1

Basically no they are not that different. Both are highly touristy popular Greek islands with direct flights from European countries, beaches and sites make up the mix on both islands..
To get somewhere different simply go to Symi, Tilos, Nisyros the small islands between Rhodes and Kos. Now they are contrasting, smaller and no international airports and far fewer hotels and concrete.

2

Great! That's perfect...more what I'm looking for...

3

My sister and I went to both Rhodes and Kos in 2011. I had been to Rhodes a couple of times before. I found Kos quite different from Rhodes. Every island we visited during that trip was individual in some respect; they all have their own 'flavour'. Other Dodecanese islands I have been to are Patmos and Symi. Both worth a visit, too.

4

#1 has the good answer. Rhodes and Kos are too similar in overall atmosphere, when you compare both the smaller nearby islands, Tilos in particular. Nisyros gets an overflow day-trip crowd from Kos, but that can be largely avoided if you actually stay on Nisyros for a day or two.

5

There is much more to see at Rhodos than at Kos (entirely walled medieval city, spendid Greek temple at Lindos, many small country churches with old frescoes, hiking trails, beaches and beaches and beaches.
How much time will you have to spend?

Some ideas:
Low cost flight Istanbul - Dalaman, bus to Marmaris, ferry to Rhodos, about 4 days Rhodos-Lindos (the South is less touristy), then ferry to Tilos, about 2 days hiking and beaches (only 2 of them have chairs and umbrellas) - ferry to Kos, visit the Asklepion and may be a beach, ferry to Bodrum. Low cost flight back to Istanbul.

Low cost flight Istanbul - Antalya, bus to Kas, ferry to Kastellorizo, 1 day on this tiny Island (no beaches, cristal clear water), ferry to Tilos (once weekly direct, almost daily with boat change at Rhodos), then as above...

Low cost flight Istanbul - Bodrum, bus to Bodrum, about 4 days at Bodrum and Datca (Kinidos ruins, beaches), ferry to Kalymnos (direct ferry not daily, via Kos - Mastichari daily), 2 days at Kalymnos, ferry to Leros - Lipsos - Patmos - Samos (stop over for a few days at 1 of these unspoilt Islands), ferry Samos - Kusadasi, bus Kusadasi Izmir airport - low cost flight Istanbul

6

Neckervd,
My trip is about 2.5 weeks total. Thanks for the tips of different islands. It definately adds to my "mix"

The rough plan I have now is....

2 days in Istanbul, make my way to Kas ( open to change), then make my way to Rhodes, then to some other island, making my way back to Turkey ( so my island hopping would be North of Rhodes for convenience of getting back to Turkey),then spending my last day or so in Istanbul.

I'm not really a jumper, I like to stay in one place for 3-4 days.
I'm not one for very touristy places. I like low-key.

7

I suppose you have your reasons for NOT visiting the marvellous places along the Turkish coast. 2 weeks might just be fine for a somewhat decent visit of either Pamphylia or Lykia. If you are only looking for stunning landscapes, five star archeological sites and medieval fortresses, sandy beaches (both secluded and well developed), there is absolutely no need to cross from the Turkish coast to Greece.

8

I was actually going to hit 2 destinations along the coast, but I thought my timing wouldn't allow me.
Ive looked into different places along the coast, but the hustly bustly places dont interest me...Marmaris, Bodrum.... I know there are plenty of other small, more quaint places, but I'm also looking for a bit of convenience in going from one destination to another.

I will check into the places you mentioned. You are very helpful!