On the largest Dodecanese island of Rhodes, the Municipal Gallery contains one of most significant collections of the Modern Greek paintings in the world, including works by Nikos Hadjikyriakos-Ghikas, Konstantinos Maleas and George Bouzianis amongst others.

During the last 20 years, a new generation of artists has emerged in Rhodes art scene the most prominent being Evi Savvaidi the first Greek sculpture to have exhibited at Sculpture by the Sea.

If Rhodes seems too big and busy, the nearby island of Symi is only an hour on the ferry yet feels like a different world. A favourite relocation point for international ex-pats, the island is home to a number of artists and their galleries and has the perfect landscape for daily inspiration.

Over the last few years, artists have increasingly been drawn to the volcanic island of Nisyros and its landscape filled with steaming crevices and speckled with bright yellow sulphur. Home to the biggest active volcano in Europe, but unheard of to most, Nisyros has an otherworldly atmosphere and is light-years away from the picture-perfect landscapes of the Cyclades. It is this drama and darkness, whispers of an ancient world, that attract artists to the island. Those in the know head to Sterna, founded in 2014 by Greek artist Greg Haji Joannides and space for artists to converge through its residency programs, workshops, meetings and exhibitions.

Discover the best luxury villas in the Dodecanese, perfect for creative minds and innovative souls:

– Architectural Digest, Rhodes | a contemporary architectural masterpiece based on minimalist design and clean lines.

– Rhodian Heritage, Rhodes | the perfect historic getaway, tucked in the picturesque lanes of Lindos.

– Arcadia, Symi | A true artist’s retreat, this rural mansion is nestled in the mountains of Symi and surrounded only by nature.