The Perfect Rhodes Road Trip Itinerary for 7 Days

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Rhodes is the largest island in the Dodecanese archipelago in the south-eastern Aegean Sea. The island enjoys around 3,000 hours of sunshine and 300 sunny days a year. The perfect time for a road trip in Rhodes is from mid-May to mid-September, when rainfall is rare. This is not the only reason why Rhodes is known as the ‘sun island’. The sun god Helios bathed the island of Rhodes in his eternal light and gave it many faces. Endless sandy beaches merge with the mountainous hinterland. Modern cities pulsate alongside quaint villages.

Rhodes is a dreamlike island in the Aegean Sea. Follow my travel guide, to discover the most beautiful areas and highlights of the island within 7 days. A perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and beach fun awaits you.

Table of Contents

The perfect Road trip on Rhodes – My highlights for one week

Are you looking for the best spots for your Rhodes itinerary? This guide will help you plan 7 days on Rhodes. With a 7-day itinerary, you will be able to see the most important cultural sites and some of the most beautiful beaches that make this island one of the best to visit in the Mediterranean. This itinerary is identical to the one I used. You will find all my first-hand experience, tips and some hidden gems.

Overview

• Day 1: Rhodes Town
• Day 2 & 3: Faliraki & Anthony Quinn Bay
• Day 4: Lindos
• Day 5: Psinthos
• Day 6: Monolithos
• Day 7: Kolymbia

• Distance: 600 km
• Pure driving time: 12hrs

Day 1: Rhodes Town

UNESCO World Heritage Site & Ancient Knights

Why not start where the heart of the island beats? Rhodes Town is an experience. A journey through time. A fascinating meeting place of past and present. The old town has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You should really take your time to explore it. The name says it all in Knight Street: the historic flair can still be felt on many street corners today. Right next to it is Socrates Street, the mile for gourmets. There you can stop for a snack or a meal in a café or restaurant.

You will find many favourite places in Rhodes Town. Be sure to stroll down to Mandraki Harbour, where you will discover many famous photo motifs of Rhodes. The windmills, for example. Or Fort St. Nicholas. The famous ‘Colossus of Rhodes’ is also said to have stood in the harbour: a 30-metre-high bronze statue that collapsed in an earthquake centuries ago. Look out for two small sculptures: a stag and a deer. That is exactly where it is said to have stood. History and stories will accompany you every step of the way in Rhodes Town. Romans, Turks, Crusaders… they were all here and left their mark.

Where to stay in Rhodes Town?

I stayed at The Spanish Knights Inn, conveniently located right in the historic centre of Rhodes Town. The place has a beautiful atmosphere, steeped in history. You feel right at home. Most importantly, the warmth and attentiveness of the friendly hosts made my stay just perfect. ☑ See prices and availability here.

Must-See Attractions and Things To Do in Rhodes Town

• Grand Master’s Palace of Rhodes
• Hippocrates Square and Owl Fountain
• Old Town of Rhodes
• Naillac Tower and Windmills
• Mandraki Harbour of Rhodes
• Day trip to the island of Symi

Rhodes By Rental Car

What are the road conditions in Rhodes like? Coast roads are generally good, but be prepared for unexpected goat crossings, especially on the western side of the island. You can also reach your destinations on Rhodes by public transport. However, this takes longer and is not always straightforward. That’s why we recommend hiring a car for your time on the island. This gives you complete flexibility. Discover car hire offers in Rhodes!

Day 2 & 3: Faliraki & Anthony Quinn Bay

The coast of the island is home to a mixture of former fishing villages, ancient Greek ruins, and fabulous sandy beaches. Thanks to the manageable size of Rhodes, you can easily pack all of these things into a single day without breaking a sweat. Your first stop outside of Rhodes town will lead you to the relaxed town of Faliraki and its beaches.

On the way there, you can make a stop at Kallithea Springs to take advantage of the healing waters. The site has been preserved as a kind of spa-like complex, with gardens, mosaics, a restaurant, and a scenic hidden bay with a pebble beach. When I visited Rhodes in November, nobody was really swimming, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying the grounds. These alone make a trip here worthwhile as part of a Rhodes itinerary.

