Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Rhodes?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 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 diverse 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 3, 4, or 5 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 3 days enough time in Rhodes?
Three days is usually not enough time to experience the diverse 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 three days, 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 3 days 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.
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)
Known for it's hiking, Rhodes sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. The breathtaking landscapes, sweeping views, and beautiful waters make this an amazing hiking island. There are a wide range of trails to choose from with easy, moderate, and challenging options available. The many quaint villages and unique archaeological sites all make this a fantastic place to hike.
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. It's not the most party-oriented island, but you'll find plenty to do at night. Most of the clubs are found in Rhodes Town near Hippocrates Square, along Menekleous Street, or near Orfanidou Street. Faliraki has long been a popular nightlife area that brings in the British crowd, but it's not as lively as it once was. Some resorts offer more of a nightlife scene than others so if that's a priority, do your research before you book.
Is 4 days enough time in Rhodes?
Many visitors choose to spend around four days exploring Rhodes. This would give you the chance to experience the island's most popular activities such as the beaches, the museums and landmarks, and the hiking. Since many visitors prefer to spend around three to five days here, we have a few suggestions of things to do.
The castle walls of Rhodes, Greece
How to spend 4 days in Rhodes
Having 4 days in Rhodes will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the island.
Shopping in Rhodes is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. For a unique shopping experience head to Nea Agora (The New Market), which has a mix of shops and restaurants. You can also pick up fresh produce or pastries there. Sprinkled around the island you'll find many local artisan shops where you can buy ceramics, jewelry, soaps, leather goods, and more.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Rhodes.
Is 5 days enough time in Rhodes?
Five days is more than enough time to see everything that Rhodes has to offer. Many visitors prefer to spend three to five days here, so you'll be able to take in all of the beaches, the museums and landmarks, the hiking, and the cuisine at your own pace. We have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting, and then take in a boat trip or day trip if you're looking to explore further around the island.
How to spend 5 days in Rhodes
With 5 days in Rhodes, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the island has to offer.
Scuba diving and snorkeling around Rhodes is very popular. Spend the day exploring the beauty of the surrounding underwater world. The island has many snorkeling and dive spots where you can enjoy the underwater world. There are plenty of snorkeling or scuba diving trips that you can organize in advance as well. Because of the island's large size, there's a diversity of vendors and areas to pick between.
A few tour suggestions include:
- SUP & Snorkel Adventure Rhodes ($82)
- Rhodes to Kallithea Springs E-Bike & Snorkelling Tour ($71)
- Private Swimming Snorkeling Experience at the Most Beautiful Bays of Rhodes ($74)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Rhodes.
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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