese, and historically the most important, is Rhodes. It is one of the only places in the archipelago that you may encounter mass tourism, but don’t be dissuaded from visiting: Rhodes is a treasure. The Old Town is a beautifully preserved medieval walled city in which it is a pleasure to get lost. For millennia Rhodes was the seat of power in the region, occupied over the centuries by Greeks, Byzantines, Crusaders, Ottomans and Italians, and this heritage is evident in the patchwork of stately architecture.  

While Rhodes boasts incredible history and some of the best nightlife of any island in Greece, the smaller islands epitomize the distinctive charm of the Dodecanese. It is among these quiet fishing communities and deserted turquoise coves that we find our bliss. From the pastel neoclassical mansions that line the harbors of Symi, Halki and Kastellorizo, to breathtaking hikes on Kalymnos and Tilos, each island overflows with history and intrinsic beauty. 

As the smaller islands have correspondingly small ports, large scale cruise ships are unable to dock, and ferry schedules can be infrequent. This adds to the peaceful atmosphere and genuine charm of the islands, and also means that much of the tourism traffic comes from privately chartered gulets. Indeed, the best way to explore these islands, and their beaches and restaurants accessible only by boat, is on a Blue Voyage.