What Are the Best Islands to Visit from Rhodes? 

Rhodes could be regarded as one of the most popular islands in Greece, however, its beauty does not end on its beaches. Rhodes has quite an attractive base to be used in island-hopping experiences as it is surrounded by a group of smaller but equally fascinating places to visit. These neighbouring islands boast of the diversity and the beauty of the Dodecanese region in its peaceful fishing villages to its untouched beaches.

Whether you’re seeking romance, tranquillity, or a taste of authentic Greek life, there are countless beautiful islands to visit – each with its own story and spirit. For anyone dreaming of a Greek island escape, here’s your guide to the most enchanting options nearby.

Symi – Colour, Calm, and Character

Just an hour away by ferry, Symi is one of the best islands near Rhodes for travellers who love charm and colour. You can have some of the most photogenic arrival in Greece as your boat nears the harbour and the hillside is reflected in the turquoise water in pastel coloured mansions.

The island is tiny and serene, the perfect spot to have a day out and a few days of unwinding. Your time can be consumed strolling around the cobbled streets of the harbour, the Monastery of Panormitis or having fresh sea food by the water. Symi is particularly sentimental during sunset hours when the houses are painted in pastel yellow and pink.

If you’re looking for a great island to visit for couples, Symi tops the list. It is personal, makes its time, and suits companionship with each other, just the two of you, a taverna table and a sea view.

Tilos – Serenity and Sustainability

Tilos is the dream of an eco-lover being quiet, green, and 100 percent with renewable energy. It is a tiny island that seems like a place that stood still and has not been visited since the last century and has quaint villages, star waters, and warm people who already know your name after one meeting.

For those seeking a genuine Greek island escape, Tilos is paradise. One may walk the coastal trails, explore the deserted village of Mikro Chorio or spend time in the quiet Eristos Beach. There is no hurry of life here; there is time to lose, time to lengthen, time to swell along with the sea.

Tilos is also one of the beautiful islands to visit from Rhodes for those craving simplicity and sustainability. It is the perfect place to stay when travellers want to enjoy a serene night with the stars and not the night life and the crowds.

Chalki – Small Island, Big Soul

Chalki is often called the less noisy cousin of Symi and it is located to the West of Rhodes and is among the smallest inhabited islands in Greece. The colourful neoclassical harbour called Emborio makes me feel like I am in a painting. It is within two hours by ferry boat off Rhodes and is a day or weekend retreat. It is not a fast-paced life on Chalki- there are no crowds, no bustle, no great numbers of people, just smiling faces and sun-kiss tavernas with grilled octopus and chilled white wine.

For couples, this is another great island to visit for couples who love seclusion and romance. It has walking paths that lead to secret coves and the sound of church bells ringing through the hills contributes to its magic.

Chalki is undoubtedly one of the best Greek islands near Rhodes for travellers seeking beauty without bustle.

Kastellorizo – Greece’s Far Eastern Gem

On the extreme south of the Aegean is Kastellioro or Megisti, not much farther off than Turkey, than the mainland of Greece itself. In spite of its distant position, it is regarded as one of the most fascinating Greek islands to visit from Rhodes, and has crystal-clear waters, and postcard-perfect harbour with pastel houses.

The island is not excessively large as to walk around. You can also spare a boat trip to the Blue Cave that is among the largest sea caves in Greece and at this place, the sun rays provide the water with a beautiful hue of sapphire.

Night in Kastelloriza is quiet, dinner on the harbour, glass of wine, and sea waves. For couples seeking serenity, this is another great island to visit for couples that feel worlds away from modern life.

It’s easy to reach by ferry or short domestic flight from Rhodes, making it one of the most unique and beautiful islands to visit from Rhodes.

Nisyros – Volcanoes, Villages, and Authentic Greece

In the event that you are in need of something new, Nisyros will provide the adventure and authenticity just as much. It is a volcanic island that can be reached within a little more than an hour by ferry, but that seems a world away, compared with the hustle and the business of Rhodes.

A stroll through a volcano is literally possible here – the Stefanos crater is still active, and it is emitting puffs of steam. It is surrounded by whitewashed villages such as Mandraki with their small streets, bougainvillaea, and sea views. It’s a fantastic choice for travellers who want their Greek island escape to include both nature and culture.

Among the best Greek islands near Rhodes, Nisyros stands out for its mix of geology, history, and tranquillity – an unforgettable blend that appeals to explorers and dreamers alike.

Kos – The Perfect Mix of Culture and Coast

Kos is bigger than its little neighbours, lively, and a combination of history, beaches, and energy that is a great complement to the Rhodes. Ferries run regularly between the two islands, making it one of the most convenient Greek islands to visit from Rhodes.

Sightseeing of old ruins, dine at the harbour or unwind with the laidback island life is possible in Kos Town. On the mainland, there are mountain hamlets and old-fashioned tavernas, and some of the best meze in the Dodecanese.

Kos is not only one of the best Greek islands near Rhodes, but also a great island for couples who want variety from beach days to bike rides through olive groves.

If you’re planning package holidays to Rhodes, adding a few nights in Kos can turn a good holiday into an extraordinary one- two iconic islands, one easy journey.

Embrace the Spirit of Island-Hopping

Rhodes is not limited to its shores to be beautiful. It commands ten islands in the Dodecanese which provide as many flavours of Greek life as there are islands. Your taste in colour be it Symi, or your peace in Tilos, or your adventure in Nisyros, there is a haven near at hand.

From tiny Chalki to majestic Kos, these are the beautiful islands to visit from Rhodes that prove Greece’s magic multiplies the further you wander.

Rhodes introduces the reader to twelve memorable islands each having its own rhythm and soul. Explore these island-hopping adventures with trusted travel experts of Travelodeal, and let your next Greek journey begin across the Aegean blue.