About
The South Aegean is one of the thirteen administrative regions of Greece, and it takes in two island groups: the Cyclades and the Dodecanese. Together they stretch across the southeastern Aegean Sea, where the Greek mainland gives way to a scatter of islands between Europe and the coast of Asia Minor.
Among its best-known destinations are Santorini, Mykonos and Rhodes. Each island in the region has its own character, so a visit can be as quiet or as lively as you choose. Travellers often come for the island scenery, the whitewashed villages and the sea, and many move between islands by ferry, which is how most people experience the region as a whole.
What a visit offers
- Island variety: the Cyclades and the Dodecanese differ in landscape, pace and atmosphere, so you can compare several in one trip.
- Sea and coastline: the region is defined by the Aegean, and beaches, harbours and boat trips are central to most stays.
- Island towns: each island has its own towns and villages to walk through, with local food and daily life close at hand.
Planning your trip
Because the South Aegean is spread across many islands, the easiest way to plan is to pick a few that suit your interests and check how they connect. Ferries and flights link the main islands, though timetables vary by season and by route, so it is worth confirming schedules before you travel. Choosing one or two islands rather than many will leave more time to settle in and explore.
