THIS is the autumn sunshine spot steeped in history with 28C temperatures in autumn, golden sandy beaches and crystal waters.
The Greek Dodecanese islands comprise of 15 large and 150 smaller islands and rival Mykonos for its beauty.
The two most popular islands to visit in Dodecanese are Rhodes and Kos – both of which are serviced by Ryanair via Dublin Airport.
CHEAP FLIGHTS
Flights to Kos with Ryanair from Dublin Airport start at €27.99 in October, while flights to Rhodes begin at €28.19.
Alternative modes of travel there include flying to Athens and getting a connecting flight or taking a boat to the island of your choice.
The lush and vibrant islands are located in the southeastern Aegean Sea and Eastern Mediterranean bringing a hot-summer Mediterranean climate – with top temperatures of 28C in September, 26C in October and 20C in November.
Exploring the gorgeous islands brings you back in time to different points in ancient history and allows for a relaxing trip with lots to see and do and plenty of restaurants and beaches to stay busy and full.
If you choose to travel to Rhodes, you can visit the old city and experience the stunning sites from the time the island was ruled by the Knights of Saint John crusaders.
For those looking to relax and unwind, the Kallithea Thermal Springs, a renovated complex of ancient bathhouses can be visited.
STUNNING BEACHES
Although no longer in use for their original purpose, the nearby beach is a popular spot to unwind by the crystal waters of the Aegean Sea.
The island has a number of stunning beaches, while Anthony Quinn Bay in the south of the island is considered the most picturesque, Tsambika Beach in the north is also definitely worth a visit for beach lovers.
Prasonisi Beach lies at the south of the island and is a gorgeous beauty spot at the meeting point of the Aegean and Mediterranean Sea.
The island is home to a Butterfly Valley, which is a vital habitat for different species of butterflies and are seen from June to September.
For those looking for the most Instagramable spots or the most picturesque traditional Greek views, Lindos is well worth a visit.
HISTORIC HOTSPOT
There are many historic sites in Rhodes Old Town as many buildings have been restored and reconstructed.
Top spots to visit include the 14th Century Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes, the stunning historic Street of the Knights, one of the 11 gates to Rhodes Thalassini Pyli and the archaeological museum are all worth a visit.
Other spots to visit for insight into the Ottomon influence on the islands include the Suleymaniye Mosque and the Yeni Hamam – an oriental bath house which is not in operation.
The New Town is a treat for those looking to experience dining at Mandraki harbour.
Kos is another top spot for visitors heading to the Dodecanese – and has something for everyone as a perfect holiday spot for families, history buffs and partygoers.
For those looking to live the Greek lifestyle a visit to the village of Palio Piti and Zia, the former being the island’s original capital is worth a visit.
CRYSTAL WATERS
They feature the iconic white buildings with blue trims and colourful architecture that make Greece so picturesque.
For those looking to have a tipple, the Triantafyllopoulos Winery is one of the popular winehouses in Kos open to tourists to visit.
For those looking to experience the island’s golden sands, Tigaki Beach is a popular spot to take a dip.
For those looking to mix their sunbathing with a drop of history Agios Stefanos Beach is situated by the ruins of byzantine cathedrals and right beside Kastri islet.
The most remote beach in the island is the Kavo Paradiso Beach with crystal clear waters for a stunning dip.
A visit to the old town of Kos will have holidaymakers walking through one of the most historically important cities in the Dodecanese.
FAMILY ACTIVITIES
Top sights to see include Neratzia Castle’s ruins and the Tree of Hippocrates as well as the Odeon Theatre, Asklepion and the Western Archaeological Zone filled with ruins of a bygone era.
Nature lovers can head to the Plaka Forest to experience the serene woodland habitat perfect for walks.
Families can head for a day of fun at the Lido Waterpark with slides for all ages, splash zones and a lazy river.
FIVE MORE AUTUMN SUNSHINE SPOTS
AS evenings get longer and days get colder, we could all use a break to somewhere warm and sunny to escape the autumn blues.
Here’s five more autumn sunshine spots well worth the trip in the coming months:
- The European tiny island with 28C autumn temperatures, 3,000 hours of sunshine a year and stunning beaches.
- A hidden gem Canary Island village with breathtaking views and a breathtaking beach.
- The idyllic Italian seaside region with over 930km of coastline and stunning food.
- A European island ‘that never sleeps’ with stunning beaches, 24C and buzzing nightlife.
- And a Portuguese sunspot labelled one of the best tourism villages in the World by the UN.
All of the islands have all the best of Greek and Mediterranean cuisine on offer with plenty of restaurants to choose from.
Those headed to Kos looking for nightlife can experience coffeehouses, jazz bars and plenty of beach bars as well as Downtown nightclub and West nightclub.
The great thing about visiting the Dodecanese Islands is that regardless of which island you choose to holiday on, there are plenty of boats available offering day trips to nearby islands meaning you can experience all the islands have to offer in one trip.
