One Day in Rhodes Itinerary

Looking for a one day in Rhodes itinerary? You’re in the right place.

Granted, you could spend a lot more than one day exploring the folds and wrinkles of this ancient island. As the fourth-largest Greek island after Crete, Evia, and Lesvos, Rhodes is a perfect blend of medieval charm, beaches, and spellbinding views.

So, if you’re riding in on a cruise or have a layover, Rhodes is compact enough to see the highlights in one day with smart planning.

From cobbled streets to clifftop views, here’s how to soak up the magic of Rhodes in just one day.

Related read: A Guide to Island-Hopping in Greece

Here is an overview:

Top Attractions in Rhodes for a One-Day Visit

These are the best things to do in Rhodes in 24 hours:

Morning in Rhodes Old Town

Starting your day in Rhodes Old Town is ideal, as there are fewer crowds and you’re within walking distance of the port (if you’re arriving by cruise ship).

Here’s the itinerary we recommend for a morning in Rhodes Old Town:

• 08:30 Visit Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes: This 7th-century Medieval castle is a beautiful place to explore for tourists. With mosaic floors, medieval armor, and ancient statues, you’ll learn about the turbulent history of Rhodes among some of the most fascinating artefacts in Greece. Tickets cost €16.
• 10:30 Amble through the Street of the Knights: Walk down to the cobblestoned lane lined with medieval inns. This is a perfect spot for photos.
• 11:00 Drive to Kallithea Springs: Take your car or taxi 20 minutes to Kallithea Springs, which is an ancient spa complex with Italian architecture and mosaics. Yes, this is a detour from Rhodes Old Town, but it’s worth it for the picturesque views and peaceful atmosphere.

Related read: The Best Undiscovered Greek Islands

Midday in Lindos

The Lindos Acropolis is a must-see attraction if you visit Rhodes for one day. It’ll take 1 hour to reach Rhodes Town by car, and it is open from 08:00 to 20:00 in high season (May to October).

Currently, it costs €12 to enter the Acropolis, where you’ll see the Temple of Goddess Athena, which dates back to the 4th Century BC.

Here’s the itinerary we recommend at Lindos:

• 12:00 Get picnic ready: Pick up some street food in Rhodes and hop into your car, taxi, or bus to Lindos.
• 13:00 Walk to the Acropolis: Arrive at Lindos and take the 20-minute scenic uphill walk to the Acropolis. (You’ll need good footwear and plenty of bottled water.)
• 13:30 Picnic in the Acropolis: Find a spot among the ancient columns to eat your street food lunch.
• 14:30 Explore the stone-washed Lindos village: Snap photos on your walk through the quaint village of Lindos, down towards the bay.
• 16:30 Swim at St Paul’s Bay: If you have time, take a dip in the St Paul’s Bay beach to cool off.\

Getting Around Rhodes in 24 Hours: Transport Tips

To make the most of your one day in Rhodes, we recommend planning out your transportation before you arrive. You don’t want to arrive at the airport or port and be scrambling to hire a car or find a taxi to take you across the island.

Here’s what you need to know about Rhodes transport to make the best decision for you and your group:

Buses

The bus service in Rhodes, KTEL, runs various services across the island at an affordable price. However, wait times vary, and travel times are much longer than driving or taking a taxi.

For example, No.64, No.103, and No.362 buses all run from Averof Bus Station to Lindos. The journey takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes, and buses depart every 30-60 minutes.

We don’t recommend traveling this way unless you’ve reviewed the timetables on the KTEL website and have planned for the longer transfer times.

Car Rentals

Hiring a car is a great choice if you want to explore beyond Rhodes Old Town. It’s a large island, so many of the most serene viewpoints, beaches, and coves are at least 30-60 minutes’ drive away from downtown.

If you intend to hire a car, here are some quick tips to remember:

• Book your car in advance to avoid disappointment when you arrive.
• Watch out for narrow roads and limited parking in Old Town.

Taxis & Private Transfers

Official Rhodes taxis are dark blue and roam freely throughout the city center. When the small sign on the side says “vacant”, you can wave down a taxi to hire.

That said, if you’re arriving on a cruise, you’ll compete with your fellow travelers for the taxis in the city. A more convenient alternative is to book a Rhodes Airport transfer from a trusted international company like Welcome Pickups. That way, you can relax knowing you have transport ready and waiting for you. This is also ideal for small groups struggling to find a taxi that can fit everyone.

