Best Day Trips from Rhodes: Islands, Villages, and Coastline Worth Exploring
Rhodes is an excellent base for exploring the wider Dodecanese and the island's own interior. From the spectacularly beautiful island of Symi to the ancient Acropolis of Lindos and the lush Valley of the Butterflies, these are the day trips that reward the effort of leaving your sunbed.
Rhodes punches well above its weight as a base for day trips. The island itself is large enough to fill a week with new discoveries, while fast ferries and tour boats make neighbouring islands reachable in under an hour. Whether you're planning a seven-day itinerary or a focused three-day stay, factoring in at least one or two day trips will give you a much richer picture of what the southern Aegean has to offer. The key is knowing which trips are genuinely worth the time and which are best skipped.
💡 Local tip
Book ferry and boat tours at least 2-3 days ahead in July and August. Symi and Lindos trips sell out fast. Off-season (Oct-May), check schedules carefully as some routes run only once or twice a week.
Island Escapes by Ferry
Rhodes sits in one of the most island-rich corners of the Mediterranean. The Dodecanese chain stretches north and west, placing several spectacular islands within easy day-trip range. Fast catamarans from Mandraki Harbour reach Symi in about an hour, making it the most popular island escape from Rhodes. For full details on planning boat excursions, the Rhodes boat trips guide covers departure points, operators, and what to expect on board.
1. Spend a Day on Symi, Rhodes's Most Beautiful Neighbour
Fast boats reach Symi in about an hour from Mandraki. You get 4-5 hours ashore to explore the stunning neoclassical harbour at Gialos, walk up to the Chorio hilltop village, swim at Agia Marina, and visit the grand Panormitis Monastery.
Explore1. Spend a Day on Symi, Rhodes's Most Beautiful Neighbour
Fast boats reach Symi in about an hour from Mandraki. You get 4-5 hours ashore to explore the stunning neoclassical harbour at Gialos, walk up to the Chorio hilltop village, swim at Agia Marina, and visit the grand Panormitis Monastery.
ExploreThe Lindos Peninsula: Ancient Ruins, Bays, and Beaches
The stretch of coastline between Rhodes Town and Lindos is one of the most rewarding drives or boat routes on the island, passing Anthony Quinn Bay, Kallithea Springs, and Tsambika Beach before arriving at the clifftop acropolis. You can cover this as a single long day by car, or join an organised boat trip that stops at several bays en route. Note that the Acropolis of Lindos requires either a donkey ride or a steep uphill walk, so comfortable footwear is essential.
2. Climb to the Acropolis of Lindos for Clifftop Ruins and Aegean Views
The highlight of the whole island for many visitors. Doric Temple of Athena Lindia, a Hellenistic stoa, and views over St Paul's Bay and the whitewashed village below. Allow 1.5-2 hours on site; arrive before 10am to beat the crowds and heat.
Explore2. Climb to the Acropolis of Lindos for Clifftop Ruins and Aegean Views
The highlight of the whole island for many visitors. Doric Temple of Athena Lindia, a Hellenistic stoa, and views over St Paul's Bay and the whitewashed village below. Allow 1.5-2 hours on site; arrive before 10am to beat the crowds and heat.
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3. Swim in Saint Paul's Bay, Lindos's Most Iconic Cove
A near-circular turquoise bay directly below the acropolis, traditionally linked to St Paul's landing on his way to Rome. The water is calm and exceptionally clear. It fills up by midday in summer, so arrive early or come after 4pm.
Explore3. Swim in Saint Paul's Bay, Lindos's Most Iconic Cove
A near-circular turquoise bay directly below the acropolis, traditionally linked to St Paul's landing on his way to Rome. The water is calm and exceptionally clear. It fills up by midday in summer, so arrive early or come after 4pm.
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4. Relax on Lindos Beach Beneath the Clifftop Village
The main sandy beach at Lindos sits directly beneath the acropolis and whitewashed village. Shallow, calm water makes it ideal for swimming. It's busier than St Paul's Bay but has more facilities. Combine with an acropolis visit for a full day.
Explore4. Relax on Lindos Beach Beneath the Clifftop Village
The main sandy beach at Lindos sits directly beneath the acropolis and whitewashed village. Shallow, calm water makes it ideal for swimming. It's busier than St Paul's Bay but has more facilities. Combine with an acropolis visit for a full day.
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5. Snorkel the Crystal-Clear Waters of Anthony Quinn Bay
Named after the actor who purchased it after filming here in the 1960s, this rocky cove near Faliraki has exceptional underwater visibility and is one of the most photogenic spots on the island. Best visited on the way to or from Lindos.
Explore5. Snorkel the Crystal-Clear Waters of Anthony Quinn Bay
Named after the actor who purchased it after filming here in the 1960s, this rocky cove near Faliraki has exceptional underwater visibility and is one of the most photogenic spots on the island. Best visited on the way to or from Lindos.
