Archeological sites of the Dodecanese in Greece

In this page you can read about the archeological sites you may visit during your charter in the Dodecanese islands with Istion Yachting.

Symi island, Dodecanese, Greece 

There are two major museums on Symi - the Archaeological/Folkore and the Naval Museum.

Symi Archaeological & Folklore Museum

The Archaeological museum of Symi is situated in Chorio and is housed in an old, restored traditional Symiot mansion that belongs to the Hatziagapiditis family. In the museum's pebbled yard there are ancient and Early Christian sculptures on display, as well as urns from various periods. The museum is split into 5 sections (each one dedicated to a different period of time) and presents an archaeological, a Byzantine and a folklore collection. The representation of the inside of a traditional Symiot house with its dinning and living room as well as a collection of local costumes complement the exhibits.

Symi Naval Museum

The Naval Museum of Symi was established in 1983 and in 1990 it was housed in one of the most representative neoclassical houses of Gialos, there where the central shipyard of the island used to be in the past. It preserves part of Symi's brilliant naval history in the form of various exhibits. The museum disposes of a special section dedicated to sponge diving with exhibits such as: diving suits, diving machines for oxygen production, a collection of sponges, diving stones and other equipment that were used in sponge diving, as well as a collection of models of sponge fishing vessels. A visit to the Naval Museum of Symi is a pilgrimage to the naval tradition of the island where through the exhibits the visitor will travel the depths of history and get acquainted with the life of the Symiot fisherman, sailor and merchant.

Some of the most important sites of Symi worth visiting are the following:

Symi town Castle-Ano Symi

Monastery of the Archangel Michael in Panormos

The monastery of the Archangel Michael Roukouniotis

The church of the prophet Elijah

The islet of Nimos

"Pontikokastro" near the windmills of Ano Symi

The church of Profitis Elias

The church of ST. Nektarios

On Symi Island you can moor your boat in Gialos, Nimborio, Pedi, Panormitis and Aghios Aimilianos. In Gialos fuel is available. You can also seek information there about possible repair facilities.

Astipalaia island

Many medieval ruins are found scattered all over the island. Sites to be seen on the island include the picturesque windmills, the unique small houses within the fort (Karae's lanes), the picture perfect beaches and the natural harbours. Within the fort are two old churches, namely St. George and The Virgin of the Fort (the Annunciation). However the main veneration site is "Our Lady of the Door" (Portaitissa) which is celebrated with a festival on the 15th of August.

The Castle with the 2 churches inside it: Panagia of Castro and Aghios Georgios

Archaeological Museum - Pera Gialos

Aghios Ioannis Castle - SW coast of the island

Monastery of Panaghia Portaitissa-Livadi

Megali Panaghia church-Pera Gialos

Ecclisiastic museum

Astilpalaia feast/festivals

Assumption of Virgin Mary-August 15th (lasts 3 days)

St. Panteleimon-July 27th

The port of Astypalea is well protected from the winds and fuel is available in the main town of Chora. The port also has a water refuelling station that you can use. You should note that many people find that Maltezana Bay in Astypalea is more suitable for mooring because of its more secluded nature.

Chalki island, Dodecanese, Greece

Some of the most important sites of Chalki worth visiting are the following:

Ancient crusader castle

Church of St. Nicholas

Monastery of Stavros

Old monastery of Taxiarchis Michail Panormitis

Small chapel of Ai Giannis

Phoeniki withthe half ruined monastery of St. Zaharias

Pefkia with Apollo's temple

The islets of Alimia and Krevati

Kalimnos island, Dedecanese, Greece

Some of the most important sites of Kalimnos worth visiting are the following:

The Archaeological Museum of Kalimnos (Vouvalis Mansion)

The Nautical Museum

The Sea World Museum

The traditional house (on the road leading to Agios Savas, a museum is housed in an old traditional Kalymnian house.

The beautiful building has been restored and exhibits traditional costumes and household objects.

