The idea of flying to Rhodes for just a few days initially seemed a bit adventurous. It seemed that for such a large island, it would not be enough. But in practice, even three or four days are enough to see the most interesting sights: walk the medieval streets, visit legendary beaches, climb ancient acropolises, and watch the sunset over the Aegean Sea.
We chose the beginning of May to celebrate our daughter’s birthday, and it turned out to be an almost perfect time. During the day, temperatures already exceeded +25°C, the sea was already warm enough for swimming, and there were far fewer tourists than in July or August. That is why spring and autumn are the best periods to discover Rhodes.
If you only have a few days, there’s no need to try to see absolutely everything. It’s better to focus on the island’s brightest places and leave yourself a reason to come back again.
I’m sharing our experience of what and how much you can see in Rhodes in three or four days.
Where Rhodes is located
Rhodes is one of the southernmost islands of Greece, situated in the far southeast of the country as part of the Dodecanese archipelago. Rhodes is a paradise for summer holidays thanks to its mild climate, warm Aegean shores, and vibrant summer days. The islands closest to Rhodes are Chalki, Karpathos, Symi, and Tilos, while Kos and Crete are also nearby.
The best time to visit Rhodes
For a short trip, it is best to choose:
- May;
- June;
- September;
- October.
At this time, the air temperature stays between +24…+30°C, and the sea is already—or still—comfortable for swimming.
July and August are suitable for lovers of real heat, but for excursions and walks through ancient cities, temperatures over +35°C may be exhausting.
July and August are suitable for lovers of real heat, but for excursions and walks through ancient cities, temperatures over +35°C may be exhausting.
How to get to Rhodes
The island is served by the international airport Rhodes International Airport Diagoras, which accepts flights from many European cities.
In the summer season, there are direct flights available from many European countries. In other months, the most convenient way is to fly via Athens.
You can also get to Rhodes by ferry from Athens or other islands of the archipelago:
- Tilos
- Symi
- Kos
- Karpathos
- Kastellorizo
How to get from and to Rhodes Airport
If you are staying in the Old Town of Rhodes, you should take a bus or taxi from the airport to your destination. A taxi is the fastest option, but the bus is a cheaper alternative. You can also check if your hotel offers airport transfer to save yourself the trouble of planning the trip on your own!
Bus
To get from Rhodes Airport to the city center in the cheapest way, you need the public bus, which departs from the main terminal. It’s quite easy to find, and any airport staff can point you in the right direction.
Buses run from 6:40 am to 11:15 pm, and the waiting time ranges from 10 to 40 minutes depending on the time of day.
Tickets are purchased directly from the driver (cash in euro) when boarding the bus and cost only 2.50 euros.
How to get around Rhodes
If you only have three days, the best solution will be car rental.
The bus network on Rhodes is well developed, but many scenic bays, viewpoints, and remote beaches are much more convenient to visit by your own transport.
Without a car, you can also travel comfortably if you stay in the city of Rhodes or Faliraki and use intercity buses.
On the outskirts of the Old Town of Rhodes there is the Central Bus Station, from where you can board a bus to almost any point on the island. You can buy a ticket at the kiosk or from the driver, and there are usually signs and timetables in Greek and English. It is an efficient and budget way to get around, but of course, you have to stick to the schedule.
Taxis are usually metered, and the driver should give you a receipt upon arrival. The minimum taxi fare in Rhodes is around 4 euros. Most taxi ranks have prices for different destinations so you can know the price before you get in.
Where to stay in Rhodes
To answer this question, you need to decide on the following:
- whether you plan to rent a car to explore the island, or use public transport;
- whether you have any desire at all to go anywhere outside your hotel—maybe you have come to Rhodes only for the sea and a peaceful vacation.
To answer the first, I can say that you can explore the island both by using public buses and by car. The difference depends on how deeply you want to get into wild nature. If historical landmarks and city beaches are enough for you—the buses will be sufficient. Also, you’ll have to choose a hotel within towns where there are bus stops. Even better, where several routes pass.