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6. Explore the Art Deco Thermal Spa at Kallithea Springs
The restored Italian-era Thermes Kallitheas is one of the most architecturally striking sites on the island: colonnaded rotundas, mosaic floors, and a landscaped seaside garden. The adjacent cove is good for snorkelling. About 10km from Rhodes Town.
Explore6. Explore the Art Deco Thermal Spa at Kallithea Springs
The restored Italian-era Thermes Kallitheas is one of the most architecturally striking sites on the island: colonnaded rotundas, mosaic floors, and a landscaped seaside garden. The adjacent cove is good for snorkelling. About 10km from Rhodes Town.
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7. Stop at Tsambika, One of the Aegean's Best Sandy Beaches
A wide arc of golden sand with shallow turquoise water, halfway between Rhodes Town and Lindos. Consistently rated among the finest beaches in the Dodecanese. Gets crowded in peak summer, but the water quality and scenery justify the stop.
Explore7. Stop at Tsambika, One of the Aegean's Best Sandy Beaches
A wide arc of golden sand with shallow turquoise water, halfway between Rhodes Town and Lindos. Consistently rated among the finest beaches in the Dodecanese. Gets crowded in peak summer, but the water quality and scenery justify the stop.
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8. Hike to Tsambika Monastery for Panoramic Coastline Views
The small Byzantine monastery on a 300-metre hilltop above Tsambika Beach rewards the 15-20 minute uphill climb with breathtaking views over the eastern coast. It's a place of pilgrimage for couples hoping to conceive, adding cultural depth to the visit.
Explore8. Hike to Tsambika Monastery for Panoramic Coastline Views
The small Byzantine monastery on a 300-metre hilltop above Tsambika Beach rewards the 15-20 minute uphill climb with breathtaking views over the eastern coast. It's a place of pilgrimage for couples hoping to conceive, adding cultural depth to the visit.
ExploreThe Island's Interior: Villages, Forests, and Castles
The interior of Rhodes is far less visited than its coastline, but it rewards exploration. Pine-forested mountain roads connect medieval castles, Byzantine monasteries, and natural wonders. A hire car unlocks this part of the island most effectively. For tips on renting a vehicle, see the Rhodes car hire guide. These inland day trips work particularly well in May, June, or September when the heat is manageable for outdoor exploration.
9. Walk Through the Valley of the Butterflies at Petaloudes
A lush shaded valley in the island's interior where thousands of Jersey tiger moths gather from June to September. Wooden walkways lead past streams and trees. One of Rhodes's most popular inland excursions; visit in the morning before tour groups arrive.
Explore9. Walk Through the Valley of the Butterflies at Petaloudes
A lush shaded valley in the island's interior where thousands of Jersey tiger moths gather from June to September. Wooden walkways lead past streams and trees. One of Rhodes's most popular inland excursions; visit in the morning before tour groups arrive.
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10. Follow the Aqueduct Tunnel at Seven Springs (Epta Piges)
A shaded inland oasis with a peacock-filled garden, a small lake, and a 186-metre aqueduct tunnel you can walk through in near-darkness. Genuinely enjoyable for families. About 30km south of Rhodes Town; combine with Tsambika Beach nearby.
Explore10. Follow the Aqueduct Tunnel at Seven Springs (Epta Piges)
A shaded inland oasis with a peacock-filled garden, a small lake, and a 186-metre aqueduct tunnel you can walk through in near-darkness. Genuinely enjoyable for families. About 30km south of Rhodes Town; combine with Tsambika Beach nearby.
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11. Escape the Heat in the Cool Pine Forests of Profitis Ilias
At 798 metres, this forested peak in the island's interior is noticeably cooler than the coast in summer. Italian-era stone chalets, a small church, and walking trails through dense pine forest make it a genuinely refreshing half-day escape from the beach.
Explore11. Escape the Heat in the Cool Pine Forests of Profitis Ilias
At 798 metres, this forested peak in the island's interior is noticeably cooler than the coast in summer. Italian-era stone chalets, a small church, and walking trails through dense pine forest make it a genuinely refreshing half-day escape from the beach.
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12. Discover Kritinia Castle, Rhodes's Most Dramatically Sited Ruin
A ruined Knights Hospitaller castle in the northwest of the island with arguably the best views on Rhodes, looking out over the sea toward Halki and Alimia islands. Largely unrestored and uncrowded, it feels genuinely remote despite being only 50km from the city.
Explore12. Discover Kritinia Castle, Rhodes's Most Dramatically Sited Ruin
A ruined Knights Hospitaller castle in the northwest of the island with arguably the best views on Rhodes, looking out over the sea toward Halki and Alimia islands. Largely unrestored and uncrowded, it feels genuinely remote despite being only 50km from the city.
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13. Visit Asklipio Castle and Byzantine Church in the Quiet South
A well-preserved medieval castle above a sleepy village in the southern interior, with a remarkable Byzantine church featuring intact 17th-century frescoes. Almost no other tourists. Pairs well with Pefkos Beach and a drive along the southern coastline.