Kalimnos feast/festivals

Representation of traditional sponge diving during Orthodox Easter.

On July 26th and 27th, the Aghios Panteleimonas (St. Panteleimonas) feast is held in the capital of the island and in Panormos.

Panaghia Kyra Psili feast on the 15th of August.

Moor your boat in the port of Kalimnos, in Vathi and on the little island of Pserimos.

However, be aware that water and fuel are available only in the town of Kalimnos.

Karpathos island, Dodecanese, Greece

Arkassa

Remains of Pre-Christian Basilika

It dates to the 4th-6th century and it is dedicated to St. Anastasia. The church of St. Sophia has been built at the place where the basilica was. The wonderful mosaics are being exhibited in the Museum of Rhodes Island.

Palaiokastro: It is a bit difficult to get there but you will be rewarded by the views. It is very probable that here was the temple of Athena from Lindos - it sees that the materials of the temple were used to build the temple of St. Anastasia just underneath it.

Foiniki:  Finiki is a picturesque fishing village located 1km North of Arkassa.

Koraki: Koraki is the top of the hill above the village that used to be the acropolis of ancient Karpathos - it offers a panoramic view. At the foot of the mountain ancient tombs have been identified.

Remains of the ancient sanctuary: Located right before Achata beach, high on the side of a stiff cliff.

Vollada Village: It is located 2 kms NW of Aperi and it has traditional houses and the Church of the Virgin.

Remains of the 3 castles They are in the region of Volada. Going towards Lasto we encounter the green valley of Pinni. In ancient times it was an important religious site.

Church of St. George

Church of Kyra Panagia

Diafani

Myceanean Tomb: It is located 500m SE of Diafani. The findings are exhibited in London in the British Museum.

Churches of St.Nicholas, St. Vasileios, Zoodochou Pigi

The Acropolis: There are still parts of its walls, mosaics, tombs at the location called "Rhia" and remains of houses at "Rizes" location. There are still remains of an old pre-Christian basilica of the 5th century.

ST. George Church: A small church dating back to the 13th century with very old frescoes.

Sokastro: Today an island, it used to be a piece of land, and there are still remains of great historic value from the Byzantine and Middle Age Periods.

Menetes: The Church "Kimisi tis Theotokou". It is a 19th century church - the most well-known of the whole island of Karpathos. It has columns from the pre-Christian basilica of Arkassa - St. Anastasia

St. Mamantos & St. Antonis churches: They are Byzantine chapels with very interesting icons.

The archeological collection: With findings from the region - pots, sculptures, icons.

Mesochori: Church of St. John the Baptist. It used to be the central piazza of the village in the past - it has icon paintings dating back to 1781 and a beautiful wood carved icon screen.

Panaghia Vrisiani Church: Beautiful architecture - worth a visit

St. Irene church: In Aghia Irini you will find the remains of this Byzantine church with very worn out wall paintings. You go down 6-7 steps and find yourself in the sanctuary - the only part of the church that is still intact. The rest of the church is buried in the sand. You will get to the location by excursion boat.

THE HOUSES OF MESOCHORI

An original Karpathian house consists of 3 parts: the main house, a smaller house and the oven - all three very close to each other. They are all covered with hand woven carpets and decorated with wood carved shelves full of decorative hand painted clay plates. The floor is often covered with white and black pebbles and the ceiling with big, wooden rafters. Going up 2-3 steps (inside the house) is the "sofas" which is the everyday living room; a bit further and going up a couple of steps again is the "mousandra" (the guest room) with a couch decorated again with hand woven items and the "panosoufi" for sleeping. In the centre of the house there is a large, wooden pole that stands for the family's support. During celebrations they decorate it with silk scarves and ribbons.

Olympos

Ancient Vrykous: One of the large cities of Karpathos that flourished from at least the 5th century BC. One can notice the walls and the remains of houses (4th - 3rd century BC). At Vrykounda there is a small collection with various findings.

