South Aegean Car Hire

Guide of South Aegean

Geography

The South Aegean are the southernmost islands in the Aegean Sea. The area encompasses two important island groups: the Cyclades and the Dodecanese. The Cyclades islands include Andros, Tinos, Thira (Santorini), Mykonos, Syros, Kea-Kythnos and Naxos while the Dodecanese encompasses large islands and rocky islets, like Rhodes, Kos, Karpathos and Kalymnos. The administrative region includes 50 inhabited islands in total.

Unsurprisingly, the terrain varies considerably. The Cyclades are actually peaks of submerged mountains, which accounts for their dramatic interiors and spectacular coastline. Most of the Dodecanese islands are volcanic, which gives them a rocky, dry terrain that glitters with rich mineral deposits.

Climate in South Aegean

The South Aegean is one of the warmest regions in Greece. It enjoys a typically Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. Like the rest of Greece, summer kicks off in June, though temperatures start to climb in March. The hottest months in South Aegean are July and August, with temperature highs of 34°C. January and February are the coldest months in South Aegean when temperatures hover around 15°C.

The South Aegean experiences annual winds known locally as “etisis” or “meltemia”. These cool breezes arrive during the summer and tend to stop temperatures from soaring too high.

Culture

The South Aegean is rich in history, culture and myths. The islands’ strategic location meant it became a popular sea-faring trade route early on and many of the country’s most impressive Bronze Age artefacts were dug up from these islands. The Cyclades became a Roman province in 146 BC and was later part of the Byzantium Empire, while the Dodacense was heavily influenced by Christianity. Both religions have left their stamp on each island group’s architecture, culture and cuisine.

Things To Do in South Aegean

Explore ancient ruins in Rhodes

Rhodes is the most historically important of the Dodecanes islands. Many of its most important monuments can be found in the Unesco-listed Old Town, one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. It’s home to sights like the Palace of the Grand Master, the Venetian Castle and the Street of the Knights. Beyond the main town, there’s the Acropolis of Lindos, the Valley of Butterflies and the Monastery of Filerimos to explore too.

Soak in sunset views in Santorini

Santorini is, understandably, one of the most popular and most famous of all of Greece’s islands. Created by a volcanic explosion, the crescent-shaped caldera is home to picture-perfect towns like Oia and Fira that offer up some of the world’s best sunsets, all set against the backdrop of blue-domed churches, sugar-cube white houses and dramatic cliffs.

Party in Mykonos

Mykonos is one of Greece’s most glamorous islands and a popular stop for hedonistic holidaymakers. Those looking for a little luxury won’t feel short-changed here; the island is crammed full of luxury hotels, award-winning restaurants and designer boutiques. It’s home to some of the best golden sand beaches in the region too. For history buffs, Mykonos is the best base for the nearby island of Delos, a remarkable UNESCO-listed island.

Take a city break in Andros

Andros is the northernmost island in the Cyclades, just one-hour from Athens. It’s a popular spot with city dwellers, who head here at the weekend for the island’s lush landscapes, white-washed villages and sprawling beaches. The island is also dotted with tiny mountainous villages like Masthouri and Menites. There are plenty of archaeological sites to explore too, but Dionysus Springs is a must-visit.

Hop on a bike in Kos

Kos is the second-most popular island in the Dodecanese. Don’t be put off by its reputation as the ultimate getaway for 18-year-olds, there’s more to the island than chap booze and foam parties. As well as top cultural sights like the Asklepieion, Neratzia medieval castle and the Antimchia Castle, Kos has been billed as ‘the cycling island’. Visitors can cycle across a smooth 13-km bike path from Faros Beach to Psalidi Beach, or take the trails to its lush interiors.

Eating Out in South Aegean

South Aegean is renowned for the quality of its produce, particularly grapes, grains and olives. Different islands have a reputation for different ingredients too. For instance, chickpeas are popular in Rhodes and used in the national dish of spiced fritters, while in Santorini the yellow split pea reigns supreme. Barbounia me Saltsa Kapari (red mullet and capers) and Kopanisti (creamy goat’s cheese) are Aegean specialities.

There are hundreds of excellent restaurants, taverns, cafes and bars dotted around the islands. Some of the best are located off the main thoroughfares, in tiny sidestreets or in small seaside towns. Take a look at our island guides for top recommendations on the best restaurants in each area. For the best nightlife, head to Mykonos, Kos and Paros islands.

Transport

Airport

There are several airports dotted around the South Aegean. The largest international airports are Kos International Airport (KGS), Mykonos International Airport (JMK) and Diagoras International Airport in Rhodes (RO). Depending on the time of year, you should be able to find direct flights from most major European cities, particularly during the summertime.

Naxos (JNX), Milos (MLO), Santorini (JTR) and Paros (PAS) also have national airports, served by domestic airlines travelling from Athens and Thessaloniki.

Alternatively, you could fly to Athens International Airport (ATH), which is served by most major international and domestic airlines. From here, you’ll need to travel to Piraeus port and hop on a ferry to reach the South Aegean. Ferry journey times range from two hours to a full day.

Getting around South Aegean

You’ll find cheap and reliable public transport on the biggest islands in South Aegean. Buses connect most major towns and major attractions, and water taxis shuffle along the coastline in the summertime. Regular ferries connect all of the islands with frequent sailings too.

However, if you’re keen to explore some of the smaller islands or you prefer to travel off-the-beaten-track, we recommend hiring a car. Driving will give you the most flexibility and you won’t need to rely on public transport or expensive transfers either.