I'd recommend checking out - Symi is gorgeous with its neoclassical mansions, and Halki is really picturesque and peaceful. Don't miss Kastellorizo too - one of the prettiest strips of blue in the Med.
So we ended up spending a week in Rhodes, a week in Nisyros and a week in Symi.
All incredible.
Will be going back to Greece again next year for sure . Looking for equally quaint and quiet Greek experiences.
May return to Nisyros as that was our favourite but open to all options. So nice to be there in shoulder season late March early April with wonderful temperatures and minimal crowds. One sailor we met had great advice for us. Stick to islands that do not have airports or cruise ship visits.
Some highlights in photos. Happy to share any advice if interested.
Love your advice for where to explore! Love Greece and would love to spend time like that on different islands. So many place and so little ( money lol)
Toast.......to Life; White Bay...heaven on earth. Diane
As a 50-year veteran of visiting Greece regularly there are many islands I'd never set foot on again these days. Mykonos and Santorini top the list. Horrendously busy in the summer and expensive. Yet often just an hour's ferry journey away are much quieter islands which still retain their original charm. The OP's Rhodes,Symi and Nisyros combo is a perfect balance. The small chain of North Cyclades islands around Mykonos including Andros, are wonderful too. The best tip is to look at TripAvisor's Greece forums - the islands with the most posts are the least worth visiting. And this American guy, Matt Barrett, has for many years run the very best website for independent travel there.