Holidays in the South Aegean, besides relaxation, entertainment and culinary experiences, are full of exciting activities worth trying.
If youre one of those travelers who love adventure and action even on vacation, the islands of the South Aegean are an ideal destination to stay in shape during your trip. Build exercise into your itinerary with outdoor activities in the nature of the Cyclades and the Dodecanese, from swimming to hiking.
Rugged mountains, fertile plains, and countless beaches in the South Aegean create an ideal backdrop for nature-based holidays, especially for those who follow an athletic lifestyle. Whether you thirst for adventure or are devoted to water sports and climbing, the South Aegean offers endless opportunities to keep pursuing your passion or even raise your game. And even if you’re not the sporty type, island holidays bring you closer to nature, as you discover their beauty on foot.
Activities on both sea and land abound, and the Dodecanese are enticing year-round thanks to their mild Mediterranean climate. For this reason, athletic events across the islands keep multiplying. Marathons and cycling races gather visitors of all ages from all over Greece and abroad.
Fun on the water
Whichever island you visit in the Dodecanese and Cyclades, you’ll always be beside the Aegean’s crystalline blue waters. From Andros to Tinos and from Kos to Rhodes, the choices for sea adventures are countless. From May to October, the meltemi blows strongly across the South Aegean, cooling the air and creating ideal conditions for wind-based sports. It’s no coincidence that the islands have beaches that attract surfers.
Experienced windsurfers, kitesurfers, and wing foilers gather at Prasonisi, Rhodes, where powerful winds create two different experiences: flat water for freestyle or small waves that can launch you into the air. For a gentler experience, Paros (on the beaches of Golden Beach and Santa Maria) offers ideal conditions for beginners. There are also activities for the whole family, such as organized excursions and kayak rides where you can get to know Rhodes, Symi, and Milos better.
One of the most popular destinations for surf lessons is Kolimbithra beach on Tinos, with both mellow and powerful waves. Sailors love the South Aegean for its challenges, its hidden beaches unreachable from land, and its ever-changing landscapes. It’s considered among the best sailing grounds in the world, with the freedom to change island daily and drop anchor in secluded coves.
Sailing holidays, with or without a skipper, are a popular choice for families and groups of friends. For a more organized experience, you can choose a crew with a captain, cook, and hostess. Those who love the action opt to join sailing races such as the Cyclades Regatta or the Aegean Regatta, which attract experienced crews as well as beginners. For shorter escapes, traditional caiques ferry travelers to beaches on small islands such as Astypalea, while in Santorini sunset cruises by catamaran are a once-in-a-lifetime experience. On Patmos, RIB speedboats take visitors for magical swims at Tiganakia, Arki, and Marathi.
Hiking and mountain ascents
For many, walking is the greatest fun. In the Dodecanese and the Cyclades, countless trails, etched over centuries to link villages, now lead hikers to unforgettable experiences. Many have been signposted. There are routes for every level, even for children. Spring and autumn are the ideal seasons for hiking, with mild temperatures and fewer people.
Andros stands out with an extensive network of certified European trails that pass through lush valleys, stone bridges, and watermills, ending at impressive beaches. It also hosts the Andros Trail Challenge, with five routes of varying difficulty – from a 1 km race for children to the «Gerakones Challenge» of 34 km that climbs 1,800 meters.
Sifnos is famed for its 100 km of trails that pass through olive groves, chapels, and remnants of ancient mines. Tinos, with over 150 km of routes, is considered a paradise for hikers. The paths run through valleys, dry-stone terraces, and traditional settlements with dovecotes, the striking reddish rocks of Volax, and the marble-paved path that ends at Ysternia Bay. In Rhodes the Marathon celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2025 with races of all distances (42, 21, 10, 5 km and a 5 km walk). Tinos hosts the Tinos Running Experience, with a 21 km half marathon that starts from Volax and finishes in Chora.
Between the rocks and the sea
Kalymnos, once wealthy from sponge diving, is today one of Europe’s top climbing destinations. Thousands of climbers arrive to tackle routes on limestone rocks with stunning Aegean views. From beginners to professionals, everyone finds their own challenge.
Karpathos is rapidly developing on the climbing scene with around 390 routes in lush gorges. On Tinos, Exomvourgo offers 90 routes, while the winds add extra difficulty. For children, there is a special sector named "Disneyland", with routes for ages 6–12. Bouldering enthusiasts (climbing without ropes) find the ideal playground on the granite rocks of Volax and Livada.
The sea caves of the South Aegean are unique and lend themselves to gentler explorations. The famous Blue Cave of Kastellorizo captivates with stalactites and electric-blue waters, while the cave of Antiparos impresses with enormous stalactites and stalagmites that resemble chandeliers or waterfalls.
Two wheels, endless routes
If you love cycling, get ready for climbs and rewarding rides. On Naxos, mountain bikers try trails that pass by the medieval castle, villages, fertile valleys, and Mount Zas, the highest peak in the Cyclades (1004 m) with panoramic views of the Aegean. The Apeiranthos loop (20 km) is of moderate difficulty and passes through the striking marble-paved village.
Rhodes, with over 300 days of sunshine, is a paradise for road cyclists. From Kalavarda, the route reaches ancient Kamiros, the little port of Kamiros Skala, and the castle of Kritinia. The medieval town is 40 km away, through villages such as Theologos and Maritsa and the famous Valley of the Butterflies. International races like the Tour of Rhodes and the Rhodes GP attract top athletes.
On Leros start from Lakki and head toward Xirokambos to see the chapel of Panagia Kavouradena, with the unique icon of the Virgin inside a crab. From there, an uphill route leads to the Byzantine castle of Leros, with panoramic views over the Aegean.
