Rhodes, Symi and Kos - 10 nights

[mod]

Me and the GF have got 10 nights booked to explore and chill on a few Greek islands in May. Neither of us has been to Greece before but we are drawn to their archipelago thanks mainly to Simon Reeve's who said Symi was his favourite holiday destination. To mix it up we are thinking about starting of on Rhodes for a couple of nights, then Symi for 5 nights and maybe 2 or 3 nights on Kos.

Has anyone been to these islands before?

The last thing we want is a 'brits abroad' holiday with loads of stag dos etc.

A bit of culture, exploration and nice food would be lovely! If possible getting off the beaten track a bit and seeing how the natives live.

Any tips would be gratefully received as we haven't got a scooby do.

 

[Bahnhof Strasse]

The natives in the holiday islands are miserable fucks, stick to the mainland if you want ‘authentic’ Greece and don’t need beaches, bars etc.

 

[Chilli.s]

Rhodes is very touristy compared with other islands, but the main town is good for a wonder about. I drove round the whole island in a day and it was fun nice scenery some great archaeology and a couple of good meals. I've been to loads of other Greek islands and highly recommend them for holidays, not visited Symi or Kos though. A friend who has also been to lots also says Symi is their fave.

 

[mod]

Rhodes is very touristy compared with other islands, but the main town is good for a wonder about. I drove round the whole island in a day and it was fun nice scenery some great archaeology and a couple of good meals. I've been to loads of other Greek islands and highly recommend them for holidays, not visited Symi or Kos though. A friend who has also been to lots also says Symi is their fave.

thanks.

would you say a few nights on Rhodes is enough?

 

[clicker]

thanks.

would you say a few nights on Rhodes is enough?

Re - Rhodes...It'd be good to spend an evening in the Old Town and another in Lindos. Both cooler and calmer then as the boat trips/cruises have left for the day. Both have a magical evening light. Imposing architecture in one and higgeldy piggedly postcard Greece in the other.
Prassonisi is a beach worth visiting and you'll see a lot just driving around.

Kos wasn't one of my favourite places. It was about 20 years ago so could've changed. Hard to say why, it just didn't feel as welcoming as the other islands.

Symi I've only heard good things about and hope to visit.

 

[Chilli.s]

the Old Town and another in Lindos

I'd second that

 

[Chilli.s]

thanks.

would you say a few nights on Rhodes is enough?

If you're flying in and out from there then yes. Archaeology wise, the ruins of ancient Kamiros are great, Lindos has an acropolis as does Rhodes town, if that's your thing. I'd be wanting to get to Symi first though!

 

[Fuzzzie]

You'll find plenty to occupy you in Rhodes Old Town. Visit the Palace of the Grand Masters, Street of the Knights of St John, the Old Clock Tower and the Grand Mosque. Plenty of shops, bars and Tavernas as well. Take a walk around Mandraki Harbour where you can get a road train or open topped bus which will take you to Monte Smith and other sites. Pop into the New Market and visit the small shops there which tend to be cheaper. Also a few nice tavernas.

 

[nogojones]

So mod how did the holiday go? where did you choose in the end and do you have any nice pictures?

 

[mod]

So mod how did the holiday go? where did you choose in the end and do you have any nice pictures?

We 'were' meant to go a couple of weeks ago. All canceled for obvious reasons.

 

[Sprocket.]

We 'were' meant to go a couple of weeks ago. All canceled for obvious reasons.

Hopefully you will get there soon.
Symi is a cracking little spot. Beware it is one of the hottest islands in Greece during July and August. We had two days of unbearable heat, some of the elderly locals died because of it.
One of the best spectacles to witness is the turning around of the huge ferries and cruise ships in the main harbour. They literally revolve the ship using winches and two blokes shouting to each other through megaphones as they drive their Aprillia motor tricycles around the wharf.
Some of the larger ships only have a couple of metres to spare.
Also never had a bad meal on Symi.
The tavernas and grill bars are very good.

ETA: I’ve just read that Symi opened its harbour extension in 2018.
Thus removing the large ships from where they used to berth in the town centre.