History and Culture: Rhodes to Leros to Kos 10-Day Itinerary

This Rhodes to Leros to Kos 10-day Itinerary is a suggested sample route. Your Captain will work with you to tailor your itinerary according to your preferences and the weather conditions during your charter. Get ready for some fantastic island hopping!

Day 1 | Begin Rhodes to Leros to Kos 10-Day Itinerary

The largest and historically the most important of the Dodecanese islands, Rhodes has so much to see and do that you may want to stay an extra day. There’s history and culture, nightlife, shopping, dining, water activities, beaches, and more.

Explore this vibrant city before setting out on your Rhodes to Leros to Kos 10-Day Itinerary.

Highlights not to miss include:

• Acropolis of Lindos. This fortified citadel and religious center was for the worship of the goddess Athena Lindia. It served both as a place of defense and a site for religious rituals.
• Archaeological Museum. This museum houses a diverse collection of artifacts and exhibits that span various periods of the island’s history.
• Ancient Kamiros. Ancient Kamiros is an archaeological site with well-preserved ruins of an ancient city-state dating back to the 7th century BC.
• Knights Quarter. A UNESCO World Heritage Site that features a well-preserved medieval town with narrow cobblestone streets, impressive fortifications, medieval buildings, and landmarks.
• Palace of the Grand Master. A historic castle and fortress within the Knights’ Quarter. It is one of the most iconic landmarks on the island.
• Street of the Knights. One of the most well-preserved cobblestone streets in the Knights’ Quarter.
• Ladiko Beach. Beach on a small, horseshoe-shaped bay, which is surrounded by rocky cliffs covered with lush vegetation.
• Valley of the Butterflies. A valley is famous as a seasonal habitat for thousands of colorful butterflies, specifically the Jersey tiger moth.
• Jewish Quarter. A historic neighborhood that was once home to a thriving Jewish community.

Day 2 | Symi

Symi is 41 kilometers northwest of Rhodes, part of the Dodecanese island chain. In addition to fine restaurants, the town offers seaside tavernas, traditional ouzo, and meze tavernas.

You’ll find lots of beautiful beaches on the island. Many of them are off the beaten track and reachable only by boat.

Day 3 | Halki

On day three, arrive at the tiny island of Halki. It’s untouched by mass tourism and is a perfect destination for peace and privacy. As you explore this lovely area, take note of the traditional architecture.

There are a few beaches in Halki which you can walk to or take the bus if you prefer. After a day of exploring, have dinner on your yacht and watch the sunset.

Day 4 | Tilos

Tilos’s rugged, mountainous terrain, with its densely forested ranges, hilly vistas, and verdant valleys, is home to four hundred species of flowers and herbs. The entire island is a vast ecological park protected by international treaties. Enjoy the privacy on a secluded beach.

Highlights include:

• The medieval fortress, where there are some remaining relics of the Hellenistic Acropolis and the Church of Archangel Michael
• The cave Charkadio, where the remains of dwarf elephants have been discovered
• The castle of Mesaria (1366), with ruins of settlements and Byzantine churches
• The Paleontology Collection, which includes the bones of dwarf-elephants, drafts, and photographs regarding the excavations performed in the cave Charkadio
• The seaside village Aghios Antonios (Saint Antony)
• The Byzantine Monastery of Aghios Panteleimonas (15th century)

Day 4 | Nisyros

Nisyros island is one of the most beautiful Aegean islands, still untouched by tourism growth. The volcano here is one of the few anywhere in the world that you can easily visit.

Mandraki, the capital of the island, is also its harbor. Even though it’s one of the more significant settlements on Nisyros, it remains uncrowded.

Points of interest include:

• Paleokastro is a classical period acropolis of the ancient city.
• Monastery of Panagia Spiliani
• The Castle of the Knights of St. John in Mandraki (circa 1315)
• The town of Emporios (8 kilometers east of Mandraki) is famous for the architecture of the houses.
• The town of Nikia (14 kilometers SE from Mandraki) is home to the church of the Presentation of the Virgin Mary.
• The island has many beautiful beaches, such as Lefki Beach or Gialiskari, Lyés, Páloi, Pachia Ammos, Katsouni, Aghios Savas, and Aghia Irini. Chochlákia beach is ideal for windsurfing and snorkeling.

