Practical Information
The Dodecanese are one of the best-connected island groups in Greece thanks to good ferry and flight connections. Nevertheless, the rule is: Flexibility is king. Ferries can be canceled in strong winds (Meltemi, especially July/August), and the smaller islands have fewer connections than the larger ones.
Ferry Connections
The ferry is the main means of transport between the Dodecanese islands. Two main providers:
- Blue Star Ferries: Large, modern car ferries on the Piraeus → Dodecanese route (overnight, approx. 12–18 hours). Cabins available.
- Dodekanisos Seaways: Fast catamarans between the islands (shorter, more expensive, no cars).
Important Connections
| Route | Duration | Price (approx.) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Piraeus → Rhodes | 13–18 hrs | 45–65€ | Daily (overnight) |
| Piraeus → Kos | 10–12 hrs | 40–55€ | Daily |
| Rhodes → Kos | 2.5 hrs | 20–30€ | 1–2x daily |
| Rhodes → Symi | 1 hr | 12–18€ | 1–2x daily |
| Kos → Patmos | 2.5 hrs | 22–30€ | 3–5x/week |
| Kos → Nisyros | 50 min | 10–14€ | 3–5x/week |
| Rhodes → Karpathos | 4.5 hrs | 25–35€ | 3–5x/week |
| Kos → Kalymnos | 30 min | 6–10€ | Daily (multiple times) |
Prices are indicative for deck tickets (summer 2025). Cabins on night ferries approx. 60–120€ extra. Tickets: ferries.gr, directferries.de or at the harbor.
💡 Tipp
In high season (July/August) book ferries 2–3 days in advance online — especially the speedboats from Dodekanisos Seaways are quickly booked out. In strong Meltemi winds (especially late July/early August), ferries can be canceled — plan buffer days, especially if you need to catch a return flight.
Flights
Two islands have international airports with direct connections from Germany:
Rhodes (RHO) — Diagoras International Airport
One of the largest island airports in Greece. Direct flights from Frankfurt, Munich, Düsseldorf, Berlin, Hamburg, Stuttgart, Cologne, etc. — seasonal (April–October) with Eurowings, Condor, Ryanair, Corendon, Sundair, TUI fly. Flight time 2.5–3 hours. Prices: from 80€ one-way (early booking).
Domestic flights: Daily to/from Athens (50 min., Aegean/Olympic, from 50€), Thessaloniki (1 hr), Crete (1 hr), Kos (30 min.).
Kos (KGS) — Hippocrates Airport
Direct flights from Frankfurt, Munich, Düsseldorf, Berlin, etc. — seasonal (May–October) with Eurowings, Condor, Ryanair, TUI fly. Flight time 2.5–3 hours.
Domestic flights: Daily to/from Athens (50 min., Aegean/Olympic).
Smaller Airports
Karpathos (AOK) and Leros (LRS) have small airports with connections to Athens. Astypalea also has a mini airport (propeller planes!). Patmos has no airport — travel by ferry from Kos (2.5 hrs) or Piraeus (8 hrs by speedboat).
Day Trip to Turkey
The Dodecanese are so close to Turkey that day trips are easily possible — and very popular:
Marmaris from Rhodes
The Turkish coastal town of Marmaris is only 40 km from Rhodes. Speedboat transfer 50 minutes, organized excursions from 30€ including transfer. Typical: Shopping at the bazaar, boat tour, hamam visit. Prices in Turkey are significantly lower than in Greece — leather goods, spices, textiles, and gold jewelry are popular purchases.
Daily May–October, departure 9 am from Rhodes, return 6 pm. Passport REQUIRED (even EU citizens!). Visa: Germans, Austrians, and Swiss can enter Turkey without a visa for up to 90 days. Book boat: Triton Holidays, Marmaris Feribot.
Bodrum from Kos
The elegant Bodrum — the "Saint-Tropez of Turkey" — is only 20 minutes by ferry from Kos. Bodrum has an impressive crusader castle (built by the Knights Hospitaller in the 15th century with stones from the Mausoleum, one of the ancient wonders!), a lively bazaar, excellent restaurants, and legendary nightlife. Much more sophisticated than Marmaris.
Several times daily, ~20€ return. Passport REQUIRED. From Kos harbor, tickets at the harbor or online. Bodrum Ferryboat Association (bodrumferryboat.com).
Achtung
For the Turkey trip, be sure to bring your PASSPORT — the ID card is no longer sufficient for Turkey since 2024! Children also need their own passports. Best to check beforehand if the passport is valid for at least 6 months.