Rhodes
Key Facts
Best Time to Visit
May to June and September to October (25-30°C, warm seas, fewer crowds)
Language
Greek (English widely spoken in tourist areas)
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
EET (UTC+2), EEST (UTC+3) in summer
Airport
Rhodes Diagoras International Airport (RHO) — 14 km from Rhodes Town
Population
120,000 (island), 50,000 (Rhodes Town)
Climate
Mediterranean, hot dry summers (30-35°C), mild winters (10-15°C), 300+ sunny days per year
Safety Rating
Very Safe (Level 1) — low crime, well-touristed
UNESCO Sites
Medieval City of Rhodes (Knights Hospitaller fortifications, 1309-1522)
Top Highlights
Medieval Old Town of Rhodes
Europe's best-preserved medieval walled city — UNESCO World Heritage since 1988. Enter through 11 gates into a maze of cobbled streets, Byzantine churches, Ottoman mosques, and Crusader inns. The Street of the Knights is the most intact medieval street in Europe. Free to wander (individual sites have fees). Allow at least half a day; ideally a full day.
Palace of the Grand Master
A massive 14th-century Crusader castle at the highest point of the Old Town, later rebuilt by Italians in the 1930s. Entry: 8 EUR. Open 8AM-8PM (summer), 8:30AM-3PM (winter), closed Mondays. The mosaic floors (brought from Kos) and medieval exhibition halls are impressive. Combined ticket with Archaeological Museum: 10 EUR. Allow 1.5-2 hours.
Lindos Acropolis
A spectacular ancient acropolis perched 116 meters above a whitewashed village with two turquoise bays below. The 4th-century BC Temple of Athena Lindia sits within a Crusader castle. Entry: 12 EUR. Open 8AM-7:40PM (summer). The climb is steep (20 minutes) with no shade — go early morning. Donkey rides up: ~7 EUR. Lindos village is 50 km from Rhodes Town.
Valley of the Butterflies (Petaloudes)
A hidden gem nature reserve where millions of Jersey tiger moths gather on Oriental sweetgum trees from June to September. The shaded valley walk along wooden bridges and streams takes about 1 hour. Entry: 5 EUR (June-September), 2 EUR (off-season). Open 8AM-6PM. Important: do not clap or disturb the moths — it's harmful and prohibited. Located 25 km from Rhodes Town.
Tsambika Beach
One of Rhodes' finest beaches — a long golden sand strip with shallow turquoise water, ideal for families. Sunbed + umbrella: ~8-10 EUR. Tavernas and water sports available. Located on the east coast, 26 km from Rhodes Town. Less windy than west coast beaches. The Tsambika Monastery perched 300 meters above offers panoramic views (steep climb, 350 steps, free).
Prasonisi — Windsurfer's Paradise
A unique sand isthmus at Rhodes' southern tip connecting to a small island, with the Aegean on one side and Mediterranean on the other. One of Europe's top windsurfing and kitesurfing spots. Equipment rental: ~50-70 EUR/day, lessons from ~80 EUR. The west side has waves; the east side is flat water. 90 km from Rhodes Town — rent a car to reach it.
Planned Itinerary
7-Day Rhodes Itinerary
Arrival & Rhodes Old Town
Fly into Rhodes Diagoras Airport (RHO). Transfer to your hotel in or near the UNESCO-listed medieval Old Town.
Airport transfer and check-in(30 minutes)
Taxi ~25 EUR to Old Town (16 km). Or bus to Rhodes Town center (~3 EUR). Stay inside the Old Town walls for the most atmospheric experience (hotels 60-120 EUR/night)
Old Town orientation walk(2 hours)
Enter through one of 11 gates into Europe's best-preserved medieval walled city. Walk the Street of the Knights — the most intact medieval street in Europe. Byzantine churches, Ottoman mosques, and Crusader inns line every lane. Free to wander
Mandraki Harbor and deer statues(1 hour)
The ancient harbor where the Colossus of Rhodes once stood. Two deer statues now mark the entrance. Walk past the windmills and the Italian-era Governor's Palace
Dinner at Ta Kioupia(1.5 hours)
In the Old Town near Agiou Fanouriou Street. Traditional Rhodes dishes in a stone courtyard. Melekouni (honey-sesame bars), pitaroudia (chickpea fritters, 6 EUR), lamb kleftiko (14 EUR). Avoid the tourist traps on Socratous Street
Palace of the Grand Master & Archaeological Museum
Deep dive into the Old Town's two major museums and the lesser-explored back streets.
