The 8 Best Day Trips in Rhodes

Rhodes is the largest island in the Dodecanese and, in addition to magnificent beaches, offers many historical treasures, natural beauty, and charming villages to explore. You can visit many of Rhodes’ attractions on a self-guided tour. Alternatively, there are numerous guided Rhodes activities and tours to choose from.

By Dirk Pohlers, Greece traveller from Germany. I visit every place I write about & share real tips, photos, & advice from my trips in my Rhodes Travel Blog.

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Discoveries on Land and on the Water

The best day trips on Rhodes will take you to Lindos, the neighboring island of Symi, and the Valley of the Butterflies. They offer a great mix of culture, nature, and boat rides.

I recommend to rent a car to explore Rhodes. This is the best way to discover the largest of the Dodecanese islands, travel anywhere spontaneously and flexibly, and make the most of your vacation.

Top Destinations for your Rhodes Day Trip

Lindos: Famous for its ancient acropolis perched on a cliff, white houses, and the beautiful Bay of St. Paul. Accessible by bus or boat from Rhodes Town.
Symi Island: A colorful neighboring island for a boat trip from Mandraki Harbor, featuring colorful houses and crystal-clear swimming waters in St. George’s Bay.
Butterfly Valley (Petaloudes): A shady valley with many trees and streams, where thousands of butterflies gather in the summer.
Seven Springs (Epta Piges): A cool spot surrounded by greenery with a small waterfall and a narrow tunnel that you wade through.

3 Rhodes Day Trips by Boat

Rhodes Day Trip by boat Mandraki Harbour

Rhodes offers the perfect blend of exciting activities both on land and on the water. Whether you want to explore the breathtaking scenery on a hike or enjoy the crystal-clear waters on a boat tour—the island has the right adventure for every taste, whether you’re a laid-back sunbather, an active vacationer, or an amateur archaeologist.

Day Trip by boat to Symi Island

A boat tour to Symi Island is one of the most beautiful excursions from Rhodes. The crossing from Mandraki Harbor takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes. First, you’ll visit the impressive Panormitis Monastery (1-hour stop), before continuing on to the stunning Saint George’s Bay with its turquoise waters. In the afternoon, you’ll have about 3.5 hours to explore Symi—perfect for admiring the picturesque, colorful neoclassical houses.

Tip: The crossing by boat takes 1.5 to 2 hours; by speedboat, it takes only about 45 minutes. During summer season, at least two ferries depart from Rhodes to Symi each day.

Day Trip by boat to the Island of Chalki (Halki)

The island of Chalki is located ten kilometers west of Rhodes and covers an area of just 28 square kilometers. The island is home to just about 300 residents, who make their living from fishing and tourism. Chalki is nicknamed the “Copper Island” because copper was once mined here. Along with Symi and Kalymnos, the island was one of the most important centers for sponge diving. Emporio is the main town and also the island’s port.

The most beautiful beach is Pondamos Beach, located just a 15-minute walk from Emporio.

Tip: The Dodekanissos Express departs from Rhodes Town for the island of Chalki twice a week. A smaller ferry slruns to Chalki three times a week. The crossing takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

In addition to the many ferries, numerous fishing boats also depart from the ports of this Greek island.

Bay-to-Bay Cruise

Experience an unforgettable boat tour to Rhodes’ most beautiful bays and hidden beaches. Discover crystal-clear waters, impressive coastal landscapes, and breathtaking swimming spots. Whether it’s a relaxing day trip on a catamaran, a thrilling adventure on a speedboat, a sailing tour, or a party atmosphere on a party boat—it’s your perfect day on the water!

The best Day Trips on Rhodes - Nature & Culture

Day trip to Lindos & St. Pauls Bay

Although Lindos can be enjoyed in one day, you could easily spend a few days here exploring the alleys and enjoying the rooftop bars.

Start your day with exploring the impressive acropolis of Lindos walking you way up through narrow little alleyways along beautiful old houses. Stop for a coffee at you preferred little cafe and continue exploring the old town after your Acropolis visit.

