This blog post was written by Alexander & Laura, the owners of the expert travel blog, Lost Between Oceans.
Welcome to Rhodes, Greece.
In this article, we will share everything you need to know to plan the best 3-day Rhodes itinerary possible! We’ll even give you insider tips and tricks on how to get the most out of your vacation!
Let’s get started!
Things to know about Rhodes
Have you been curious about what to expect in Rhodes, Greece? Let us give you the basics below.
- Location: Rhodes is one of the largest islands in Greece and is located in the southeastern Aegean Sea (see the Google Maps view).
- Area: The island covers an area of approximately 1,400 square kilometers (541 square miles), so it is best to hire a car to discover the island of Rhodes.
- Population: Around 115,000 people live on the island. Many of these people are old Greeks and are super friendly toward tourists.
- Capital: The capital of Rhodes is Ródos (Ρόδος in Greek). The capital is home to more than a third of the island’s population.
- Climate: Rhodes has a Mediterranean climate which means that it has hot and dry summers (with temperatures of 43 degrees Celsius) and mild, wet winters.
- Economy: Tourism (what else?) is the main industry in Rhodes and drives the economy. But, as you probably guessed, the other sectors that contribute to the economy are agriculture (olive oil, wine, fruits, and vegetables), fishing, and pottery.
- Historical sites: Rhodes is quite famous for its historical sites, including the medieval Old Town (see below for more information about this), which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. You absolutely must check this out!
You can learn even more about this wonderful Greek island in this Rhodes travel guide.
Getting to Rhodes, Greece
There are several ways to get to Rhodes. Of course, it’s easiest to arrive by plane or ferry. It is also possible to come by car, given that you transport it on a ferry. Let’s go over all the options in detail.
By Plane
If you fly to Rhodes, you’ll land at the Rhodes International Airport “Diagoras”. There are many daily flights from several airports in Europe to this airport, making it a convenient option for many travelers.
If you’re traveling from the United States, there are options available as well. The quickest way takes about 13¾ hours and costs around €433. If you’re in the UK, you can take a flight to Athens, then another flight or a ferry to Rhodes.
By Ferry
When we are already in a country, we love to take a ferry to visit another destination. For example, we love the ferry ride between Athens and Mykonos. In general, ferries to Rhodes are a very popular mode of transportation among tourists.
You can easily reach Rhodes by ferry from Athens (Piraeus port), with routes approximately 4 to 5 times per week. Going by ferry takes longer than a flight, but we find that the experience is more fun and rewarding (and also a lot cheaper).
ⓘ PRO TIP: If you’re searching for ferries to Rhodes, Ferryscanner is a helpful booking hub.
By Car and Ferry
If you’re already in Greece, you can also travel to Rhodes by car and ferry. You can drive to the Piraeus port in Athens, where it will be put on a car ferry.
This is a cheap way to get to Rhodes, and you’ll already have a car when you arrive at the Rhodes port.
How to get around Rhodes?
By Car
The fastest way—and the way that we always recommend—is to explore the island by car. This gives you the freedom to visit more remote areas at your own pace. There are many car rentals at the airport, and even some next to the port in Rhodes.
By Bus
The local bus service (KTEL Rodou) is by far the most cost-effective way to travel around the island of Rhodes. There are many daily services between Rhodes Town and the other main towns and villages, such as Lindos, Archangelos, Faliraki, etc.
By Taxi
If you don’t mind the price and prefer some luxury, taxis are the way to go. You’ll find them on all the streets in Rhodes. Don’t forget to negotiate the price! Insider tip: you can also get a taxi driver for a full day!
By Bicycle
We love to rent a bike and just bike 20–30 km in the landscape. Especially on a Greek island, next to the azure blue waters, there are worse ways to spend your days. Rhodes is relatively flat, making it suitable for cycling.
By Boat
If you are interested in visiting the smaller islands around Rhodes, there are daily boat services. Another option is to rent a boat yourself; for some, you don’t even need a license.
