Rhodes in 5 Days
From the medieval streets of Rhodes Town to the white lanes of Lindos, the knights' castles of the interior and the wild southern tip β a complete circuit of the island.
Rhodes in 5 days, day by day: what to see, in what order, how far you drive and where you sleep. Base: Rhodes Town and Lindos. It assumes a hire car from day one.
Rhodes Old Town & the North
Mandraki Harbour
The ancient harbour where the Colossus of Rhodes once stood. Start your day with coffee watching the sailboats.
Palace of the Grand Master
The finest example of Gothic architecture in Greece. Former seat of the Knights of St John. Impressive mosaics inside.
Street of the Knights
The best-preserved medieval street in Europe. Each section was occupied by a different langue of the Knights Hospitaller.
Kallithea Springs
Stunning Italian-built thermal spa complex from the 1920s on the coast. Beautiful architecture and a clear swimming cove.
West Side β Kamiros, Butterflies & Kritinia
Kritinia Castle
Ruined Knights' castle on a hilltop with panoramic sea views toward Turkey. Free entry. Small cafe at the base with wine and honey tastings.
Valley of the Butterflies
Unique valley where thousands of Jersey tiger moths gather in summer on the sweet storax trees. Shaded walks beside streams.
Ancient Kamiros
Ruins of one of the three ancient city-states of Rhodes β temples, stoas and a Hellenistic reservoir. Far less visited than Lindos but equally impressive.
The South β Monolithos & Siana
Rhodes Town
Early departure heading south down the west coast β the longest driving day of the trip.
Glystra Beach π beach card Β· wind & conditions β
Sheltered sandy cove in the south with shallow, warm water. One of the least crowded excellent beaches on the island. Add 80 km round-trip if you want to push on to Prasonisi at the southern tip β a dramatic sandbar where the Aegean and Mediterranean meet, world-class for windsurfing.
Siana Village
Mountain village famous for souma (local spirit) and thyme honey. Stop at a local shop for tastings β both are exceptional.
Monolithos Castle
15th century Knights' castle perched on a 240-metre rock pinnacle with sheer drop views to the sea. The finest sunset viewpoint on Rhodes.
Evening in Rhodes Town
Long drive back from the southwest to Rhodes Town (about 1.5 hours). The journey itself is part of the day β through the mountain villages and back along the coast as evening falls.
East Coast β Lindos
Rhodes Town
Depart south along the scenic east coast road.
Anthony Quinn Bay π beach card Β· wind & conditions β
Iconic emerald cove named after the actor who filmed The Guns of Navarone here. Extraordinary clarity β bring a snorkel.
Ladiko Beach
Secluded pebble bay just 5 minutes walk from Anthony Quinn. Rocky seabed excellent for snorkelling, fewer crowds.
Tsambika Beach π beach card Β· wind & conditions β
The best family beach on Rhodes β long golden sand, shallow water, excellent facilities. Lunch at one of the beach tavernas.
Tsambika Monastery π beach card Β· wind & conditions β
Climb the 300 steps to the hilltop Byzantine monastery for sweeping views over the coast and beach below.
Agathi Beach π beach card Β· wind & conditions β
Golden sand and crystal clear water beneath Feraklos Castle. One of the finest beaches on the island. Morning swim before the crowds arrive.
Lindos
Arrive in Lindos in the late afternoon. Check in, then walk down to the village for dinner with the Acropolis lit up above.
Lindos & Departure
Lindos Acropolis
3rd century BC acropolis with a Doric temple of Athena Lindia perched above a sheer 116-metre cliff. One of the most dramatic ancient sites in Greece.
Lindos Village
Dazzling white cubist houses in maze-like lanes. Browse the galleries and craftshops before lunch.
St Paul's Bay
Heart-shaped bay just south of Lindos with crystal water and the Acropolis looming above. One of the most beautiful spots in Greece.
Rhodes Town β Departure
Drive back to Rhodes Town for ferry or flight departure. Final coffee at Mandraki harbour.
Planning questions
Is 5 days enough for Rhodes?
Yes, for a first visit. The plan covers the essentials at a pace that leaves time in the water. With one more day, add a slow beach day with no driving.
Do I need a car on Rhodes?
Yes. The beaches and villages are spread out and the bus does not reach the ones that matter; book ahead for July and August.
Where should I stay on Rhodes?
The plan sleeps in Rhodes Town and Lindos, so you are not crossing the island every morning.