Dodecanese islands

Island landmark: The Holy Monastery of Patmos

The biggest building on Patmos just happens to be the island’s biggest tourist attraction — The Holy Monastery of Patmos, seen towering above the houses and mansions of Chora. Also known as the Monastery of St. John, it was built around 1088.

Another view of the imposing fortress-like monastery, the number 1 sightseeing destination for tourists whose cruise ships make brief calls into Skala port at Patmos

The monastery dominates the Patmos landscape even when viewed from sea

A zoom view of Chora and the monastery, shot from a ferry departing Skala port

February 27, 2013

Palm tree towers on Finikon street in Kos Town

Palm trees cast their shadows onto Finikon street in Kos Town

The elegant, tall trees line both sides of the street outside the 15th Century-era Castle of the Knights of Saint John (also called the Castle of Neratzia) at right.

A view of palm trees on both sides of the elevated entrance walkway to the castle. The bridge originally passed over a moat that was filled in and replaced with a street many years ago.

A row of graceful palm trees stands sentry next to the castle

Another view of the palm shadows on the road. Finikon street starts at the seafront and winds its way west past the castle. It turns into Akti Kountouriotou street, which wraps around the bustling Kos Town harbourfront

February 26, 2013

Island dining: Astropelos taverna in Astipalea

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What’s for dinner: An artistic illustration of Astipalea island’s scenic Chora village appears at the top of the menu on the outside wall of the Astropelos taverna in Livadi. Below is one of our photos of Chora, shot during our May 2009 visit to Astipalea.