Where to stay in Rhodes
Below you can find our absolute recommendations for a short stay in Rhodes. No matter your budget, you will like any of these places. We stayed at the Atrium Palace which was a revelation! The luxury is outrageous.
$$$ — Atrium Palace Thalasso Spa is a beachfront resort that offers spacious and elegant villas. The resort features a spa center, several pools, and multiple dining options. It’s located on the bay of Kalathos Village and close to Lindos.
$$ — Mediterranean Hotel is a mid-budget option situated in the heart of Rhodes city, offering stunning views of the Aegean Sea. It features comfortable rooms with modern amenities, a swimming pool, a restaurant, and a bar. Its central location makes it easy for you to explore the historic Old Town of Rhodes.
$ — Manousos City Hotel is a budget-friendly hotel located near the Rhodes city center. It provides clean, comfortable rooms with basic amenities, a swimming pool, and an on-site restaurant. Its convenient location allows easy access to the beach and the city’s main attractions.
Best things to do: 3-day Rhodes itinerary
Below, you can find our recommendations for the ultimate Rhodes 3-day itinerary. We have selected the top moments from our week-long vacation there and combined them to provide you with a plan to make the most of your time.
We sincerely hope you use this itinerary for planning your stay on Rhodes Island!
Rhodes Itinerary Day 1: Old Town Rhodes and New Town
Morning:
Even if you only have one day in Rhodes, you should start your day at Mandraki Harbor, and take a lovely stroll along the picturesque waterfront.
Mandraki Harbor is believed to be the site of the ancient Colossus of Rhodes. Unfortunately, it was destroyed in 226 BC by an earthquake.
Be sure to check out the statues of deer at the entrance. Did you know that some people believe these bronze statues were the feet of the Colossus?
After Mandraki Harbor, you can head over to the Palace of the Grand Master. This medieval castle in the heart of the Old Town is one of the best-preserved pieces of Gothic architecture in Europe. Spend some time exploring the palace and the museum inside it.
Afternoon:
Spend the afternoon wandering through the narrow, winding streets of Rhodes Old Town. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most well-preserved medieval towns in Europe. You’ll find a mix of Byzantine, Ottoman, and Italian influences in its architecture. The mixture of different architectures keeps on amazing us.
Lunch at a local restaurant is a must. Try some of the local dishes such as moussaka, souvlaki, or fresh seafood. These dishes will last you for a very long time! We keep on making a moussaka recipe that we got from one of the restaurant owners; we love it!
After lunch, you should visit the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes located in the Old Town. Housed in a former hospital of the Knights of St. John, the museum showcases a rich collection of artifacts from various periods of Rhodes’ history.
Evening:
In the evening, it is time to leave Old Town behind and head to the New Town. Walk along the northern tip of Rhodes town, locally known as the Elli Beach area. It’s a bustling area with cafes, bars, and a beautiful beach.
Be sure to watch the sunset from there while sipping on a cocktail.
Night:
Finish off your day by experiencing the (busy) nightlife in Rhodes. New Town has several bars and nightclubs where you can enjoy a drink and some music. Just make sure to keep an eye on your belongings and that you carry enough cash with you.
Rhodes Itinerary Day 2: Lindos Town & Acropolis
Morning:
Today, it is time to leave the city and make a day trip to Lindos, about 50 kilometers south of Rhodes Town. Lindos is famous for its ancient acropolis, white-washed houses, and beautiful beaches. It is the perfect place for an Instagrammable picture. You can either rent a car or take a guided tour bus.
Once in Lindos, there is one thing you absolutely must do: hike up to the Lindos Acropolis. This archaeological site offers an amazing view of the village and the sea. The site houses the ruins of a 4th-century BC temple dedicated to Athena Lindia.
Afternoon:
After exploring Lindos and the Acropolis, you should make your way to the Valley of the Butterflies. It lies on the western side of the island, but more importantly, it is a unique natural park. You don’t often in your life see thousands of Jersey Tiger Moths between June and September, do you? The top activity is taking a walk through the valley with its streams.
