Start with the essentials
Plan Dodecanese at a glance
- Best for
- Medieval heritage, island towns, beaches and south-eastern Aegean routes
- Suggested time
- 5 to 10 days
- Main connection
- Rhodes airport and ferry port
About Dodecanese
Why explore Dodecanese
Rhodes is large enough to combine a medieval city stay, Lindos and coastal bases. Other Dodecanese islands should be added only when the ferry pattern is clear.
Rhodes Town and Rhodes Island need separate planning. The town is walkable, while island sights can sit hours apart by road or bus.
Plan the region
Rhodes is large enough to combine a medieval city stay, Lindos and coastal bases. Other Dodecanese islands should be added only when the ferry pattern is clear.
Choose where to spend your time
Places to explore
3 guides
Rhodes Island
Rhodes is a large Dodecanese island where medieval Rhodes Town, Lindos, eastern beaches and the quieter interior need several distinct days.
Open guide
Kos
Kos combines a bicycle-friendly capital, ancient sites, long beaches and mountain villages on an island with useful air and ferry links.
Open guide
Rhodes Town
Rhodes Town combines a walled medieval city, Mandraki harbour and a modern northern district that makes a strong two or three-day base.
Open guideBuild a coherent route
Plan by area
Rhodes Island
Rhodes is a large Dodecanese island where medieval Rhodes Town, Lindos, eastern beaches and the quieter interior need several distinct days.
Kos
Kos combines a bicycle-friendly capital, ancient sites, long beaches and mountain villages on an island with useful air and ferry links.
See the main travel bases
See the main places in Dodecanese
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Use the map to compare the main bases before planning local transport.
Match the route to your time
What fits into your trip
A practical first visit
Rhodes is large enough to combine a medieval city stay, Lindos and coastal bases. Other Dodecanese islands should be added only when the ferry pattern is clear.
Link the stops sensibly
Routes and day trips
Use Rhodes Town for heritage, then change base or plan full-day trips for Lindos and southern beaches.
Suggested regional routes
Rhodes Island
Rhodes Town sits at the northern tip, Lindos is far down the east coast, and Prasonisi lies near the southern end. One base can work, but repeated returns make the island feel longer.
Open destination guideKos
Kos combines a bicycle-friendly capital, ancient sites, long beaches and mountain villages on an island with useful air and ferry links.
Open destination guideChoose transport by destination
Getting around Dodecanese
Medieval walls and acropolises are hot, steep and busy in summer.
Suggested time
5 to 10 days
Main connection
Rhodes airport and ferry port
Choose dates that suit the route
When to visit
Cobbles, steps and heat require venue-specific planning.
Read the seasonal guide for GreeceAvoid common route problems
Planning checks
Is Rhodes part of the Dodecanese?
Yes. Rhodes is the largest island in the group and its main international transport hub.
How long should I stay on Rhodes?
Five to seven days allow Rhodes Town, Lindos and a coastal section without treating the island as one day trip.
What should I check before travelling through Dodecanese?
Confirm the dated transport, opening information and conditions for the exact places in the route.
Quick answers
Questions about Dodecanese
Is Rhodes part of the Dodecanese?
Yes. Rhodes is the largest island in the group and its main international transport hub.
How long should I stay on Rhodes?
Five to seven days allow Rhodes Town, Lindos and a coastal section without treating the island as one day trip.
What should I check before travelling through Dodecanese?
Confirm the dated transport, opening information and conditions for the exact places in the route.
How this guide is checked
Sources and review
Reviewed 3 September 2026, next review due 3 March 2027. Services, access rules and opening arrangements can change, so check the official source before travel.
- Official Greece travel planning, Greek National Tourism Organisation
- Official Greek islands visitor information, Greek National Tourism Organisation
- Official Greek rail journey planner and service updates, Hellenic Train
- Official Rhodes visitor information, Municipality of Rhodes
- Medieval City of Rhodes World Heritage record, UNESCO World Heritage Centre
Continue through Greece
Regions that connect naturally
Rhodes Island
Rhodes is a large Dodecanese island where medieval Rhodes Town, Lindos, eastern beaches and the quieter interior need several distinct days.
Kos
Kos combines a bicycle-friendly capital, ancient sites, long beaches and mountain villages on an island with useful air and ferry links.
Continue planning
See more of Greece
Use the country guide to compare Dodecanese with other regions and destinations in Greece.