Overview
The Dodecanese is a group of 15 larger and over 150 smaller islands in the southeastern Aegean Sea, near the Turkish coastline. The name means “Twelve Islands,” though more are included in modern usage.
This region is known for its medieval history, colorful port towns, and distinct cultural mix of Greek, Ottoman, and Italian influences.
Key islands in the Dodecanese include:
- Rhodes
- Kos
- Symi
- Leros
- Patmos
- Kalymnos
- Kastellorizo
- Tilos
- Halki
- Nisyros
- Karpathos
- Kasos
- Astypalaia
The islands are accessible via Rhodes and Kos international airports, regional airports on Leros, Kalymnos, and Karpathos, and regular ferry connections to Athens, Crete, and the Cyclades.
Lifestyle & Atmosphere
The Dodecanese offers a lifestyle that blends historic character, sun-drenched tranquility, and authentic island charm. This group is less developed than the Cyclades, offering more spacious plots, lower prices, and more diverse geography — including pine forests, volcanic formations, and colorful architecture.
Highlights include:
- Rich cultural identity and active local communities
- Seafront tavernas, castle towns, and marina promenades
- Mild winters and extended tourism season
- Ideal for low-key luxury and cultural tourism
Property Market & Investment Appeal
The Dodecanese offers excellent value for buyers seeking authenticity and space, especially compared to the Cyclades or Ionian islands. Real estate is varied, from stone townhouses and villas to renovated captain’s homes and larger seafront plots.
Average Prices:
- €2,000–€3,500 per sqm in Kos, Leros, Kalymnos, and Patmos
- €4,000–€6,500 per sqm in Rhodes’ prime areas (Lindos, Ixia, Old Town)
- €5,000–€8,000+ per sqm for seafront villas or historic properties in Symi and Kastellorizo
The market is buoyed by tourism, yacht moorings, and growing foreign interest from Europe, Israel, and the Middle East.
Notable Islands in the Dodecanese
- Rhodes – Largest island; combines UNESCO-listed old town, beaches, golf, and nightlife
- Symi – Neoclassical port town with elite buyers and romantic charm
- Patmos – Spiritual and peaceful, known for its monastery and restrained luxury
- Kos – Lively, accessible, and increasingly popular with European families
- Kastellorizo – Greece’s easternmost gem, ultra-private and cinematic
- Leros, Kalymnos, and Tilos – Affordable, authentic, and ideal for heritage restorations
Why Consider Buying Property in the Dodecanese?
- Historic and architectural richness
- Lower acquisition cost than other island groups
- Fewer crowds, more space, and stable value growth
- Year-round connectivity via Rhodes and Kos
- Excellent for Golden Visa and lifestyle investors
