Named for the twelve main islands - of which there are actually thirteen, the Dodecanese are on the eastern side of the Greek Islands and offer paddlers a mix of remoteness and convenience, with the option to camp out on your own un-inhabited island or stay in hotel or taverna accommodation. Being able to camp out one day and enjoy all the creature comforts of hot food, a bar and a bed the next makes this a great option for people looking for a soft adventure. This dry, stony, exposed island chain is linked closely enough to cross between quite easily in a kayak but the changeable weather conditions and possibility of big waves means it's still a challenging place to paddle. The coastlines and other scenery are varied and interesting, featuring both towering rocky cliffs hiding interesting caves and other sea scarred rock formations and calm sandy beaches. This is good scenery for hikers and mountain climbers as well as paddlers.

The Dodecanese have played an important role in history and have been influenced by both Italian and Greek possession both from ancient times and most recently during WW2; there are numerous military strongholds and several shipwrecks to be examined.

You can easily spend a week or a month exploring these islands .With prevailing winds coming in from the north it's a good idea to start at the northern most point and work down, you can then catch a ferry back at the end of your journey and avoid having to paddle upwind.

One of the best islands to stay on is Telendos (a personal favourite) on which cars are banned, there is just one village and you can only get to in your kayak or by small ferry from the mainland.

For more information about guided seakayaking in Greece see: http://www.seakayak.co.il/greece.htm

Written by  Omer Singer.

Add comment

Comments, reviews and questions

There are no posts. Why not be the first to have your say?

Add a comment, review or question

Make a comment Ask a question Write a review

Review title

Your comment

Your rating

Choose rating... Don't go Go Must go

Your name

Your email address