Last Updated on 23rd January 2024 by Sophie Nadeau
The biggest island in the Dodecanese cluster, Rhodes, is a fantastic Greek island and a popular summer destination for those longing to experience a vacation made of pristine beaches, traditional fishing settlements, incredible archaeological sites, and mouthwatering Mediterranean food. In this Rhodes itinerary, we’ll detail how to make the most of even just a few days in this memorable paradise.
Although the island is really big and staying less than a week on the island might not look like a worthwhile experience, spending three days in Rhodes will be enough to check out the highlights of the island, including some of the most beautiful beaches, its charming old town, and other iconic sights.
In this article, you will find a balanced 3-day itinerary to make the most of your time in Rhodes, which includes historical highlights, relaxation on the beach, and sampling some of the local cuisine.
We have also included some of the other things to do in Rhodes at the end to give you a full view of what a trip to the Greek island can look like. If it’s your first time in Greece, be sure to check out our top Greece travel tips.
Contents
Things to Know about Rhodes
The Greek island of Rhodes is part of the southeastern Aegean Sea and belongs to the Dodecanese group of Greek islands. It is the largest island in this group (about 1,400 square kilometers).
The island is quite close to the coast of Turkey, about 18 kilometers, while it’s about 363 kilometers from Athens. The capital of the island is Rhodes Town, it’s on the northern tip of the island and it has two main areas to explore, the Morden town and the historic old town also known as the Medieval City of Rhodes.
The old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as it is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. Rhodes was an important center of the ancient Greek civilization while, in later years, it was ruled by various empires and civilizations, including the Knights of St. John, the Ottoman Empire, and Italy.
Each of these civilizations left a mark still visible in the island’s architecture, cultural heritage, cuisine, and archaeological sites.
Rhodes is also home to important archaeological sites, some of them quite easy to visit on a day trip. Among the most important ones are the Acropolis of Rhodes and the Acropolis of Lindos.
The island’s cuisine is rich and varied featuring all the ingredients that characterize the Mediterranean diet as well as strong influences from Middle Eastern cuisine. Pomegranates are particularly associated with the island and you can even book a pottery masterclass to make your own pomegranate!
Last but not least, Rhodes is known for the Dama Dama deer, a protected species that can only be found on the island of Rhodes.
When to Travel to Rhodes
Although the best time to visit the island largely depends on your preferences, those seeking unforgettable beach adventures will prefer to spend the summer in Rhodes, from June to early September.
If you want to combine visits to the beach with long hikes and mountain walks, September and October might be milder and offer more pleasant temperatures.
The months leading to summer (from April to early June) are also excellent for outdoor sports and adventures, although the sea might be still too cool for long swims.
Winters are not as cold as in the rest of Europe. The island features mild temperatures and the main towns still offer some accommodation options for those who visit between November and March.
Since Rhodes is one of the several big islands in Greece, many hotels, shops, restaurants, amenities, and attractions are still active in winter while some shops, museums, and sites might operate with reduced hours. During this period, prices are also more affordable.
If you’re interested in the island’s history, and cultural events, or simply want to enjoy a peaceful getaway, winter can be a good time to visit Rhodes.
How to Get to Rhodes
Since the island is a popular summer destination for many Europeans, you will find more than one popular way to get to Rhodes.
By Plane: Diagoras International (RHO) is the island’s airport and it’s well-connected to major cities in Greece and several European destinations. You can fly directly to Rhodes from Athens or take a direct flight from various European cities. The route Athens-Rhodes is about an hour.
By Ferry: Traveling by sea in Greece is one of the most traditional ways to visit the islands, Rhodes is connected to the Greek mainland and other islands via regular ferry services.
The main ports on the mainland with connections to Rhodes are Piraeus (Athens) and Rafina. Travel times depend on routes and types of ferries, while an average trip from Piraeus to Rhodes can last from 12 to 15 hours.
From Rhodes, it’s possible to visit other Dodecanese islands via ferry, including Patmos, Kos, Symi, Kastellorizo, and Kalymnos. If you have extra time, consider booking this Symi Full-Day Yacht Cruise with Meal & Drinks or this trip to Alimia (an uninhabited island).
How to Move Around in Rhodes
Most areas on the island can be easily reached by public transport (buses and taxis). The bus service is operated by KTEL, and you can find bus schedules and routes at bus stations or online.
Buses are an affordable option to discover the most popular landmarks in Rhodes. You can even book a hop-on-hop-off bus tour like this one to maximise your sightseeing abilities.
Car or motorbike rental remains the most popular and most efficient way to explore the island on your own. Check car rental comparisons in advance here.
Be aware that, since most visitors tend to prefer this option, during peak seasons, booking your car rental in advance is the best solution to secure the type of vehicle you prefer.
Best Beaches in Rhodes
The island is famous for its great selection of beaches, pristine waters, endless water sports opportunities, and coastal settlements.
