Dodecanese in 10 days | Itinerary, tips and favorites

When we began dreaming – and planning – about our first trip to Greece, we quickly realized that choosing an itinerary wouldn’t be easy – the country offers such an incredible variety of islands and regions to explore.

My husband is drawn to places steeped in history, while I love feeling the energy of a destination without getting lost in the crowds. So, seeking a perfect blend of sea, culture, and authenticity, we set our sights on the enchanting Dodecanese Islands.

The destination, sometimes less known than the famous Cyclades yet equally captivating, completely won us over with its harmonious mix of breathtaking landscapes, ancient sites, and islands on a human scale.

Our 10-Day Itineray

Given the time we had to explore the region, three stops quickly became obvious choices: Rhodes, Kos, and Athens (which, although not part of the Dodecanese, is a must-see for any first trip to Greece).

This 10-day itinerary in September 2025 allowed us to combine cultural discoveries with moments of relaxation, all while keeping a pleasant, unhurried pace.

Here’s an overview of our journey. By clicking on the links to the detailed articles, you’ll discover our favorite experiences along with a few practical tips to help you plan your own adventure through the Dodecanese region.

Days 1 to 5: Rhodes

4 nights in Rhodes Town: the medieval city and the Acropolis of Lindos transported us straight back in time, while our excursion to the island of Symi truly touched our hearts. We could easily have stayed longer – Rhodes left us wanting more.

👉 Read the detailed article on Rhodes

Days 5 to 8: Kos

3 nights in Kos Town: a complete change of scenery and the perfect base for exploring the rest of the island. Our day trip to Nysiros, with its impressive volcano, was a delightful interlude in the middle of our journey!

👉 Read the detailed article on Kos

Days 8 to 10: Athens

2 nights in the capital: enough time to see the Acropolis stroll through the Plaka district, and soak up the lively urban atmosphere, such a beautiful contrast with the calm of the islands.

👉 Read the detailed article on Athens

We had originally hoped for 4 or 5 more days of vacation. Our plan was to rent a car in Athens and visit Meteora and Delphi, to nurture our love for culture and spirituality. No worries though… it just means this part of Greece will be waiting for us next time!

When to Go to Dodecanese

The best time to visit the Dodecanese is during the shoulder seasons, either April-May or September-October. These months offer a mild climate, fewer tourists, and more affordable prices. The summer months, from June to August, are the hottest and also the busiest.

For our part, we chose to visit Greece in September, a period I highly recommend. The sea is still warm, the weather remains beautifully summery, and the summer crowds have mostly gone.

It’s the perfect time to discover the islands in a more authentic and relaxed atmosphere, while also enjoying good value for money on accommodations and activities.

Backpacking

Since we were only traveling for 10 days – and to a place where it’s easy to find just about anything you might need – we thought, “What if this was the perfect time to try traveling light, with only a carry-on suitcase or backpack?”

Choosing to travel lighter turned out to be a great decision, especially with several transfers planned during our trip. It felt wonderful to move around freely, carrying only a backpack and a small shoulder bag as personal items. Plus, we even saved money on our plane tickets!

Before leaving, we worried a bit about running out of clothes or essentials… but in the end, I realized I could have packed even less. Lesson learned – and ready to test that theory on our next adventure!

Entry Requirements for Greece

Before our trip, we took the time to check the entry requirements and documents needed for traveling to Greece. Here’s what we had to prepare as Canadian travelers:

A passport valid for at least 3 months after the planned departure date;
No visa is required for short stays in the Schengen Area, as long as the visit does not exceed 90 days within a 180-day period.

How to Get to Dodecanese

This trip also came with a few logistical challenges. Since there are no direct flights between Montreal and Rhodes, I had to look for alternative routes. The best option I found was a multi-city flight from Montreal to Paris / Athens to Montreal (with a stopover in Paris) via Air France. For the Paris-Rhodes leg, we flew with another carrier, Sky Express. All in all, the journey took about 11 hours of flying time each way.

How to Get Around Dodecanese

Next, we had to plan transportation between the islands and Athens. We opted for a ferry between Rhodes and Kos, and then an internal flight from Kos to Athens. While that may sound like a lot of travel, it actually went very smoothly – we never felt like we spent too much time in transit during our trip.

To save money, we used public transportation a few times, which is much cheaper than taxis – mainly the Ktel bus services on the islands of Rhodes and Kos, as well as the metro in Athens.

We also rented electric scooters for a day to explore around Rhodes Town, and a 4×4 for a full day on the island of Kos. Both experiences added a fun and adventurous touch to our journey.

Lastly, don’t forget that an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended, and sometimes even required for car rentals in Greece. We obtained ours from CAA-Quebec for $31 each, valid for one year.

Budget & Travel Costs

As always, I find it useful to share the more practical side of things. Here’s a quick look at the budget for this beautiful Mediterranean adventure (amounts shown are for 2 adults):

✈️ Plane tickets: $2,380
🛳️ Other transportation (bus, ferries, taxi, metro): $360
🚗 Car rental: $205
🏨 Accommodation: $1,415
🍔 Food: $1,275
🎟️ Activities: $860
👉 Total: $6,495 for 2 person

This budget felt very reasonable for such a rich and varied trip – balancing comfort, discovery, and plenty of unforgettable moments.

Currency

The official currency in Greece is the Euro (€).

Credit cards are widely accepted in most cities, but it’s always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller businesses, local artisans, rural areas, and some islands.

There are few ways to get cash, either from exchange offices or ATMs. We used the latter, which worked perfectly for us.

In September 2025, our exchange rate was around €0.60 for $1, including ATM and bank fees.

In Conclusion

Beyond the breathtaking scenery, this trip was a way to reconnect: with history, with the simple beauty of the Greek islands, but also with ourselves. Each stop along the way had its own rhythm, reminding us that life itself flows differently depending on where we stand.

I hope this itinerary inspires you and maybe helps you plan your own meaningful adventure in Greece.

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Dodecanese, Greece – 10-Day Itinerary (September 2025)

A Journey to the Heart of History