📍 Greece

DODECANESE LEGENDS: RHODES, SYMI, KOS ISLAND ODYSSEY

Medieval fortresses crowning cliffs, colorful houses lining harbors, sponge-fishing tradition. The Dodecanese, legendary.

≈ 5
Days
163
Km
4
Stops
📖 3 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Journey through Rhodes between knights' palaces and medieval lanes, then dock at Symi and its harbor cascading with color. Glide to Kos and its traces of ancient healing, then dive into Kalymnos, land of sponges, cliffs and intact island tradition.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Rhodes

medieval palace towers command limestone drama

Rhodes - Photo 1Rhodes - Photo 2Rhodes - Photo 3Rhodes - Photo 4Rhodes - Photo 5Rhodes - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Old town Rhodes UNESCO medieval Knights of Saint John 1309-1522 ramparts fortifications.
2
Palace of the Grand Masters gothic castle mosaics collections museum imposing architecture.
3
Street of the Knights paved gothic inns tongues nations hospitaller order.
4
Archaeological Museum of Rhodes Knights' hospital Hellenistic collections crouching Aphrodite.
+1 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Exploration medieval old town ramparts paved alleys craft shops atmosphere.
→
Visit Palace of the Grand Masters gothic architecture collections history knights order.
→
Mandraki harbor walk bronze deer lighthouse Fort Saint Nicholas yachts.
+3 Optional activities
2
Day

Rhodes

medieval palace towers command limestone drama

Rhodes - Photo 1Rhodes - Photo 2Rhodes - Photo 3Rhodes - Photo 4Rhodes - Photo 5Rhodes - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Acropolis Lindos 300m cliff temple Athena 4th century BC panoramic sea view.
2
Village Lindos white houses captains labyrinthine alleys church Panagia.
3
Saint-Paul bay turquoise beach fine sand white chapel film shootings.
4
Kamiros ancient city preserved ruins agora temple Athena fountains Dorian.
+1 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Ascent Lindos donkeys stairs acropolis temple columns exceptional panorama bays coves.
→
Swimming Lindos bay crystalline waters organized beach water sports taverns.
→
Exploration Kamiros Greek Pompeii extensive ruins hydraulic system architecture.
+3 Optional activities
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 51.9 km
Travel time: 52min
3
Day

Symi

harbor villas cascade jewel-color into azure

Symi - Photo 1Symi - Photo 2Symi - Photo 3Symi - Photo 4Symi - Photo 5Symi - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Symi Gialos port colorful neoclassical houses amphitheater 19th century architecture sponges.
2
Chorio upper town Symi Kali Strata stairs 500 steps Knights castle.
3
Panormitis Monastery 18th century pilgrimage archangel Michael icon baroque bell tower.
4
Symi Museum captain's house maritime collections sponges costumes traditions.
+1 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Boat arrival Symi spectacle neoclassical port pastel houses impressive amphitheater.
→
Chorio climb stairs panorama port castles authentic quiet village alleys.
→
Excursion Panormitis monastery south island pilgrimage museum icons crafts.
+3 Optional activities
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 74.5 km
Travel time: 1h15
4
Day

Kos

ancient healing temples meet island beaches

Kos - Photo 1Kos - Photo 2Kos - Photo 3Kos - Photo 4Kos - Photo 5Kos - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Asclepieion Kos sanctuary medicine 4th century BC Hippocrates terraces temple.
2
Knights Castle Nerantzia 1315 port fortifications ancient stone reuse.
3
Ancient agora Kos Roman ruins columns mosaics odeon baths stoas.
4
Hippocrates plane tree 2400 years legend oath shade medicine teaching.
+1 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Visit Asclepieion ancient medical site terraces sea view history Hippocrates medicine.
→
Exploration Kos ancient city agora Knights castle Ottoman mosques mixture.
→
Bike rental flat island cyclable beaches Tigaki Marmari Kardamena fine sand.
+3 Optional activities
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 36.5 km
Travel time: 1h13
5
Day

Kalymnos

sponge-diving tradition island quiet authentic

Kalymnos - Photo 1Kalymnos - Photo 2Kalymnos - Photo 3Kalymnos - Photo 4Kalymnos - Photo 5Kalymnos - Photo 6Kalymnos - Photo 7Kalymnos - Photo 8
8 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Pothia capital Kalymnos port colorful neoclassical houses sponge divers museum.
2
Chrysocheria castle Byzantine Chora ruins panoramic view island sea climbing.
3
Vathy narrow fjord fishing village orange trees turquoise water tranquility authenticity.
4
Maritime museum Kalymnos tradition sponge divers diving suits equipment history.
+1 Places visited
🎯

Activities

→
Visit sponge museum history divers dangerous techniques tradition island economy.
→
Exploration Vathy valley fjord orange trees isolated village taverns fish calm.
→
Climbing Kalymnos world destination limestone cliffs equipped routes climbers.
+3 Optional activities

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🛡️ Travel advice - Greece

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming landscapes, ideal temperatures, fewer crowds, excellent value, Easter celebrations, optimal conditions.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, perfect for islands, vibrant nightlife, festival season.

Fall (September-October): Warm seas, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, excellent weather, good value, harvest season, ideal photography.

Winter (November-March): Mild weather, lowest prices, minimal crowds, rainy season, ski season mountains, cultural focus, cozy atmosphere.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 4 and 6 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in Greece?

Ancient civilization birthplace with stunning islands, incredible history, and Mediterranean lifestyle. Experience mythology sites, beautiful beaches, and authentic Greek culture. The country offers cultural depth with natural beauty and culinary excellence. Greece provides historical significance with island paradise and cultural authenticity in Mediterranean setting.