Rhodes in 7 days

The island of knights and sun. A medieval walled Old Town, ancient ruins and Aegean beaches. Best time to visit: May-June & September-October. Average daily budget: $65 to $160 USD.

Day 1, Land & wander

Base: Medieval Old Town, The walled UNESCO city of the Knights, full of cobbled lanes and squares.

Morning: Climb to the Acropolis of Lindos. Ascend to the ancient temple above a whitewashed village and bay.

Afternoon: Explore Medieval Old Town, The walled UNESCO city of the Knights, full of cobbled lanes and squares.

Evening: Explore the Medieval Old Town. Walk the Street of the Knights and the Palace of the Grand Master.

Eat: Pitaroudia, Rhodian chickpea fritters

Day 2, Iconic sights

Base: New Town (Neochori), The modern centre with beaches, shops, the aquarium and nightlife.

Morning: Relax on Anthony Quinn Bay. Swim in the clear, rocky cove made famous by the film.

Afternoon: Explore New Town (Neochori), The modern centre with beaches, shops, the aquarium and nightlife.

Evening: Visit the Valley of the Butterflies. Walk shaded trails alive with butterflies in summer.

Eat: Fresh grilled octopus by the harbour

Day 3, Food & markets

Base: Lindos, A whitewashed clifftop village crowned by an ancient acropolis.

Morning: See the ancient Acropolis of Rhodes. Explore the hilltop ruins and restored stadium of Monte Smith.

Afternoon: Explore Lindos, A whitewashed clifftop village crowned by an ancient acropolis.

Evening: Day trip to Symi island. Sail to the neoclassical harbour town of pastel houses.

Eat: Melekouni, the island's sesame and honey sweet

Day 4, Local neighbourhoods

Base: Faliraki, A lively beach resort with watersports and family attractions.

Morning: The abandoned spa village of Thermes Kallithea's restored art-deco baths.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Faliraki, A lively beach resort with watersports and family attractions.

Evening: The ruined Byzantine village of Old Pyli and the inland monasteries.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Souma, the local distilled spirit

Day 5, Day trip

Base: Western Coast, Windier beaches popular for windsurfing, plus the Valley of the Butterflies.

Morning: The seven springs (Epta Piges) shaded forest and tunnel walk.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Afternoon: Explore Western Coast, Windier beaches popular for windsurfing, plus the Valley of the Butterflies.

Evening: The quiet south-coast beaches around Prasonisi for kite-surfing.. A local favourite most visitors miss, worth the detour.

Eat: Pitaroudia, Rhodian chickpea fritters

Day 6, Hidden gems

Base: Medieval Old Town, The walled UNESCO city of the Knights, full of cobbled lanes and squares.

Morning: Slow start: coffee in Medieval Old Town, then an unhurried walk before the heat or the crowds.

Afternoon: Explore Medieval Old Town, The walled UNESCO city of the Knights, full of cobbled lanes and squares.

Evening: Dinner at Fresh grilled octopus by the harbour, then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in Medieval Old Town.

Eat: Fresh grilled octopus by the harbour

Day 7, Slow finish

Base: New Town (Neochori), The modern centre with beaches, shops, the aquarium and nightlife.

Morning: Slow start: coffee in New Town (Neochori), then an unhurried walk before the heat or the crowds.

Afternoon: Explore New Town (Neochori), The modern centre with beaches, shops, the aquarium and nightlife.

Evening: Dinner at Melekouni, the island's sesame and honey sweet, then a quiet drink wherever the locals are in New Town (Neochori).

Eat: Melekouni, the island's sesame and honey sweet

Hidden gems

The abandoned spa village of Thermes Kallithea's restored art-deco baths.
The ruined Byzantine village of Old Pyli and the inland monasteries.
The seven springs (Epta Piges) shaded forest and tunnel walk.
The quiet south-coast beaches around Prasonisi for kite-surfing.

Getting around

Rhodes Old Town and New Town are walkable, and the island has a decent bus network (KTEL) linking the main resorts and Lindos, making it possible to visit without a car. However, renting a car or scooter gives you freedom to reach quieter beaches, inland villages and the west coast. The airport is on the west side, about 20 minutes from Rhodes Town. Ferries connect to other Dodecanese islands and to Athens. Note the Old Town is largely pedestrian and its cobbles are uneven.

Safety

Rhodes is very safe with low crime, and solo travellers, including women, feel comfortable throughout. The main considerations are summer heat and sun, especially when exploring ruins and the Old Town, so carry water and sun protection. The west coast is windier and its seas rougher than the calmer east coast. Old Town lanes are uneven and poorly lit at night, so watch your footing. As anywhere touristy, keep an eye on valuables in crowded areas and on busy beaches.

Rhodes in 3 days | Rhodes in 5 days | Full Rhodes guide