Departing from Leros, rich in splendid beaches, we'll arrive at Lipsi (Leipsoi), which in the Odyssey is the island where the nymph held Odysseus for years. A temptation we might also be tempted by, given the beauty of its coasts, the picturesque alleys of its villages, and the flavor of the wine produced there, to which they dedicate a festival. Not to be outdone, nearby Samos, famous for its white Muscat, has a museum dedicated to its wines. The capital of Samos is in a breathtaking location within a cove. The archaeological museum of Pyathagorio is splendid.
The island of Patmos is perhaps the most beautiful and cosmopolitan of the Dodecanese islands, exuding a unique spiritual charm. John wrote the Book of Revelation in a cave on the island, and pilgrims from around the world visit the surrounding monasteries. Among these, the fortified Monastery of the Apocalypse, built around the cave where the apostle John is said to have written his Gospel, is unmissable. But the others are also interesting, especially those near Hora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hora is remarkable for its location and the collection of homogeneous buildings built around the fortifications. Continuing our journey, we'll encounter verdant Agathonissi, which offers excellent anchorages. Chios, our last stop, is lush and seductive: the legendary birthplace of Homer, it is full of charming villages and Byzantine monuments. Like many other Dodecanese islands, it was a Genoese colony. Remnants of that era are exhibited in the Palazzo Giustiniani Museum. The island is known for the cultivation of mastic, an aromatic resin with health benefits. The city center is best visited in the evening, when the narrow streets are at their most charming.
The port of Emborios has excellent tavernas where you can sample local culinary specialties.
Read more
