In Rhodes, you can spend the whole week by the hotel pool. Alternatively, you can hop on a different bus every day and try to see as many places as possible.

Neither option really appealed to me, so I hired a car for part of my stay and drove all the way round the island.

And it was brilliant!

You’ll get to experience beaches, historic towns, road trips and places that most visitors never even see.

Compare car hire prices in Rhodes

I didn’t hire a car straight after arriving. I spent the first two days in Rhodes Town and at Kallithea Springs, which you can easily reach by bus – see the article ‘Public transport in Rhodes’ for details.

This saved me two days’ hire and the hassle of finding parking in the city centre.

Before you start planning: where to stay?

Most recommendations for Rhodes are simple: choose one hotel and go on day trips.

It’s convenient, and for many people it will be the best option.

I, however, took a different approach.

Over the course of the week, I stayed in several different places and travelled practically all the way round the island. It meant more packing, but at the same time I didn’t have to make long journeys back and forth every day.

👉 You can find a detailed overview in the article ‘Where to stay in Rhodes’.

Day 1: History, walks and first impressions

I arrive in Rhodes in the evening, so I don’t count that day.

Personally, for the first two nights I’d stay in the largest town on Rhodes, right at the northern end of the town.

The first day is ideal for exploring this very pleasant town. Here you’ll find:

• Historic monuments
• Windmills
• Plenty of reasonably priced restaurants and shops

On the first day, I’d take the bus to Kallithea Springs (a 20-minute journey) for at least three hours. And I’d spend the rest of the day exploring the town.

• 👉 Where I stayed: Nafsika Hotel **(I recommend it – great value for money, quality and location)
• 👉 Compare prices for all hotels in Rhodes Town

Day 2: Swimming and relaxing

On this day, I’m planning to visit Rhodes’ most famous beach – Anthony Quinn Bay.

In the morning, I’m heading to the airport to hire a car – prices are cheaper there than in town.

You’ll have plenty of time, because in my opinion Anthony Quinn Bay is simply better in the afternoon and early evening, when there aren’t too many people there.

I’d stay for one night in Faliraki, where there are classic, wide resort beaches.

And there’s also a huge water park, in case you’d like the option of choosing between the beaches and other water-based fun.

• 👉 Where I stayed:Ladiko Inn Hotel Faliraki ****(a 10-minute walk from Anthony Quinn Beach)
• 👉 Compare prices for all hotels in Faliraki

Day 3: White Lindos with its ancient acropolis

This is one of the main highlights of the trip.

The famous village of Lindos, with its white houses, where cars are not allowed to enter and above which towers a monumental ancient acropolis.

On the way between Faliraki and Lindos, I’d definitely stop off at the Panagia Tsambika monastery, with its beautiful views, or at Feraklos Castle.

I’d stay in Lindos for one night.

You can explore the town in an afternoon and, ideally, take another stroll in the evening, when the streets empty and take on a unique atmosphere.

• 👉 Where I stayed: Lindian Pearl(private apartments right in the centre)
• 👉 Compare prices for all hotels in Lindos

Day 4: Road trip to the end of the world

I set off from Lindos in the morning; earlier that morning, I’d taken a stroll through the completely deserted streets.

I’ve got an hour’s drive ahead of me to the southernmost point of Rhodes.

The secluded beach at Prasonisi is a kitesurfers’ paradise, but thanks to the shallow water, it’s also suitable for families with children.

What’s more, a narrow sandbar juts out from the mainland, which you can walk across to reach a rocky islet with a lighthouse.

A magical place.

In the afternoon, I cycle along the western part of the island, stopping at Monolithos Castle on my way to the beautiful mountain town of Embonas.

By the way, if I had to pick a place in Rhodes where I felt most like I was in a normal Greek town rather than a tourist resort, it would be Embonas.

I’m staying here for two nights. But if I had more time, I’d spend four nights here and head into the mountains.

My plan is actually different.

• 👉 Where I stayed: Ataviros Hotel ***
• 👉 Compare prices for all hotels in Embonas

Day 5: Trip to the island of Chalki

This was one of the best days I had in Rhodes.

Although, actually, it wasn’t in Rhodes.

In the morning, I’m driving to Skala Kamirou harbour (make sure you book your ferry ticket online in advance during the high season!).

I have a whole day ahead of me on the arid, sweltering, yet incredibly beautiful island of Chalki.

I go into detail about this place in the guide:

• 6 places to see on Chalki
• How to get around Chalki
• Ferries to Chalki: how to book online

Day 6: The Valley of the Butterflies and an evening swim

In the morning, I go for a walk beyond the village of Embonas into the fragrant pine forests, and then I set off on a journey of just under two hours northwards, including a stop at the Kamiros archaeological site.

My destination is the famous Valley of the Butterflies.

A path through the gorge alongside the water, home to tens of thousands of tiny black-and-white butterflies.

In the evening, I’m heading to the resort of Ixia so that I’ll be close to the airport.

There are some lovely resorts here, as well as some quite nice, albeit windy, beaches.

• 👉 Where I stayed: SOL by Meliá Cosmopolitan Rhodes *****(I wanted to treat myself to a better hotel for my last night)
• 👉 Compare prices for all hotels in Ixia

Day 7: A final swim and some views

In the morning, I’ll take the car again and head to the stunning viewpoint at Filerimos Monastery.

After checking out of the hotel, I spend my last few hours by the sea in the resort of Ixia, and in the afternoon I drive the car back to the airport.

I’m flying home this evening.

Is it worth visiting Rhodes for a week?

Yes. Definitely yes.

Rhodes is a great place in that you can easily go for just four days and spend your time in the north, where there’s the most to see.

You can come here for a week, which you can organise entirely as you see fit.

But you won’t get bored even if you stay for 10 days.

I, for one, didn’t manage to visit all the beaches, let alone all the surrounding islands.

I’d love to visit the island of Symi again, for instance.