Tip: Visit Lindos early in the morning to avoid the crowds and the midday heat. Admission to the Acropolis of Lindos is €12.

For your afternoon head down to St. Pauls Bay. Upon arrival you will notice that there are two beaches at St. Pauls Bay. I choose the left one offering views out onto the sea. You cant rent a sunbed for more comfort (€12). I spent my afternoon relaxing in the sun and swimming in the sea where boat tours took anker.

Tip: The bay offers crystal clear water ideal for snorkelling. Bring your gear and spot golden cardinal fish, blennies, and the occasional octopuses around the rocky shelves.

Trip to Petaloudes – The Valley of the Butterflies

One of the most beautiful natural wonders on Rhodes! The valley is located in the north of the island, 26 km from Rhodes Town, between Paradisi and Theologos. From June through September, hundreds of Callimorpha quadripunctaria butterflies cover the trees—drawn to the sap of rare plane trees. The valley is one of the most important protected areas for this species in Europe.

Location: Butterflies Valley

You can stroll through the forest and along the river on the marked trails. If you’d like to learn more about the local flora and fauna, you can visit the natural history museum in the valley. Parking is available at all three entrances. The trail is steep in places—alternatively, the “Butterfly Train” will take you to the top.

Visit the Kallithea Springs

If you’re spending a few days on Rhodes and looking for a place to relax, the Kallithea Springs are just the thing for you! The springs are located on the island’s east coast, about 9 km from Rhodes Town. They opened in 1929 and were renowned for the healing and therapeutic properties of their water. People from all over the world came here to find relief from arthritis, diabetes, or asthma.

Location: Kallithea Springs

There’s also a small private beach with lounge chairs, umbrellas, and a restaurant—one of the most famous on Rhodes. Kallithea also regularly serves as a backdrop for art exhibitions, concerts, and film productions. Admission is charged.

Hidden Gem: Rodini Valley

Take a relaxing stroll through the scenic Rodini Valley, located just outside Rhodes Town on the way to Lindos, which features a small stream and a wildlife reserve. Follow the narrow, tree-filled woodland path along a natural stream packed with pine and cypress trees. The cool microclimate offers you a great escape during hot summer days. To cool off, you can enjoy nature near the beach. The variety of beaches close by offer something for everyone.

Admission: free
Open: 24hrs

Valley of the Seven Springs (Epta Piges)

A walk through the Valley of the Seven Springs near Kolymbia is a special nature experience. The springs feed a stream that winds its way to a reservoir with a waterfall. With a little luck, you’ll see peacocks, ducks, or geese cooling off in the water. Nearby is also the famous Valley of the Butterflies, a popular destination especially between June and September.

Location: Seven Springs

Protected under the Natura 2000 network, the verdant valley of Epta Piges is also home to the rare ghizani fish, an endemic version of a carp fish that can be found only here.

Tip: If you’re feeling brave, you can wade barefoot through the 150-meter-long, dark tunnel—a flashlight comes in handy! Alternatively, a forest trail leads to the waterfall without getting your feet wet.

The Best Time for activities and Day Trips on Rhodes

Rhodes delights visitors with its sunny, Mediterranean climate—ideal for a variety of exploration tours. Starting in May, temperatures rise significantly, providing pleasant warmth without being oppressively hot. During the summer months of July and August, it often gets very hot on Rhodes—perfect for relaxing days at the beach, while excursions are best enjoyed in the early morning or late afternoon. Starting in September, the weather remains warm and stable, often well into October.

The best time to visit Rhodes is therefore between April and June, as well as September and October. During these months, you can expect mild temperatures, a green, blooming island in the spring, and pleasant late-summer warmth in the fall. Whether you’re strolling through the Old Town of Rhodes, taking a trip to Lindos, or going on a boat tour along the coast—Rhodes offers ideal conditions for exploration nearly year-round.