ST. John Church: It is located 1:30 hours on foot from Avlona village. The area is extremely beautiful.

Tristomos Bay: It is located north and it is a deep, natural port well protected from the winds. It used to be ancient Vrykounda's port.

St. Minas Bay: Located SE it is a beautiful beach.

Panagia Church: Dating back to the 16th century with a wood carved screen and beautiful wall paintings.

Karpthos (Pigadia)

Vounos: Vounos is the Acropolis of ancient Posidios, located right above the port. It is estimated that it was a fortified castle during the Mycenean ages. The rock is 23m in altitude and there are only parts of the walls still intact today. Perhaps the sanctuary of Lindian Athena was located here who was the patroness during the Historic ages. Agia Foteini Church

The remains of Saint (Aghia) Fotini, a palaio-christian basilica (5th-6th century) located on the beach at the location called "Afoti". It's a well-preserved monument.

Poseidon Cave: The cave of Poseidon is at a location called Myloi and it is either a hewed tomb in the rock of a sanctuary. This type of monuments is very common in the Eastern Aegean. Perhaps it was a sanctuary dedicated to Venus.

Agia Kiriaki Chapel: It is situated 2,5 kms SW of Pigadia and built on a rock. The views from here are breathtaking.

Kassos island, Dodecanese, Greece

Some of the most important sites of Kassos worth visiting are the following:

Fri is the capital of the island and is very picturesque with its stone houses. There is a church worth visiting here called Aghios Spyridonas.

Emborios is another pretty village, with a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

In Ellinokamara there are caves where archaeologists have found traces of Neolithic settlements. Sellai is a stalactite cave you can visit.

In Poli, the old capital, there are some remains of the Venetian Kastro, and a beautiful church, Ag Triada.

Kassos Feast/Festivals

St. Marina July 17th

Transfiguration of Christ August 6th

Assumption of Virgin Mary August 15th

St. Fanourios August 27th

On the North part of Kassos you will swim on the beaches of Emborios, Kofteri, Ammoua, Katarti and Aniperatos. On the South you will find the beaches of Helatros, Avlaki and Chochlacia (reached only by boat). On the neighboring island of Armathia you will find some of the nicest beaches of the Mediterranean Sea - Marmara and Karavostasi (15 minutes by boat from Fry).

Kastelorizo (Megisti) island, Dodecanese, Greece

The sites to be seen are:

The Castle of the Knights of the order of St. John dating back to the 14th century.

The perfectly preserved stone-hewed Lycean tomb underneath the castle at the port entrance.

Palaiokastro - the eldest site on Kastellorizo island. There you will see the remains of ancient buildings, water cisterns and neolithic tools.

The Metropolis of St. Constantine and Helen - the saint patrons of Kastellorizo Island.

The archaeological Museum.

The famous Aqua-colored Cave of Kastellorizo is one of the rarest geological phenomena and one of the most amazing formations on Earth; Kastellorizo is worth visiting just for this cave only. This panoramic sea cave is also known with the name "Parastas hole" or "Fokiali" – due to the seals ( fokia ) that live inside – and it is the most phantasmagoric cave of the Mediterranean Sea . It is said to be superior to the "CROTTA AZZURA" of Capri near Naples, Italy, as Victor-Emmanuel the King admitted when he visited it in 1929. It is situated at the SE coastal region of the island, it is 75m long (inside), 40m wide and 35m high, and the entrance is as high as a small boat – which can just pass through the mouth when the sea is calm at dawn. The calm waters of the cave look like an immense blue-green mirror with plenty of iridescence, which seems to illuminate this enormous fairy-like palace, the numerous stalactites and the thousands of wild pigeons, with various colors.

Kastelorizo feast/festivals

St. Paraskevi June 26th

St. Helen & Constantine (island's saint patrons) May 21st

Assumption of Virgin Mary August 15th

Prophet Elias

You can moor your boat in the port of Kastelorizo.

