4 Days in Rhodes: Ultimate 3-4 Day Itinerary

What to do on the island of Rhodes?

To visit Rhodes is to discover the largest island of the Dodecanese, in Greece.

The discovery of the medieval city of Rhodes and the Acropolis of Lindos, swimming in the crystal clear water of Tsambika beach or Anthony Quinn bay, a walk in the Valley of the Butterflies are all things to do on the island of Rhodes.

In order to organize your stay, I have prepared a complete guide to Rhodes with all the places of interest not to be missed.

And to optimize your tour of the island, also find my itinerary suggestions for visiting Rhodes in 1, 2, 3 or 4 days and my selection of the best hotels according to your budget.

So, what to do and see in Rhodes?

Visit Rhodes: the must-sees

1. The Medieval City of Rhodes

The medieval city of Rhodes is the place to see absolutely on the island.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it would be a shame to miss out on the largest and best-preserved fortified city in Europe.

Built from the year 1309, when the Knights of Saint John arrived on the island, the old town is surrounded by nearly 4 km of fortifications reinforced by bastions and towers. Everything is extremely well preserved.

Inside the ramparts, the area is entirely pedestrian. You can therefore take a leisurely stroll through the cobbled streets and discover the historic buildings. It should be noted that the place is entirely dedicated to tourism, so there are everywhere taverns, restaurants, shops and especially a lot of people (and yet we were there at the end of September).

What to see in Rhodes:

Tips for your Rhodes itinerary:

To visit the medieval city of Rhodes, you can opt for a guided Segway tour. The perfect opportunity to learn more about historical sites while having fun and without getting tired!

Book your Segway tour in Rhodes.

And if you’re already familiar with the segway, you can also take this tour by electric trikke, which looks like a 3-wheel scooter. A super fun and very handy means of transport!

Book your Rhodes electric trikke tour here! 

The Palace of the Grand Masters, medieval city of Rhodes

2. Forever

After your visit to the old city of Rhodes, you can leave the ramparts and go for a walk in the modern part of the city, called Mandraki.

Around the port, you can see the 3 mills of Rhodes as well as the place where the famous Colossus of Rhodes stood, more than 30 meters high, completely destroyed by an earthquake in the year 226.

It has been replaced by 2 statues, one of a stag and the other of a doe (a symbol of Rhodes), placed on 2 pylons framing the entrance to the port. Certainly much less spectacular than the colossus, considered one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world.

Mandraki also has some beautiful buildings dating from the time when the Italians occupied the island such as the Bank of Greece, the Archbishop’s Palace, the Town Hall or the National Theatre. There is also a casino and many clothing stores such as Zara and H&M.

If you are visiting Rhodes with your children, you can take them to the aquarium. It is located to the far north, after the Casino.

Finally, the modern city is home to the remains of the Acropolis of Rhodes. The site is about 2 km from the old town, on the slopes of Monte Smith.

Here you will see the remains of the stadium, the theater and the Temple of Apollo Pythien. It’s not very big but access is free.

The Colossus of Rhodes signaled the entrance to the port of Mandraki

3. Beautiful

Lindos is the essential village to visit during your stay in Rhodes.

It is located 50 km south of the city of Rhodes, about 1 hour drive. Classified as historical monuments, Lindos is a very beautiful village with white houses built in amphitheatres, dominating the sea and overlooked by the Acropolis.

As entry to Lindos is forbidden to cars, you have to park in one of the (free) car parks at the top of the town and then walk down. The town is made up of a maze of alleys lined with countless souvenir shops, clothes shops, cafes and restaurants. The place is really very touristy.

It is at the top of the village that is the site to see in Lindos, the Acropolis. You can get there on foot or by donkey, but I don’t recommend this means of transport, given how the animals are treated.

Built on a rock 116 meters above sea level and surrounded by walls erected by the knights, the Acropolis was one of the most fortified places on the island of Rhodes.

Inside are the ancient ruins of a theater and especially the Temple of Athena, built at the highest point of the Acropolis. A few columns remain. From the archaeological site, you will have a panoramic view of the Aegean Sea and the village of Lindos below.

If you are staying in Rhodes and you don’t have a car, you can still visit Lindos quite easily. There are 2 types of day trips from Rhodes town.

They must be reserved in advance by clicking on the links below:

Tips for your Rhodes itinerary:

The best views of Lindos and the Acropolis can be found along the road just before arriving. Several points of view have been set up and allow you to take beautiful photos of the village.

If you want to visit the Acropolis, prefer the early morning or the end of the day, there will be fewer people and it will be less hot.

Beautiful

4. The Beaches of the Island of Rhodes

Where to go to the beach in Rhodes?

If you like to spend part of your vacation sunbathing and swimming in crystal clear water, then Rhodes is a good destination.

Here is a selection of beaches where to swim on the island of Rhodes:

Tsambika beach

5. Castles in Rhodes

To visit Rhodes is also to discover the castles of the island.

Mostly built in the 15th century, they served as observation posts for the knights:

Admission is free for all castles in Rhodes.

