My Rhodes Road Trip – The perfect 5 Day Itinerary

Itineraries › My Rhodes Road Trip – The perfect 5 Day Itinerary

Are you planning a trip to the Greek island of Rhodes? This detailed Rhodes itinerary includes the best things to do in Rhodes and the must-see places around the island, ensuring you don’t miss a thing. Discover fascinating history, charming villages, beautiful beaches, and incredible landscapes all across the island. Whether you want to explore ancient ruins, wander through picturesque greek towns, or just wish to relax on those iconic Greek beaches, you can have it all!

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A Road Trip Around Rhodes: How to Explore the Island in 5 Days

Want to experience more than just sunbathing and refreshing dips in the Mediterranean during your vacation on Rhodes? Then simply rent a car and explore the island’s highlights starting from the capital Rhodes Town. I will present you the most beautiful spots to see on a road trip over five days. Plenty of history, beautiful landscapes, and magnificent beaches await you—let’s go.

I created this travel guide to help you plan your trip and discover some of the very best places to visit in Rhodes.

Rhodes by Rental Car

You can also reach many of your destinations on Rhodes by public transportation. However, that takes longer and isn’t always straightforward. That’s why I recommend a rental car for your time on the island. It gives you complete flexibility.

My Rhodes road trip: the most important information

I’ll tell you which places you should definitely plan to visit and where you can treat yourself to a bit of relaxation in between. I’ll take you to the most beautiful cities and beaches, to small natural wonders and magnificent landscapes.

• Route: Rhodes Town – Lindos – Monolithos – Valley of Butterflies – Kolymbia
• Distance: 200 km
• Pure driving time: 5 hours

Best time to travel: During the main travel season in July and August, the beaches are packed, but it is more pleasant to travel in the off-season in September and October. I still had 25 to 30 degrees at the beginning of September – the best weather for swimming.

5-Day Rhodes Itinerary Overview

Below, you can find my breakdown of your 5 days in Rhodes itinerary.

Day 1 in Rhodes: Discover Rhodes Town

• The Palace of the Grand Master.
• The Street of the Knights.
• Discover the legend of the Colossus of Rhodes at Mandraki Harbor
• Explore the Acropolis of Rhodes and the Ancient Olympic Stadium

Day 2 in Rhodes: Visit Lindos Town

• Marvel the ancient ruins of the Acropolis of Lindos
• Relax at Agios Pavlos Beach Lindos
• Visit the Church of the Panagia
• Explore St. Pauls Bay

Day 3 in Rhodes: Monolithos Castle

• Monolithos Castle: Hike the path of stone steps to reach the summit, where they will find panoramic views of the Aegean Sea, the island of Chalki
• Fourni Beach: A quiet, pebble-and-sand beach located at the base of the peninsula, offering a wild, unspoiled setting and an ancient rock carvings of Charon’s boat (the mythological ferryman).
• Alyki Beach: A smaller beach great for escaping crowds, complete with a relaxed local beach bar.

Day 4 in Rhodes: Rhodes Island Road Trip to the Psinthos Mountains

• Stroll through Psinthos
• Visit the Valley of Butterflies
• Savour local cuisine in the local tavernas
• Try some high quality local honey

Day 5 in Rhodes: Exploring Kolymbia

• Visit the Monastery of Tsambika.
• Relax at Kolimbia Beach.
• Stroll through Eucalyptus Alley.

Day 1: Arrival in Rhodes Town

A fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site to start your journey

Why not start right where the island’s heart beats? Rhodes Town is an experience in itself. A journey through time, a fascinating meeting point of past and present. The Old Town has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You should really take your time exploring it. In Knights’ Street, the name says it all: the historic flair is still palpable on many street corners today.

Right next to it is Sokratous Street, the path for gourmets. There you can stop for a light or hearty meal in a café or restaurant.

You’ll find plenty of interesting places in Rhodes Town. Be sure to stroll down to Mandraki Harbor, where you’ll discover many of Rhodes’s famous photo spots. The windmills, for example. Or Fort St. Nicholas. The famous “Colossus of Rhodes” is also said to have stood in the harbor: a 30-meter-tall bronze statue that collapsed in an earthquake centuries ago. Look for two small sculptures: a stag and a fawn. That’s exactly where it’s said to have stood.

History and stories will accompany you at every turn in Rhodes Town. Romans, Turks, Crusaders – they were all here and left their mark.

Hotel tip: The Elaia-Fos is located in the middle of the town town district in a quiet side street. The service staff are incredibly helpful, the rooms are clean and spacious and the price is more than fair. (Double room for two nights: 154 euros)

If you want to treat yourself to something special, check into the Sperveri Boutique Hotel. The 5-star hotel is located right in the city center and offers everything you need with a year-round pool, sun terrace, lush garden, stylish rooms and a fantastic breakfast – and more! (Double room: 184 euros/night)

Day 2: Lindos Village

Lindos, the white village

From today’s capital to the one of yesteryear: The small village of Lindos was actually once the commercial center of the island of Rhodes. Today it is a protected historic site and looks so picturesque that it resembles a movie set. Small, white houses on a hillside. Above them, a mini-acropolis. Medieval-style streets. A Greek dream come true, located just about 47 kilometers from Rhodes Town.

