Why have one when you can have four? Island hopping is trending again as travelers intelligently aim at getting as much in as possible during their visit to Greece. By exploring various islands you’ll only enrich your experience of varying traditions, landscapes, sights and gastronomic delights. Here we introduce you to a magical combination you may have not considered before including popular and lesser-known destinations, which is easy to follow and ever easier to enjoy.
In this new series with the adventurous joy of Greek island hopping as its muse, we are commencing with this four-stop fantastic trip around the Dodecanese. Starting from Rhodes, you can hop on a boat to Kos, then Leros and finally Patmos. Each of these islands has its unique personality and appearance, with diverse landscapes, beaches and sights around each one. Yes, you could easily dedicate at least a week to each, but if you’re short on time, ideally aim for all four in two weeks. Read the highlights of each stop here and decide which ones to dedicate longer to, depending on your interests. Kalo taxidi!
Prices and Duration of Trips
| Rhodes to Kos | Price: ~ €70 | Time: ~ 2.5 h |
| Kos to Leros | Price: ~ €45 | Time: ~ 1.5 h |
| Leros to Patmos | Price: ~ €35 | Time: ~ 1 h |
*Prices are based on a search for tickets for June. You may fly to Rhodes.
1
Rhodes
In historic, multifaceted, and naturally glorious Rhodes, you’ll find wonderful beaches that stretch for kilometers around the island’s undulating shores, ancient settlements, and remarkable medieval buildings. You’ll also get a chance to admire soul-soothing natural zones like Rodini Park, and delight in delicious cuisine. Try to spend at least three days here – distances are huge. Ideally, rent a car for at least a day for a more thorough exploration. This is especially useful for exploring the northern side with its wild beaches and quaint tavernas.
Why Visit?
Medieval Splendor: The Old Town of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a testament to medieval grandeur with its imposing walls, the Palace of the Grand Master, and the Street of the Knights, offering a journey back to the era of the Knights of Saint John.
Captivating Beauty: Anthony Quinn Bay, with its emerald waters, and the Valley of the Butterflies, a unique natural reserve, exemplify Rhodes’ natural allure, drawing visitors into its serene and picturesque landscapes.
Chic Elegance: The upscale resort area of Lindos, with its luxury accommodations and rooftop dining overlooking the ancient Acropolis, epitomizes the island’s sophisticated charm and caters to those seeking an exclusive holiday experience.
The Highlights In Detail
Rhodes’ Old Town
An ideal place to start your discovery of Rhodes, the town is a spectacular area with architecture from different historical periods. You’ll come across a labyrinthine network of narrow streets and cobbled alleys with impressive 15th and 16th-century buildings. You’ll also see impressive churches, mosques, fountains, and atmospheric shady squares. Walk along The Street of the Knights of St John. Around here, visit the moat, and do not miss out on the iconic Palace of the Grand Master. The latter is now an impressive contemporary museum. Inside the old town, you’ll find the squares of Symi, Argyrokastro, Museum and Hippokratous. All of them contain monuments.
The Acropolis of Rhodes
The acropolis dominates the western and highest part of the main town of Rhodes. It was not fortified, but monumental, and consisted of sanctuaries, large temples, public buildings, and mysterious underground places of worship. See the remnants of the Doric temple dedicated to Apollo Pythios. Visit the Roman Odeon and Gymnasium, and the temple of Zeus Polias and Athena Polias.
The Colossus of Rhodes
Apollo at his best. This impressive 33-meter-high statue in honor of the god of light and music took 12 years to complete. From 304 BC, it commemorates the victory against the Macedonian king and military leader Demetrius I Poliorcetes. Legend has it that 900 camels were used to transport it.
Filerimos Monastery
A picturesque monastery dedicated to the ‘Virgin Mary of the Life-Giving Source’. It is located 11 kilometers from the city of Rhodes, next to the Acropolis of Lalyssos. The cobbled courtyard and the 15th-century Gothic stone church are well worth a visit. To the east of the monastery is the castle of Filerimos. To the northwest is the church of St. George (15th century). The ‘Golgotha’ is a path that leads to the other side of the hilltop to a 16-meter-high cross.
The Valley of the Butterflies
A heavenly natural setting. From June to September, butterflies appear in their millions. They come to enjoy the sap of the Oriental Sweetgum trees in the valley.
Lindos
Thousands of tourists flock to Lindos annually. Admire its architecture, walk through the narrow alleyways, shop and climb the acropolis. Refresh yourself at its large and seductive sandy beach. Discover more beaches near Lindos.