Tips for your Rhodes itinerary:
It is from the road before arriving at the castle of Monolithos that you will have the most beautiful points of view to photograph it.

The castle of Monolithos, island of Rhodes

6. The Ancient Site of Kamiros

If you are interested in the history of Rhodes, but long before the times of the knights, the ancient site of Kamiros is a must see.

Kamiros is located about 35 km southwest of the city of Rhodes.

It is one of the 3 ancient cities of the island founded by the Dorians with Lindos and Ialysos. It was built on 3 levels : the Acropolis being at the very top with the temple of Athena, the houses of the inhabitants in the middle and on the last level was another temple and public baths.

You can visit Kamiros for 6€. Do not hesitate to climb to the last level to have an overview of the site and realize its immensity. Note that for once, there are some explanatory panels in Greek and English, which is generally quite rare in Greece.

Tips for your Rhodes itinerary:
A visit to the ancient site of Kamiros is a must on any organized tour in Rhodes. Try to get there early to avoid the tourist coaches disembarking.

The ancient site of Kamiros, Rhodes

7. Butterfly Valley

The Valley of the Butterflies is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rhodes.

It is located in the northern part of the island, 26 km from the city of Rhodes, between the villages of Paradeisi and Theologos.

It is here, that between June and September, you will be able to observe hundreds of butterflies which literally cover all the trees. The valley is in fact an ideal refuge in Europe for butterflies of the species Callimorpha Quadripunctaria or “flecked scales”. Its climate and environment provide the right conditions for their reproduction.

They are also strongly attracted by the sap flowing from a rare species of plane tree found in the valley and which butterflies love.

The site is really natural and quite large. You can walk along the paths in the woods, follow the course of the stream, cross wooden bridges and of course observe the butterflies.

In the valley of the butterflies, there is also a natural history museum where you will learn more about the fauna and flora of the island.

There are 3 different entrances to the valley, each with a car park and an information kiosk where you can also buy your entrance tickets. The site being on a slope, if you want to walk a little less, it is possible to take a small train to take you up.

Price: 5€ in high season from June to September and 2€ in low season. Know that at this time, there are no more butterflies but the place is pleasant for a walk in the shade and at the edge of the water.

Tips for your Rhodes itinerary:
Do not leave the paths and do not make too much noise to preserve the tranquility of the butterflies.

butterfly valley

8. Baths of Kallithea

If you want to enjoy a day of complete relaxation during your trip to Rhodes, the Baths of Kallithea are the ideal place.

They are located in the east of the island, 9 km from Rhodes.

Opened in 1929, the thermal baths were renowned for the healing and therapeutic virtues of the water from the Kallithea spring. People came from all over the world to treat arthritis, diabetes or asthma. Subsequently abandoned for many years, the place was refurbished in 2007.

Do not hesitate to take a walk to discover the different buildings, the mosaics on the ground and admire the view of the sea.

You will also find a small beach equipped with deckchairs and parasols as well as a restaurant for snacks. It is one of the most popular private beaches on the island of Rhodes.

Kallithea also hosts exhibitions, concerts and has been used several times for film shoots.

Entrance to the thermal baths costs 3€. If you also want to rent a deckchair on the beach, it’s 5€ with a drink included.

Tips for your Rhodes itinerary:

If you don’t have a car and want to experience the thermal baths plus other sights in Rhodes, I recommend booking this day bus tour.

You will be picked up directly in front of your hotel and you can visit the thermal baths, the Valley of the Butterflies (which I have just told you about) and the monastery of Filerimos with a guide.

Book your Rhodes excursion here.

Les thermes de Kallithea

9. Tsambika Monastery

Another thing that I recommend you do in Rhodes: the walk to the monastery of Tsambika. 

To reach the monastery, which is actually a very small Byzantine church, you have to climb 300 steps to the top of the mountain. Much of the climb is shaded and there are benches to rest on so take your time and it won’t be that difficult.

The effort is worth it for the magnificent view that awaits you at the top, especially on the beach of Tsambika below and a good part of the island of Rhodes.

The church built at the top is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. For the anecdote, the story has it that women who are unable to have children climb the path barefoot in order to pray to the Virgin. If they subsequently become pregnant, they should name their baby Tsambikos, if it is a boy, or Tsampikas for a girl.

View from Tsambika Monastery

10. Seven Springs / Epta Girls

Continuation of this guide to Rhodes by a rather nice place where you can relax at the edge of the water and in the fresh air : the Seven Springs (“7 sources” in French).

Seven Springs or Epta Piges in Greek is 4 km from the village of Kolymbia, not far from the monastery of Tsambika.

7 springs come out of the mountain here at the same place and feed a stream. The place is laid out with a path and a restaurant right on the water’s edge. During our visit, it seemed to be very popular with many Greek families who came to enjoy the setting and taste the local specialities. There is also a playground for children.

We mainly come to Epta Piges to have a little scare. The stream goes underground at some point and comes out on the other side of the mountain. You can follow the stream through a very narrow underground tunnel without any lights.