You definitely shouldn’t miss the sweeping view from the citadel. A whimsical donkey taxi ride takes you up the 116 meters, where you can admire the Mediterranean coastal panorama from above. More good news: In Lindos, you can not only admire ancient columns, temples, and captains’ houses, but also spend lovely hours at the beach.

Lindos Beach and Saint-Paul are the local options. Perhaps you’ll spend a relaxing afternoon here?

Hotel Tip: I stayed at Melenos Art Boutique Hotel right below the Acropolis on the the edge og the old town. Beautiful location, great atmosphere, very helpful and friendly staff, and a lovely terrace where breakfast is served.

Day 3: Monolithos

Castle and mountain village in one day – Monolithos

Today, the longest excursion in terms of distance awaits you: you’ll drive along the north coast to Monolithos. The drive to the hilltop village, about 74 kilometers away, takes approximately 1.5 hours. Even from a distance, you can see the fortress built by the Knights of St. John on a rocky outcrop in the 15th century.

The location was cleverly chosen: it cannot be seen from the beach, so as not to attract pirates. You can drive your car almost right up to the base of the fortress; the last 300 meters must be covered on foot, but you’ll be rewarded at the top with a sweeping view of the west coast.

After a short stroll through the streets lined with cozy taverns and shops, you can drive to two nearby beaches: Fourni Beach and Alyki Beach. Just follow the road through the pine forest. For the return trip to Rhodes Town, plan to go via Embona: a charming mountain village at an elevation of 500 meters at the foot of Mount Attaviros. It rises 1,215 meters high, making it the island’s highest mountain. One more tip: It’s best to arrive in Embona after 3 p.m. By then, most tour buses have left the village.

Day 4: Valley of the Butterflies

Explore the Psinthos Mountains

Are you traveling in Rhodes during 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’s a 23-kilometer drive northwest to reach it. The valley is located on the northern slope of the Psinthos Mountains and is characterized by a multitude of Oriental sweetgum trees. This special tree species attracts butterflies, creating the natural phenomenon. Colorful butterflies, both small and large, flutter and hover through the valley—an unforgettable sight.

The natural scenery in the gorge is also worth seeing: let yourself be enchanted by waterfalls and gently flowing streams, and on your way back to Rhodes Town, be sure to visit the Kallithea Springs on the northeast coast. If your feet are a little sore from the hike through the Valley of the Butterflies: the sulfur-rich water in the thermal springs is said to have healing properties. Even the legendary Greek physician Hippocrates was of this opinion.

Day 5: Kolymbia & The Valley of the Seven Springs

A forest walk to wrap things up

You’ve 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. Head to the east coast to the town of Kolymbia—it’s about 24 kilometers 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’ll likely encounter geese, ducks, and perhaps even a peacock or two. Those with a particular taste for adventure can also take a path through a 200-meter-long tunnel. What a way to end your road trip on Rhodes: exciting, romantic, and relaxing all at once.

FAQ

What are the unmissable things to do in Rhodes?

Rhodes offers a perfect blend of dreamy beaches, ancient history, and picturesque villages. The absolute highlights you should experience on this sunny island are:

• Medieval charm in Rhodes Town: Stroll through the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, past the imposing Grand Master’s Palace and along the famous Street of the Knights.
• The Acropolis of Lindos: The picturesque white village with its narrow streets is a must-see. Perched atop the rock is the ancient Acropolis, offering a breathtaking view over St. Paul’s Bay.
• Kallithea Springs: Enjoy the elegant ambiance of the former Italian spa complex with its ornate pebble mosaics and crystal-clear water perfect for snorkeling.
• Enchanting bays: Relax on the island’s most beautiful beaches. Particularly worth seeing are the wide sandy beach of Tsambika and the picturesque Anthony Quinn Bay.
• The Valley of the Butterflies (Petaloudes): A beautiful, shady nature reserve that attracts thousands of butterflies, especially during the summer months

How many days should you spend in Rhodes?

For a comfy holiday in Rhodes, I recommend 7 to 10 days. This timeframe offers the perfect balance for exploring the island—with its historic sites, picturesque villages, and beaches—at a leisurely pace without feeling rushed.

Depending on your travel style, the ideal duration is:

• 3–5 days (short trip): Ideal if you only want to see the absolute highlights. Focus on the medieval Old Town of Rhodes (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the white mountain village of Lindos.
• 7 days (Classic): The ideal length for most travelers. You’ll have plenty of time for a road trip in a rental car to discover hidden coves like Anthony Quinn Bay or the Valley of the Butterflies, without having to sacrifice relaxation on the beach.
• 10–14 days (Relaxing): Perfect for anyone who wants to combine culture and relaxation. You can explore the island’s unspoiled interior, take a trip to the neighboring island of Symi, or enjoy water sports.

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