Dodecanese, Greece Guide

Know Before You Go...®

Why Dodecanese, Greece?

  • The Dodecanese is home to the oldest tree in Europe, a 2,000-year-old olive tree.
  • Rhodes is the most popular island in the Dodecanese, known as the Island of the Knights due to its history.
  • Kos is widely known for its therapeutic properties, as Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, was born there.
  • The island of Patmos is home to the Monastery of St John the Theologian, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • The island of Symi is known for its traditional architecture, with brightly coloured houses and cobbled streets.

Dodecanese, Greece Weather/Climate

Average Temperatures

January
48° F
° F
February
° F
° F
March
51° F
° F
April
55° F
° F
May
62° F
° F
June
69° F
° F
July
73° F
° F
August
73° F
° F
September
69° F
° F
October
63° F
° F
November
57° F
° F
December
51° F
° F

Average Rainfall

January
5.7 inches
February
3.5 inches
March
2.6 inches
April
1.6 inches
May
1 inches
June
0 inches
July
0 inches
August
0 inches
September
0 inches
October
1.8 inches
November
3.9 inches
December
5.5 inches

Transportation on Dodecanese, Greece

Getting to Dodecanese, Greece and getting around. Our transportation tips will help make your trip smoother. More good sand advice.

Entry Documents

  • Valid Passport: Ensure it’s valid for at least 3 months beyond departure.
  • Visa: Check Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs for visa requirements based on nationality.
  • Proof of Accommodation: Have confirmation of hotel or lodging.
  • Proof of Funds: Be ready to show you can cover your stay (bank statements or sponsorship letter).
  • Return Ticket: Show onward travel plans.
  • Travel Insurance: Recommended for health coverage.
  • Arrival Form: Complete if required.
  • COVID-19 Documents: Check latest travel advisories and COVID-19 requirements from reliable sources.

Departure Tax

No specific departure tax in Europe for American citizens; European countries typically include departure taxes in airline ticket prices, applying to all passengers, to fund airport services. Best to check with airline or airport website for any updates.

Driving

  • Non-EU/EEA tourists may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
  • Ensure all occupants, including passengers in the back seat, wear seat belts.
  • Children under 12 or less than 150 cm in height must use an appropriate child safety seat.
  • Adhere to speed limits: Urban areas: 50 km/h; Open roads: 90 km/h; Rural highways: 110 km/h; Motorways: 130 km/h
  • Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited unless you have a hands-free system.
  • Overtake on the left, and keep to the right unless overtaking on multi-lane roads.
  • Roundabouts: Yield to traffic already in the roundabout and use your indicator when exiting.
  • Many highways have tolls; pay attention to toll booths and consider electronic toll devices available with some rental cars.
  • In case of an emergency, call 112 and familiarize yourself with emergency service numbers.

Know Before You Go...® - Dodecanese, Greece Travel Tips

Before making their way to Dodecanese, Greece , vacationers like to know a little bit of helpful information to make them feel more at home during their stay. Take a look at our travel tips to make your time in villas in Dodecanese, Greece even more relaxing.

Capital: 1 word Rhodes
Population: 2011 Unknown.
Size: 2019 Vast.
Electric Current: 220/240
Official Language: The official language spoken in Dodecanese is Greek, which is also the most widely spoken language in the region. The secondary language spoken is typically English, although some locals may also speak Turkish or Italian. English is commonly used in touri
Currency: The Dodecanese is a group of Greek islands located in the southeastern Aegean Sea. As a popular tourist destination, the Dodecanese offers a variety of currency and payment options for visitors. The official currency in the Dodecanese is the Euro (EUR), which is widely accepted throughout the islands. Visitors can easily exchange their currency for Euros at banks, exchange offices, and many hotels and tourist shops. It is recommended to exchange currency at reputable establishments to avoid scams and high fees. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in the Dodecanese, especially in larger cities and tourist areas. Most major credit cards, such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, are accepted at hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it is always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller purchases and to have a back-up in case of card malfunctions. ATMs can be found in most towns and tourist areas in the Dodecanese, making it convenient for visitors to withdraw cash
Tipping and Taxes: Tipping and taxes in Dodecanese are an important aspect of the local culture and economy. Tipping is not mandatory in Greece, but it is appreciated and expected for good service. The standard tipping amount is around 10% of the total bill, but it is ultimately up to the individual's discretion. Taxes in Dodecanese are similar to the rest of Greece, with a value-added tax (VAT) of 24% on most goods and services. This tax is included in the price of goods and services and is non-negotiable. Tourists are eligible for a tax refund on purchases over €50 made at participating stores, so it is important to ask for a tax-free form and have it stamped at the airport upon departure. In addition to the standard VAT, there is also a "stayover tax" in place for tourists staying in accommodations such as hotels, apartments, and villas. The tax is calculated based on the type of accommodation and the length of stay and ranges from €0.50 to €4 per night. This tax is usually not included in the initi
Dress Code: The dress code in Dodecanese is casual, with light and comfortable clothing suitable for warm weather.
Topography: The Dodecanese is an archipelago located in the southeastern Aegean Sea, characterized by rugged terrain, rocky coastlines, and a mix of mountainous and low-lying islands.
Telephone: The telephone country code for Dodecanese is +30 and the area code is 224x.

Dodecanese, Greece Weddings and Honeymoons

In Greece, the marriage process is straightforward, but it requires a few essential documents. Couples must apply for a marriage license at the local municipal office (Dimarchio) in the area where one of the parties resides. Required documents include:

Valid passports or national ID cards for both parties.

  • Birth certificates for both parties, with an official translation into Greek if not in the language.
  • Proof of marital status: If divorced, a final divorce decree; if widowed, the death certificate of the spouse.
  • Proof of residence: Typically, one of the parties must have resided in Greece for at least 40 days prior to the application.
  • Certificate of no impediment (from your home country) or an affidavit confirming both parties are legally eligible to marry.

The marriage license generally costs around €50 to €100. For weddings conducted outside the municipal office (at a venue or another location), additional officiant fees ranging from €200 to €400 may apply, depending on the location and the complexity of the ceremony. It is advisable to apply for the marriage license at least 15 days before the wedding date.