After 180m underground, you will come out into the open air at the level of a small lake. Not recommended for claustrophobes and people who are afraid of the dark as it is impossible to turn around. A unique and original experience worthy of a zombie movie!

If the experience does not tempt you, you can always go to the lake by following the path that crosses the forest.

Tips for your Rhodes itinerary:
Plan 2 pairs of shoes if you pass in the tunnel because you will have water up to the ankles and it slips.

Entrance to the underground tunnel in Seven Springs

11. Other Villages of Rhodes

In addition to the main places of interest in Rhodes, such as the old town or Lindos, I advise you to go through the other villages on the island:

Koskinou

12. Excursion to Symi

An excursion to the island of Symi is one of the most popular activities to do from Rhodes.

Departures are from the port of Mandraki, the modern town of Rhodes. Then count 1h45 to reach Symi by boat. 

On this day trip, you will first stop at the Monastery of Archangel Michael Panormitis to visit it for one hour.

Then once back on the boat, you will pass by the famous bay of Saint-Georges, with turquoise water and overlooked by cliffs.

You will then be disembarked in Symi to visit the city for a free time of about 3h30. You can admire the magnificent, colorful neo-classical style houses and stroll around the island.

Book your excursion to Symi from Rhodes.

Symi

13. Boat Trips from Rhodes

If you want to enjoy a great day by boat during your tour of Rhodes, I have prepared my selection of the most beautiful sea trips.

You just have to click on the links in orange to access all the details and especially to make your reservation because these excursions are very popular, so you have to book in advance:

14. Nautical Activities in Rhodes

If you want to enhance your stay in Rhodes with water activities, here is my selection!

Just click on the links in orange to access the details and make your reservation:

To explore the small hidden coves and sea caves, I highly recommend booking a sea kayaking tour. The tour lasts 5 hours  and additionally includes pick-up from your accommodation.

Your guide (who is also super nice) will show you splendid hidden corners where you can also snorkel and swim.

To book this sea kayaking excursion in Rhodes.

This kayak trip in Rhodes also exists for a whole day. The kayaking route is the same but additionally includes lunch at a local tavern and entry to the archaeological site of Lindos.

To book here.

15. Sports Activities to Do in Rhodes

In addition to nautical activities, you can try many other sports activities during your holidays in Rhodes:

Here too, do not hesitate to click on the links to book your activities:

Which Dodecanese Islands to Visit around Rhodes?

If you have been around Rhodes, I recommend that you visit the other Dodecanese islands around:

To reach the other islands of the Dodecanese from Rhodes, you will have no choice, it will be by ferry.

How many days to visit Rhodes?

4 days seems to me a good duration to see the main places of Rhodes.

This will allow you to visit the medieval city of Rhodes but also Lindos and most of the things in this top.

You can of course spend more time in Rhodes if you want to enjoy the beach and do some activities.

1 Day Rhodes Itinerary

Are you planning to spend a day in Rhodes? This is enough to see the main place of interest, the old town.

Here is the program to visit Rhodes in one day:

You can also take the hop-on hop-off bus that travels through the old town and the modern city of Rhodes.

To book here:

I reserve my ticket for the tourist bus now!I want to discover Rhodes by hop-on hop-off bus
You can also buy a combined bus + boat trip around Rhodes by clicking here! 

2 Days Rhodes Itinerary

For 2 days in Rhodes, repeat the program above and for the second day, add:

One of the beaches of Rhodes

3 Days Rhodes Itinerary

If you have 3 days in Rhodes, in addition to the program of the previous 2 days, I suggest:

4 Days Rhodes Itinerary

If you stay 4 days in Rhodes, I advise you to take the excursion to Symi Island. 

Accommodation in Rhodes

During your stay in Rhodes, I recommend that you either stay in the medieval city or its surroundings, or if you prefer the large hotel complexes on the beach, on the Faliraki side and on the east coast of the island.

Based on these 2 places, I have made a selection of the best hotels to sleep in Rhodes. 

The best hotels in Rhodes Town

The best hotels on the east coast of Rhodes

Elysium Resort & Spa

How to get to Rhodes

By plane

To go to Rhodes, the fastest and most practical way is undoubtedly the plane. Rhodes has an international airport which is located about 16 km southwest of the city of Rhodes.

There are direct flights but you may also have to make a stopover in Athens or Thessaloniki.

You can also reach Rhodes by plane from other Dodecanese islands or from Crete.

To see the different possibilities and prices, you can use our flight comparator, in partnership with Skyscanner.

By ferry

To reach Rhodes, you can also take the ferry but it will take much longer than the plane.

From Athens, departures are from the port of Piraeus, itself easily accessible by bus from Athens airport. Count all the same 18 hours of boat for about 65€ per person.

You can also go to Rhodes by ferry from the other islands of the Dodecanese : Symi (1 hour), Kos (between 2h30 to 5h), Halki (2 hours) or Leros (between 4 to 8 hours).

Take the ferry to visit the Dodecanese

And you? What are you planning to visit in Rhodes? 

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