Palace of the Grand Master(2 hours)
Entry: 8 EUR (combo with Archaeological Museum: 10 EUR). Massive 14th-century Crusader castle with mosaic floors from Kos and medieval exhibitions. Open 8AM-8PM (summer), closed Mondays. Arrive at opening
Archaeological Museum(1.5 hours)
In the former Knights' Hospital. The Aphrodite of Rhodes marble statue is the highlight. Good pottery and funerary stele collection
Lunch at Marco Polo Cafe(1 hour)
Rooftop restaurant inside the Old Town with panoramic views over minarets and rooftops. Greek salad (10 EUR), fresh fish (15 EUR)
Old Town walls walk and sunset(1.5 hours)
Walk along the top of the medieval walls (entry from Palace area). The 4-km circuit offers views over the Old Town and harbor. Best in golden hour. End at the moat garden
Lindos Acropolis & Village
Drive south to the spectacular hilltop acropolis perched above two turquoise bays and a whitewashed village.
Drive to Lindos(1 hour)
50 km south on the east coast road. Or KTEL bus (~6 EUR, 1.5 hours). Park at the upper lot (free) and walk or donkey ride down
Lindos Acropolis(2 hours)
Entry: 12 EUR. 4th-century BC Temple of Athena Lindia within a Crusader castle at 116m. Steep 20-min climb with no shade — go early morning. Donkey rides: ~7 EUR up. Views over both bays are jaw-dropping
Lindos village walk and lunch(2 hours)
Whitewashed cube houses with decorative pebble-mosaic courtyards (unique to Lindos). Walk the back lanes for family tavernas — Mavrikos on the main square for upscale (mains 18-25 EUR) or Stefano's for budget (souvlaki 10 EUR)
St Paul's Bay swim(1.5 hours)
Heart-shaped bay below the acropolis. Small sandy beach with calm water. The chapel of St. Paul marks where the apostle supposedly landed. Sunbed 8-10 EUR
Rest Day — Tsambika Beach & Monastery
A slower day at one of Rhodes' finest beaches with an optional hilltop monastery climb.
Tsambika Beach morning(3 hours)
One of Rhodes' best — long golden sand, shallow turquoise water. Sunbed + umbrella 8-10 EUR. Tavernas and water sports. Less windy than west coast beaches. 26 km from Rhodes Town
Tsambika Monastery climb (optional)(1.5 hours)
350 steps up to a tiny monastery at 300m with panoramic views over the coast. Free. Legend says praying here helps with fertility. Best in morning when it's cooler
Lunch at beach taverna(1 hour)
Taverna Tsambika at the beach — grilled sea bream (12 EUR), Greek salad (8 EUR). Fresh and simple
Free afternoon(3 hours)
More beach time, pool, or explore Archangelos village (nearby, traditional ceramic workshops)
Valley of the Butterflies & Ancient Kamiros
Nature reserve with millions of moths, then the 'Pompeii of Rhodes' — an ancient city on the west coast.
Valley of the Butterflies (Petaloudes)(1.5 hours)
Entry: 5 EUR (June-September). Jersey tiger moths cover the Oriental sweetgum trees. 1-hour walk along wooden bridges and streams. Do NOT clap or disturb the moths. 25 km from Rhodes Town
Ancient Kamiros(1.5 hours)
Entry: 6 EUR. A remarkably intact ancient Greek city on the west coast hillside with streets, houses, and a water system visible. Far fewer visitors than Lindos. 35 km southwest of Rhodes Town
Lunch at Klimis, Kritinia(1 hour)
Mountain village taverna on the road between the two sites. Simple home-cooked Greek food — stuffed vine leaves (8 EUR), village sausage (7 EUR). Authentic and cheap
Kritinia Castle sunset(1 hour)
Venetian-era hilltop castle (free entry) near Kamiros with sweeping west coast views. One of the best sunset spots on Rhodes — virtually empty
Symi Island Day Trip
Ferry to the colorful harbor island of Symi — one of the most photogenic towns in the Dodecanese.
