MileHacker Logo
Day Trips &amp Excursions

Day Trips &amp Excursions

Dodecanese, Greece

Nearby Destinations

Several appealing locations are within easy day-trip distance from Rhodes Town. These include Lindos, Symi Island, Ancient Kamiros, Filerimos Hill, and Faliraki.

Lindos, approximately 1 hour from Rhodes Town, boasts a stunning acropolis above white-washed houses overlooking beautiful bays. Symi Island, reached by ferry in 1-3 hours, features a picturesque neoclassical harbor town. Ancient Kamiros, around 45 minutes by car, is an archaeological site showing ancient Greek daily life. Filerimos Hill, 20-30 minutes away, is a monastery and cross with panoramic northern Rhodes views. Faliraki, also 20-30 minutes, is a lively beach resort with a water park.

Transportation Options

  • Lindos: Frequent KTEL buses. Organized bus tours are widely available. Car rental supports flexible travel. Boat trips from Mandraki Harbor often include swimming stops.
  • Symi: Regular ferries and catamaran services from Mandraki Harbor. Full-day organized boat tours are a common way to visit.
  • Kamiros: KTEL buses serve this area. Car rental offers direct access. Organized bus tours sometimes include Kamiros.
  • Filerimos: KTEL bus to Ialysos, then a short taxi or walk. Car rental suits exploration. Hop-on-hop-off bus tours also include this site.

Organized vs. Independent Travel

Organized Tours

Organized tours come with predefined schedules and group settings.

Considerations

  • Convenience with included transportation and guided site information.
  • Many tours cover multiple sites in one day.
  • Less flexibility in timing and itinerary, often with a fixed pace.

Independent Travel

Independent travel offers personal freedom for exploration.

Considerations

  • Full flexibility in timing, pace, and specific places.
  • Often more budget-friendly for solo travelers or small groups.
  • Self-navigation and transport planning become traveler responsibilities.

Time Required for Day Trips

Suggested Duration

  • Lindos: A full day (6-8 hours) for village exploration, acropolis ascent, and beach time.
  • Symi: A full day (8-10 hours, including ferry) for harbor and beach visits.
  • Kamiros/Filerimos: Each site needs 2-4 hours; can be combined for a half or full day.

Explore and Book Day Trips

Travel Tip:

Advance booking for popular tours or ferries is a good approach during peak season.

Natural Escapes

Find tranquility and natural wonders on Rhodes.

Valley of the Butterflies

Famous for Panaxia Quadripunctaria moths (mid-June to September), a serene valley with streams and waterfalls for cool walks.

Seven Springs Epta Piges

A lush, cool oasis with natural springs. Walk through a narrow, dark, 180-meter tunnel of shallow water to reach a small lake for a refreshing experience.

Prasonisi

At the island's southernmost tip, where the Aegean and Mediterranean seas meet. World-famous for windsurfing and kitesurfing due to consistent winds. Around a 1.5-2 hour drive from Rhodes Town.

Valley of the Butterflies

The Valley of the Butterflies (Petaloudes) hosts unique butterfly species during summer months.

Visitor Information

  • Best visiting period: mid-June to September.
  • Enjoy serene walks in a cool, green environment.
  • Observe the Panaxia Quadripunctaria moths in their natural habitat.

Seven Springs Epta Piges

Seven Springs offers a refreshing natural retreat with unique features.

Experiences Await

  • Explore natural springs feeding a small lake.
  • Walk through an unique 180-meter narrow, dark tunnel with shallow water.
  • A cool, lush oasis suitable for leisurely exploration.

Sports & Nature at Prasonisi

Location:Southernmost tip of Rhodes
Activity:Windsurfing & Kitesurfing
Unique Feature:Aegean and Mediterranean seas meet
Wind Conditions:Consistent and favorable
Travel Time from Rhodes Town:1.5-2 hours by car

Nature Preservation:

  • Always stay on marked paths in natural areas.
  • Avoid disturbing wildlife, especially butterflies.
  • Dispose of all waste in designated bins or pack it out.
  • Respect flora and fauna; avoid picking plants or taking natural souvenirs.
  • Support local initiatives that protect the island's natural environment.

Cultural Excursions

Discover the island's rich heritage and local traditions.

Monastery of Panagia Tsambika

This monastery stands high on a hill, presenting panoramic views of the coastline and Tsambika Beach. It is a pilgrimage site.

Visit Notes

  • Perched on a hill with extensive views.
  • A popular pilgrimage destination, especially for fertility requests.
  • Photography welcome, respect sacred spaces.

Archangelos Village

Archangelos is a lively traditional village known for its local crafts.

Village Highlights

  • Known for ceramics and shoemakers.
  • Features distinctive Rhodian houses painted in bright colors.
  • Presents a genuine view into local life.

Asklipio Village

Asklipio Village contains historical ruins, away from busy areas.

Historical Points

  • Features ruins of a medieval castle.
  • A Byzantine church with well-preserved frescoes awaits visitors.
  • Offers quiet historical exploration.

Rhodes Old Town

The UNESCO-listed Old Town is a living museum, full of history and character.

Explore the Old Town

  • Walk the Street of the Knights.
  • Visit the Palace of the Grand Master.
  • Discover the Archaeological Museum.

Unique Cultural Aspects

Rhodes culture manifests in various forms across the island.

Traditional Craftsmanship

Villages like Archangelos keep alive traditions of ceramics and shoemaking.

Rhodian Architecture

Observe unique house designs and bright colors in local villages.

Religious Significance

Monasteries and churches reflect deep spiritual roots.

Cultural Immersion Tip:

Seek out local festivals or events during your visit for a cultural experience.

Multi-Day Extensions

Extend your Rhodes adventure to explore more of Greece.

Adding 1-3 Days: Island Hopping

Patmos

A tranquil island with the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse (UNESCO site). Reachable by ferry.

Halki

A tiny, charming island west of Rhodes, ideal for peaceful escapes. Features traditional architecture and quiet bays. A short ferry ride connects it to Rhodes.

Athens

Fly or take an overnight ferry to Greece's capital city for ancient history and urban life.

Dodecanese Loop

  • A popular route for island hopping through several Dodecanese islands.
  • An example route: Rhodes → Symi → Tilos → Halki → Kos → Kalymnos → Leros → Patmos.
  • Select islands based on personal interests and available time.

Rhodes & Southern Cyclades

  • Combine Rhodes with islands further west.
  • Example route: Rhodes → Karpathos → Kasos → Santorini (via connecting ferries or flights).
  • This blends Dodecanese culture with iconic Cycladic scenery.

Recommendations for Longer Regional Travel

Tailored Island Hopping

Design your own route through the Dodecanese or combine with other island groups. Research ferry schedules in advance.

Mainland Greece Exploration

Connect to Athens by flight or ferry. From Athens, explore archaeological sites like Delphi or Olympia.

Crete Adventures

Fly or take an overnight ferry to Crete, Greece's largest island, for incredibly diverse landscapes and ancient sites.

Planning Tip:

Ferry and flight schedules vary by season. Always check updated information when planning inter-island or mainland journeys.