Island hopping
Island hopping is an unforgettable adventure one shouldn’t miss, when in Greece. The Dodecanese is ideal for island hopping, as there are several small and bigger idyllic islands, the majority of which are accessible via ship from Rhodes island. There is quite frequent transportation from and to Rhodes during the summer months.
Karpathos
The wild beauty of the Dodecanese. Karpathos has a long-recorded history, since 4000-3000 BC. It was the island of the Titans, according to Greek Mythology. Tradition has shaped the local’s everyday lives and is part of their festivals, too. Picturesque mountain and seaside villages add to the singularity of its character. 04 hours and 35 minutes from Rhodes, Karpathos will surely reward you with its beauty.
Kasos
Wild and beautiful. Kasos used to be a significant naval and commercial force, whose fleet took part in the 1821 Greek Revolution. Besides its historic interest, Kasos will mesmerize you with its natural beauty, the scenic beaches, the open-air parties (panigiria) and its traditional Greek cuisine. Located 5 hours and 25 minutes from Rhodes, Kasos is there to greet you with its distinctive hospitality.
Chalki
The perfect choice for a laid-back holiday. The biggest of a chain of islets west of Rhodes, Chalki is the ideal place for relaxation holidays. Only 1 hour and 15 minutes from Rhodes, as you approach Chalki, you will be impressed by the colorful Nimporio- the island’s only town, built by the harbor and up the hillside.
Symi
A fairytale like island. Symi is 1 hour and 45 minutes far from Rhodes island. While approaching the port of Symi, one has the overwhelming feeling of entering a perfectly painted image of a scenic traditional village. Two and three-store traditional stone houses, painted in all colors but mostly in indigo, ochre and terracotta, with red tiled roofs and cute little balconies with railings set up the peculiarity of Symi. Βeautiful and secluded beaches make up the idyllic setting for a peaceful holiday.
Tilos
Intriguing landscapes. A combination of rough mountains, scenic villages and charming beaches. 400 species of flowers and herbs germinate here, and it is inhabited by numerous species of rare birds. Tilos is a vast ecological park, protected by international organizations. It can be reached by ferry from Rhodes in 2 hours approximately.
Nisyros
Island with a Unique Volcanic Terrain. According to Greek mythology, Nisyros was created during the war between Gods and Giants. Poseidon chased the Giant Polyvotis down to Kos, cut a part of it and threw it to his enemy, sinking him forever in the bottom of the Aegean Sea. The legendary rock referred to in the Myth is supposed to be the island of Nisyros. Nisyros’ volcano is the youngest one in Greece. The island has been inhabited since prehistoric times and is home to a large number of cultural monuments. It truly is ideal for anyone searching for an off the beaten track destination offering natural and cultural sights to explore. It is located 4 hours and 15 minutes from Rhodes.
Kos
Hippocrate’s island. Kos, home of Hippocrates, father of medicine, gives the impression of an open-air museum, where you will see ancient and mediaeval monuments as well as numerous archaeological sites, and spot the buildings dating back to the Italian Rule. Kos is the third larger island of the Dodecanese. Famous for its nightlife, local food, activities and accommodation, Kos offers everything you wish for. The trip from Rhodes to Kos lasts about 3 hours and 10 minutes.
Kalymnos
The Sponge Harvesting and Rock Climbing Island. Following WW2 this was the only Greek sponge trade business that survived and thrived. The island of Kalymnos is ideal for alternative tourism: giant vertical rocks; old shipwrecks that lie in the sea-bed; enchanting caves; wonderful beaches and picturesque island villages. 4 hours and 30 minutes from Rhodes, Kalymnos will certainly reward you with its beaty.
Kastellorizo
A remote treasure island. Kastellorizo is (with the exception of the nearby islet of Strongyli) the easternmost Greek island, as it lies roughly 2 kilometers (1 mile) off the south coast of Turkey. The island has become very popular in recent years among tourists looking for an isolated place in the Dodecanese, thanks also to the 1991 Oscar-winning movie Mediterraneo, by Gabriele Salvatores, which is set on the island during the Second World War. Kastellorizo is 5 hours away from Rhodes, located almost halfway between Rhodes and Antalya (a very popular Turkish city).
The above-mentioned distances are calculated based on ferry boats’ routes and schedules. You can lease a small boat, that will take you faster at your destination.