Boat to Symi(1.5 hours)
Dodekanisos Seaways catamaran ~15-20 EUR one-way, or day trip boats (~25 EUR return including stops). Departs 9AM from Rhodes commercial harbor
Symi Town (Gialos) exploration(2 hours)
The neoclassical harbor of Gialos is one of Greece's most photographed scenes — pastel mansions climbing steep hillsides. Free to wander. Walk up the 500 Kali Strata steps to upper town (Chorio) for views
Panormitis Monastery(1 hour)
Most day trips stop at this 18th-century monastery at the island's southern end. Free entry, small museum (2 EUR). Dress modestly
Swimming and lunch on Symi(2 hours)
Swim at Nos beach near Gialos or Nanou Bay. Lunch at Tholos on the harbor — fresh shrimp (14 EUR), octopus (12 EUR). Return boat ~6PM
Departure — Final Old Town Walk & Airport
Last morning in the medieval city before heading to the airport.
Morning walk through the moat garden(1 hour)
The dry moat around the Old Town walls has been converted into a peaceful garden. Enter from various points. Morning light on the stone walls is beautiful. Free
Last souvlaki and shopping(1 hour)
Souvlaki at Giannis on Apellou Street (gyros 4-5 EUR). Browse ceramic shops and leather sandal makers in the Old Town. Sponge shops are a Rhodes specialty
Airport transfer and departure(30 minutes)
Taxi ~25 EUR or bus ~3 EUR. RHO airport is 16 km from Rhodes Town. Allow 2 hours before international flights
14-Day Rhodes Itinerary
Arrival & Rhodes Old Town
Arrive at RHO airport. Transfer to the UNESCO medieval Old Town.
Transfer and check-in(30 minutes)
Taxi ~25 EUR. Stay inside the walls (60-120 EUR/night)
Old Town walk(2 hours)
Street of the Knights, Byzantine churches, Ottoman mosques. Free
Mandraki Harbor(1 hour)
Ancient harbor, deer statues, windmills
Dinner at Ta Kioupia(1.5 hours)
Stone courtyard. Pitaroudia 6 EUR, lamb kleftiko 14 EUR
Palace & Archaeological Museum
The Old Town's grand Crusader castle and the Knights' Hospital museum.
Palace of the Grand Master(2 hours)
Combo ticket 10 EUR. Mosaics, medieval halls. Open 8AM
Archaeological Museum(1.5 hours)
Former hospital. Aphrodite of Rhodes
Rooftop lunch at Marco Polo(1 hour)
Panoramic Old Town views. Greek salad 10 EUR, fish 15 EUR
Old Town walls circuit(1.5 hours)
4 km walk atop the medieval walls. Golden hour best
Lindos Acropolis & Village
Hilltop acropolis above turquoise bays and whitewashed village.
Drive to Lindos(1 hour)
50 km south. Bus ~6 EUR or rental car
Lindos Acropolis(2 hours)
12 EUR. Temple of Athena, Crusader castle. Climb early — no shade
Village walk and lunch(2 hours)
Pebble-mosaic courtyards. Stefano's souvlaki 10 EUR
St Paul's Bay swim(1.5 hours)
Heart-shaped bay. Sandy, calm. Sunbed 8-10 EUR
Rest Day — Tsambika Beach
Slow day at Rhodes' finest beach.
Tsambika Beach(4 hours)
Golden sand, shallow water. Sunbed 8-10 EUR. Tavernas, water sports
Tsambika Monastery (optional)(1.5 hours)
350 steps. Panoramic views. Free
Lunch at beach(1 hour)
Grilled sea bream 12 EUR
Butterflies & Ancient Kamiros
Nature reserve with moths and the intact ancient city on the west coast.
