Island hopping in the Dodecanese - Rhodes, Halki and Tilos

Day 1 - Arrival on Rhodes

On arrival on Rhodes, transfer to your accommodation for the next three nights.

Overnight at the Paris Garden Hotel, Rhodes. Bed & Breakfast

Rhodes

Day 2 & 3 - Explore Rhodes

Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese and the most popular, as the island enjoys one of the best sunshine records in the Mediterranean and a string of fine sandy beaches. It also boasts one of the best preserved medieval cities in the world in Rhodes Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the Crusading Knights of St. John had their headquarters for over 200 years, and it is their silent presence that holds sway still, although the Ottomans were here for twice that time. Outside the walls there is plenty to see and do and booked accommodation can be within the old town or in the surrounding modern town which is lively and cosmopolitan with long beaches to the west. Inland, the island is fertile and hilly with many villages (as well as the odd castle or monastery) to explore as well as much-photographed Lindos, with its acropolis above and beach below.

Overnight at the Paris Garden Hotel, Rhodes. Bed & Breakfast

Lindos, Rhodes

Day 4 - Transfer to Halki

Transfer by ferry to Halki (1 hour). Only 6km from Rhodes' western coast, it is its closest neighbour and yet you will not find a better example of two completely contrasting islands.

Overnight at the Aretanassa Hotel, Halki. Bed & Breakfast

Aretanassa Hotel, Halki

Day 5, 6 & 7 - Explore Halki

Halki is tiny, the smallest inhabited island in the whole Dodecanese group, measuring just 28 sq kms and with a resident population numbering just a few hundred. There is one village, Emborio, and one sandy beach. You are forced to relax here, because a holiday on Halki means eat, swim, walk, read and sleep. The postcard-pretty, amphitheatrical harbour of Emborio is lined by elegant Venetian stone mansions. Nightlife revolves around the fine half-dozen or so waterfront tavernas which specialise in fish caught that morning. The island's main beach is sandy Pondamos, a 15 minute walk. Other beaches and pebble coves can be reached on foot or by water taxi.

Overnight at the Aretanassa Hotel, Halki. Bed & Breakfast

Halki

Day 8 - Transfer to Tilos

Transfer to Tilos by ferry (40 minutes), the most enlightened Greek island we know and the isle leading the way in environmental protection and eco-tourism. It is no coincidence that Tilos is a firm favourite with the Sunvil team and our travellers.

Overnight at the Irini Hotel, Tilos. Bed & Breakfast

Irini Hotel, Tilos

Day 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 & 14 - Explore Tilos

Tiny Tilos (64 sq kms and a population of 500) has been designated an important Bird Area, an EU-registered Special Protection Area and a Natura 2000 site amongst others. What this all means is that visitors here will find a protected natural environment with a wonderful diversity of flora and fauna. The island is fully self sufficient in energy and runs a Just Go Zero, zero waste island initiative. Tilos is a paradise for walkers and boasts 67 kms of signed walking trails (many being restored cobbled mule paths). There are 200 Byzantine country chapels, seven Crusader castles, abandoned villages, a Byzantine monastery, and a cave with the remains of dwarf elephants, a most important archaeological find in recent history. Visit Tilos and, in our opinion, you'll fall in love forever, with the island, the islanders and their vision for a high-quality tourism that benefits all.

Overnight at the Irini Hotel, Tilos. Bed & Breakfast

Tilos

Day 15 - Day of departure

Transfer from Tilos to Rhodes by ferry (2 hours) for your return flight to the UK.