One memorable loop
Stay close to Rhodes Town, or choose one direction: Old Town and the east coast, or Lindos with a nearby beach.
RHODES TRAVEL GUIDE · BY MY WAY
Plan the island.
Your way.
A practical, thoughtful guide to making the most of Rhodes by car.
Rhodes rewards curiosity. Use this guide to choose your bases, shape realistic day trips and leave room for the small discoveries between the headline sights.
SEE THE ISLAND
Places worth the drive.
Use these highlights as a starting point, then build a route around your hotel, time and travel style.
START HERE
How many days do you have?
Rhodes is large enough to deserve a plan, but flexible enough to reward an unplanned stop. A car is most useful when you want to combine a beach morning with a village, viewpoint or historic site.
A balanced first visit
Give one day to the medieval city, one to Lindos and the east coast, and one to a quieter southern or western route.
See the island properly
Slow down. Mix famous places with villages, swimming stops, food and a full day exploring the south or west.
01 · SIGHTS & HISTORY
Start with the stories of Rhodes.
Rhodes Old Town
Begin early with the Street of the Knights and the Palace of the Grand Master, then wander the quieter lanes before the midday heat. Mandraki harbour is an easy continuation for a waterfront walk. Wear comfortable shoes: the historic centre is best explored on foot.
Lindos
The whitewashed village, Acropolis and views over St Paul’s Bay are among the island’s essential experiences. The centre is pedestrian-friendly rather than car-friendly, so plan to park outside the village and walk in. Go early, carry water and leave time for a swim after the archaeology.
Ancient Kamiros & Filerimos
Ancient Kamiros works well as a west-coast history stop, while Filerimos offers a hilltop setting and broad views. Both can add depth to a beach-focused holiday without requiring a full-day commitment.
02 · COASTLINES
Choose your water, light and pace.
East coast · coves and calmer swimming
Tsambika, Agathi and Anthony Quinn Bay are strong choices for clear water and a classic swimming day. Popular spots are easiest early; later, combine one beach with a nearby village or scenic stop.
West coast · wind and sunset atmosphere
The western side often feels more open and dramatic. It suits travellers who enjoy breezes, wide horizons and a sunset drive more than sheltered coves.
South · Prasonisi and the long route
Prasonisi is a destination for landscape, wind-sports atmosphere and the feeling of reaching the island’s edge. Treat the drive as part of the experience and avoid overloading the day with extra stops.
03 · NATURE & VILLAGES
Leave space between the landmarks.
For a greener day, combine Kallithea Springs with the east coast, or Seven Springs with a route through the interior. The Valley of the Butterflies is seasonal in character, so check current conditions before visiting. In the hills and villages, drive slowly, stop safely and let the landscape set the rhythm.
A good ruleOne major destination, one swimming stop and one local meal make a satisfying day. Three major destinations usually make a rushed one.
04 · MORE OF RHODES
Six places worth adding to your route.
These stops reveal quieter landscapes, villages and views beyond the island’s best-known highlights.
Monolithos Castle + Fourni Beach
Climb to the dramatic hilltop castle for wide west-coast views, then continue to Fourni for a quieter swim. Wear secure shoes and avoid the hottest part of the day.
Embonas & the wine villages
Head into the foothills of Mount Attavyros for local wine, honey and a slower village lunch. It is an excellent inland stop on a west-coast road trip.
Kritinia Castle at sunset
A scenic ruined castle overlooking the Aegean and nearby islands. Combine it with Kamiros or Embonas, and allow time for the winding approach roads.
Haraki + Agathi Beach
Pair a relaxed seafront lunch in Haraki with the soft sand and shallow water of nearby Agathi. This makes an easy, family-friendly east-coast day.
Profitis Ilias & Eleousa
Escape the coastal heat on a greener mountain drive through pine forest, old Italian-era architecture and the quiet village of Eleousa.
Lachania + Prasonisi
Break the long journey south with a walk and meal in traditional Lachania, then continue to Prasonisi for the island-edge landscape and wind-sports atmosphere.
MY WAY local tipFor the west and south, leave early with a full tank, water and offline navigation. Fuel stations and services become less frequent away from the main resorts.
05 · LOCAL FOOD
Eat like the island is part of the journey.
Look for Greek meze, grilled fish, seasonal vegetables, pitaroudia and local cheeses. Rhodes is also known for sweet melekouni and local wines, especially around the wine-producing villages of the interior.
For a more relaxed meal, stop outside the busiest waterfront strips and ask your host or driver for a family-run taverna. A long lunch in a village can be the best part of a road-trip day—just remember to keep the return drive comfortable.
06 · DRIVING RHODES
Make the roads part of the holiday.
Plan realistically
Allow extra time for narrow roads, village traffic, photo stops and parking. Distances can look short on a map but feel slower in the hills.
Pack for the day
Keep water, sun protection, comfortable shoes and a charging cable in the car. Start popular destinations early in the high season.
Park thoughtfully
Use marked or clearly permitted spaces, never block a lane and avoid stopping on bends. In Lindos and busy beaches, expect a walk.
Ask before you go
Our local team can suggest a car that fits your passengers and luggage, and help you build a route around your holiday style.
Opening hours, access rules, road conditions and attraction tickets can change seasonally. Check current official information before setting out.
07 · READY-MADE ROUTES
Three ways to spend your days.
Use these as starting points, then adjust them to your hotel, energy and weather.
Old Town + east coast
Morning in the medieval city, lunch in Rhodes Town, then Kallithea Springs or a late swim near Faliraki before returning for sunset.
History, Lindos, coast
Day one: Old Town and Mandraki. Day two: Lindos early, St Paul’s Bay and an east-coast beach. Day three: choose Kallithea, Seven Springs or the west coast.
A full island rhythm
Keep two slower beach days, add Lindos and the Old Town, then dedicate a day to the south and another to villages, food and the west-coast light.
READY TO EXPLORE?
Choose a car for your Rhodes route.
Tell us your dates, passengers and luggage. We’ll help you find the right fit and confirm everything on WhatsApp.