Valley of the Butterflies(1.5 hours)
5 EUR. Moths on sweetgum trees. Don't disturb them
Ancient Kamiros(1.5 hours)
6 EUR. Greek city ruins. Streets, houses, water system visible
Lunch at Klimis, Kritinia(1 hour)
Mountain taverna. Vine leaves 8 EUR, sausage 7 EUR
Kritinia Castle sunset(1 hour)
Free. Venetian castle, sweeping west coast views
Symi Island Day Trip
Ferry to the colorful neoclassical harbor island.
Boat to Symi(1.5 hours)
~25 EUR return day trip. Departs 9AM
Symi Town exploration(2 hours)
Pastel mansions, 500 Kali Strata steps to upper town
Panormitis Monastery(1 hour)
18th century. Free entry, museum 2 EUR
Swim and lunch(2 hours)
Nos beach. Tholos restaurant — shrimp 14 EUR. Return ~6PM
Prasonisi — Southern Tip
Drive to Rhodes' southernmost point where two seas meet — a windsurfer's paradise.
Drive to Prasonisi(1.5 hours)
90 km south through rural Rhodes. The landscape becomes drier and wilder
Prasonisi sand isthmus(3 hours)
Unique spot where the Aegean and Mediterranean meet. Sand isthmus to a small island. West side has waves, east is flat. Windsurfing/kite rental ~50-70 EUR/day, lessons from 80 EUR. Or just swim on the calm side
Lunch at Prasonisi(1 hour)
Simple beachside tavernas. Grilled fish and salad (10-14 EUR)
Return via Monolithos Castle(2 hours)
Stop at this dramatic clifftop castle (free, 15-min climb) on the west coast. Built on a 236m crag. Sweeping views. Return to Rhodes Town
Turkish Day Trip — Marmaris
Quick catamaran to Turkey for a taste of a different country and culture.
Catamaran to Marmaris(50 minutes)
~45-55 EUR return from Rhodes commercial harbor. Daily summer departures. E-visa required for Turkey ($50 USD, apply online before)
Marmaris Castle and bazaar(2 hours)
Ottoman castle museum (15 TRY) on the hilltop. Walk through the colorful bazaar — carpets, leather, spices. Bargaining expected — start at 30% of asking
Turkish lunch(1.5 hours)
Turkish cuisine is extraordinary. Pide (Turkish pizza, 80-120 TRY), kebabs, meze. Restaurants in the side streets off the bazaar are cheaper
Return to Rhodes(1.5 hours)
Afternoon catamaran back. Dinner in Rhodes Old Town
Rest Day — Rhodes Town New Town
Explore the Italian-era new town and the beaches near Rhodes Town that most tourists miss.
Elli Beach morning(2 hours)
Rhodes Town's main beach — long sandy stretch on the north tip. Sunbed 5-8 EUR. Clear water with views of Turkey. The Art Deco casino building (now a hotel) is striking
Italian Quarter walk(1.5 hours)
The new town was built during Italian occupation (1912-1943). The Governor's Palace, Municipal Theatre, and Post Office are fine examples of Italian rationalist architecture. Free to walk
Lunch at Koykos(1 hour)
Popular with locals, near the new market. Fresh fish, generous portions (mains 10-14 EUR)
Free afternoon(3 hours)
The Aquarium (6 EUR) occupies a 1930s Art Deco building on the northern tip. Or relax at the hotel
Wine Tour & Mountain Villages
Rhodes produces excellent wines. Tour the vineyards and explore the authentic mountain interior.