Beaches
Varied in size and style, Rhodes’ beaches vary from the cosmopolitan and busy to wild and secluded. There are several beaches near Rhodes’ town. The most unmissable are Prasonisi, Traganou, Anthony Quinn, Tsabika and Kallithea (read about them here).
Good Eats
Although Rhodes has a long maritime history, the cuisine locals enjoy most is based chiefly on meat. Most popular are goat and pork, but you’ll also find seafood and fish. There are numerous classic dishes characteristic of Rhodes’ rich gastronomic history. There are many dishes worth trying. These include lakan, goat baked with tomato and chickpeas; karavoli (snails) cooked in tomato sauce, onion, and bulgur wheat; hen cooked with loukoumi pasta; rouzetia, a fish similar to mullet, fried and served with skordalia garlic sauce; pouggia, herb and wild green pies and red pumpkin, and Giaprakia (known in the rest of Greece as dolmades). Rhodians have a sweet tooth and especially enjoy sweets made with honey, nuts, and seeds. Try Melekouni, one of the local favorites, made with aromatic honey and sesame seeds. Amygdalota almond cookies and tatakia, fried sweets stuffed with walnuts, sesame seeds, and spices and drizzled with honey are also delicious.
02
Kos
As one of the largest Dodecanese islands, Kos has a rich cultural history and miles of beautiful coastline to explore. The island is famous as the birthplace of modern medicine and the playground of medieval knights. From snorkeling in seas bubbling with underwater thermal springs to climbing rocky peaks for spectacular views, Kos has something for everyone.
Why Visit?
Ancient Heritage: Kos is renowned for the Asklepion, an ancient healing center dedicated to Asclepius, the god of medicine. This site, amidst lush surroundings, showcases the island’s rich historical tapestry and its contribution to ancient medicine.
Vibrant Shores: The island’s coastline, such as Tigaki and Marmari beaches, offers expansive sandy shores with crystal-clear waters, ideal for relaxation and water sports, embodying the lively beach culture Kos is known for.
Cultural Melting Pot: Kos Town blends historical landmarks like the Medieval Castle and ancient Agora with lively marketplaces and modern cafes, reflecting the island’s blend of past and present influences.
The Highlights In Detail
Culture
Kos has an abundance of unique historical monuments. Among them is the Nerantzia Castle, the Agora, Grigoriou street ruins, and the Tree of Hippocrates. Explore its Archaeological Museum, with its imposing statue of Hippocrates. Also visit the International Hippocrates Foundation and the Folklore Museum.
Thermal Springs
Half an hour from Kos Town you’ll find a free, natural day spa! Thermes Beach has underground hot springs flowing into the sea at a temperature of 40-45 degrees Celsius. Visitors can relax in small rock pools to enjoy the Sulphur-rich therapeutic waters, which are thought to benefit the muscular and respiratory system.
Plaka Forest
A cool and shaded woodland of cedar and pine evergreen trees, on the road from Kefalos to the airport. Set with picnic benches, it’s a great place to escape the summer heat. Relax here and take in the natural beauty, including inquisitive peacocks, cats, tortoises, and the odd squirrel.
Kefalos Bay
A must-see destination for beach lovers and culture enthusiasts alike. The long stretch of beach here, a combination of soft sand and smooth pebbles, is also great for families. Meanwhile, there are two ancient churches from the 5th and 6th centuries AD. These are located just a stone’s throw from the beach.
Watersports
Owing to the almost guaranteed strong summer winds that blow around the island, Kos has become one of the Aegean hot spots for all things wind-powered. Popular beaches for windsurfing include Agios Stefanos, Kefalos, Lambi, Mastihari and Psalidi. Kohilari is the breezy spot where kitesurfers practice their acrobatics. Most of the more organized beaches will have a watersport center renting out pedalos, SUPs, and kayaks. There are many operators offering jet skis, tubes, and banana boat rides.
Good Eats
Kos’ rich and fertile soil yields a cornucopia of fresh vegetables. It also provides the perfect foundation for thriving olive groves and vineyards. Try delicious cheeses, like the ‘cheese of Posa‘ or “krasotyri” (PDO). There’s plenty here to tantalize the tastebuds. Popular dishes include pork with bulgur or beef with chickpeas baked to perfection in the oven. Don’t miss delectable seafood specialties like octopus meatballs and stuffed courgette flowers. For a taste of Kos’ sweetness, sample the famous Antimachia thyme honey. Other sweet stars are the tomato ‘spoon sweet’, the lambropites, sarsoumades (a fried dessert flavored with honey), and mairia, a cream flavored with flower water.
