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The Dodecanese: Rhodes & Kos – Route Guide

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Lindos acropolis Rhodes — The Dodecanese: Rhodes, Symi & Kos
Photo: Manfred Werner · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Crusader battlements, a harbour of ochre neoclassical mansions, and the plane tree where Hippocrates allegedly taught: the Dodecanese stack more layered history per ferry-hour than anywhere in the Aegean. Rhodes' walled town is Europe's largest living medieval city, and Kos closes it with bicycles and antiquity.

The Dodecanese: Rhodes & Kos is a 215 km one-way journey (mixed transport). It works best as 3–6 days; the plan below is the 4-day version for June, built from 67 verified places, with planned transit times, opening hours and daylight checked.

3–6
days
215km
distance
3
Stops
67
curated stops

Plan your own version → 3-day plan · 4-day plan · 6-day plan · best time to go

The route

Rhodes & Lindos→ 45 kmSymi→ 85 kmKos

What you'll see

Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes
Explore grand medieval halls and fortified walls with ocean views.
Rhodes & Lindos
Kali Strata
Climb the broad stone steps from Gialos towards Chorio for layered harbour and hillside views.
Symi
Tree of Hippocrates
Stand beneath a ancient plane tree linked to the teachings of Hippocrates.
Kos
Rhodes Archaeological Museum
Discover ancient artifacts and statues in serene garden settings.
Rhodes & Lindos
Gialos harbour and neoclassical waterfront
Explore Gialos harbour, its neoclassical waterfront, stone bridge and historic clock.
Symi
Ancient Agora
You will feel the ancient buzz of commerce in this open marketplace.
Kos
Acropolis of Lindos
Climb above Lindos to the sanctuary of Athena Lindia and the sea views framed by its ancient and medieval walls.
Rhodes & Lindos
Neratzia Castle
Walk through the reopened Knights Hospitaller fortress beside Kos harbour.
Kos

Choose your length

3-day plan12 stops · 8.1 h transit4 stops/day · 2.7 h transit/daySee the full plan →4-day plan17 stops · 8.6 h transit4.2 stops/day · 2.1 h transit/daySee the full plan →6-day plan26 stops · 9.3 h transit4.3 stops/day · 1.6 h transit/daySee the full plan →

When to go

Best months: May, June, July, August, September

Rhodes–Symi sailings run daily in the main season, while the direct morning Symi–Kos service normally skips Thursday. Visit Lindos' acropolis before the heat and verify both dated ferries before booking.

See the month-by-month breakdown →

Similar journeys

Plan your own version →