CAIR Winery, Embonas(1.5 hours)
Rhodes' main wine region on the slopes of Mount Attavyros. CAIR offers tours and tastings (~8 EUR). Athiri (white) and Mandilaria (red) are indigenous Rhodes grapes
Embonas village(1 hour)
Wine village at 850m with traditional tavernas serving spit-roasted meat. Walk the stone lanes. Much cooler than the coast
Lunch at Embonas taverna(1.5 hours)
Try goat meat on the spit (12 EUR) and local bulk wine (2-3 EUR per carafe). Authentic mountain hospitality
Filerimos hilltop monastery(1 hour)
Entry: 6 EUR. Italian-restored monastery on a wooded hilltop near Ialyssos. Peacocks wander the grounds. Walk the Via Crucis path (15 min) to a large cross with panoramic views. Return to Rhodes Town
East Coast Beach Day
Explore the sheltered east coast beaches — calmer water and better swimming than the windy west.
Agathi Beach(2.5 hours)
A beautiful small sandy beach near Haraki village, 35 km from Rhodes Town. Shallow calm water, natural setting. Free, one small taverna. Less developed than Tsambika
Feraklos Castle walk(1 hour)
Ruins of a Knights' castle above Haraki. Free, 15-min climb. Views over Agathi beach and along the coast
Lunch at Haraki waterfront(1 hour)
Tiny fishing hamlet with tavernas right on the water. Fresh fish (12-16 EUR per plate) with castle views
Anthony Quinn Bay(2 hours)
Named after the actor who filmed here. Small rocky cove with turquoise water, great for snorkeling. Sunbed 8-10 EUR. Can be crowded — arrive after 3PM when day-trippers leave. 15 km south of Rhodes Town
Cooking Class & Rhodian Cuisine
Hands-on cooking class learning traditional Rhodian recipes, then free afternoon.
Rhodian cooking class(4 hours)
Learn pitaroudia (chickpea fritters), pastitsio, dolmadakia. Classes ~50-70 EUR including market visit and lunch with wine. Book at rhodescookinglessons.com or via Airbnb Experiences
Free afternoon(3 hours)
Beach, pool, or last-minute Old Town exploring
Dinner at Tamam, Old Town(1.5 hours)
In a former Ottoman bathhouse. Creative Rhodian dishes — lamb with yogurt and plums (16 EUR). Atmospheric stone interior
Rest Day — Pool & Old Town Revisit
Completely free day. Revisit favorite spots or discover new corners.
Free day(5 hours)
Options: revisit Lindos or Tsambika, Jewish Quarter walk (Kahal Shalom synagogue, oldest in Greece, free), souvenir shopping, or full beach day
Farewell dinner at Hatzikelis(1.5 hours)
Right by the sea in the Old Town. Fresh seafood, sophisticated Rhodian cuisine (mains 18-24 EUR). Book ahead for waterside tables
Departure
Final morning in the medieval city.
Morning Old Town stroll(1 hour)
Empty morning streets are magical. One last coffee at a Socratous Street cafe
Last souvlaki(30 minutes)
Giannis on Apellou — gyros 4-5 EUR
Airport transfer(30 minutes)
Taxi ~25 EUR. Allow 2 hours before flight
21-Day Rhodes Itinerary
Arrival & Rhodes Old Town
Arrive at RHO. Transfer to the UNESCO medieval walled city.
Transfer and check-in(30 minutes)
Taxi ~25 EUR. Stay inside walls (60-120 EUR/night)
Old Town walk(2 hours)
Street of the Knights, mosques, churches. Free
Mandraki Harbor(1 hour)
Colossus site, deer statues, windmills
Dinner at Ta Kioupia(1.5 hours)
Pitaroudia 6 EUR, lamb kleftiko 14 EUR
Palace & Archaeological Museum
Crusader castle and Knights' Hospital museum.
Palace of the Grand Master(2 hours)
Combo 10 EUR. Mosaics, medieval halls
Archaeological Museum(1.5 hours)
Aphrodite of Rhodes
Marco Polo rooftop lunch(1 hour)
Views. Salad 10 EUR, fish 15 EUR
Walls circuit(1.5 hours)
4 km atop medieval walls
Lindos Acropolis
Hilltop acropolis and whitewashed village.
Drive to Lindos(1 hour)
50 km south
Acropolis(2 hours)
12 EUR. Temple of Athena. Go early
Village and lunch(2 hours)
Stefano's souvlaki 10 EUR
St Paul's Bay(1.5 hours)
Heart-shaped bay swim
Rest Day — Tsambika Beach
Rhodes' finest golden sand beach.
