Kos to Symi has no scheduled direct boat, so most operators route it via Rhodes — hold that day loose rather than booking tight connections either side. Patmos' lack of an airport means the opening day depends entirely on the ferry from Kos, so confirm that sailing before the flight in.

Dodecanese · 11 days

Dodecanese in 11 days

A longer Dodecanese loop that adds Patmos to the standard Kos–Symi–Rhodes run, moving north to south across five islands. It suits travelers with time for a genuine change of pace between the monastery quiet of Patmos and the resort energy of Kos.

Day by day

Day 1–2 Patmos
Patmos has no airport, so most travelers fly into Kos or Rhodes and take the 1h 45m fast ferry across; once there, the Cave of the Apocalypse and the fortified monastery of St John fill two nights.
Patmos → Kalymnos · 1h 10m · from €32
Day 3–4 Kalymnos
Kalymnos is reached by a 1h 10m fast ferry from Patmos; two nights cover the sponge-diving harbor of Pothia and the climbing crags above Vathy valley.
Kalymnos → Kos · 35m · from €24
Day 5–6 Kos
Kos takes two nights for Kos Town castle, the ancient Asklepion, and Tigaki beach, reached by a 35-minute ferry from Kalymnos.
Day 7–8 Symi
There is no direct sailing from Kos to Symi, so this connection usually routes through Rhodes — check the timetable before booking. Symi then offers the harbor at Gialos and a boat trip to the Panormitis monastery.
Symi → Rhodes · 50m · from €32
Day 9–11 Rhodes
Rhodes closes the trip with three nights in the medieval Old Town and a day trip to Lindos, reached by a 50-minute ferry from Symi.

Dodecanese Explorer Dodecanese north to south 11 nights · from €590

Times, prices and frequencies are indicative and change by season and operator. Always confirm the live timetable before you book.