Dodecanese

The Dodecanese (Greek: Δωδεκάνησα (Dodekánisa), meaning "twelve islands") are a group of Greek islands in the Aegean Sea, off the southwest coast of Turkey. They have a rich history, and many of even the smallest inhabited islands boast dozens of Byzantine churches and medieval castles.

The administrative region consists of 163 total islands of which 26 are inhabited. Twelve major ones lend their name to the chain. The most historically important and well-known are Rhodes (Rodos) and Kos; the other ten are Astipalea, Kalimnos, Karpathos, Kassos, Kastellorizo, Leros, Nissiros, Patmos, Simi, and Tilos.

Other notable islands in the chain include Agathonissi, Halki, Lipsi, Pserimos, and Telendos.

See also: Greek islands