📍 Greece

PATMOS, LEROS, KARPATHOS: HIDDEN DODECANESE ISLANDS

Monasteries heavy with spirituality, castle ruins overlooking harbors, mountain villages living at their own pace. The Dodecanese, between land and sea.

≈ 6
Days
559
Km
5
Stops
📖 3 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Listen to Patmos and its sacred mystique, then follow Leros between peaceful harbors and castle ruins. Reach Karpathos where tradition resists tourism, then let Astypalea and Nisyros add their volcanic breath and odyssey silence.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Patmos

sacred monastery where saint john's spirit

Patmos - Photo 1Patmos - Photo 2Patmos - Photo 3Patmos - Photo 4Patmos - Photo 5Patmos - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Monastery of Saint John the Theologian Patmos UNESCO 1088 Byzantine fortress library manuscripts.
2
Cave of the Apocalypse UNESCO Saint John revelation 95 AD chapel rock fissure.
3
Chora Patmos medieval village captains' houses labyrinthine alleys white architecture.
4
Skala port Patmos lively taverns shops beaches departure excursions islands.
+1 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Visit monastery library treasures icons manuscripts fortress architecture spirituality.
→
Exploration Apocalypse cave sacred place revelation mystical atmosphere pilgrimage emotion.
→
Walk Chora white alleys captains' houses mansions shops crafts.
+3 Optional activities
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 41.7 km
Travel time: 1h23
2
Day

Leros

castle-crowned harbor timeless quiet

Leros - Photo 1Leros - Photo 2Leros - Photo 3Leros - Photo 4Leros - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Panagia Castle Leros Byzantine Venetian Knights panoramic view bays gulfs.
2
Platanos capital Leros neoclassical houses windmills traditional architecture authenticity.
3
Italian art deco architecture 1923-1943 occupation Leros modernist buildings.
4
Lakki port Italian art deco rational urbanism fascist architecture unique Greece.
+1 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Exploration castle Platanos Byzantine fortifications panorama jagged bays turquoise sea.
→
Visit Lakki Italian art deco architecture unique buildings rational urbanism.
→
Swimming bays Alinda Vromolithos Panteli fine sand calm waters family-friendly.
+3 Optional activities
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 241.1 km
Travel time: 3h01
3
Day

Karpathos

traditional villages mountain cliffs untouched

Karpathos - Photo 1Karpathos - Photo 2Karpathos - Photo 3Karpathos - Photo 4Karpathos - Photo 5Karpathos - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Olympos mountain village 600m preserved traditions costumes embroideries unique architecture.
2
Pigadia Karpathos capital modern port base island exploration mountains sea.
3
Aperi former capital mountain rich houses traditional architecture churches.
4
Abandoned villages Lefkos ruins agriculture terraces history island demography.
+1 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Excursion Olympos isolated village living traditions women's costumes mills bread oven.
→
Exploration mountain villages Mesochori Menetes Arkassa authenticity sea panoramas.
→
Hiking mountain coastal trails wild nature isolated coves swimming snorkeling.
+3 Optional activities
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 181.3 km
Travel time: 2h16
4
Day

Astypalea

butterfly island wildflower charm

Astypalea - Photo 1Astypalea - Photo 2Astypalea - Photo 3Astypalea - Photo 4Astypalea - Photo 5Astypalea - Photo 6Astypalea - Photo 7Astypalea - Photo 8
8 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Chora Astypalea Venetian kastro summit windmills white houses cascade.
2
Venetian castle Querini 1413 fortifications ruins churches panoramic sea view.
3
Pera Gialos main port Astypalea tavernas animation beaches accessible on foot.
4
Livadi green valley agriculture gardens orange trees water mills agricultural traditions.
+1 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Ascent to Chora kastro alleys stairs windmills panorama butterfly island unique shape.
→
Exploration villages Maltezana Analipsi beaches coves Roman mosaics ancient baths.
→
Boat excursion Vathy fjord isolation tavernas freshness fish tranquility authenticity.
+3 Optional activities
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 94.9 km
Travel time: 1h35
5
Day

Nisyros

volcanic crater island primordial

Nisyros - Photo 1Nisyros - Photo 2Nisyros - Photo 3Nisyros - Photo 4Nisyros - Photo 5Nisyros - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Nisyros volcano active Stefanos crater fumaroles sulfur lunar landscape unique geology.
2
Mandraki capital Nisyros colorful houses Panagia Spiliani monastery cave icon.
3
Knights of St. John castle summit Mandraki fortifications view caldera sea.
4
Nikia village crater traditional houses circular square pebble mosaics.
+1 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Descent into Stefanos volcanic crater fumaroles sulfur smell Martian landscape geology.
→
Exploration Mandraki alleys monastery cave panorama castle fortifications history.
→
Bathing hot springs Loutra Pali natural thermal baths sea therapeutic benefits.
+3 Optional activities

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🛡️ Travel advice - Greece

Check official recommendations

UK Foreign Travel Advice →

❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming landscapes, ideal temperatures, fewer crowds, excellent value, Easter celebrations, optimal conditions.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, perfect for islands, vibrant nightlife, festival season.

Fall (September-October): Warm seas, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, excellent weather, good value, harvest season, ideal photography.

Winter (November-March): Mild weather, lowest prices, minimal crowds, rainy season, ski season mountains, cultural focus, cozy atmosphere.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 5 and 7 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in Greece?

Ancient civilization birthplace with stunning islands, incredible history, and Mediterranean lifestyle. Experience mythology sites, beautiful beaches, and authentic Greek culture. The country offers cultural depth with natural beauty and culinary excellence. Greece provides historical significance with island paradise and cultural authenticity in Mediterranean setting.