But if you want to stay remotely in a hotel not near urban infrastructure, plus you wish to visit the mountains and secluded beaches—a car is a must.
Rhodes also has a wide choice of all-inclusive hotels, both family-oriented and adults-only. If all you need from the island is a beach, pool, and good food—you can also choose this option. However! You can opt for breakfast and dinner, and spend the whole day exploring the island by car, discovering it.
The best places to stay in Rhodes
For a short trip, I would recommend one of three areas.
Rhodes Town
An ideal option for those who want to stroll through the old city in the evenings, visit restaurants, and explore the island without a car.
Hotels in Rhodes:
Philoxenia Hotel & Studios – clean bed linen, daily cleaning, everything you need to make breakfast. Quiet place, with no noise from transport at night. The hotel is located in a quiet residential area, far from the crowds of tourists that fill the Old Town of Rhodes, but you can reach the nearest entrance gate in just 20 minutes on foot.
Elenis Philoxenia – Spacious, comfortable apartment. Good location close to the beach, bars, and restaurants. Great sea view. Large balcony. Good communication with the hosts. The apartment has everything you need. Shops and restaurants are in the same block. Bus to the center and the old town in the same block, beach across the road.
Faliraki
Faliraki is about 15 minutes from the island’s capital. Here you’ll find great beaches, many hotels, and convenient transport links. This is where we stayed.
Atma Beach Rooms & Suites – Nice small hotel in a great location directly opposite the beach. Quiet and well-decorated rooms. Located across the road from the beach and near restaurants and bars, you won’t find a better place in Faliraki.
Esperos Village Blue & Spa – Adults Only – we stayed in this hotel and really liked it. Room with a private pool, also has a large common heated pool. Amazing sea view, surrounded by pines. Two-story buffet with a wonderful terrace. Very tasty breakfasts and dinners—great cuisine! There are also two a la carte restaurants. Recommended for couples and a relaxing holiday.
Lindos
Lindos is one of the most beautiful corners of the island. With its white houses, narrow streets, and incredible views, it looks like a postcard from a travel catalog. There is also a beautiful beach with a wonderful calm bay.
Lindos Calmare Suites – Great location, easy access everywhere. The property is located in the lower part of Lindos, close to all main attractions and with good access to restaurants, bars, and shops. The apartment is clean and has a large terrace. The apartment offers self-check-in.
Lindos View Hotel – Very clean, modern, and well thought out, with children’s play areas, comfortable sun loungers, and plenty of shady options. Clean, comfortable rooms – plenty of towels and daily cleaning as needed.
Day 1. Exploring Old Rhodes
It’s best to dedicate the first day to the capital of the island.
Rhodes is divided into two parts: the Old Town and the New Town. True to their names, each part has its own unique atmosphere. In the Old Town, you will find historical buildings and other ancient landmarks that you can admire as you stroll the city.
The Old Town of Rhodes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe.
It’s easy to get lost among the stone streets, arches, and fortification walls.
Must-see spots:
- Palace of the Grand Master – also known as Castello. Once home to hundreds of knights who defended the city from various invaders. Today, it is a museum where you can see archaeological treasures found there, as well as its amazing architecture.
- Street of the Knights – a wonderfully preserved medieval street with sandstone buildings.
- Archaeological Museum of Rhodes – located in the former Knights’ hospital. It was built in 1440 and houses numerous exhibits, displaying everything from ancient mosaics to marble statues.;
- Fort of St. Nicholas – located near Mandraki harbour—served to protect the coast from invasions. On its side stands an impressive tower, which once served as a lighthouse to help ships navigate to sea.
- Mandraki Harbour – famous for its windmills, yachts, and ships that can be seen along its coast.
In the evening, it is worth walking along the sea and having dinner in one of the traditional taverns of the Old Town.
In the New Town, you will find a trendy area with modern shops and cafes. However, whichever part of Rhodes you visit, you will also be able to enjoy the incredible sea views.