Among the beaches we suggest checking out during a trip to Rhodes are Tsambika Beach, Faliraki, Lindos Beach, and Anthony Quinn’s Bay. Agios Pavlos beach is yet another sandry stretch which will take your breath away.
Three Days in Rhodes: Top Things to Do
Let’s now see what are the best things you can do in Rhodes in three days…
Day 1 – Old Town Rhodes and Faliraki
It’s a good idea to start your first day on the island by visiting the gorgeous Medieval Town of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage site that houses one of the most beautiful and best-preserved castles in Europe, the magnificent Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes.
Inside the palace, you can marvel at the medieval museum or simply enjoy the incredible architecture of the building. Purchase your Palace of the Grand Master ticket here in advance.
Once you’ve seen the palace, enjoy a stroll through the narrow streets of the Old Town, paying special attention to the spectacular Street of the Knights. If you’re looking to get around in a unique way, then you might consider booking a Segway tour of Rhodes town.
Once you’ve checked out this picturesque area, it’s time to visit the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes if you are looking to learn something about the history of the island. Over here, you’ll find artifacts from ancient Rhodes, including statues, pottery, and jewelry.
Another highlight of Rhodes medieval old town which will simply take your breath away is the Panagia tou Bourgou, which is known as Virgin Mary of the Burgh or Lady of the Castle in English.
The ecclesiastical building dates back to the 14th-century and is the oldest still standing church on the island. This isn’t a museum per se, is free to visit, and is simply a space where you can wander around and soak up the historic ambiance.
Head to the Harbor of Mandraki for a delicious lunch by the sea. Check out the enchanting main port of Rhodes and pay a visit to the iconic deer statues that flank the entrance to the harbor. Later on, head to Faliraki for an afternoon at the beach.
Faliraki is relatively easy to reach from Mandraki by car, taxi, or public bus. Besides, the place is perfect if you want to spend the afternoon at one of the many sandy beaches. For instance, the main beach allows you to take a dip in the crystal-clear waters or rent a sunbed.
More of an active type? No problem, there will be plenty of adventurous activities in Faliraki, including jet skiing, parasailing, or banana boat rides.
If you’re traveling with children, Faliraki Water Park offers a wide range of water slides, pools, and attractions suitable for all ages. It’s considered one of Europe’s most important water parks, thus guaranteeing endless hours of wet fun.
Romantic couples looking for a quiet place to witness their first sunset in Rhodes should take a short boat ride from Faliraki to Anthony Quinn Bay to enjoy the emerald green waters and lush vegetation surrounding the beach.
The environment is laid-back while it also offers the ideal setting for endless hours of sunbathing, swimming, or snorkeling.
In the evening, explore the town of Faliraki on foot. Enjoy the several shops, stop at a coffee house, and grab a traditional sweet with a cup of coffee. In the evening, pick among the many seaside taverns for a traditional seafood meal. Another option is to book a sunset cruise like this one.
Day 2: Lindos Town
Devote the whole second day in Rhodes to Lindos, one of the most scenic settlements on the island.
Reach the Acropolis of Lindos early in the morning to avoid the hottest hours of the day as well as to beat the crowds. Purchase your Ancient Lindos Acropolis Regular Admission Ticket here in advance.
The ancient Acropolis of Lindos is one of the most iconic archaeological sites in Rhodes, located on top of a hill. Over here, you can check out an imposing ancient theater, as well as the famous Temple of Athena Lindia.
If you want to learn more, join an organized tour led by an official guide, this way, you will get the chance to ask as many questions as you want and discover every secret about the history of the island.
From this point, the views of the coast are simply spectacular. Once you’ve seen the ruins, explore the charming whitewashed streets of Lindos town, with its traditional architecture made of stone houses with colorful windows.
Near the village’s main square, the Church of the Panagia is a beautiful Byzantine Church with impressive frescoes that you shouldn’t miss.
End the morning grabbing a few mementos from Lindos. The area offers great opportunities for souvenir-hunting since many shops sell local handicrafts and other typical souvenirs.
Climb down to the coastal area of Lindos for a seaside lunch on St. Paul’s Bay, a stunning natural harbor just a short walk from the village. Devote the rest of the afternoon to the beach.
On this bay, you will encounter a sandy shore with crystal-clear waters, peaceful enough to relax, swim, or enjoy a good read under an umbrella.
One more beach you can check out in the area is Pallas Beach, also within walking distance from Lindos village, the turquoise, shallow waters are perfect for a tranquil afternoon by the sea.
As soon as the sunset hour draws near, head back up to Lindos Acropolis or pick one of the many restaurants with views over the sea. The views from u the hill are nothing short of stunning.
Day 3 Natural Areas and Wellness in Rhodes
For an alternative last day in Rhodes, visiting the coastal town of Kallithea might be just what you need before going back home to your routine.