Walking

If you’re on a budget or love to walk, don’t worry! The itinerary we’ve outlined so far is perfectly walkable.

Rhodes Old Town is pedestrian-friendly, with plenty of pedestrian-only streets.

You’ll need a car or taxi transfer to get to Lindos village. However, it is best explored on foot once you arrive, as cars aren’t allowed inside.

Several beaches are within walking distance from Rhodes Old Town, such as:

• Elli Beach
• Kanari Beach
• Kathara Bay

Let’s talk more about beaches next.

Best Beaches and Views to Include in Your Day Trip

The beaches in Rhodes are a must-see aspect of getting to know the island. Here are the beaches we’d recommend exploring during your day trip to Rhodes.

Elli Beach (Rhodes Town)

Best for: Cruise ship visitors

Just a 20-minute walk from Rhodes port, Elli Beach is a sandy and pebbly beach with a lively, family-friendly atmosphere.

Think cafés serving snacks and ice cream. Sunbeds as far as the eye can see. And aquamarine, calm, warm waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

St Paul’s Bay (Lindos)

Best for: Couples and solo travelers who want to relax

If you’re hiring a car or booking a private transfer to get to other locations in Rhodes, we recommend St Paul’s Bay in Lindos to be one of them.

This heart-shaped cove has calm, sparkly water that are perfect for a dip after exploring the Acropolis. Plus, due to the 1-hour distance from Rhodes Town, St Paul’s Bay draws fewer crowds than Elli Beach, making it more relaxing and peaceful.

Note: There are no changing facilities unless you rent a sunbed, so we recommend wearing your swimsuit under your clothes and bringing a suitable towel.

Anthony Quinn Bay

Best for: Hikers and snorkellers

Anhony Quinn Bay was named after the actor who filmed “The Guns of Navarone” here. It has a rocky and lush landscape that is endlessly photogenic.
If you love snorkeling, this is one of the best spots to do it on the island. You can hire snorkeling, kayaking, and scuba diving gear from the beach.

That said, only put Anthony Quinn Bay on your list if you have time. It is located 30 minutes’ drive from Rhodes Town and is difficult to access without a car.

If you’ve booked a Rhodes private transfer or rental car for the day, we highly recommend visiting this unique bay.

Dining Options for a Quick Lunch in Rhodes Town

Where should you head for a quick lunch in Rhodes? Here are our recommendations:

Tavernas

Tavernas are the perfect quick lunch or dinner spots. They are near Socrates Street or tucked just outside the main tourist areas in Rhodes Town.

Here you’ll find a variety of tasty traditional Greek food (mezze), such as:

• Grilled halloumi – local cheese grilled on an open fire
• Tzatziki – salted yoghurt and cucumber dip
• Dolmades – stuffed vine leaves
• Spanakopita – spinach pie
• Keftedes – meatballs

Best of all, these are quick to prepare and serve, so you won’t be sitting for long, leaving you more time to enjoy your day trip in Rhodes.

Related read: What to Eat in Greece: 10 Typical Greek Dishes

Street Food

Greek street food is cheap, quick, and satisfying. You can find food trucks dotted around Rhodes Town serving gyros, souvlaki, and other Greek staples.

Gyros is rotisserie meat stuffed into pitta bread with tomatoes, onion, fried potatoes, and tzatziki. Souvlaki is similar, but with skewered grilled meat and vegetables served with pitta bread.

For vegetarians, local bakeries offer cheese pies, spinach pies, and sweet bougatsa (Greek custard pie).

If you’re creative, you can get a lunch for under €10.

Tip: If you’re heading to Lindos for midday, grab food in town and picnic near the bay or the Acropolis. That way, you can eat and explore at the same time.

Top Tips for One Day in Rhodes

It’s fair to say that doing a Rhodes one-day tour can be quite stressful if not well-planned. To conclude this guide, here are our top tips for making the most of your whirlwind tour.

• Start early: Aim to be at the Old Town by 8 AM to beat the crowds and see as many sights as possible.
• Dress appropriately: Wear comfortable walking shoes and plenty of sunscreen. If you’re going to hit the beach, bring a swimsuit, sunhat, and water bottle.
• Plan your transport: Review public transport timetables or pre-book a private transfer or rental car before you arrive.
• Bring cash in euros: You’ll need cash for beach amenities, snacks, and souvenirs.