10-Day Dodecanese Islands Tour Packages
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Insider tips: Recommended 10-day Dodecanese Islands itineraries
Compiled by
SteffDodecanese Islands travel expert at TourRadar
- Days 1-2
Kos
Begin your island adventure in Kos Town. Visit the Asklepieion healing sanctuary in the early morning at 8:00 AM to avoid the heat since the hillside offers minimal shade. Take a taxi to the archaeological site 4km from town for about $15. In town visit Neratzia Castle which connects to the mainland via Palm Tree Avenue. Make sure to climb to the castle's upper level for excellent harbor views most visitors miss.
- Days 3-4
Kalymnos
Take the morning ferry from Kos (45 minutes). Sit on the left for the best views. While Kalymnos is famous for rock climbing anyone can enjoy the stunning views at Grande Grotta. Visit the Maritime Museum in Pothia to learn about the island's sponge-diving history. Take a public bus to Vathy one of the Mediterranean's deepest natural fjords. Buses run every two hours until 6 PM.
- Days 5-6
Leros
A 30-minute ferry ride takes you to peaceful Leros. Stay in the port town of Agia Marina. The island features unique Art Deco architecture around Platanos square from the Italian period. Rent a scooter for $25 per day to reach quiet beaches like Vromolithos. Bring water shoes since many beaches are pebbly.
- Day 7
Patmos
A spiritual highlight of the Dodecanese. Morning ferries from Leros take about 1 hour. Visit the UNESCO-listed Monastery of St. John at opening time (8:30 AM). As one visitor shared: "The morning light streaming through the monastery windows creates an incredibly peaceful atmosphere. Wear modest clothing or they won't let you in."
- Days 8-10
Back to Kos
Use your final days to explore more of Kos. Take a day trip to Nisyros (1-hour ferry, €45 round trip) to walk in an active volcanic crater. Go early when it's cooler as the sulfur smell intensifies with heat. Spend your last day at the ancient Agora and enjoy dinner in the Old Town. For the best souvlaki visit Thomas Restaurant near the harbor before 8 PM to beat the crowds.
- Day 1
Rhodes
Arrive by early afternoon for the welcome meeting. Book your stay in the New Town for easy airport access while staying close to the medieval Old Town. The best times to explore the historic cobblestone streets are early morning or evening when crowds are thinner.
- Day 2
Rhodes & Apollona
Visit the mountain village of Apollona for a food-focused day. Join a cooking class at 10 AM wearing comfortable clothes and bring a camera to record recipes. The afternoon features wine tasting with six local varieties. Consider booking private transport back to Rhodes since it's about 45 minutes away. You can also take a public bus to Lindos, but plan your acropolis visit outside peak heat hours.
- Days 3-4
Symi
Take a morning ferry to Symi (1.5 hours). Pack sturdy walking shoes for the steep Kali Strata steps to Chorio. Start your monastery hike early before the day heats up. Pack swimwear for the traditional kaiki boat BBQ lunch, which stops at hidden coves. The Pedi Beach area offers peaceful accommodation with beautiful morning views.
- Days 5-6
Tilos
The 2-hour ferry ride takes you to Tilos. The Livadia coastal trail needs good fitness levels and offers little shade. Visit Mikro Chorio ghost town at sunset for the best atmosphere. If you're hiking to Megalo Chorio, start by 8 AM to beat the summer heat.
- Days 7-8
Return to Rhodes
Return to Rhodes on a 3-hour afternoon ferry. Skip the tourist restaurants on Socrates Street and try local spots in the Jewish Quarter for dinner. On your final morning, leave plenty of time to reach the airport, especially during busy season.
- Day 1
Rhodes Arrival
Arrive in Rhodes and transfer to Faliraki. Try to schedule your arrival before 3 PM for the welcome meeting and dinner. Faliraki offers a more relaxed introduction to Greek island life compared to the busy Rhodes Town.
- Day 2
Haraki & Red Sand Beach
Begin your sea kayaking from Haraki, a small fishing village. Paddle 5.5 miles past the Medieval Castle of Feraklos to Agathi Beach. Make sure to use reef-safe sunscreen since the Mediterranean sun reflects intensely off the water. You'll spend about 2.5 hours actually paddling, giving beginners time to get comfortable.
- Day 3
Sunrise Paddle & Anthony Quinn Bay
Start early at 5:30 AM for the sunrise paddle from Kathara Beach. The 4-mile route to Anthony Quinn Bay gives you the best photo opportunities of the day. Bring a light windbreaker since morning waters can be cool even in summer. After breakfast, visit the seal's cave before practicing free paddling techniques.
- Day 4
Lindos Exploration
Today features the longest paddle (9 miles) around historic Lindos. Visit St. Paul's Bay early when the water is calmest. The Acropolis involves climbing 292 steps, so wear good shoes and carry plenty of water. Your guide can adjust the route if afternoon winds get strong.
- Days 5-7
Symi Island Adventures
Take the 1-hour ferry to Symi. These three days offer secluded paddling experiences, including hidden spots like St. George Disalonas (only reachable by water) and the empty Nimos Island. The water around Symi is perfect for snorkeling. Bring an underwater camera if you can.
- Day 8
Departure from Rhodes
Transfer back to Rhodes airport. Book afternoon flights to avoid morning Rhodes Town traffic.
