Day Trips & Island Hopping from Rhodes: The Best Nearby Escapes

Rhodes is a knockout on its own—but it’s also a launchpad to some of Greece’s most underrated islands and coastal treasures. You don’t need to fly or commit to a full island-hopping itinerary. With just a day or two to spare, you can explore colorful ports, quiet villages, volcanic craters, and postcard harbors—all just a short ferry ride from Rhodes.

Here’s your go-to guide for the best day trips and nearby islands to visit from Rhodes.

Symi Island: Neoclassical Charm on the Sea

Travel time: ~1–1.5 hours by ferry
Why go: Symi looks like a movie set. The harbor is lined with pastel-colored neoclassical homes stacked up the hillside, and the waterfront feels more Italian Riviera than Greek village.

What to do:

  • Explore Gialos, the main harbor town—have a coffee, browse the boutiques, and watch yachts drift in.
  • Visit the Monastery of Panormitis on the other side of the island.
  • Swim in secluded spots like Agios Georgios beach (accessible by boat taxi).

Pro tip: Take an early boat and stay until sunset if you can. Symi glows golden in the evening light.

Chalki Island: Peaceful, Tiny, Beautiful

Travel time: ~1 hour by ferry from Kamiros Skala port
Why go: If Symi is stylish, Chalki (Halki) is its quiet cousin. It’s tiny, slow-paced, and packed with Dodecanese charm.

What to do:

  • Swim at Pondamos Beach—shallow, clear, and walkable from the port.
  • Enjoy seafood at a taverna along Emborio Harbor.
  • Walk through the sleepy alleys with pastel houses and blooming bougainvillea.

Best for: Couples, solo travelers, and anyone needing a break from noise.

3. Tilos Island: Wild, Remote, and Underrated

Travel time: ~2 hours by ferry
Why go: If you want to experience what the Greek islands felt like 30 years ago, Tilos is your place. It’s raw, remote, and proud of it.

What to do:

  • Visit Mikro Chorio, a deserted ghost village you can hike or drive to.
  • Swim at Eristos Beach, one of the most untouched stretches in the Dodecanese.
  • See the island’s small museum dedicated to its prehistoric dwarf elephants.

Pro tip: Tilos makes for a longer day trip, so check ferry times carefully—or stay overnight if you're flexible.

Nisyros Island: Volcanic Craters and Moonlike Landscapes

Travel time: ~2.5–3 hours via ferry (with transfers)
Why go: Nisyros is unlike anywhere else in the region—a living volcano you can walk inside. Steam vents, craters, and sulfur-scented earth give it an otherworldly edge.

What to do:

  • Walk across the steaming Stefanos crater—a surreal, lunar experience.
  • Explore the cliffside village of Nikia, with one of the most beautiful town squares in Greece.
  • Try local dishes like pithia (chickpea fritters) or goat with tomato and cinnamon.

Great for: Adventurers, geology nerds, and anyone who wants “wow” factor.

Marmaris, Turkey: Two Countries in One Trip

Travel time: ~1 hour by fast ferry
Why go: Yes, it’s international—but the ferry between Rhodes and Marmaris runs frequently, and Turkish customs are straightforward. It’s an easy way to add a second country to your trip.

What to do:

  • Stroll the marina and explore Marmaris Old Town and its castle.
  • Try a Turkish hammam (bath house).
  • Stock up on Turkish delights, spices, and souvenirs at the Grand Bazaar.

Need to know: Bring your passport, and check visa rules depending on your nationality.

Lindos by Boat (If You’d Rather Not Drive)

Travel time: ~1.5–2 hours (varies by boat and port)
Why go: Technically still on Rhodes, Lindos feels like a destination in itself. Taking a boat from Rhodes Town adds a scenic twist to the trip.

What to do:

  • Swim at St. Paul’s Bay.
  • Explore the whitewashed village and climb to the Acropolis of Lindos.
  • Shop, eat, and relax without worrying about parking in town.

Tip: Some boat tours include swim stops and lunch on board.

Island-Hopping Boat Tours

If you want maximum variety without planning each detail yourself, hop on a group boat tour. Most depart from Mandraki Harbor and cover 2–3 spots in a day.

Popular combos:

  • Symi + St. George Bay (for swimming)
  • Chalki + Alimia (uninhabited island)
  • East Coast bays + Lindos stop

Tours usually include lunch and snorkeling gear, and some are family-friendly with shaded seating and bathrooms.

Final Word

Island hopping from Rhodes is one of the easiest ways to expand your trip—without packing up and relocating every night. Whether you want pastel harbors, volcanic thrills, or sleepy fishing villages, you’ll find it just a boat ride away.

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