Day 5 | Kalymnos

Have a leisurely breakfast on your yacht, and then head ashore. Bask in the laid-back atmosphere on this lovely island. Situated between Kos and Leros, quiet islets surround Kalymnos, some inhabited only by sheep and goats.

You may want to explore the area on foot, rock climb, kayak, snorkel, or dive. The Kalymnos Dive Center has organized dives and lessons.

Day 6 | Leros

As you continue your Rhodes to Leros to Kos itinerary, please arrive at the island of Leros, known for its relaxing atmosphere and family beaches. In recent times the island has become a scuba diving destination. The sea bottom of Leros has many old wrecks, some dating from ancient times.

Points of interest include:

• Paleokastro Castle
• Temple of Artemis.
• The main town of Agia Marina. It has lanes lined with lovingly restored pastel buildings with iron fretwork, small waterfront cafés, seafood taverns, charming bakeries, art galleries, and bookstores.
• The town’s clock tower. It is stuck at the exact time that Germany dropped the first bomb on Leros during WWII.

Day 7 | Patmos

Today, we arrive at the island of Patmos. This destination is world-famous as the island where Saint John wrote the Book of Revelation in 95 AD. The Monastery of Saint John and the Cave of Apocalypse are the most important sights on the island.

Patmos is also a fantastic destination for nature lovers thanks to its lace-like coastline, sheer cliffs, and volcanic soil.

Must-see places:

• The Holy Cave of the Apocalypse, where St. John heard the voice of God talking to him, and then wrote the Book of Revelation.
• The Holy Monastery of the Apocalypse
• The Agia Paraskevi Byzantine Church (9th century)
• Skála, the largest settlement and main port.
• Beaches, including Kámpos. Psili Ammos, Váya, Sapsilas and Lámpi.

Day 8 | Lipsi

Today, Lipsi welcomes you with its crystal clear waters, beautiful secluded beaches, and laid-back atmosphere. Choose to relax or venture ashore to do some exploring.

Places to see and things to do:

• Dolphin Sanctuary. A marine conservation and research facility dedicated to protecting and studying dolphins, seals, and other marine life in the surrounding waters of the Dodecanese Islands.
• Church of Agios Ioannis Theologos. A church that features traditional Greek Orthodox architectural elements, including whitewashed walls and a distinctive blue dome, which is a common characteristic of many Greek churches.
• The Ecclesiastical-Folklore Museum
• Horseback riding
• Hiking
• Swimming
• Diving

Day 9 | Bodrum, Turkey

Bodrum is an elegant city stretching from Turkey’s southwest coast into the Aegean Sea. Once a sleepy fishing village, Bodrum now welcomes visitors worldwide. You will find scores of historical sites and many modern activities such as segway tours, museums, and beaches.

Must-see sites on Bodrum include:

• The Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
• Myndos Gate. A significant archaeological site that once served as one of the entrances to the city of Halicarnassus.
• City Wall Moat. A wide, deep trench that encircles Bodrum castle, forming a protective barrier. It was a significant part of the castle’s defensive system.
• Ancient Amphitheatre
• Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology
• Gumusluk Seashore Esplanade

Day 10 | Kos

Last but certainly not least, you arrive at the town of Kos on your Rhodes to Leros to Kos 10-Day Itinerary. This trendy island has golden sand beaches, crystal clear waters, and archaeological sites. Historians note Kos as the home of Hippocrates, considered the father of medicine.

Places to see and things to do

• Asklepeion. Asklepion is a significant attraction of Kos Island. According to ancient Greek mythology, Asclepius was the god of medicine and healing.
• Hippocrates tree. This is the place where Hippocrates is said to have taught his students.
• Visit the castle of knights – Neratzia Castle
• Archaeological Museum
• Roman Odeon Theater. A small, open-air theater used for various performances and gatherings, including musical and theatrical productions, lectures, and meetings.
• The Ancient Agora, once the central marketplace
• Castle of Antimachia. A castle featuring well-preserved walls, towers, and defensive structures.
• Wineries and wine tours

Kos has many beautiful beaches, including Lambi, Tigaki, Marmari, Psalidi, Mastihari, Agios Fokas, and Kardamena.

End Rhodes to Leros to Kos 10-Day Itinerary.

Say farewell to your captain and crew until the next time—the end of Rhodes to Kos 10-Day Itinerary in the Greek Islands.