Tsambika Beach(4 hours)
Sunbed 8-10 EUR. Turquoise shallow water
Monastery climb (optional)(1.5 hours)
350 steps. Panoramic. Free
Beach lunch(1 hour)
Sea bream 12 EUR
Butterflies & Kamiros
Moth valley and ancient city.
Valley of the Butterflies(1.5 hours)
5 EUR. Don't disturb moths
Ancient Kamiros(1.5 hours)
6 EUR. Intact Greek city
Mountain taverna lunch(1 hour)
Vine leaves 8 EUR
Kritinia Castle sunset(1 hour)
Free. West coast views
Symi Island Day Trip
Colorful neoclassical harbor island.
Boat to Symi(1.5 hours)
~25 EUR return
Gialos and Chorio(2 hours)
Pastel mansions, 500 Kali Strata steps
Panormitis Monastery(1 hour)
Free entry
Swim and lunch(2 hours)
Tholos — shrimp 14 EUR. Return 6PM
Prasonisi — Two Seas Meet
Southern tip windsurfing paradise.
Drive to Prasonisi(1.5 hours)
90 km south
Beach and watersports(3 hours)
Windsurfing 50-70 EUR/day or swim on calm side
Beachside lunch(1 hour)
Fish and salad 10-14 EUR
Monolithos Castle(1 hour)
Free. Dramatic 236m crag. Return to town
Marmaris Day Trip (Turkey)
Catamaran across to a different country.
Catamaran to Marmaris(50 minutes)
~45-55 EUR return. E-visa needed ($50 USD)
Castle and bazaar(2 hours)
Ottoman castle, colorful market. Bargaining expected
Turkish lunch(1.5 hours)
Pide 80-120 TRY, kebabs, meze
Rest Day — New Town & Elli Beach
Italian-era new town and Rhodes Town's beach.
Elli Beach(2 hours)
Sandy, views of Turkey. Sunbed 5-8 EUR
Italian Quarter(1.5 hours)
Art Deco governor's palace, theatre. Free
Lunch at Koykos(1 hour)
Local favorite. Mains 10-14 EUR
Aquarium or free afternoon(2 hours)
1930s building, 6 EUR
Wine Tour & Mountains
Rhodes vineyards and authentic mountain villages.
CAIR Winery, Embonas(1.5 hours)
Tours and tasting ~8 EUR. Athiri and Mandilaria grapes
Embonas village(1 hour)
Wine village at 850m. Traditional tavernas
Mountain lunch(1.5 hours)
Spit-roast goat 12 EUR, bulk wine 2-3 EUR
Filerimos monastery(1 hour)
6 EUR. Peacocks, Via Crucis, panoramic cross
East Coast Beaches
Quieter sheltered beaches along the east coast.
Agathi Beach(2.5 hours)
Small sandy beach, free. One taverna
Feraklos Castle(1 hour)
Free. Knights' castle ruins. Views
Haraki lunch(1 hour)
Fish on waterfront 12-16 EUR
Anthony Quinn Bay(2 hours)
Turquoise rocky cove. Snorkeling. Sunbed 8-10 EUR
Chalki Island Day Trip
Tiny car-free island near Rhodes with a handful of tavernas and crystal water.
Catamaran to Chalki(1 hour)
Dodekanisos Seaways ~15-20 EUR one-way. Daily in summer from Kamiros Skala port (west coast)
Nimporio harbor and walk(2 hours)
Pastel neoclassical houses around a tiny harbor. Walk to the hilltop castle (30 min, free) for island views. Population: ~300
Swim and lunch(3 hours)
Pontamos Beach (only sandy beach, 15-min walk). Lunch at Theodosia on the harbor — fresh fish, owner catches it himself (12-16 EUR)
Return to Rhodes(1.5 hours)
Afternoon catamaran back. Drive to Rhodes Town
Cooking Class & Culture
Learn traditional Rhodian recipes.