Any day, head to the beaches of Rhodes
Rhodes is one of the best places in the world for a beach holiday. Every beach on the island is unique in its landscape and sea views.
Anthony Quinn Bay
Named after the iconic actor, Anthony Quinn Bay is a peaceful spot on Rhodes, famous for its pines and clear water. The beach is also framed by massive boulders, which are a popular spot for sunbathing.
St. Paul’s Bay
It is believed that it was in this bay that St. Paul landed in 51 AD when he came to preach on the island. There are two beaches in the bay to explore, as well as an ancient village you can walk through. You can climb to the top of this village to enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the bay.
Tsambika Beach
Tsambika Beach is known for its incredibly soft sand and crystal blue waters. This quiet area also gives you the chance to try water sports or enjoy cold dishes at one of the many small food kiosks nearby.
Prasonisi Beach
This beach is a unique place on Rhodes for many reasons. First, it turns into a small island at low tide, connecting the beach to the southern part of the island. Here, by the way, is where two seas meet—the Ionian and the Mediterranean.
You will also see that from this beach you can enjoy incredible sea views, and it is a bit windy, which makes it an ideal spot for surfers.
Day 2. Lindos and the most beautiful beaches of the island
The second day can truly be called the most beautiful. In the morning, head to Lindos—the drive from Rhodes Town takes about an hour.
Lindos is a small village that is popular with tourists thanks to its amazing sea views and ancient monuments. It is here where the famous acropolis stands above the white town and turquoise bay.
Things to see in Lindos:
- The Acropolis of Lindos – located high on Monte Smith, was the site in Ancient Greece for sporting events. Besides impressive ruins, the Acropolis also offers panoramic views of the sea, making it an ideal spot for photography or just taking in the stunning views.
- The Church of the Virgin of Lindos, known for its stunning frescoes.
- Byzantine Museum of Tsambika, where various kinds of Byzantine art are preserved, which cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
- Tomb of Cleobulus. This massive structure overlooks the sea and is the resting place of Cleobulus, one of the Seven Sages of Ancient Greece.
- Narrow streets of the old village and wonderful shops.
- Viewpoints over the Lindos bay.
After a walk, you can head to the beaches.
Day 3. Wild nature and the west coast
Dedicate the third day to the less touristy part of Rhodes.
Valley of the Butterflies
The Valley of the Butterflies is especially interesting in summer, when thousands of Jersey Tiger butterflies gather here. Unlike Turkey’s Valley of the Butterflies, this nature reserve is filled with a diversity of flowers and thousands of butterflies. You’ll find plenty of trails to walk through the park, so you can get up-close with different butterfly species living in the sanctuary.
After seeing the park, you can visit the Natural History Museum, where you can see the butterfly incubator and learn more about the life of these beautiful insects.
Filerimos Monastery
Filerimos Monastery, located on the hills of the countryside overlooking Ialyssos, is an untouched church-monastery complex, built by the Knights of Saint John to house the icon of the Virgin of Filerimos, as well as to serve as a place for monks to live and pray.
Over the years, the monastery has had a rather turbulent history: the Ottomans expelled the Knights and destroyed the buildings, then Italian occupation rebuilt it, and later the cross was bombed during World War II. Today, the complex includes an early Christian basilica, a small Byzantine church, stone altars, a large cross, and, of course, stunning panoramic views of the island.
Try sea kayaking and SUP
You can sign up for one of the many guided tours around the island, which will take you along the coast to show you secluded beaches, nature reserves, rare plants, and other unique spots and things that many tourists don’t get to see. Some tours even offer a picnic and will take you to a private beach where you can enjoy homemade and traditional Greek food.
Another popular option here is stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). There are plenty of short tours you can join, which will not only teach you the basics of the sport but also take you to the island’s hidden places. Many tours will also guide you to the best swimming spots and places to see marine life, giving you an amazing adventure. You can even take a short snorkeling trip after you set out into the sea on the paddleboard. You’ll find many different paddleboard tours, so everyone will find something for themselves.
