Day trips from Rhodes to nearby islands

The island of Rhodes is a world-renowned holiday destination, famous for its history, nightlife, idyllic beaches, and breathtaking views. Being the largest of the Dodecanese and the most easterly island in the Aegean Sea, Rhodes is ideal for island hopping!

So, where can you go on a day trip from Rhodes? Find the best Rhodes island-hopping options below and book your ferry tickets online on Ferryhopper!

The crystal-clear waters of Achata beach in Karpathos

Island hopping from Rhodes: our top suggestions

During your visit to Rhodes, you can easily hop on a ferry to the nearby islands. 

You can reach more islands in the Dodecanese and Crete all year round, and the Cyclades during summer. Whether you’re interested in a one-day trip from Rhodes or you’re looking forward to the ultimate Rhodes island-hopping adventure, there are many options for ferry trips from the cosmopolitan island. 

On Ferryhopper, you can find all ferry routes to plan your island hopping from Rhodes.

Have a look at the best Rhodes island-hopping tours and enjoy your Greek adventure!

1. Symi
2. Karpathos
3. Kos
4. Kalymnos
5. Halki
6. Kastellorizo

Rhodes to Symi day trip

Since Rhodes and Symi are so close to one another, traveling from one island to the other by ferry is very simple. When you arrive, you will probably dock in Ano Symi, the charming main town of the island. 

It’s definitely worth walking past the neoclassical and colorful houses that line Symi's harbor. In fact, the island is renowned for its architecture, particularly for the Holy Monastery of Archangel Michael Panormitis. 

Symi is not only distinguished for its monuments and religious sites, however. There are many cultural festivals taking place in the summer. The island is also world-renowned for its unspoilt beaches and luxury experiences. 

Ferries serving day trips from Rhodes to Symi are available up to 13 times daily during the summer. The Rhodes to Symi ferry takes about 1-2.5 hours and tickets usually start at €8.

The beautiful town of Symi

Go on an adventure to Karpathos from Rhodes

Another island where you can go by ferry from Rhodes is Karpathos. Karpathos is the perfect destination for those who like to go off the beaten path. With an almost untouched nature, Karpathos is a hiking paradise. Make sure to climb up to villages like little Menetes or Olympos. 

Down on the coast, you will come across some magnificent places for swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing. Our favorites are Achata beach and Amoopi bay. Oh, and let's not forget about Afiartis, one of the top windsurfing locations in the world. There are also 18 dive sites near Karpathos, including underwater arches, wrecks, reefs, and caverns like the enchanted St. Peter's Cathedral.

There are frequent ferries from Rhodes to Karpathos throughout the year. In the summer, there are usually 6 weekly sailings to Karpathos from the port of Rhodes. The duration of the trip ranges from about 3.5 to 5 hours, with ferry tickets costing approximately €17-18.

Tip: if you have time to spare, from Karpathos you can also take a boat trip to Kasos. It will only take you about 1 hour.

Have the best day-trip to Kos

Kos is the third largest island in the Dodecanese and one of the easiest to get to from Rhodes.

It is a fascinating destination to explore, with a history rich in Roman and Greek landmarks, as well as castles, ruins, shrines, and temples from the 15th century. Kos is also renowned for its incredibly picturesque and sandy beaches, which might as well be the finest in the Dodecanese. 

You can go on a one-day trip from Rhodes to Kos daily with at least 2 ferry crossings. The earliest ferry from Rhodes to Kos departs at 04:00 from the port of Rhodes, arriving at around 08:45 in Kos. The fastest ferry takes around 2 hours. As for the ticket price, it normally starts at around €15.

The Asklepieion at the top of a verdant hill in Kos

Hop on a ferry from Rhodes to Kalymnos

Going island hopping from Rhodes to Kalymnos is a great experience! Kalymnos is distinguished by its amazing rock formations, dreamy beaches and ancient monuments. It is famous for its natural sponges and it’s also a favorite among rock-climbing and bouldering enthusiasts. 

During your stay in Kalymnos, we recommend that you visit the beautiful Mirties beach, discover the island’s caves such as Kefalas, attend the Climbing Festival, and explore the villages of Emporios, Myrties, or Vathy. 

There is at least 1 daily ferry crossing to the island of Kalymnos during the summer. The duration of the trip ranges from 2 hours 45 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes. Ticket prices start at €18.50.

Explore the beauty of Halki

Halki is a stunning small island that is located just a stone’s throw away from Rhodes. It is a great escape if you’re seeking peace and privacy. You will be astonished by the island’s traditional vibe, stunning architecture, beautiful beaches, and warm hospitality.

Ferries to Halki depart from the port of Rhodes up to 7 times per day. Most ferries from Rhodes reach the port of Halki in about 50 minutes. Tickets for the Rhodes - Halki ferry crossing range from €4 to €21, depending on the type of vessel you’ve chosen.

Tip: check out our relevant blog post for more info about the day trip from Rhodes to Halki.

The colorful and peaceful town of Halki

Discover Kastellorizo from Rhodes

Kastellorizo is also known as Megisti, which means largest – despite this being one of the smaller Dodecanese islands. Similar to Halki, this is a fantastic place to visit if you want to avoid the crowds and experience the true island lifestyle. 

Visit the Castle of the Knights, explore the coast of Kastellorizo by boat, and discover the Blue Cave on the south part of the island. Don’t forget to try mouthwatering desserts such as katoumaria and halvas.

In the summer, ferries from Rhodes to Kastellorizo are in operation daily with 1-2 crossings. The ferry from Rhodes to Kastellorizo takes about 2.5 to 5 hours and tickets start at €15.

Bonus: check out our dedicated blog about a 2-day trip from Rhodes to Fethiye. We know we know, it might not be an island, but Fethiye is one of the most beautiful towns on the Turkish coast.

Castle at the port of Kastellorizo lit up at night

For more Rhodes island hopping ideas, you can check Ferryhopper’s Map of ferries. Find up-to-date ferry routes, travel tips for 3-day cruises or day trips from Rhodes, and book cheap ferry tickets with no hidden fees!

Good to know: discover all ferry schedules for the Greek islands in 2023 and plan your trip with confidence!