Rhodes 🏰
"A medieval walled city steps away from sandy beaches."
Rhodes offers an incredible mix of a well-preserved medieval city and high-end beach resorts. The island is small enough to drive around completely in a few days, visiting the Lindos Acropolis and remote southern beaches.
A perfect blend of UNESCO history in Rhodes Town and a scenic coastal road trip down to the iconic white-washed village of Lindos and the surf-havens of the south.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 · Medieval Knights and Old Town Charm
Morning — Arrive in Rhodes Town. Check into your boutique hotel in the Medieval City (UNESCO World Heritage site). Grab a fresh koulouri (sesame bread) and coffee near the Nea Agora.
Afternoon — Walk the medieval Moat Garden and explore the Street of the Knights of Rhodes. Visit the Palace of the Grand Master, a stunning example of Gothic architecture.
Evening — Enjoy a traditional Greek dinner in the Hippocrates Square area, followed by drinks at a rooftop bar overlooking the illuminated castle walls.
💡 Wear comfortable sneakers; the cobblestones in the Old Town are incredibly uneven and slippery.
Day 2 · Ancient History and City Beaches
Morning — Walk to the Acropolis of Rhodes on Monte Smith hill for panoramic views of the coast and the ancient Stadium and Odeon.
Afternoon — Cool off at Elli Beach, the city's main beach known for its iconic diving platform. Later, visit the Mandraki Harbour to see where the Colossus of Rhodes once allegedly stood.
Evening — Dine at a seafood taverna in the New Town near the casino for a more local, less touristy atmosphere.
💡 The walk to Monte Smith is uphill but scenic; go early to avoid the midday heat.
Day 3 · The White Village of Lindos
Morning — Pick up your rental car in Rhodes Town and drive south along the scenic eastern coast. Stop at Kallithea Springs to admire the Italian architecture and swim in the crystal-clear cove.
Afternoon — Head to the village of Lindos. Climb (or take a donkey) to the Acropolis of Lindos, then cool down with a swim at Saint Paul’s Bay, a turquoise natural harbor.
Evening — Check into your Lindos area hotel and enjoy a sunset dinner at a rooftop restaurant with views of the floodlit Acropolis.
💡 Parking in Lindos is difficult; look for the free public lots at the top of the hill before walking down.
Day 4 · Road Trip to the Southern Tip
Morning — Drive further south to the 'wild' side of Rhodes. Visit the secluded Glystra Beach for a quiet morning swim away from the crowds.
Afternoon — Continue south to Prasonisi, where the Aegean and Mediterranean seas meet. It is a spectacular spot for windsurfing or watching the kitesurfers.
Evening — Have a quiet, rustic dinner in the mountain village of Lachania on your way back to Lindos.
💡 Prasonisi is very windy; bring a light jacket or wrap even in summer.
Day 5 · Monasteries and Golden Sands
Morning — Drive back north toward Rhodes Town. Stop at Tsambika Beach for one last swim and climb the 300 steps to the Tsambika Monastery for the best view on the island.
Afternoon — Return your rental car and spend your final hours shopping for local honey and ceramics in the New Town or relaxing at a seaside cafe.
Evening — Final sunset drink at a beach bar near the aquarium before heading to the airport.
💡 Check out of your hotel early but ask them to hold your bags so you can enjoy the beach unencumbered.