TL;DR Quick Rhodes Overview
Plan your perfect Rhodes trip with 5-7 days exploring Old Town medieval streets, Lindos Acropolis, Valley of Butterflies, and beaches.
Budget 100-130 euros daily for mid-range comfort, including stays around 70-120 euros, meals at tavernas, and bus or scooter rentals. Best May-October; fly into Rhodes Airport or ferry from Athens. Jump directly to: Key Takeaways | Things to See | Stay Safe | Where to Stay | Typical Costs | Get Around | When to Go | How to Get There | Tours | FAQ
Essential Key Takeaways for Rhodes
- Focus on Rhodes Old Town and Lindos for history lovers; beaches like Tsambika and Anthony Quinn Bay for relaxation.
- The ideal stay length is 5-7 days to cover highlights without rushing, allowing day trips to Symi.
- A mid-range daily budget of 100-130 euros per person covers lodging, gyros, bus travel, and entry fees.
- Summer crowds peak June-September; shoulder seasons offer fewer tourists and lower prices.
- Public buses are reliable and cheap at 2.50-3 euros per ride; rent scooters for flexibility if experienced.
As a local who’s wandered every corner from Petaloudes trails to Monolithos Castle, these points saved my trips countless hassles.
Prime Things to See and Do in Rhodes
Rhodes packs ancient ruins, butterfly-filled valleys, and turquoise bays into one island. I first stepped into Old Town at dusk, the cobblestone alleys lit by lanterns, feeling like I’d time-traveled to the Knights era. Start there for the Palace of the Grand Master, a fortress of Gothic arches and marble halls with an entry fee of around 12 euros.
Lindos Acropolis demands a full morning; climb donkey paths or hike up to temples overlooking the whitewashed village and sea, rated 4.8 on visitor sites for its views. Valley of Butterflies blooms June-September with thousands of colorful wings fluttering amid storax trees and streams, perfect for a shaded 2 km loop trail.
Personal Pick: Anthony Quinn Bay Swim
“Diving into that crystal water after filming The Guns of Navarone scenes felt magical,” I recall from my solo adventure. Snorkel amid rocks; free access, but arrive early for parking.
How to Stay Safe in Rhodes: Pro Local Advice
Safety shines here; there is low crime, but watch out for pickpockets in Old Town crowds. I once lost my wallet in a tavern bustle, but the tourist police recovered it fast. Dial 100 for police, 166 for ambulance, 199 for fire, or the pan-European 112. The Hospital of Rhodes at +30 22413 60000 handles emergencies; the Euromedica private clinic at +30 22410 45000 is for quicker non-critical care.
Drive cautiously on winding roads; scooters are common, but helmets are mandatory. Sea swims are safe, but check flags for currents at Tsambika Beach. Drink responsibly in party spots like Faliraki to avoid over-touristy hassles.
Where to Stay in Rhodes: Top-Rated Spots
Rhodes Town suits history buffs with walkable Old Town access; I stayed at Rhodos Horizon City Adults Only, scoring 9.3 for sleek rooms 10 minutes from the walls. Lindos offers village charm and boutique spots like Porolithos at a 5.0 rating. Ixia, on the west coast, for beach breezes and budget apartments from 50 euros nightly.
From 115 euros/night, 9.3 rating. “Clean, central, AC bliss,” per guest review.
5.0 perfect score, sea views.
Typical Costs, Budgets, and Money-Saving Tips
Daily mid-range runs 110-170 euros: lodging 70-120, meals 30-40 (gyros 3-5 euros, taverna fish platter 20 euros), bus 2.50 euros. Budget backpackers hit 60-90 with hostels at 30 euros and souvlaki lunches. The week totals 700-1000 euros sans flights.
Budget: 60-90€/day | Mid: 110-170€/day
Save: Off-peak stays, local tavernas away from tourists, bus passes.
Pro tip: Shop markets for picnic supplies; I saved 20 euros daily beach-hopping with feta salads. Avoid peak July-August premiums.
How to Get Around Rhodes Efficiently
Blue-white RODA buses link northwest from Rhodes Town station, 2.50 euros to Ixia. Yellow KTEL for the south, like Lindos, with timetables online. Rent scooters for 20-30 euros/day for freedom, but insure them fully. Taxis fixed: Town to Lindos: 62 euros. Walk Old Town, which is fully pedestrian.
Optimal Times to Visit Rhodes
May-June or September-October balances sun (up to 24°C in May) and low crowds, perfect for hikes without 30°C+ July heat. Swimming from late May in water 20°C+. Avoid January 15°C chills.
Arriving in Rhodes: Flights, Ferries, and Transfers
Fly direct to Athens in 1 hour or take ferries for 15+ hours. The airport-to-town bus is 2.50 euros and 30 minutes, and a taxi is 25 euros. Book via Skyscanner.
Recommended Tours and Day Trips Around Rhodes
Lindos bus tour with Seven Springs: 30 euros; Symi speedboat: 50 euros with free explore time. Book GetYourGuide for 4.5+ ratings.
Pros, Cons, and Local Personal Insights
Pros: Stacked Card
- Stunning medieval Old Town UNESCO site.
- Diverse beaches and hikes for all paces.
- Affordable gyros, friendly locals outside traps.
Cons: Stacked Card
- Peak summer crowds in Town/Lindos.
- Touristy prices at main spots.
- Some concrete resorts mar views.
“Rhodes Old Town enchanted me with its walls, but I escaped to quiet Prasonisi for kitesurf winds,” my journal notes from windy west coast days.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhodes Travel
How many days for Rhodes?
5-7 days is ideal for first-timers to hit Old Town, Lindos, beaches, and a Symi trip without rush.
Is Rhodes safe for solo travelers?
Very safe; low crime, helpful Tourist Police. Stick to lit paths at night, and secure valuables.
Rhodes budget for a week?
700-1000 euros mid-range, excluding flights, covering stays, food, and transport.
Best beach in Rhodes?
Tsambika for families, Anthony Quinn for snorkeling, and Elli near town.
