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The Islands
In the south-eastern Aegean Sea between Crete and Asia Minor lies a group of 12 islands, called the Dodecanese, derived from the Greek word "Dodeka" meaning: 12. These are: Rhodes, Kos, Patmos, Kalymnos, Karpathos, Symi, Leros, Tilos, Nissyros, Kastelorizo, Astypalea and Kassos. Here in this eastern corner of Greece, are a group of islands indelibly marked by history and natural beauty, second to none.
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RHODES:
The largest island of the Dodecanese, famed for its Colossus which used to stand at the entrance of the port in antiquity, presents a dual face; the "Old Town" encircled by medieval castles, narrow cobbled lanes, the Knights' Castle and the Castello, and the new city with its wide streets, glamorous hotels and modern shops. Apart from its wealth of history which can be seen in its Archeological Museum and Folk Art Museum, Rhodes has other innumerable places of interest to visit: the Valley of the Butterflies, Filerimos with its thick pine forests, the ancient ruins of Ialyssos, Kallithea and Lindos. Of course, mention must be made of Rhodes' many beautiful beaches where world class hotels can be found.
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Symi
Situated 250 nautical miles from Piraeus, this mainly rocky island in the Dodecanese offers not only charm and natural rugged physical beauty, but also a hospitality unique to this small island.
The main port of Symi is the natural port of Aigialos, and a 15 minute walk away, is the capital of the island, called "Ano Symi". Ano Symi is built on a hill and has much to offer the visitor to the island - especially exhibits of antiquities, as well as Byzantine treasures in the monastery of the Archangel Michael.
Beautiful beaches can be found at Pedio, Naou, Marathounta and Emporio. The people of Symi mainly fish for a living and also dive for sponges in the crystal clear waters surrounding the island.
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Kos
The island of Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, with its white-washed houses and roads full of hibiscus flowers, is built along a wide bay. The island is full of history dating from Hellenistic and Roman times. Some interesting sites that are worth visiting are the Temple of Venus, the Roman School of Music and the Castle built by the knights of St. John around the 15th century. Four kilometers out of the city center is the Aesulapium, the ancient infirmary which began to be built in the 4th century B.C. The island boasts beautiful villages such as Asfendiou, Kardamena and Pyli, the fishing villages of Marmari and Mastichari and of course beautiful beaches to match.
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Patmos
The island of the Apostle John, where the controversial Apocalypse was written. The whole island is dominated by the monastery of St. John which is encircled by medieval ramparts. The Holy Monastery on top of the hill houses priceless religious relics, rare manuscripts, icons, jewelers and embroidery. On the 15th August, the Feast of the Virgin Mary, a church service is held in the morning and in the afternoon open-air festivities on the plain are held with folk dances accompanied by local music and local delicacies. Patmos has marvelous beaches which can be found in Psili Ammos, Petra, Grikos and Kampos. Boats anchor at the port of Scala with its whitewashed houses and narrow lanes.
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Samos
Samos’s location played a great role in its development. It lies in the Eastern Aegean, very close to the coast of Asia Minor, in the heart of Ionia, almost midway along the sea route that links Greece with Anatolia, the B lack Sea, Egypt and the Eastern Mediterranean. The name Samos is most probably of Phoenician origin and, according to Strabo, it means an elevated place on the shore. Over time, however, it had many other names : Anthemis, Dryousa, Doryssa, Kyparissia, Imvrasia, Melamphylos, Parthenia.
Beautiful and green, this island, is filled with wonderful beaches, picturesque villages and harbours. The nature of the island, the climate and the archeological interest have turned this island in a resort which gathers many tourists.
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