Rhodes is the largest island in Greece's Dodecanese group and the fourth largest island in all of Greece, following Crete, Evia, and Lesvos. If you're planning to explore the island from north to south, I’d recommend dedicating a full week to your visit—it's the ideal amount of time!
To make the most of your trip, consider changing accommodations at least once during your stay. Spend half of the week in the north and the other half in the south of the island. Personally, I stayed three nights in Lindos and four nights in Faliraki, which worked out wonderfully for me!
I highly recommend renting a car, as relying solely on public transportation will make it difficult to visit all the key spots across the island. Additionally, public transport can get crowded, particularly during peak travel seasons. One trusted site for car rentals is Rentalcars.com; it often offers reservations with free cancellation, giving you flexibility if your plans change. Here's a tip: monitor the prices closely on Rentalcars.com. Book with free cancellation so you can rebook the same car at a lower price if you notice a price drop. For convenience, you might want to rent a car directly from the airport. However, my recent experience taught me a valuable lesson: always check the reviews before making a reservation! I opted for the cheapest car available via Rentalcars.com, despite the “less-than-stellar” reviews associated with the rental company Wheego. Unfortunately, the experience was disappointing. The representative arrived 40 minutes late at the airport, and the car provided was poorly maintained and difficult to drive due to its age. So, learn from my mistake—double-check reviews to ensure you're booking with a reputable company!
Lindos & the South of Rhodes
Lindos is one of the most beautiful villages on the island of Rhodes and serves as the perfect base for exploring the southern part of the island. It is best known for the Acropolis of Lindos, a renowned archaeological site that draws visitors worldwide with its remarkable ruins, rich history, and breathtaking views. Additionally, Lindos enchants travelers with its narrow and white streets, charming atmosphere, and unique character.
If you've rented a car from the airport, it will take you just under an hour to reach the village of Lindos. As noted earlier, the primary attraction is the Acropolis of Lindos, which requires an entry ticket priced at €20. Some of the best beaches in and around Lindos include:
- Lindos Beach: Easily accessible on foot if you're staying in the village. However, during the peak season, it gets extremely crowded, and renting an umbrella with two loungers costs €25. Unfortunately, there is no designated area for a free beach.
- Agathi Beach: This is a free beach, so I strongly recommend bringing an umbrella as there is no natural shade to protect you from the sun. There are also no bars or restaurants nearby. The water is crystal clear, and the beach features beautiful golden sand. Additionally, there’s a large free parking area located right in front of the beach.
- Paul’s Bay: Likely the most famous beach in the southern part of the island, this bay is known for its breathtaking views. To secure a spot, it’s best to arrive very early, as space is limited—or you can opt to visit later in the day, as I did, to enjoy a relaxing swim. When I visited in August, renting an umbrella and two loungers cost €50.
For dining, if you're looking for an authentic taverna experience and have access to a car, I highly recommend Allifasi, located in Kalathos - 12 min by car from Lindos. Be sure to make a reservation in advance!
Faliraki & Northern Rhodes
Faliraki sits in the northern part of Rhodes and is widely known as the island’s hub for nightlife and parties. In the town centre, you’ll find a wide range of restaurants and bars. Faliraki also stretches along a long sandy shore. While it isn’t the island’s most scenic beach, prices tend to be more budget-friendly than in other areas, and there are plenty of water sports on offer. If you are interested in renting a boat without licence for a couple of hours you can do that with Rock My Boat. Summer slots fill quickly, so it’s wise to book ahead. You can find the latest prices on their website:
Rhodes Town is close by (about 20–30 minutes by car or bus). The UNESCO-listed Medieval Old Town, with its walls, gates, and cobbled lanes, is well worth a full day. Highlights include the Street of the Knights, the Palace of the Grand Master, and Mandraki Harbor. Plan time for both the historical sites and a stroll through the lively shops and cafés.
My favourite nearby beaches are:
- Anthony Quinn Bay and Ladiko Beach: rocky coves with stunning views and clear water. They get crowded in peak summer; arrive early to improve your chances of finding a sunbed/parking, or come later in the afternoon.
- Tsambika Beach: Long sandy bay with very clear, shallow water. Sunbeds and umbrellas available, plus easy free parking. If you like viewpoints, climb to the small chapel of Panagia Tsambika above the beach.
For Dining in Faliraki & nearby, I recommend the below restaurants:
- In Faliraki town - Manolis Taverna: Quality Greek dishes with a polished feel; pricing is oriented to visitors
- Local, authentic spots nearby - Sykofyllos (Sykofilos) Meze Place and Katholiki in Afandou village serve traditional meze and grilled specialties at very reasonable prices. Both are easy to reach by car and offer a warm atmosphere.
Where to stay?
I stayed at Krana Hotel in Lindos and had a great experience. The location is convenient—just a short walk from Lindos Town—and the hotel overlooks the Acropolis, so you get lovely views throughout the day. There’s a very large swimming pool with plenty of sun loungers, perfect for spending the warmest hours in comfort. Breakfast was super delicious and set a nice tone for the day!
During my time in Faliraki, I booked Dias Studios & Suites. If you’re looking for an affordable place that includes access to a swimming pool, this fits the bill and makes a practical base for exploring the area.
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