Getting to Rhodes: Thanks to the many low-cost airlines that operate frequent and reasonably priced flights to Diagoras International Airport, including Ryanair, Wizz Air, Jet2, and TUI, travelling to Rhodes from different parts of Europe has never been simpler. I strongly suggest renting a car once you land if you would rather have the ease of seeing the island at your own pace. Visit rodoscars.com for reliable service and lowest prices. They are the company I always rent from, and I am always impressed by their low cost and first-rate customer service.
DAY: 1
Welcome to Rhodes Island! Upon landing at Diagoras International Airport, transfer to your hotel. For accommodation, I suggest staying in the city’s centre if this is the first time visiting this majestic island. Personally, Cactus Hotel is my first option when booking a hotel due to its excellent location, plentiful parking, friendly staff, clean swimming pool, big breakfast, lobby bar and attentive service. Try the nearby hotel, Aquarium View Hotel if Cactus Hotel is completely booked. Aquarium View hotel is run by the same managment group. Take a stroll around Rhodes mediaeval Old Town, which is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to begin your journey. Step inside via the Liberty Gate and allow the streets made of cobblestones take you back in time. Explore the majestic Palace of the Grand Master, admire the spectacular architecture along the Street of the Knights, and dive into history at the Archaeological Museum. For lunch you can enjoy mouthwatering grilled sandwiches as well juice smashed burgers for at NOM, which can be easily found in Rhodes new town. Their tasty meals are ideal for a light lunch while you’re out and about. Continue with your exploration of Rhodes Town after lunch. Discover the Old Town’s charming stores, which are ideal for finding one-of-a-kind souvenirs. When night falls, pick a nearby taverna to eat dinner at and enjoy authentic Greek food. As the sun sets, prepare for a thrilling evening inside the historic city walls. Feel the pulse of Rhodes Town as you step into Macao, a hotspot where famous beats electrify the night. Enjoy the stunning courtyard setting and unwind to vibrant electronic sounds, creating an unforgettable atmosphere after a day of exploring. For a dynamic vibe and a mix of local hits and international favorites, head to Alter Ego, a local favorite that guarantees a lively night. Alternatively, embrace the youthful energy at Fuego, a popular spot among tourists known for its international hit playlist and vibrant crowd.
DAY: 2
Start your day in Anthony Quinn Bay, a well-known location famous for its breathtakingly high cliffs and captivating turquoise waves washing against its shores. In addition to its breathtaking natural beauty, this little cove offers great snorkelling opportunities in its clean waters. There’s a parking space close to the bay, which makes it easy to get to both of its lovely beaches. You may visit both shores with a short stroll from the parking lot: one beach extends down to the left (Anthony Quinn Bay), providing panoramic views and a colourful underwater environment perfect for snorkelers. A short stroll down to the right will take you to a smaller, more peaceful bay ( Plaka Bay) that is famous and the original site of “The Guns of Navarone” filming. You can enjoy the untouched natural surroundings and the peaceful atmosphere here. It’s the ideal place to relax, take in the quiet coastal scenery, and maybe get a taste of the region’s film history. When darkness falls, make your way to Faliraki and explore its bustling strip filled with lots of choices. Faliraki provides to all those looking for a thrilling night out, whether they choose English-style bars, real authentic tavernas, nightclubs, or karaoke. Take in the vibrant environment and check out the wide range of entertainment options that makes Faliraki one of Rhodes Island’s top nighttime destinations.
DAY: 3
Begin your day with a day trip to Symi Island with Dodekanisos Seaways, departing from Rhodes Port at the beginning of the day. Symi, known for its idyllic harbour and neoclassical architecture, provides a fascinating look into the way of life on a Greek island. Symi has rocky beaches and its water is cooler than Rhodes beaches perfect for a refreshing swim, so be sure to bring along your swimsuit. Be aware that access to certain remote beaches can necessitate using a sea taxi that can be taken from the islands harbour. Travel Tip: Due to its larger ships, Dodekanisos Seaways is recommended for a quick and comfortable trip to Symi Island without experiencing seasickness. More information about prices and time schedule can be found here As soon as you get to Symi Town, take in all of its splendour. Explore the town’s colourfully decorated tiny houses, explore its shops for unforgettable souvenirs, and dine at neighbourhood tavernas to experience real Greek food. Historical High Point: On Symi’s southern coast, don’t miss the Monastery of Archangel Michael Panormitis. This ancient monastery is well known for its peaceful surroundings and Byzantine architecture. Admire magnificent panoramas of the Aegean Sea while discovering its cultural importance. Don’t forget to take Dodekanisos Seaways back to Rhodes Town in the evening, when you may look back on the day’s cultural discoveries and breathtaking scenery. Popular Activities on Symi Island:
- St. Nicholas Beach is well-known for its ideal waters and peaceful atmosphere. It is situated just minutes from the the village of Pedi. There are sunbeds available for anyone who want to relax.