Cooking class(4 hours)
~50-70 EUR. Pitaroudia, pastitsio, dolmadakia. Market visit, lunch, wine
Dinner at Tamam(1.5 hours)
Ottoman bathhouse. Lamb with yogurt 16 EUR
Rest Day — Free
Completely free day.
Free day(5 hours)
Revisit favorites, Jewish Quarter walk, shopping
Dinner at Hatzikelis(1.5 hours)
Waterside Old Town. Seafood 18-24 EUR
Kos Island Overnight
Ferry to nearby Kos — birthplace of Hippocrates and another Knights' castle.
Ferry to Kos(2.5 hours)
Blue Star ~20 EUR or catamaran faster. Morning departure
Kos Town and castle(2.5 hours)
Knights' Castle (4 EUR) right at the harbor. Hippocrates Plane Tree (legendary 2,400-year-old tree) in the main square. Archaeological sites scattered through town (free to view)
Asklepion(1.5 hours)
Entry: 8 EUR. Ancient healing center of Hippocrates on a terraced hillside 4 km from town. Where modern medicine began. Views over to Turkey
Dinner and overnight in Kos(2 hours)
Stay in Kos Town. Dinner at Platanos — shaded courtyard, lamb chops (14 EUR). Kos nightlife on Bar Street is lively but optional
Kos Beaches & Return
Morning at Kos's best beaches, then ferry back to Rhodes.
Therma Beach hot springs(1.5 hours)
Free natural hot springs where volcanic water enters the sea on the south coast. The temperature contrast of hot spring and cool sea is unique. 12 km from Kos Town
Paradise Beach morning(2 hours)
Kos's best beach on the south coast. Long sandy, shallow water. Sunbed 5-8 EUR. Cheaper than Rhodes or Mykonos
Lunch in Kos(1 hour)
Gyros in Kos Town (4 EUR). Budget-friendly island
Ferry to Rhodes(2.5 hours)
Afternoon departure. Return to Rhodes Town
Inland Rhodes — Seven Springs & Profitis Ilias
Escape the coast for Rhodes' green interior — forest walks and mountain retreats.
Seven Springs (Epta Piges)(1.5 hours)
Free. A lush oasis with natural springs, peacocks, and a narrow pitch-dark tunnel (180m, ankle-deep water) leading to a lake. Fun for adventurous types. Taverna with trout (12 EUR). 25 km from Rhodes Town
Drive to Profitis Ilias(30 minutes)
Rhodes' second highest point (798m). Dense pine forest with 1930s Italian-built mountain lodges. Dramatic scenery completely different from the coast
Forest hike and lunch(2.5 hours)
Walk through the Aleppo pine forest to the Eleousa village — abandoned Italian-era settlement with Art Deco buildings slowly being reclaimed by nature. Pack a picnic or eat at a simple mountain kafenio
Return to coast(1 hour)
Drive down to the east coast for sunset views
Rest Day — Leisure
No plans. Recharge before the final stretch.
Free day(6 hours)
Pool, beach, revisit the Old Town's quiet corners, or simply sit at a cafe watching the world
Light dinner in Old Town(1 hour)
Souvlaki and beer at a back-street taverna
Lindos Revisit & South Coast
Return to Lindos area for the beaches and villages you missed.
Pefkos Beach morning(2 hours)
Sandy resort beach 3 km from Lindos. More facilities and space than St Paul's Bay. Sunbed 6-8 EUR
Lindos boat trip(2 hours)
Glass-bottom boat from Lindos beach around the coast (15-20 EUR, 1 hour). See the acropolis from the sea. Stop at hidden coves for swimming
Lunch at Mavrikos, Lindos(1.5 hours)
The island's most celebrated restaurant since 1933. Modern Rhodian cuisine — shrimp saganaki (18 EUR), lamb with artichokes (20 EUR). Book ahead
Gennadi village(1.5 hours)
Quiet south coast village with a long sandy beach. Walk the pebble-mosaic lanes. Almost no tourists. Return to Rhodes Town
Final Day — Old Town & Farewell
Last full day to revisit favorites and say goodbye.