Have fun at the waterpark
Rhodes has the WaterPark, a great attraction for family recreation. You’ll find many different kinds of water rides for every taste and skill level, as well as a lazy river. When you’re done having fun, you can drop by one of the park’s many small restaurants or bars for a snack or drink. Note that you’ll need to buy tickets for entry, though sometimes you can get them in advance to avoid the line.
Head to Monolithos Castle
These 15th-century castle ruins are perched high on a rocky cliff and blend with the sea, offering guests an astonishing panoramic view. Besides its picturesque location, the castle also has an interesting history. Monolithos Castle, once considered one of the most powerful forts of its time, served as the home to the royal family and other prominent figures of the island. Although today it is little more than ruined remains, it was once an impressive structure, filled with frescoes and chapels.
You can climb around the castle ruins to admire it from various angles. Doing so, you might even see its foundations, which were also once a castle, before Monolithos Castle was built on top.
Visit Kallithea and its thermal springs
This picturesque part of Rhodes is a true paradise thanks to its colorful beaches and an amazing number of natural wonders. One of the most popular locations in Kallithea is its thermal springs. The hot waters of the springs are not only relaxing but are also famous for their healing properties.
The springs are surrounded by exquisite coves and tall pines, making this a wonderful place for relaxation. After exploring the thermal springs, you can head to one of Kallithea’s many beaches, known for their warm waters, making them a great spot for a quick dip.
Climb the highest point of Rhodes – Profitis Ilias
Another great activity you can do in Rhodes is to climb to its highest point—Profitis Ilias. This small village surrounded by rocks and the wild sea is unlike anything else you have seen on the island.
You can ascend to it, enjoying the natural landscape full of pines, cedars, and cypresses. You might even see deer strolling by as you climb. The village is full of winding paths that will take you through the surroundings and past historical buildings, such as the seaside Byzantine church, known for its frescoes.
Explore Seven Springs
“Seven Springs” is the ideal place for both adventurers and nature lovers. This natural park offers fresh water flowing from numerous springs nestled under ancient trees. You can start by walking through the beautiful canyon and then a hidden tunnel to reach the waterfall. You might even spot a majestic peacock strolling by and calling across the forest.
Archaeological site of ancient Kamiros
The archaeological site of ancient Kamiros is a must for history lovers, with ancient dwellings, columns, markets, and baths unearthed for visitors to explore. Located on the west of the island, Kamiros is one of the three ancient cities discovered on Rhodes (the others being Lindos and Ialyssos), believed to have been settled by Mycenaean Greeks in prehistoric times. The site is famous for its many ruins worth discovering, and the admission is only 3 euros, so there’s no reason not to visit!
Kritinia Castle
Kritinia Castle, or Castello to the locals, is an ancient Venetian/Byzantine castle beloved for its breathtaking views as much as for its history. Located on the western side of Rhodes overlooking the small islands of Alimia and Chalki, Kritinia Castle was built by the Knights of St. John—and even though only ruins remain, you can still see what an impressive structure it once was. The castle can be reached by bus to Kritinia and then walking, or you can drive up the dirt road by car.
What you can see in three days
Three days in Rhodes is not long, but it is quite enough to fall in love with the island.
During this time you can:
- stroll the medieval city of Rhodes;
- see knights’ fortresses and ancient monuments;
- visit Lindos and its acropolis;
- swim at the island’s most beautiful beaches;
- watch the sunset at Monolithos Castle;
- witness the meeting point of two seas at Prasonisi.
And most importantly—realize that Rhodes is much more interesting than just an ordinary beach resort. Here, ancient history, medieval architecture, mountain roads, turquoise bays, and the true Greek atmosphere are wonderfully combined, making you want to return again.
Useful articles and links:
- Santorini – island guide for visiting
- Santorini – what to see on the island in three days
- Where to stay in Santorini – best places and accommodation options
Car rental – Rentalcars.com
Travel health insurance – HotlineFinance
Hotel and apartment booking – Booking.com