The island’s southern coast is famous for its spectacular beaches, but also for the unique Butterfly Valley. If you haven’t rented a car for your trip, then you might consider booking this Guided tour of Lindos, Rhodes City, and Kallithea.
Also known as Petaloudes, this is an interesting natural reserve close to Kallithea that, during the end of summer, receives thousands of butterflies in search of the shaded paths and trees in the valley.
Head to the elegant Kallithea Springs to enjoy its therapeutic waters, discover the landscaped gardens and learn about the history of the springs.
Reach the beach for a casual lunch and spend some time on this picturesque pebble beach surrounded by cliffs and lush greenery.
If you prefer a more active afternoon, check out one of the many beach clubs with lavish facilities along the coast of Kallithea featuring amenities such as super comfy lounges, beachside bars and restaurants, music, and endless cocktails.
If beach clubs don’t cut it for you, you might want to try jet skiing or parasailing, while the sunset is better enjoyed from the deck of one of the beach bars or restaurants while sipping a refreshing drink before dinner.
Where to Stay in Rhodes
When staying in Rhodes for a short time (3 to 5 days), it’s better to choose a central location, close to the attractions and beaches you intend to visit.
These are some of the most convenient places to stay in Rhodes for a short break on the island:
- Rhodes Town: It’s always a good idea to stay in the capital to have access to more amenities and public transport. The old town offers easy access to historical sites, restaurants, shops, and nightlife. Suggested hotel: Rhodos Horizon City
- Faliraki: Another popular place to stay in Rhodes is Faliraki, a coastal settlement on the eastern area of the island with popular sandy beaches, entertainment, and dozens of hotels for all budgets. Suggested hotel: Kouros Exclusive Hotel & Suites
- Lindos: If you’re looking for a quiet place to stay on the island, then head to Lindos. Located on the eastern shores of Rhodes, Lindos has the quintessential atmospheric vibe of Greek-whitewashed villages. Lindos offers a variety of accommodations, from luxury hotels to cozy guesthouses. Suggested hotel: Lindos Blue Sky
- Lalyssos: The ideal destination for those who intend to enjoy water sports in Rhodes, this area is located on the western coast of the island, not far from the center of the old town. The place has plenty of beachfront resorts with beautiful while the atmosphere is tranquil and relaxed. Suggested hotel: Nathalie Hotel
If you have more time
Unfortunately, three days isn’t really enough time to see everything that Rhodes has to offer. As such, here is a non-exhaustive list of other attractions that the Greek island has to enjoy if you find yourself with a week in Rhodes…
Ancient Kamiros
Those who are fans of all things history will soon fall in love with Rhodes thanks to its myriad of well-preserved ancient sites. Ancient Kamiros is all that remains of the first city state on the island of Rhodes, a settlement dating back to the late Bronze Age.
Today you can visit the ancient site, though you’ll want to plan to visit during the morning or late afternoon as the site is quite exposed to the sun. The entrance fee is under €10, making it a great budget activity on the island.
Monolithos Castle
One of the more spectacular views in Rhodes can be found in the form of Monolithos Castle, which are all that remains of a once fortified castle, dating back to the 15th-century. The walk up from the closest car park isn’t too far, but be prepared for some steep steps and go prepared with suitable shoes.
Seven Springs
Impossibly beautiful, the Seven Springs is named for its seven springs and is the perfect spot to visit if you want to cool down during a particularly hot day.
Free to visit, you don’t need more than an hour or two to explore, and while it’s at the top of every travel guide for Rhodes, it most certainly isn’t the top attraction on the island and so you should really only add it to your Rhodes itinerary if you’ve seen everything else there is to enjoy.
Castle of Kritinia
Best seen at Golden Hour when the fortified walls transform into a golden hue, the ruins of kritinia are all that are left of a 1472 castle built by the Knights of St. John. Free to visit and explore, on a clear day, you can see as far as Turkey from the top!
Kato Monastery Tsambika
The Holy Monastery of the Virgin Mary is probably most visited thanks to its unparalleled sea views. However, you should note that to visit the viewing platform next to the church, you’ll have to ascend 300+ steps and so it’s best to avoid visiting during the middle of the day!
Rodini Park
If you love nature, then you’ll want to check out Rodini Park, which many claim is the first landscaped garden in the world. There is not a huge deal of things to do, though it is a great place to visit on a particularly hot day.
Modern Greek Art Museum
If you love museums, then you should be sure to check out the Modern Greek Art Museum, which is located close to the Aquarium of Rhodes on the northeast tip of the island. You have to pay for entrance and there aren’t a huge number of displays, but it’s a great spot to check out for an hour or two.
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Gabi Ancarola is a journalist and travel writer who has lived over 20 years in Italy, and has been living in Crete for the last five years. She hosts culinary tours, translates and writes for her Crete travel blog The Tiny Book. She’s written for Greek Reporter and published several travel guides about Greece.