03
Leros
Lacy bays, crystalline turquoise waters, imposing hills, fishing villages and painted chapels. Also beautiful buildings and fine neoclassical structures, all comprise the main setting of the gorgeous island of Leros. Add to the above excellent food and very polite locals, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for unique holidays.
Why Visit?
Tranquil Retreat: Leros, with its calm bays like Alinda and Agia Marina, provides a peaceful escape, characterized by serene waters and leisurely pace, perfect for a restful vacation away from the crowds.
Nautical Charm: The island’s marinas and harbors, especially Lakki, are known for their Art Deco architecture and are bustling with yachts and fishing boats, showcasing Leros’ rich maritime heritage and inviting sailing enthusiasts.
Untouched Beauty: With its verdant valleys and hidden coves, Leros remains relatively unspoiled, offering authentic experiences like traditional tavernas in quaint villages such as Platanos, where time seems to stand still.
The Highlights In Detail
Agia Marina
The liveliest part of the island. A port with seafront cafes, numerous gorgeous, colorful, neoclassical buildings, and quaint fish taverns, make for a postcard-worthy setting. Admire the large mansions with huge gardens, built by Egyptian migrants in the 19th century. Stroll around its alleys and on the seafront promenade and visit the Archaeological Museum. Board one of the boats that leave from here and go on short cruises of the surrounding islands. Visit Marathi, Arkii, and Lipsi.
Platanos and Kastro tis Panagias
Platanos, the capital of Leros that has merged with Agia Marina, travels visitors through time. Admire neoclassical buildings, old windmills, and the Byzantine ‘Kastro tis Panagias’ castle atop Apitiki hill. From there, the divine view expands to Patmos, Kalymnos and even the coasts of Asia Minor. The view is especially awe-inspiring at sunset.
The Fishing Villages
A row of old fishing boats, fishing nets everywhere, boatmen and shopkeepers, and quaint fish taverns comprise this village. Walk to the bay of Vromolithos with its tamarisk trees and nice pebbles for inner peace. Make sure to stop at Sweet & Salty for a light snack and epic galaktoboureko (traditional custard pie with syrup).
Agia Kioura
Descend to this magical, wild beach, reminiscent of the one in the film ‘The Blue Lagoon’. Covered in tamarisk trees and wild vegetation, with the air scented with thyme and oregano, it’s the ideal place for privacy and tranquillity. At the top of the hill, you’ll see Agia Matrona-Kioura, the chapel that the Junta exiles painted.
Lakki
During WWII Mussolini wanted to establish his base here, the so-called “Flagship of Rome”. His aim? To handle his operations in the Mediterranean and Africa. This is because Lakki is one of the best natural harbors in the Aegean. Learn more at Leros War Museum. Lakki has the largest number of art deco buildings after Miami. The cinema, still in operation, is very impressive, as is the school, the theatre, the hospital and the ‘palazzinos’. Another very striking example of modernist architecture is the clock tower in the heart of the town.
The Old Psychiatric Hospital
Originally the old barracks of the Italian Air Base. This vast, impressive Italian architecture building was transformed into a psychiatric colony. It was where patients abandoned by their families were housed, under the care of medicalllocals with no formal medical training, until the ’80s. The building is a symbol of a sad and troubled part of the island’s history, but Leros has today effectively moved past it into a positive present.
Great Eats
Leros is full of unexpected treasures. It has a rich culinary tradition comprised of fish, seafood, mizithra cheese, amazing honey and almond sweets. Don’t miss the ‘gavafes’, a fruit that is only found on the island. Visit Dio Liskaria, the island’s beautiful less-crowded beach with a pirate flag, and try chilled local brews and great burgers at Zefiros Beach Bar. Eat at Mylos, with the most beautiful terrace on the island. It’s set on a platform (on the sea) overlooking a windmill at the edge of the harbor in Agia Marina.
04
Patmos
Patmos is known and loved for its singularly rich religious heritage and spiritual ambiance. It has labyrinthine cobblestone streets, paved squares, traditional mansions, crystalline beaches, and excellent cuisine. Saint John the Evangelist lived in Patmos for a significant period and wrote the Book of Revelation here. Its Monastery of St John the Theologian, the Cave of the Apocalypse, and the main town are all designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Why Visit?
