We will be spending 16 days in Greece in August. Our itinerary includes time in Athens (for the full moon), Nafplio and the surrounds, Delphi, and Santorini. (Not in that order.) We also want to spend time on another island and are considering Lesvos or Rhodes. We will be flying from either of these islands to Samos for a day trip excursion to Ephesus as well. (And yes, I've checked--on the day in question there is a direct flight to Samos from either island.)

I think Lesvos would nicely balance the rest of our itinerary in terms of it being cheaper and less touristed, but have heard great things about Rhodes.

Any thoughts?

I think you will find the "direct flight to Samos from either island" is actually two flights via Athens. If I am wrong, I would be interested to know which airline offers this service.

So would I. Is it Sky Express?

I can't speak to Rhodes, though I've always wanted to go. I can comment on Lesvos though. I really enjoyed this island and your right - it is less touristed. Staying in Molyvos was one of the highlights of my trip to Greece. Though usually a staunch supporter of public transport, I will advise that you need a car to get around. There are numerous wonderful small villages that need to be reached by car. Some nice stops include: Plomari, Petra, there is some beautiful unique scenery between Antissa and Sigri - where I also enjoyed the views around the petrified forest. I would tell you the names of all the great villages I saw but I was just driving around randomly and tripped upon them all over the place. Great, great island...with a car. If you go my my favorite beach was Eftalou near Molyvos - its a pebble beach but picture big smooth warm round pebbles that make you feel like your at an expensive spa. If you go past this sort of turkish bath igloo looking structure there are lovely secluded coves where you can while away a day just reading and enjoying the scenery.

Cheers,
Naxos

Both flights are on Olympic. From Rhodes, it is direct. From Lesvos, the flight stops in Chios for about 25 minutes.

Well, I'll take your word for it, but I've looked on the Olympic Airlines website, and can't find any flights to Samos from either Rhodes or Lesvos (Mytilene) that don't go through Athens.

The flights don't happen every day, but appear to be once weekly.

By golly, you're right! Good fares too! Thank you for teaching me something.

Hi Alisa - Both are attractive, but of the two my preference would be Lesvos - though you need a car IMO, as Naxos says.

Steve

Like Naxos travel, I can only speak for Lesvos, which is less trafficked, pretty and has lovely beaches, too.

Rhodes in August would be my idea of hell. It'll be roasting! And you'll have the meltemi to contend with.