Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Rhodes?
Should you spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Rhodes?
Not sure how much time you'll need in Rhodes, Greece? Most people spend at least 3 or as many as 5 days in Rhodes during their visit. After all, the world famous island will let you swim at the beach, tour the famous sights and museums, discover the nearby hiking trails, and taste delicious cuisine.
Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese islands, and it's a popular destination for its diverse activities and stunning natural beauty. The island has many historic villages as well as resort areas where you can enjoy a relaxing holiday. The beaches are beautiful with many watersports available. There are also archaeological sites throughout the island, kid-friendly activities, and romantic hotels that are perfect for honeymoons. Hiking is very popular on the island as well.
Do you have one or two days to visit Rhodes? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is one day enough time in Rhodes?
One day is usually not enough time to experience the world famous island of Rhodes, so you may find yourself somewhat rushed. You don't want to miss the main attractions such as the beaches, the museums and landmarks, the hiking, and the cuisine, as well as Rhodes Old Town. You'll likely want more than one day, as many tourists set aside around three to five days for their visit. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your journey below.
How to spend a day in Rhodes
The beautiful beaches await you in Rhodes, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. The island has spectacular beaches with crystal blue waters. Many of the beaches are sandy with swimming or snorkeling opportunities. The island is also known for its watersports and several beaches are great windsurfing or kite surfing locations. There are countless beaches to choose from but some of the favorites are Tsambika, Saint Paul's Bay, Ladiko, and Kallithea.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Rhodes Sea Kayaking Tour ($99)
- Rhodes Day Cruise (with lunch, snacks & unlimited drinks) 6Hours ($66)
- Boat Trip to Anthony Quinn, Kallithea & Traganou Bays ($99)
The culinary scene in Rhodes is world famous, and draws visitors from around the globe. Make sure you spend time enjoying breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of this island's best restaurants. And consider a food tour, too. Many are either a half day or just a few hours, so you can fit one into your schedule easily. The island offers Greek classics with a local flair. Common ingredients include wheat, olives, legumes, wine, and cheese. Many dishes are flavored with cumin, which is more heavily used here than elsewhere in Greece. Popular local dishes include matsi (a pasta cooked in meat broth and prepared with cheese, butter, and legumes), tsouka (a veal and pasta casserole), and lakani (veal, goat, or lamb meat that is slow-cooked in tomato sauce).
A few tour suggestions include:
- Private Wine Tasting Under the Guidance of a Sommelier in Rhodes ($38)
- Rhodes Wine Tasting Experience ($87)
- Gourmet Journey: 11-Course Lunch, Wine Tasting & Culinary Session ($87)
The public transit in Rhodes is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the island quite easily and affordably. There is a comprehensive bus system that covers most of the island.
Is a weekend (two to three days) enough time in Rhodes?
Rhodes, renowned for its numerous sights and attractions, is a major draw for tourists. So with a weekend, you'll probably feel rushed to see everything the island has to offer. You really need more time to swim at the beach, tour the famous sights and museums, discover the nearby hiking trails, and taste delicious cuisine. Many visitors prefer to have at least 3 or as many as 5 days to fully enjoy the island. If you have a weekend or less, we still have some great ideas for what to do while you're in town.
The castle walls of Rhodes, Greece
How to spend 2 days in Rhodes
Having a weekend (two to three days) in Rhodes will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the island.
Rhodes is known for it's world-class museums and famous landmarks, so make sure you spend at least a day exploring at one or more of the most appealing. Many of the villages feel like outdoor museums, with churches and archaeological sites throughout. Some of the most well known sites include the Palace of the Grand Masters, the Hospital of the Knights, Süleyman Mosque, and Roloi Clock Tower.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Rhodes Old Town Scavenger Hunt & Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour ($25)
- The Palace of the Grand Master. Self-guided Audio Tour ($13)
Rhodes is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. The island offers impressive archaeological ruins, stunning vistas, breathtaking landscapes, and world class beaches.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Boat Trip to Anthony Quinn, Kallithea & Traganou Bays ($99)
- Boat Trip to LINDOS with Swimming Stops at Anthony Quinn's & Tsambika Bays ($56)
- Rhodes High Speed Boat to Lindos ($49)
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Rhodes, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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