Spiritual Sanctuary: Patmos is globally recognized for its profound religious heritage, notably the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse, offering a deep spiritual journey amidst its serene landscape.
Chic Athenian Hideaway: Currently ranking alongside Mykonos and Antiparos as a top destination for Athenians, Patmos exudes an understated elegance, attracting a sophisticated crowd with its enchanting Chora, exclusive boutiques, and upscale dining experiences.
Idyllic Villages: The capital, Chora, charms with its labyrinthine alleys, whitewashed houses adorned with vibrant bougainvillea, and tranquil squares, epitomizing the classic beauty of Greek island villages.
Secluded Paradises: Offering retreats like Psili Ammos, a beach cherished for its seclusion and pristine beauty, Patmos provides a peaceful haven for those seeking to immerse themselves in nature’s untouched splendor.
The Highlights In Detail
Patmos Town
Among the most striking settlements in the Aegean, its history has been significantly shaped by the imposing monastery. In summer, the town attracts a distinguished, cosmopolitan, and sophisticated crowd. Explore the exquisite mansions restored by wealthy expatriates and Greeks and narrow cobbled streets. A variety of shops, including tasteful gift stores, galleries, bars, cafes, and restaurants, are found here.
The Monastery of St John the Theologian
Perched atop a hill in the heart of Patmos’ Chora, the Monastery is an impressive sight to behold. A fortress monastery built in the 11th century by Hosios Christodoulos, it is encircled by imposing stone walls. It is not only the most important but also the most striking attraction on the island.
The Cave of the Apocalypse.
The cave is considered divinely inspired and is a unique experience to visit. It was here that God revealed himself to John (“…with a loud voice, as of a trumpet”). It is incorporated into the Monastery of the Apocalypse, which also includes the Church of Saint Anne. Above the monastery sits the Patmian School, established in 1713. It is known for contributing to the island’s spiritual development and attracted enlightened teachers.
Skala Port Town
The port of Patmos is a quintessential island settlement with a harbor and modern marina, notable for the islet Petrokaravo in its bay. Skala is the island’s commercial hub, in stark contrast to Patmos Town, which comes alive only in the summers. Strolling through the narrow streets and pedestrian zones around the harbor is a delight. Skala’s bars are popular meeting points for night-time entertainment. They remain open till the early hours – a practice prohibited in Patmos Town due to its proximity to the monastery.
Kastelli
The naturally fortified hill to the north of Patmos Town dominates over the harbor, Merika, and Chochlakas. Here stood the acropolis of Patmos, the island’s most significant archaeological site. Objects from the Bronze Age, Geometric, Classical, Hellenistic, and Roman periods suggest the hill’s continuous use throughout history. The view from the top is spectacular, reaching as far as Naxos and Ikaria.
Grikos
Today, the village has tourist facilities, hotels (including the island’s only five-star), tavernas, and a small harbor. The road ends at a peninsula known as “Nisyriou,” where you’ll find a small beach on its backside. Adjacent to Grikos is the settlement of Petra, built in the beautiful bay leading to the rock of Kalikatsou. You’ll find hotels, rental apartments, and taverns on the sandy beach here.
The Rock of Kalikatsou
Set in a uniquely beautiful spot, it is second only to Kastelli as Patmos’ most important archaeological site. Climbing there offers views towards the sea and impressive greyish salt pans. You’ll see carved stairs, a cave, wells for sacred ceremonies, and artificial caves.
Beaches
The island has some truly magnificent beaches. For the more adventurous who don’t mind cold waters, we recommend the beach of Hohlakas. Located towards the bay of Grikos, it has its crystal-clear, turquoise waters. Or the famous Livadi Geranou beach, with tamarisk trees and the chapel of Saint George on the islet directly opposite. And of course, Psili Ammos, a beach considered among the most beautiful not only in the Dodecanese all of Greece.
Good Eats
Patmians are meat-lovers and cook accordingly. Don’t miss the famous stuffed goat with rice, pinenuts, aromatic herbs, and spices. Fish lovers should try the traditional squid, stuffed with rice and aromatic herbs and cooked in a pot. Rice and aromatic herbs and wild weeds also fill zucchini flowers. Try the very special and delicious chickpea stew with eggplants. And the island’s delicious goat cheeses. For dessert, try the pouggia, dough filled with walnuts or almonds, with honey. Read about the best places to dine at in Patmos.
