Rhodes in 3 Days: The Perfect Itinerary

Rhodes is one of the easiest Greek islands to love at first sight. It pairs a medieval old town that is among the best preserved in Europe with long sandy beaches and a climate that delivers sunshine for much of the year. Three days is enough to get a good sense of the island, provided you plan a little. This itinerary takes you through the highlights, with a simple base and a practical way to get around.

Where to Base Yourself

Most visitors choose between two bases. Rhodes Town suits travellers who want history on their doorstep, with restaurants, shops and nightlife within walking distance of the harbour. Lindos, on the east coast, is a smaller, more atmospheric choice, ideal if you want a quieter stay and easy access to the village and the beaches nearby. Either works well for a three-day trip. If you plan to see the south of the island in a hurry, a rental car is the most flexible option. Buses serve the main resorts, but a car makes it much easier to reach the more remote spots in a single day.

Day One: The Medieval Old Town

Start in Rhodes Town, where the walled Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander the cobbled lanes and make your way to the Street of the Knights, lined with inns that once housed the different language groups of the Knights Hospitaller. The street is best seen early in the morning, before the day-trip crowds arrive, when the stone facades are at their most evocative.

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Next, visit the Palace of the Grand Master, a large fortress rebuilt in the early twentieth century and filled with mosaics, sculpture and reconstructed rooms. Allow at least a couple of hours to see it properly. In the afternoon, take a stroll through the old harbour, with its medieval towers guarding the entrance, and watch the boats come and go. In the evening, the streets around the Old Town fill with tavernas. Look for grilled fish, fresh salads and local wine.

Day Two: Lindos and the East Coast

Head south-east to Lindos, one of the island's most photographed places. The whitewashed village spills down from a clifftop acropolis, and the climb up to the ancient site rewards you with sweeping views over the bay and the rooftops below. Arrive early to beat the midday heat and the tour groups. Wear sturdy shoes, as the paths are steep and uneven. Afterwards, walk down through the lanes lined with shops and cafes, and treat yourself to lunch with a sea view.

In the afternoon, continue to Anthony Quinn Bay, a beautiful cove of turquoise water backed by pine trees and rocks, named after the actor who starred in the film The Visitors. It is a relaxed spot for a swim and a quieter alternative to the busier beaches. Many visitors pair it with a visit to the nearby Saint Paul's Bay, which is calm and good for snorkelling.

Day Three: Beaches, Butterflies and Symi

Start your final day at Tsambika, one of the island's best-known beaches, stretching along a wide golden sweep of sand. The beach sits beneath the monastery of Panagia Tsambika, which crowns a hill above the shore. Many people make the walk up to the monastery for the views, though it is a fairly steep climb, so go in the cooler hours.

If you are visiting in summer, the Valley of the Butterflies is well worth the trip inland. The valley is home to large numbers of tiger moths, which gather in the shady, humid woodland, particularly in the warmer months when the moths are most active. Expect a short walk and a little more crowding than in the quieter months.

If you have the energy and an early start, consider a day trip to Symi, the small island that lies just off the north-west coast of Rhodes. Its harbour is famed for neoclassical mansions painted in bright colours, rising in tiers above the water. Ferries and boats run from Rhodes Town, and the crossing takes roughly an hour. Plan your return sailing in advance and check locally for the current timetable, as schedules change with the season.

Getting to Rhodes and Around

Rhodes Airport (RHO) has extensive summer flights from many European cities, making it the simplest way to arrive. Ferries are also an option. Routes connect to the other Dodecanese islands, to Marmaris in Turkey, and to Piraeus on the mainland. The Piraeus crossing is a long overnight journey, so it suits travellers who want to take their time rather than those working to a tight schedule. Within the island, buses serve the main resorts and Rhodes Town. For Lindos, Tsambika and the south, a car gives you far more freedom, especially if you want to visit several places in one day.

Practical Tips

• Visit the Old Town and Lindos early in the morning to avoid the heat and the largest crowds.
• Wear comfortable shoes for the cobbles of the Old Town and the steep path up to the Lindos acropolis.
• Bring a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water, particularly in summer.
• Book your Symi day trip ahead in high season, and confirm the current boat times locally.
• Visit the Valley of the Butterflies in summer, when the moths are most active; check locally for seasonal opening.
• Rent a car early if you plan to travel outside Rhodes Town, as demand is high in peak months.