Islands near Rhodes

Planning a few extra days after Rhodes, or trying to turn one island stay into something bigger? Rhodes is one of the best places in the Dodecanese to do exactly that, with direct ferry routes to nearby favorites, making it easy to explore some of the best islands near Rhodes.

From Rhodes Town Port, and on some routes from Kamiros Skala, you can head to colorful neoclassical harbors, secluded beaches, volcanic landscapes, and culture-rich islands without changing your whole trip style. Whether you’re after a quick swim stop, a laid-back foodie break, or a longer ferry adventure, there’s plenty within reach.:

1. Symi

If you want something close, photogenic and effortlessly atmospheric, Symi is the obvious first pick. The island is known for its cosmopolitan feel, colorful neoclassical houses and elegant harbor setting, which makes it especially appealing for couples, day-trippers and anyone who likes their island escapes with a little style.

Spend your time wandering around Gialos, climbing the Kali Strata for sweeping views and heading out to beaches such as Agios Georgios Dysalonas and Nanou. If you stay for lunch, order symiako garidaki (tiny fried Symi shrimp), the island’s signature bite, and make room for a stop at the Monastery of Panormitis if you want a cultural detour.

The Rhodes - Symi route runs every day throughout the year. The crossing can be as short as 45 minutes, and many sailings take around 1 to 1.5 hours depending on the vessel.

Rhodes - Symi from €7

The colorful neoclassical houses and blue waters of Gialos port in Symi

2. Halki

For a slower pace, Halki is one of the most peaceful islands you can visit from Rhodes. Small, car-free and wonderfully unhurried, it stands out for its picturesque port, quiet atmosphere and easy charm, making it ideal for couples, families and anyone craving a proper reset.

The island is all about simple pleasures: swim at Potamos or Ftenagia, walk through Nimborio, the main settlement, and hike up toward the church of Agios Nikolaos or the Monastery of Panormitis for panoramic views. If you’re around during the summer, you might catch local panigiria (traditional feast festivals) with music, food and dancing that go on late into the night.

Ferries to Halki depart from both the main port of Rhodes and the smaller port of Kamiros Skala. Crossings from Kamiros Skala are very short, taking about 45 minutes, while departures from the main port take approximately 2 hours.

Rhodes - Halki from €8

The organized Pontamos beach with turquoise waters in Halki

3. Kos

If you want a bigger island with more range, Kos is a great match. It’s one of the most versatile islands in the Dodecanese, popular with families, friend groups and couples thanks to its mix of beaches, history, villages, and nightlife.

You can split your time between beach stops like Paradise Beach, Cavo Paradiso and Limnionas, then switch to cultural sights such as the Asklepion, Casa Romana and the Tree of Hippocrates in Kos Town. If you want something more active, there’s windsurfing in Marmari and Mastichari, or a soak in the natural spa at Therma.

Ferries from Rhodes to Kos run every day year-round, with at least 1 daily crossing and up to 2 to 3 departures a day in high season. The trip usually takes around 2 to 7 hours, depending on the vessel.

Rhodes - Kos from €14.50

The ancient ruins of the Asklepion archaeological site in Kos

4. Nisyros

For something that feels genuinely different, Nisyros has one of the most striking landscapes in the Dodecanese. This volcanic island is best for travelers who like raw scenery, quieter villages and a trip that feels a little more offbeat.

The big draw is the island’s volcano, especially the Stefanos crater, but there’s more to see once you’re there. Swim at Chochlaki, Pachia Ammos, or Avlaki, explore Palaiokastro and the Monastery of Panagia Spiliani, then settle into a village taverna during the summer panigiria (traditional feast festivals) if you want to experience the island at its liveliest.

The Rhodes - Nisyros ferry runs year-round and usually sails 5 days per week, with up to 6 weekly departures in the high season. Crossing time ranges from about 2.5 to 5.5 hours.

Rhodes - Nisyros from €12

The lunar-like landscape of the Stefanos volcano crater in Nisyros

5. Kalymnos

Adventure lovers should keep Kalymnos high on the list. The island is famous for its dramatic rock landscapes, outdoor energy and authentic feel, which makes it especially appealing if you want more than just beach time.

You can spend the day at Masouri, Vlychadia, or Platis Yialos, then head out to explore caves like Kefalas and Seven Nymphs. Kalymnos is also one of the world’s best-known climbing destinations, and the views toward Telendos add even more reason to stay a bit longer.

Ferries from Rhodes to Kalymnos run every day, with many weekly crossings and up to 15 departures per week in high season. The trip can take anywhere from 2 hours 50 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes, depending on the ferry.

Rhodes - Kalymnos from €18.50

Rock climbing in a majestic cave in Kalymnos with views of Telendos island

6. Patmos

If your ideal island mix includes sea views and a strong cultural side, Patmos is a beautiful choice. The island is known for its tranquil atmosphere, picturesque villages and major religious heritage, so it works particularly well for travelers who like their beach days paired with meaningful sightseeing.

Beach-wise, Psili Ammos, Lampi, and Grikos are all worth your time, while Petra stands out for the dramatic Rock of Kalikatsou right beside it. For landmarks, don’t miss the Monastery of Agios Ioannis Theologos and the Cave of the Apocalypse, both tied to the island’s UNESCO-listed heritage.

The Rhodes - Patmos route is active all year and ferries run every day, with up to 15 weekly crossings in summer. The trip usually takes around 4.5 to over 9.5 hours.

Rhodes - Patmos from €23

The serene Psili Ammos beach with its golden sand and crystal-clear waters

7. Astypalea

For a longer hop with a different visual identity, Astypalea is a standout. Often called the “butterfly of the Aegean,” it blends Dodecanese character with Cycladic-looking whitewashed scenery, and it feels tailor-made for travelers after slow days, scenic swims and a dreamy Chora.

Once there, head for beaches such as Kaminakia, Plakes, and Agios Ioannis, then explore the Castle of Astypalea, the island’s iconic windmills, and the church of Panagia Portaitissa. If you sit down for a proper meal, look out for pougkia (sweet or savory cheese pies), one of the island’s best-known local specialties.

The ferry from Rhodes to Astypalea runs year-round with weekly service. The crossing takes 4 or 9.5 hours, depending on the vessel, and tickets generally start at about €21.50.

Rhodes - Astypalea from €21.50

The historic Venetian Castle overlooking the whitewashed Chora of Astypalea

8. Kastellorizo

For something remote, distinctive and wonderfully quiet, Kastellorizo is a memorable choice. It’s the kind of island that appeals to travelers who value atmosphere over bustle, with a single main settlement, traditional architecture and a strong sense of having arrived somewhere truly far-flung.

You can explore the waterfront village on foot, then take a boat to Ro or Strongyli, or swim in and around the famous Blue Cave, one of the island’s top natural sights. For culture, look out for the Lycian Tomb, the Kastellorizo Archaeological-Folklore Museum, and the Castle of the Knights of St. John at Castello Rosso.

The Rhodes - Kastellorizo ferry operates year-round with several weekly crossings and more departures in summer. Crossing time is usually around 2.5 to 5 hours.

Rhodes - Kastellorizo from €17.50

The picturesque Chora of Kastellorizo featuring vibrant neoclassical architecture

Island-hopping around Rhodes: book your ferry tickets

Rhodes makes island-hopping wonderfully easy, whether you want a quick day trip to Symi or Halki, or a longer route toward Patmos, Astypalea, or Kastellorizo. On Ferryhopper’s Map of Ferries, you can compare schedules and check fares. Pick one of the islands near Rhodes that fits your mood and book your ferry tickets with no hidden fees.