For lunch, you can enjoy a picnic in the park or just go to one of the nearby villages for a traditional Greek meal, such as Horiatiki Salad.
Evening:
In the evening, Seven Springs (Epta Piges) is a super nice place. It is a small spot next to a lake and is perfect for a quick dip.
Night:
Finally, you can end your day at Tsambika Beach. It is considered to be one of the best beaches on the island. It’s perfect to have dinner in one of the restaurants on the beach, watch the sunset, or even go for a late-night swim.
Rhodes Itinerary Day 3: Boat trip (or beach day)
Morning:
Start your day with a Boat Trip to Anthony Quinn, Kallithea, & Traganou Bays. This tour allows you to visit the most beautiful bays of Rhodes in one day. You can swim in the emerald waters of these bays and enjoy the stunning natural beauty.
Afternoon:
Continue your boat trip with more swimming and snorkeling. Some tours also offer water sports activities such as stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking.
Enjoy a Greek BBQ lunch onboard, as well. Meals are typically included in these tours.
ⓘ BUDGET TIP: If you don’t fancy a cruise, another alternative is to enjoy the sun and sand. Here’s a list of the best beaches in Rhodes.
Evening:
In the evening, relax on the boat as you cruise back towards Rhodes Town. Enjoy the sunset over the Aegean Sea.
Night:
End your day with a relaxing dinner at a seaside restaurant in Rhodes Town.
If you have 4 or 5 days in Rhodes
Add the following activities if you can spend more time on the Island of Rhodes.
4-Day Rhodes Itinerary: add Monolithos Castle and Kamiros
Morning:
If you have 4 days in Rhodes, you should visit the Monolithos Castle (free admission). It was built by the Knights of Saint John in 1480 to defend the island against invasion.
As it stands atop a 100-meter rock, it’s safe to say that it offers amazing views over the sea and the area.
Afternoon:
After exploring the castle, you should head over to the ancient city of Kamiros. It was one of the three most powerful cities of ancient Rhodes.
Even though it is now an archeological site, you can still see its grandeur from back in the day. You can see the houses, public buildings, and a water supply system.
Evening:
For dinner, we recommend you try a local restaurant in one of the nearby villages where you can taste traditional Greek cuisine.
5-Day Rhodes Itinerary: add Prasonisi and Embonas Village
Morning:
With 5 days in Rhodes, you should rent a car and visit Prasonisi, the southernmost tip of Rhodes. It’s a truly unique location. Normally, Prasonisi is a peninsula, but it turns into an island during high tide, so make sure you don’t get stuck there! It’s also a popular spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing, so you know what to do!
Afternoon:
Spend the afternoon visiting the village of Embonas. The village is known for its vineyards and wineries, which make it the perfect place for wine lovers. The top activity is to do one of the winery tours, followed by a tasting.
Evening:
Enjoy your final evening in Rhodes with a special dinner at a restaurant with a view of the Aegean Sea.
Best time to visit Rhodes
We believe that the best time to visit Rhodes depends on your preference for weather and crowd levels. Our favorite months, for any destination really, are May, June, September, and October. The pleasant temperatures make it way more comfortable to explore the island and its many beaches.
In detail, June marks the beginning of the summer season, with more daylight hours, allowing for more time to explore the island of Rhodes. The average temperature during this month is about 25°C.
But also, September continues to offer warm temperatures, the same average as in June, so around 25°C. This makes it an excellent time to visit for those who prefer a less crowded yet still summer atmosphere. September still feels a bit like summer, doesn’t it?
Lastly, October is also a great time to visit Rhodes. It’s usually still warm enough for sunbathing and swimming, and the island is less crowded compared to the peak summer months (and even compared to September).
ⓘ PRO TIP: To get the most out of your visit to Greece, we recommend you go island-hopping. Adamas Milos is a super lovely island that is also worth checking out!
Conclusion
That’s it; that’s the best itinerary you can have for visiting Rhodes Greece. Let us know in the comments how your experience was! We love reading them!
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