Refueling stations for both water and fuel are available on the island.

Though there are no beaches as such on Kastellorizo Island, you can take a little boat to the particularly beautiful blue cave of Parasta (Fokiali).

There is also excellent swimming from the rocks near the port.

Kos island, Dodecanese, Greece

Some of the most important sites of Kos worth visiting are the following:

The "Neratzia Castle" It is situated in the entrance of the Kos harbour on a place where, in antiquity, there was an island, communicating with the inland through a brigde, that one sees even today (The bridge of the Phoenicians' street). The interior one has four circular Towers in the corners; the southeastern Tower forms part of the exterior precinct, which is larger than the first, with massive bastions on the four corners, battlements and gunports.. The castle was built of local stone as well as parts of ancient buildings (columns, architraves, bases etc.) from the ruins of the ancient city.

The Castle of the Knights... is a fortress, along with the castles of Rhodes City and Bodrum, was the most stalwart defence of the Knights against the Ottoman. It was first built during the 14th century, and used to have massive outer walls and an inner keep. This beautiful and impressive castle is standing on Finikon (Avenue Palm), connected to Platanou Square by a bridge, in Kos Town.

The Asckepeion of Kos Situated 4 km west of Kos, Asklepeio is the most significant archaeological site on the island. Asklepeio was built in a green area full of cypress trees. During the ancient years, it served as a sanatorium and it was dedicated to Aesculapius, son of Apollo, protector of health and medicine

Hippocrates Plane tree

"Kamara tou Forou"

The archaeological museum

Leros island, Dodecanese, Greece

Monastery of Panaghia Kyra (Our Lady)

Chapel of Aghios Isidoros in Alinda built on an islet-rock

Church of Panaghia tis Gourlomatas dating to the 14th century

Monasteries of Aghios Sofronios and Aghioi Saranda in Alinda

Churches of Aghios Spiridonas, Aghios Zacharias, Aghios Ioannis tou Theologou and Aghios Georgios at the entrance to the bay of Lakki

"Bourtzi"-a roman fortress at the entrance of the harbour of Aghia Marina.

"Castle of Platanos" - built on ancient ruins during the Byzantine period. Excavations revealed a tomb from the 7th century B.C.

"Palaiokastro" - sections of the wall of the ancient acropolis from the 4th century B.C. have survived

Leros feast/festivals

Wine feast (August 1-15th)

Alindia- Nautical feasts in August

Assumption of Panaghia tou Kastrou (August 15th)

Boulafenteia - Feast in honour of the Lerian heart surgeon Boulafentis (August 1-15th)

St. Klildon - June 24th

Aghia Kyriaki - July 7th

Aghia Marina - July 17th

Alonaria - Seasonal product fair (end of July)

You can moor your boat in the very good port of Lakki, in Aghia Maria, or in any number of natural little ports all over the island. There is a fuel and water refueling station in Lakki. You will also find qualified boat mechanics on Leros if you are in need of repairs You will enjoy many beautiful beaches on the island such as Krithoni, Plakes, Aghia Marina, Broutzi, Panteli, Vromolithos, Xirokambos, Koulouki, Merikia, Kokali, Krifou, Gourna, and Alinda.

Lipsoi (lipsos or Lipsi) island, Dodecanese, Greece

On Lipsi island, the monuments belonging to the early Christian period are of importance. These are a large three-chambered basilica with mosaic flooring and a baptisery, possibly of the 5th century, situated at Kouselio, remnants of walls, and architectural remains and mosaic floors at Katsadia, where the churches of St. Spyridon and St. Pandeleimon are located today. Some of the most important sites of Lipsi worth visiting are the following:

Panaghia of Charos church

The church of Aghios Ioannis Theologos (the island's largest church)

The church of Kimisi tis Theotokou (located in a little harbour named after the church

Panaghia of Kouselio church (built on the foundations of a pre-christian temple)