Faliraki

Faliraki is not only the perfect location for a relaxing beach holiday, the town has even more to offer. There is a well-known water park that invites visitors, numerous restaurants and shops in town. The port of Faliraki is also well worth seeing – especially at sunset. You can round off the day perfectly with a glass of Greek wine or a cocktail. I recommend the ‘Restaurant Akropolis’ right in the pedestrian zone and the ‘Irish Bar’, which also offers musical entertainment.

You should also spend your day at Faliraki Beach. A metre-long sandy beach with plenty of space. Here you can relax with a drink in one of the many beach bars. There are also lots of activities on the beach (banana boats, bouncy castles in the water, etc.). Everything your heart desires is on offer here.

Tip: If you search a little, you will be able to find sections of beach behind the rocks that you can have all to yourself!

Anthony Quinn Bay

One of my absolute favourite bays forever! This bay is a real dream. You shouldn’t miss it on your trip. You should bring water shoes with you, as they make it easier to get in and out of the water. Anthony Quinn Bay is located on the east coast, just 10 minutes from Faliraki.

There are various paths leading down to the water. From above, you can get a great view of the bay. The bay is also perfect for snorkelling. The water is crystal clear and, thanks to the various rocks in the water, there are lots of fish to be found. Anthony Quinn Bay is a great place to practise, especially if you are a beginner at snorkelling.

Day 4: Lindos

Lindos – The white village of Rhodes

From today’s capital to the capital of yesteryear: the small village of Lindos was once the commercial centre of the island of Rhodes. Today, it is a listed historical site and is so picturesque that it looks like a film set. Small, white houses on a hillside. Above them, a mini Acropolis. Medieval-looking streets. A Greek dream come true, only about 47 kilometres from Rhodes Town.

Don’t miss the sweeping view from the citadel. A fun donkey taxi tour will take you up the 116 metres, where you can admire the coastal panorama of the Mediterranean Sea. If you want to charge your batteries before exploring, you can always stop at Mavrikos for a coffee. They also do a good line in sweet treats, which are freshly made daily.

After admiring the acropolis, go down to Lindos Beach or Saint Paul’s Beach (Paralia Agios Pavlos) for a cooling swim and to see the amazing views. I picked up my car on the way down, since there was free parking near the shore, but it’s only a short way to go on foot if you fancy a stroll.

Day 5: Psinthos Mountains & The Valley of the Butterflies

Are you travelling to Rhodes in the summer months of June, July and August? Then you should definitely plan a trip to the Valley of the Butterflies. From Rhodes Town, it is 25 kilometres to the north-west. The valley is located on the northern slope of the Psinthos Mountains and is characterised by a large number of oriental sweetgum trees. This is a special type of tree that attracts butterflies, which is why this natural phenomenon occurs here. Colourful butterflies of all sizes flutter and float through the valley, creating an unforgettable sight.

The nature in the gorge is also worth seeing: Let yourself be enchanted by waterfalls and gently flowing waters. If your feet are a little sore from hiking through the Valley of the Butterflies.

Day 6: Monolithos

Exploring the Castle and Mountain Village

Today, the longest excursion awaits you: you will drive along the north coast to Monolithos. The journey to the hilltop village, around 75 kilometres away, takes approximately 1.5 hours. Already from a distance, you can see the Castle of Monolithos built by the Knights Hospitaller on a rocky outcrop in the 15th century. The location was cleverly chosen: it cannot be seen from the beach, so it did not attract pirates. You can drive to just below the fortress, but you will have to walk the last 300 metres. Once at the top, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the west coast.

After a short stroll through tiny alleys with cosy taverns and shops, you can drive to two nearby beaches: Fourni Beach and Alyki Beach. Just follow the road through the pine forest. Another beautiful place to visit not far away is Embonas: a charming mountain village at an altitude of 500 metres at the foot of Attaviros. It rises 1,200 metres above sea level, making it the highest mountain on the island. Tip: it’s best to arrive in Embona after 3 pm, when most of the day trip coaches have left the village.

