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Island hopping in the Dodecanese - Symi, Kalymnos and Telendos
Overview
Introduction
Being in Greece's far south-eastern corner, the Dodecanese not only enjoys an enviable sunshine record but also a distinctive history, culture and architecture - resulting from its strategic location. Each island has its own character and this 10 night itinerary shines a spotlight on three destinations, each beautiful and fascinating in their own right but when combined offer an exceptional and enriching holiday experience.
Our Greek specialists have first-hand experience and unrivalled knowledge when it comes to handcrafting the perfect island hopping break. Should our proposed itinerary not meet your requirements, we will happily tailor the itinerary to better suit. Holiday length and hotel durations can always be changed.
Itinerary includes:
- Flight to Rhodes Airport, returning from Kos Airport
- 4 Nights on Symi - Bed and Breakfast
- 3 Nights on Kalymnos - Bed and Breakfast
- 3 Nights on Telendos - Bed and Breakfast
- Transfers and ferry tickets throughout
- Single room supplement on request
Agenda
Day 1 - Arrival on Symi
On arrival at Rhodes Airport, transfer to the port and onwards to the island of Symi (60 - 90 minutes by ferry).
Overnight at the Nireus Hotel, Symi. Bed & Breakfast
Nireus Hotel, Symi
Day 2, 3 & 4 - Explore Symi
Symi was a major commercial centre, which is why such a small island has such an impressive port. Grand neo-classical houses and mansions, once owned by wealthy sea captains of yore, line the horseshoe-shaped bay on three sides and climb the steep hill behind. Beaches on the island are of the pretty pebble variety and reached by one of the regular water-taxis that shuttle to and fro through the day (there is a bus alternative to Pedi in the next bay). Boats also run to nearby islands and you can visit Turkey only 4 miles distant. One of the most atmospheric harbour towns in Greece. There are also some good walking opportunities to small bays or inland. But most visitors come simply to relax; to enjoy Symi's very clear seas, warmth of welcome and one of the most atmospheric small harbour towns in the Aegean.
Overnight at the Nireus Hotel, Symi. Bed & Breakfast
Symi
Day 5 - Transfer to Kalymnos
Transfer from Symi to Kalymnos by ferry (2 hours).
Overnight at the Carian Hotel, Kalymnos. Bed & Breakfast
Carian Hotel, Kalymnos
Day 6 & 7 - Explore Kalymnos
The very friendly island of Kalymnos offers much variety. From the bustling main port of Pothia in the south to the sleepy Greek charm of Emborios in the north, the island can satisfy a wide range of holiday tastes within its 21km length. Kalymnos was famed for the bravery of its sponge divers. However, recent years have seen this trade decline and the island has reinvented itself as an activity holiday centre. It is now a mecca for rock climbers and walkers with scuba diving and sea kayaking also available.
Overnight at the Carian Hotel, Kalymnos. Bed & Breakfast
Kalymnos
Day 8 - Transfer to Telendos
Tiny Telendos is just 10 minutes across the water from Kalymnos and provides the perfect 'away from it all escape'.
The islands were once joined but were separated by an earthquake in AD 554. They say that, if you look hard, you can see the remains of a submerged village on the way across.
Overnight at the Porto Potha Hotel, Telendos. Bed & Breakfast
Porto Potha Hotel, Telendos
Day 9 & 10 - Explore Telendos
To visit Telendos is to take a step back in time. There is one tiny fishing hamlet and a number of sand-shingle beaches, one of which is naturist - the closest is just a five minute walk over the headland from the harbour. Blissfully tranquil (no cars), the pretty waterfront has half-a-dozen tavernas, a couple of cafes and a small shop or two. Relax, breathe and read - the perfect end to your island hopping adventure.
Overnight at the Porto Potha Hotel, Telendos. Bed & Breakfast
Telendos
Day 11 - Day of departure
Transfer to Kalymnos and on to Kos Airport for your return flight to the UK.
Accommodation
Nireus Hotel - Night 1 to 4
Designed in the neoclassical style this well established hotel is ever popular and enjoys a premier position on the waterfront, with commanding views across the entrance to Symi harbour.
Designed in the neoclassical style this well established hotel is ever popular and enjoys a premier position on the waterfront, with commanding views across the entrance to Symi harbour.
The hotel has 36 nicely renovated rooms on its two upper floors. Rooms belie the hotel's official category and are spacious and tastefully furnished and decorated.
All possess air-conditioning, TV, fridge, telephone, safety deposit box, WiFi, hairdryer and tiled shower room. Most are twin-bedded and those to the front have wonderful views over the bay from their balcony. The hotel also has rear rooms with views over the town to the hillside.
The ground floor houses the reception area, a large sunny outside terrace, and a popular restaurant and cafe-bar with tables and chairs above the sea. The jetty to the front of the hotel acts as a lido, with sun beds (charged locally) and a ladder into the sea if you do not wish to walk the 10-15 minutes to Nos, the nearest beach. Beah towels are provided for guests.
The Nireus has many regular guests so early booking is recommended, especially for the sea view rooms.
Carian Hotel - Night 5 to 7
We believe the Carian offers the best modern hotel standards on Kalymnos. It also has a wonderful location, directly above the sea towards the quieter northern end of Massouri. Below the hotel is a pair of small pebble coves from which to swim.
We believe the Carian offers the best modern hotel standards on Kalymnos. It also has a wonderful location, directly above the sea towards the quieter northern end of Massouri. Below the hotel is a pair of small pebble coves from which to swim.
The hotel has only 34 rooms in total, ensuring a personal and efficient service to guests. Rooms are double bedded with AC, satellite TV, free WiFi, mini-bar, room safe and hairdryer. Bathrooms have a walk-in shower and all our rooms have a front balcony with memorable views over the sea to Telendos island. Furnishings are cool and contemporary with light coloured woods and fabrics to the fore.
The pool area is below the hotel close to the sea and has a pool snack bar, a great venue for a sundowner. From here a rough path leads to the two aforementioned coves with crystal waters in just a minute. Massouri's main sandy beach is a 5-6 minute walk away (450m) and you will and a range of tavernas and cafes nearby.
The Carian also has Calliope Wellness Spa next door, which offers a full range of treatments, and has its own car hire.
To the rear of the hotel are the high rock cliffs so typical of Kalymnos and a magnet for climbers.
Porto Potha Hotel - Night 8 to 10
The Porto Potha is the only hotel on Telendos and built on the hillside above a narrow sand-shingle beach. It is a five minute walk above the sea to Telendos' quite charming waterfront.
The Porto Potha is the only hotel on Telendos and built on the hillside above a narrow sand-shingle beach. It is a five minute walk above the sea to Telendos' quite charming waterfront.
The hotel is family-run and has 20 rooms, a mix of BB hotel rooms and suites on the first floor of the original building and SC studios in a separate building to the side. Most are twin bedded and all possess air conditioning, shower room, fridge and balcony - all with wonderful views over the strait to Kalymnos.
The new Suites are corner rooms and possess double bedroom, separate living room with two sofa beds, shower room and three balconies.
The studios next door also possess basic cooking facilities (2 rings). Furnishings are simple and traditional.
The main building has a ground floor lounge and breakfast room, although this is usually taken on the outside terrace in summer months. Wifi access is offered here.
Steps lead down to the good-sized sea water swimming pool below, and then continue on down to the beach and seaside path. Other beaches may be found a 15 minute walk over the headland.
Simple accommodation in peaceful natural surroundings with great views. You will receive a very warm welcome from the family (please do not expect very slick service). Old style Greece at its best, we think you will have no option but to relax here.