Explore13. Visit Asklipio Castle and Byzantine Church in the Quiet South
A well-preserved medieval castle above a sleepy village in the southern interior, with a remarkable Byzantine church featuring intact 17th-century frescoes. Almost no other tourists. Pairs well with Pefkos Beach and a drive along the southern coastline.
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14. Find the Remote Frescoed Church at Fountoukli Monastery
A small, atmospheric Byzantine church deep in the forested interior near Profitis Ilias, decorated with remarkable medieval frescoes. Rarely visited by tourists despite its beauty. Best reached by car; combine with Profitis Ilias for a full inland day trip.
Explore14. Find the Remote Frescoed Church at Fountoukli Monastery
A small, atmospheric Byzantine church deep in the forested interior near Profitis Ilias, decorated with remarkable medieval frescoes. Rarely visited by tourists despite its beauty. Best reached by car; combine with Profitis Ilias for a full inland day trip.
ExploreSouthern Rhodes: Wild Coast and Windsurfing
The further south you travel from Rhodes Town, the wilder and less developed the island becomes. The south coast is largely undeveloped, with fishing villages, quiet sandy coves, and one of the most unusual beaches in Greece at Prasonisi. The Pefkos and Lardos area makes a good lunch stop on the way down. Reaching Prasonisi requires a car or an organised tour, as public bus services don't extend this far south.
15. Reach the End of the Island at Prasonisi's Split-Sea Beach
At the southern tip of Rhodes, a sandy isthmus divides the Aegean from the Mediterranean: rough waves on one side for windsurfers, calm water on the other for swimmers. About 90km from Rhodes Town; a full-day drive-and-swim trip worth doing once.
Explore15. Reach the End of the Island at Prasonisi's Split-Sea Beach
At the southern tip of Rhodes, a sandy isthmus divides the Aegean from the Mediterranean: rough waves on one side for windsurfers, calm water on the other for swimmers. About 90km from Rhodes Town; a full-day drive-and-swim trip worth doing once.
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16. Unwind at Pefkos, the Quieter Alternative to Lindos Beach
A relaxed pine-backed sandy beach about 5km south of Lindos with calm, clear water and a low-key taverna scene. Far less crowded than Lindos itself. Works well as an afternoon add-on after visiting the Acropolis, or as a stop on a southern coast drive.
Explore16. Unwind at Pefkos, the Quieter Alternative to Lindos Beach
A relaxed pine-backed sandy beach about 5km south of Lindos with calm, clear water and a low-key taverna scene. Far less crowded than Lindos itself. Works well as an afternoon add-on after visiting the Acropolis, or as a stop on a southern coast drive.
ExplorePractical Tips for Day Tripping from Rhodes
Most day trips from Rhodes Town depart from Mandraki Harbour or the Commercial Port. The guide to getting around Rhodes covers bus routes, taxis, and rental options in detail. For island-hopping specifically, fast catamarans run to Symi daily from May to October, while services to more distant islands like Nisyros and Tilos typically run only on specific days of the week. Always check current timetables, as schedules change each season.
✨ Pro tip
For Lindos, the earliest boat from Mandraki (around 9am) gets you to the Acropolis before the worst heat and crowds. Return boats run until late afternoon. If driving, leave Rhodes Town by 8am and head straight to the Acropolis before exploring the village.
⚠️ What to skip
The Acropolis of Lindos is not accessible to wheelchairs or pushchairs without using the donkey service. The path is steep and uneven. Budget at least 45 minutes each way from the village square to the top.
FAQ
What is the best day trip from Rhodes?
Symi Island is the most rewarding day trip for scenery and atmosphere: the neoclassical harbour town is one of the most beautiful in Greece, and fast boats get you there in about an hour. For history, Lindos with its clifftop Acropolis is the most impressive site on the island itself.
How do you get from Rhodes to Symi Island?
Fast catamaran services depart from Mandraki Harbour in Rhodes Town daily from May to October, taking approximately 50-70 minutes. Tickets typically cost from €8 each way. Several operators run daily excursion boats that include return transfer and free time ashore.
Can you visit Lindos as a day trip from Rhodes Town?
Yes, easily. Boats depart Mandraki Harbour in the morning and return by late afternoon. You can also drive (about 55km, 1 hour) or take the KTEL bus. Allow a full day: the Acropolis visit takes 1.5-2 hours, and you'll want time for the village and a swim at St Paul's Bay or Lindos Beach.
What day trips from Rhodes don't require a boat?
Several excellent day trips are accessible by car or bus: the Valley of the Butterflies (Petaloudes), Seven Springs, Tsambika Beach, Kritinia Castle, Profitis Ilias, and Prasonisi beach at the southern tip. A hire car unlocks the most options, especially for the less-visited inland and southern sites.
How far in advance should you book day trips from Rhodes?
In July and August, book Symi and Lindos boat trips 2-3 days ahead minimum as they regularly sell out. Organised inland tours have more availability. If you're travelling in May, June, or September, same-day or next-day booking is usually possible for most excursions.