Day 7: Kolymbia

Prepare for a Forest Walk

You have already seen and experienced so much on Rhodes. So it’s nice to enjoy a relaxing stroll through an idyllic forest on your last day. To do so, drive to the east coast to the village of Kolymbia, about 24 kilometres away. Here, the Valley of the Seven Springs awaits you. The hiking trail leads to a waterfall that flows into a reservoir. Along the way, you will probably encounter geese, ducks and perhaps even a peacock or two. The more adventurous can also take a path through a 200-metre-long tunnel. What a way to end your road trip on Rhodes: exciting, romantic and relaxing all at once.

A Road trip in Rhodes – Questions

How long is the flight to Rhodes?

A flight to Rhodes takes between 3 and 4 hours, depending on your departure point in Europe. Most international flights land at Diagoras International Airport (RHO), located approximately 14 kilometres south-west of the island’s capital, Rhodes Town. From there, holidaymakers can easily reach their accommodation by bus, taxi or rental car and explore the beauty of the island.

Are there beautiful beaches on Rhodes?

Yes! Rhodes has many beautiful beaches, such as the famous Anthony Quinn Bay or the lively Faliraki Beach. But you’ll also find quiet, hidden gems like Kalathos Beach, which is particularly appealing for its natural beauty.

Is Rhodes also suitable for children?

Rhodes is definitely suitable for children! The island offers a variety of family-friendly activities, including beautiful beaches with shallow waters for splashing around, water parks with exciting slides and pools, and animal adventures in zoos and aquariums. Historical sights such as the medieval old town of Rhodes and the ancient ruins offer educational experiences for little explorers. Families can also take boat trips to nearby islands or participate in exciting water sports activities.

Which is more beautiful? Rhodes or Crete?

The decision as to whether Rhodes or Crete is more beautiful depends largely on personal preference, as both islands offer unique charms.

• Rhodes impresses with its well-preserved medieval old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a variety of historical sites such as the Grand Master’s Palace and the ancient city of Kamiros. The island is also known for its beautiful beaches, including the lively Faliraki Beach and the idyllic Anthony Quinn Bay.
• Crete, the largest Greek island, captivates visitors with its diverse landscape and rich culture. Here, visitors can explore the imposing Palace of Knossos, hike through the breathtaking Samaria Gorge or enjoy the picturesque beaches of Elafonissi and Balos. Crete also offers a lively gastronomic scene and numerous traditional villages that are waiting to be discovered.

Island Hopping Rhodes

I had a wonderful time on the beautiful island of Rhodes. The island is not too big and not too small. You can experience a lot here in a short time and explore the various highlights and sights. Rhodes is a diverse paradise and you will love the island. Compared to other Greek islands, Rhodes scores highly with its various attractions. You will never get bored here. That’s why I’ve already been here twice. I hope I’ve convinced you to come to this sunny island in the Mediterranean, and hope you visit this paradise one day.

Rhodes can also be wonderfully combined with visits to other islands in Greece. Around Rhodes you can find the islands of Karpathos, Symi, Chalki, Tilos, Kasos, Crete, Santorini and Kos, among others. I have listed some of the ferry operators and distances to each island for you below. You can also book excursions and other activities on one of the islands; it is best to ask your local accommodation host for recommendations.

• Symi: Blue Star Ferries, Dodekanisos Seaways & Anes Ferries – 1 hour
• Chalki: – Dodekanisos Seaways & Anes Ferries – 2 hours
• Tilos: Blue Star Ferries, Dodekanisos Seaways – 2 hours
• Kasos: Blue Star Ferries & Anek Lines – 5 hours
• Crete: Anek Lines – 14 hours
• Santorini: Blue Star Ferries & Anek Lines – 7:50 hours
• Kos: Blue Star Ferries, Dodekanisos Seaways – 2:35 hours

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