Morning in Old Town(2 hours)
Empty morning streets. Visit the synagogue Kahal Shalom (free, oldest in Greece, Odos Dossiadou). Jewish Quarter walking tour
Lunch at To Steno(1 hour)
Tiny Old Town taverna with 6 tables. Moussaka 10 EUR, carafe of wine 5 EUR. Pure local experience
Last swim at Elli Beach(1.5 hours)
One more dip in the Aegean with Turkey on the horizon
Farewell dinner at Hatzikelis(2 hours)
Waterside. The freshest seafood. A fitting end to 3 weeks
Departure
Final morning on Rhodes.
Morning moat garden walk(45 minutes)
Peaceful final stroll among the medieval walls
Last gyros at Giannis(20 minutes)
4-5 EUR farewell
Airport transfer(30 minutes)
Taxi ~25 EUR. Allow 2 hours before flight
Travel Tips
Visa & Entry
Schengen Zone Entry (Greece)
US, UK, Canadian, and Australian citizens enter Greece visa-free for up to 90 days within 180 days. Indian citizens need a Schengen visa via VFS Global (~80 EUR, 2-4 weeks). ETIAS pre-authorization may be required for non-EU citizens starting 2025 (7 EUR, valid 3 years).
transport
Rent a Car to See the Whole Island
Rhodes Town and Lindos are connected by KTEL buses (~6 EUR, 1.5 hours), but a car is essential for south coast beaches, Prasonisi, and mountain villages. Rental from ~30 EUR/day at RHO airport. Roads are good on the main routes. The east coast road (Rhodes Town to Lindos) is scenic but narrow and busy in summer. Gas stations are sparse in the south.
Ferries Connect to Other Dodecanese Islands
Blue Star Ferries and Dodekanisos Seaways connect Rhodes to Kos (2.5-4 hours, from ~20 EUR), Symi (1-2 hours, from ~15 EUR), and other Dodecanese islands. Symi day trips are very popular — boats depart 9AM, return 6PM. Book at directferries.com or at the harbor. High-speed catamarans cost more but save hours.
Budget
Lindos Is Expensive — Eat in the Back Streets
The biggest mistake tourists make: eating at the first restaurant they see in Lindos main square. Prices are 30-50% higher than comparable spots in Rhodes Town. Walk up the back lanes for family tavernas serving moussaka or fresh fish at fair prices (12-18 EUR for a main). In Rhodes Old Town, avoid Socratous Street restaurants — try the lanes around Agiou Fanouriou instead.
Safety
Sun and Heat Protection
Rhodes gets 300+ sunny days per year and summer temperatures regularly hit 35°C+. Lindos Acropolis climb has zero shade — go before 9AM or after 5PM. Always carry water. Tap water in Rhodes Town is generally safe but tastes minerally; bottled water is 0.50 EUR. Wear reef-safe sunscreen and watch for sea urchins on rocky coastlines.
Local Customs
Day Trip to Turkey Is Easy
Marmaris, Turkey is just a 50-minute catamaran ride from Rhodes (round trip: ~45-55 EUR). Daily departures in summer from Rhodes commercial harbor. You'll need your passport; most nationalities can get a Turkish e-visa online ($50 USD) before departure. It's a separate country so Schengen day limits don't apply. Book at rhodestoturkey.com.
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Dimitris has lived in Rhodes Old Town for 26 years. He knows which lanes are empty at sunset, where the real moussaka is, and why you should ignore the Colossus.
Travel GuidesRhodes for History Lovers: Knights, Temples, and 3,000 Years of Layers
Greek acropolis ruins sit inside Crusader castles on top of Byzantine churches next to Ottoman mosques. Rhodes doesn't do simple history — it does all of it at once.
Travel Guides10 Things to Do in Rhodes That Aren't Just the Old Town
Yes, the medieval walled city is spectacular. But Rhodes has 300 sunny days, a butterfly valley, windsurfing at the island's edge, and beaches that rival anything in the Cyclades.