- The Kastro: Situated above Symi, the castle’s remains provide a window into the era when the Knights of the Order of St. John ruled over it until the Ottoman invasion.
- Symi Harbour is a popular and scenic spot on the island. It is a must-visit area with its colourful buildings, quaint fishing boats, and quaint waterfront tavernas.
DAY: 4
Enjoy your day early and take the lovely route to Lindos. Visit the Acropolis first, which is located on a hill with an outstanding view of the town and the Aegean Sea. Admire panoramic views stretching the shoreline as you explore historic sites like the Temple of Athena Lindia. Explore Lindos Village after viewing the Acropolis. Walk down tiny lanes surrounded by whitewashed homes with colourful bougainvillaea. Spend some time exploring the stores lining the narrow streets for handmade jewellery, souvenirs, and local handicrafts. For lunch, stop by a nearby taverna and enjoy authentic Greek fare like moussaka or fresh seafood. Spend a relaxing afternoon at the beautiful beaches Lindos offers. Begin at Saint Paul’s Bay, which is well-known for having shallow waters perfect for swimming. Lindos Beaches provide the ideal getaway for rest and regeneration, whether your preference is to relax with a good book or take a refreshing dip in the water.
DAY: 5
Start your day with a short 30 minutes drive to a unique destination! Discover this captivating natural area known as Butterfly Valley ( Petaloudes), where you may stroll amid hundreds of butterflies in a green landscape. Since the beginning of the 20th century, the Jersey Tiger Moth (Euplagia quadripunctaria) has found refuge in this lovely valley, which is close to the the village of Theologos. The oriental sweetgum trees (Liquidambar orientalis) that are found all throughout the valley draw butterflies. The sound of the gently running water and the brilliant colours of the butterflies fill this peaceful haven. Beautiful flora and peaceful streams may be seen as you stroll along the shady walkways, making this the ideal location for both nature lovers and photographers.
Explore the charming Eptá Pigés Natural Park, which is called after the seven natural springs that rise from the ground and run into the Loutanis River, for a relaxing afternoon only thirty minutes from Petaloudes. The springs supply water to a tiny artificial lake that the Italians built in the 1930s and used to irrigate Kolymbia’s plains and forests. The waters are home to turtles, eels, crabs, and rare fish species called “Gizani.”
Start your tour at the top of the hill, where there are parking spaces, a restaurant, a small playground, and directing signs. Keep an eye out for information boards that highlight particular areas of interest, including the unique springs and rare flora, while you roam amid the woods and streams. A single stream is formed by the merging of the springs; in route, you could come across peacocks, ducks, and wild goats.
The river passes through a 200-meter-long tunnel that makes this place distinct. You may go down the ankle-deep freezing tunnel barefoot or with water shoes, however it’s best to have a torch for visibility. It ends at a little lake where most of the time peacocks can be seen. TIP: Turn left as you come out of the tunnel to get a stunning view of the lake’s waterfalls.
DAY: 6
At the northernmost point of the island, Kalithea Springs which is only a 15-minute drive from Rhodes city. It has a rich history that dates back to the fifth century BC. The springs, which were first used for hydrotherapy and medical purposes, gained popularity for its therapeutic qualities and started to draw tourists looking for medical treatment. The location developed throughout the ages into a magnificent complex with several buildings, and in 1929 the Italian King personally attended the opening.
Although Kalithea Springs was unfortunately used as a prison during World War II, it eventually gained fame and was used as a filming location for a numerous international productions. Substantial financial investments were made in the 1990s, in order to restore the site, with an emphasis on maintaining its original beauty and architectural vision. Today, guests can wander around the great Rotunda surrounded by breathtaking gardens.
Explore the area at your own pace. There is a restaurant/café where you can kick back with a coffee while soaking in the sun rays. The dreaming bay’s crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimmers. Due to its breathtaking location and architrcture, Kalithea Springs also hosts a variety of events, including weddings.
DAY: 7
Enjoy your last breakfast and swim at Elli Beach, a popular brunch and tanning location close to Rhodes Town and few meters from Cactus Hotel. Take a last-minute shopping tour to Rhodes New Town before leaving. Find little souvenir shops next to well-known brand stores, ideal for grabbing memories of your trip to Rhodes home with you. Make your way to Diagoras International Airport to catch your journey back, bringing back fond memories of Rhode Island’s historic sites, sunny beaches, and exciting nightlife.Before departure, explore Rhodes New Town for some last-minute shopping.
Conclusion:
In summary, Rhodes Island has the ideal mix of rich history, stunning scenery, vibrant culture, and excellent shopping, making it the ideal destination for a memorable Mediterranean vacation. Whether you choose to explore historic sites, relax on gorgeous beaches, enjoy in exciting nightlife, or go shopping, Rhodes offers an eclectic and unforgetabble vacation experience.