The Dodecanese is much more than the original group of twelve islands from which it takes its name (indeed the region comprises 20 inhabited islands and dozens more islets). This is a world unto itself, a region of Greece so amply endowed that it’s able to enrich millions of visitors arriving every year without becoming any poorer itself.

Through the 228 pages of this issue begin to explore this diverse group of islands; get a primer on their shared history – one shaped by their strategic position between East and West; read about their fascinating regional cuisine and local specialties; and get a taste of what its like to travel among them by sailboat. Then its time to get specific. Kastelorizo, Kasos, Karpathos, Rhodes, Halki, Symi, Tilos, Astypalea, Nisyros, Kos, Pserimos, Kalymnos, Telendos, Leros, Lipsi, Patmos, Arki, Marathi and Agathonisi: we give you the lowdown on each of these islands, picking out highlights and exploring what makes each one unique.