Symi

Beige and pastel homes dot the rocky shoreline of picturesque Symi, the less-crowded, more-relaxed little sister island of Rhodes. Its Symi town and hillside village of Chorio offer quaint shops and cafés that almost distract you from beautiful scenery. Still, as a Virtual Tourist reports: "Here you'll find more bars and tavernas, houses, windmills and churches. Plenty of chances to get off the beaten track, and see something of Symi village life. You can easily lose track of time scrambling around the paths and alleyways!"

Nature seekers head to the southern bay of Nanoú for more remote leisure, but amateur historians like to wonder the island, stopping at its many monasteries. The most popular and spectacular, Psnormitis Monastery, is still an active pilgrimage site with a small inn set aside for weary pilgrims. With two small museums, a courtyard, a bell tower and a church, the monastery has some nooks to explore and things to see. You can also hike the area's forested terrain or swim along the rocky shore.

Symi is just a short ferry ride from Rhodes Town. Ships run daily and more frequently in the peak summer season. Check out this Greek ferry website to book your fare. Getting around the island can be complicated, and the lack of adequate transportation detours some travelers from visiting. It's best to bring your hiking boots and rely on your own two feet.