The two churches of St. Nicholas located on either side of the harbour

The church of St. Theologos of Moschato

The church of Profitis Elias

The church of ST. Nektarios

Lipsoi feast/festivals

Klidonas - June 24th (feast of St. John)

Virgin of Charos - August 23rd (celebrations last 3 days)

Wine's feast - 3 day feast at the end of August

The island has a safe, natural port where many boats moor in the summer. There is a fuel and water refuelling station on the nearby island of Patmos as well as boat mechanics (in case you have any problem). The island has beautiful beaches. The ones closest to the settlement are those of Liendou, Kambos and Elena beach. At a half hour distance is the beautiful beach of Platis Gialos (sandy beach with ducks!). South of the port lies Katsadia bay (sandy and well protected from the wind), while other beaches are those of Papandria, Chochlakoura, Tourkomnima, Xirokambos, Kamares and Monodendri. They are all beautiful and secluded.

Nissiros island, Dodecanese, Greece

Of exceptional interest is the island's volcano which has both scientific importance and a unique natural beauty. Also, do not miss the following:

Monastery of Our Lady Spiliani

Historical & Folklore Museum

Chapels of Announciation, the Holy

Cross, Virgin Lady and St. John the Theologician

"Palaiokastro" - the acropolis of the

ancient city

The ancient ruins of Argos

"Drakospilia"

Ruins of Early Christian basilicas scattered all over the island

The traditional settlements of Nikia, Pali and Emborios with their traditional houses, colorful balconies and white washed yards.

Nissiros feast/festivals

St. Panteleimon - July 27th

Panaghia Kyra - August 24th

Exaltation of Holy Cross - September 14th

Taxiarches - November 8th

Panaghia Spiliani- August 15th

St. Niketas - June 21st

St. Apostles - June 30th

At the beach called Cochlaki (with rounded, black pebbles), at Pali, at Pahia Ammos (a little difficult to access but definitely worth it), at White Beach. Although the port of Nisyros (Mandraki) is small, you can stay there for a couple of days. You may also moor at the recently built marina in Pali. Fuel and water are available locally.

Patmos island, Dodecanese, Greece

The Jerusalem of the Aegean" or Holy island is one way of describing Patmos island. Patmos is distinguished for its imposing 11th century Monastery which is the island's most important landmark.

Some of the most important sites of Patmos are the following:

Monastery of St. John the Theologician,

Cave of the Apocalypse

The women's monastery of Zoodoxos Pigi

Kasteli (in Skala) with remains of an ancient Acropolis

The various little chapels scattered all over the island

Take a daily excursion to the little islets of Arki, Lipsi or Marathi Among Patmos island, beautiful beaches are Lambi, Kambos, Livadi tou Geranou, Agriolivado, Meloi, Girkos, Psili Ammos. You can moor in the port of Skala. There is a fuel and water refuelling station on Patmos as well as a number of qualified boat mechanics on the island in case you are in need of repairs.

Rhodes (Rhodos or Rodos) island, Dodecanese, Greece

Old medieval town

Mosque of Suleiman

The Castellania

St. Catherine's hospital

The admiralty palace

Folk Dance Theatre

The New Market

The archbishop's Palace

The Evangelismos Church

Town Hall

Theatre and Government House

Murad Reis Mosque

Institute of Marine Biology

The Acropolis of Ancient Rhodes

The Ancient Cemetery of Agios Ioannis (Saint John)

The Archaeological site of Ancient Kameiros

The Archaeological site and the Acropolis at Lindos

The site of Ancient Ialysos

In the town of Rhodes there is a large beach. On the beautiful creeks of Faliraki there are sandy beaches. In Lindos and on the beautiful creek of Vliha. On the southern parts of the island, on Pefkoi, Kalathos, Xaraki. Right after the castle, on the sandy beach of Aghia Agathi. On the beaches of Stegna, Tsambika, Ialissos, Afantou and Prasonissi. Moor your boat at the marinas in the ports of Rhodes and Lindos. Fuel and water refueling stations are readily available throughout the island. Remember to take on fuel and water in Rhodes if you go to some of the nearby smaller islands that have none.

