Island hopping in Greece – Rhodos to Symi to Kos

What started as a detour trip from Marmaris in Turkey to Rhodes in Greece quickly became a journey of island hopping in Greece. From Rhodes to Symi to Kos. Going to Rhodes meant I was also able to add my third spot, out of the ’Seven Wonders of the Ancient World’, that I have been to. (See the full list here). My first one was in Olympia, were the Statue of Zeus stood and the second the Pyramids in Giza, Egypt. Do you know the other one in Greece? And is visiting Rhodes and Kos mid November too late?

Ferry to Rhodes

Rhodes is the largest Island of the Greece’s Dodecanese area and, besides the ‘popular beach resorts’, is also known for its ancient ruins and medieval town.

The ferry to Rhodes wasn’t a very pleasant trip as the ferry decided to leave in bad weather. Unfortunately my stomach couldn’t cope with the waves and sitting inside for one hour. I was glad when I arrived (and so were the others actually). Once recovered, there was a lot of walking in Rhodes. From the old medieval town, to the street of the Knights and the ruins of Acropolis, I enjoyed exploring the town of Rhodes.

Colossus of Rhodes

I also stood at the spot of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Colossus of Rhodes. It was a massive statue of a male figure built around 280 B.C. (in honor of the sun god Helios) but destroyed in a huge earthquake in 226 B.C. It must have been quite something back then. (Read more here)

Rhodes

I didn’t mind Rhodes although I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it as a holiday destination. Overall it felt quite run down, dirty and abandoned, although the medieval old town was pretty to discover. But if you are after a relaxing holiday destination, there are many other spots to choose from in my opinion.

Symi

Ok, I admit, I didn’t really stop in Symi as such. The ferry did stop here briefly, on the my ride from Rhodes to Kos. And because it looked gorgeous as we approached it, I had to share my photos with you.

Maybe next time I will stop here for a day or two?

Kos

The small island Kos with the simple and relaxed vibe suited me, and so I took it fairly easy during my short stay here. With more ancient ruins to see in Turkey and after all the walking in Rhodes I enjoyed the view from my balcony and the sauna in the hotel. Not to mention a stroll to the beach.

The pebbled beach might not be the cleanest beach, (not sure if the rubbish along the beach was a left over from the Friday night parties or from the high season), but the water was beautiful blue and clear. Was this my last swim for this trip?

Island Hopping

My island hopping in Greece, from Rhodes to Lymis to Kos, was a great detour to find my way back to Bodrum in Turkey.

And while it is clear that the locals on the Greek islands are on their holiday already, after the tourist season (a lot of shops and restaurants are closed until next year), it was nevertheless great to explore Rhodes and Kos in November.

Next time, however, I would come a little bit earlier. Early November is probably the latest you want to be here to enjoy the sun and beach at its fullest.

For me, there is more to see in Turkey and more of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World to see. How amazing!

(post 119)