Tilos island, Dodecanese, Greece

Of special interest are the paleontological findings which are of worldwide importance. In November 1971 a paleontological excavation in the cave of Harkadio, brought to day many ancient relics: bones of dwarf elephants which lived on the island some 50,000 years ago up until 3-4,000 years ago; bones of deer which lived 140,000 years ago and Neolithic ceramics and stone tools. One can admire dwarf elephant skeletons at the archaeological museum in Megalo Chorio.

Other sites of Tilos worth visiting are:

Taxiarchis Church-Megalo Chorio

St. Pandeleimonas Monastery

Pre-christian church in Livadia

St. Nicolas church - Livadia

Old settlement of "Gera"

Mikro Chorio with its churches that have frescoes from the 18th and 15th centuries

There are around 20 chapels all over the island worth visiting that contain 13th and 16th century frescoes.

Tilos feast/festivals

St. Panteleimon - July 25-July 27th

Panaghia Kamariani - August 23rd

Assumption of Virgin Mary - August 15th

The best beach of the island is Eristos, 2 kilometers from Megalo Chorio. You will also swim in Livadia, Plaka and Aghios Antonis. Moor your boat in natural bays all over the island. In Livadia there is a water station in water. In Tilos you will find a fuel station.

Agathonisi island, Dodecanese, Greece

Inhhabited since antiquity, Agathonisi according to ancient historians, writers and geographers was named YETOUSSA. It changed various names to its current, which declares the kind character of its inhabitants ("agathos" for good in Greek). Agathonisi consists of three settlements - St. George (which is also the island's harbor), Megalo Chorio and Micro Chorio. From an archaeological view, on Agathonisi there are many Byzantine findings as well as numerous churches and chapels. You will definitely visit the unique in their kind throughout the Dodecanese complex of islands "Domes", Byzantine sites most likely to have been used for storing food supplies.

Agathonisi feast/festivals

Visit the island during Easter to taste the traditional lamb stuffed with rice, and make sure to be there on August 23rd to dance with the locals at the Panagia (Virgin Mary) feast!

There are many small bays that you can discover on your own. If you like, you can also stay at the beach of Ag Georgios. Ormos Cochilia ("Shell Bay") is a lovely beach.

Arki island, Dodecanese, Greece

In Pantanassa, at the top of the mountain, laid the old settlement of the Achaians. In the same area, there is also the oldest temple of the island «Panaghia Pantanassa». Other churches are Agioi Anargiri, at the harbour's entrance and Metamorfosi ton Sotiros in the village. The Church of Agios Eleftherios is under construction

The remains of the castle are worth seeing and if one likes hiking, at an hour's distance and at the back side of the island, there is a magnificent cavern to be found with stalactites and stalagmites, still virgin and unexplored, In Arki, the principal stone is limestone In the island there are many clumps of trees such as wild olive trees, carobs, fig trees, rush and pine trees. The wild fauna of this land consists of rabbits and grouse. The very old wild olive trees suggest the presence of significant olive groves in the island.

Marathi island, Dodecanese, Greece

Located in the Polynesian complex of the Arki islands, lays the bay of Marathi. The combination of the island's position (well protected from the Northern summer winds) and the strong moorings, provide you security and calmness during your stay here in the bay

There is a pier laid with wood, total length of 30 meters and the depth at the head of the pier is 2,5 meters.

At your arrival and if you decide to spend the night, it would be advisable to use the moorings and for further security tie a rope astern on the rocks at one of the strong loops that you will find the

Marathi feast/festival

Visit the island during Easter to taste the traditional lamb stuffed with rice, and make sure to be there on August 23rd to dance with the locals at the Panagiia (Virgin Mary) feast!