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Day Trips & Excursions

Day Trips & Excursions

Dodecanese, Greece

Nearby Destinations

Extend your exploration to charming islands and even a neighboring country, each presenting a distinct experience.

Symi Island: A picturesque island with stunning neoclassical houses around its harbor. Historically noted for sponge diving and tiny shrimp. Regular daily boat excursions and high-speed catamarans depart from Mandraki Harbour in Rhodes City (1-2 hours). Organized tours often include Panormitis Monastery. Independent travel presents more flexibility. A full day trip, typically 8-10 hours, grants time to wander and enjoy a meal.

Symi Highlights

  • Daily boat trips from Mandraki Harbour
  • Picturesque neoclassical houses
  • Famous for local shrimp and sponge diving history
  • Full-day trip recommended (8-10 hours)

Explore Beyond Rhodes

Discover more islands and even a neighboring country for diverse experiences.

Halki Island

A small, quiet island near Rhodes, Halki is known for its tranquil atmosphere, traditional architecture, and an unspoiled harbor. It is a protected historical settlement, preserving its unique character.

Halki Travel

  • Ferries from Kamiros Skala (1 hour)
  • Island walkable on foot
  • A full day trip suggested

Marmaris, Turkey

A bustling Turkish resort town offering a distinct cultural experience. Marmaris features a large bazaar, a lively marina, and a castle.

Marmaris Considerations

  • High-speed catamarans from Rhodes (1 hour)
  • Passport always needed for travel
  • Turkish Lira is local currency

Other Trip Information

Visa Needs

  • Verify Turkish visa needs beforehand
  • E-visa often available online
  • Requirements can vary by nationality
  • Always confirm official sources

Suggested Itineraries

  • A full day grants exploration time in Marmaris
  • Visit the bazaar, castle, and marina
  • Consider local guides for immersion
  • Beware of aggressive sales in bazaar

Financial Aspects for Day Trips

  • Currency ExchangeBanks open Mon-Fri, 8 AM-2 PM
  • ATMs Availability24/7 access to ATMs
  • Payment MethodsCards widely accepted in tourist areas
  • Cash for Small PurchasesUseful in rural areas/small shops
  • Cost of FerriesVaries by destination and speed
  • Entry FeesCheck for attractions on islands
  • Meal PricesGenerally affordable on day trips
  • SouvenirsBudget for local crafts

Booking Your Excursions

Travelers seeking organized day tours to Symi or other destinations from Rhodes can explore options on GetYourGuide's Day Trip booking section.

Natural Escapes

Rhodes' southern region presents unique natural spectacles and quieter beaches for a relaxing day away.

Prasonisi

This unique sand spit at the southernmost tip is a natural spectacle. It is a hub for windsurfing and kitesurfing due to the distinct meeting of two seas.

Gennadi Beach

A long, quiet, and often less crowded sandy and pebble beach. It is perfect for those seeking tranquility.

Lardos Beach

Another family-friendly, well-organized beach with amenities for a relaxing day by the sea.

Southern Beach Access

Accessing these southern beaches is best done by rental car, granting the most flexibility.

Transportation

  • Rental car for full freedom
  • K.T.E.L. Buses serve some villages
  • Extra walking may occur from bus stops

Activities and Relaxation

These southern spots cater to both active pursuits and serene relaxation.

Southern Leisure

  • Ideal for windsurfing and kitesurfing at Prasonisi
  • Quiet coves for unwinding
  • Safe swimming spots

Things to pack for Natural Escapes

SunscreenHigh SPF
Hat & SunglassesProtection from sun
Reusable Water BottleStay hydrated
Beach TowelFor relaxation
Snorkeling GearExplore marine life
SnacksLimited amenities in some areas

Outdoor and Nature Tips

  • Always dispose of trash properly.
  • Stay on marked trails to protect local ecosystems.
  • Respect local wildlife and plants.
  • Be mindful of noise levels in tranquil areas.
  • Support local businesses near natural sites.

Cultural Excursions

Venture inland to discover traditional villages and local life.

Embona Village

Located on the slopes of Mt. Attavyros, Rhodes' highest mountain. Embona maintains a reputation as the island's wine-producing village.

Embona Specialties

  • Local wineries present tours
  • Wine tastings available
  • Stunning mountain scenery

Siana Village

A traditional mountain village widely famous for its local products: honey, high-quality olive oil, and Souma (a local spirit).

Siana Delicacies

  • Famous for local honey
  • High-quality olive oil
  • Taste Souma (local spirit)

Getting Around the Interior

Exploring the island's interior, especially to reach villages like Embona and Siana, is best with a rental car for maximum freedom.

Transportation Tips

  • Rental car recommended
  • Limited bus service to rural areas
  • Plan routes for remote villages

Local Product Shopping

These villages are good places for purchasing authentic, traditional goods directly from the producers.

Authentic Goods

  • Direct from producers
  • Support local artisans
  • Fair prices for quality items

Multi-Day Extensions

Rhodes can serve as a starting point for longer regional travel, permitting combining it with other Greek destinations.

Dodecanese Hopper

Rhodes -> Symi -> Kos -> Patmos (5-7 days). Permits experiencing distinct Dodecanese island character.

Aegean Highlights

Rhodes -> (fly to) Athens -> (ferry to) Santorini -> Mykonos (7-10 days). A different island experience, noted for dramatic landscapes and lively nightlife.

Beyond Islands

Crete offers diverse landscapes and history (long ferry). Athens presents ancient history (Acropolis, Parthenon) and gateway to other regions.

Extended Travel Considerations

Ferries are the main transport between Greek islands. Flights connect Rhodes to Athens and other major Greek cities, providing faster travel for longer distances.

Important Travel Affiliates

Enhanced Connectivity & Comfort

Airalo

For reliable global connectivity, explore Airalo for convenient eSIM options during your travels.

Solis Wi-Fi

Stay connected with a portable WiFi device from Solis Wi-Fi, offering dependable internet access.

Priority Pass

Enjoy comfortable airport lounge access worldwide with Priority Pass for a smooth start to your journey.

Language Skills

  • The Google Translate app is highly recommended for translation assistance.
  • Downloading the Greek language pack supports offline translation.
  • Learning a few basic Greek phrases is always appreciated by locals.
  • Rosetta Stone offers language learning platforms for engagement.
  • English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
  • German and Italian are also common in specific resorts.

Flight Compensation

  • Compensair assists customers in receiving compensation for flight delays.
  • They also help with claims for flight cancellations.
  • Assistance extends to instances of denied boarding.
  • The service streamlines the compensation process.
  • They work on a fixed commission model.
  • A 30-day cookie duration applies to referrals.

General Tips for Connectivity

Internet Access

Wi-Fi is widely available and usually free in hotels, apartments, cafes, and restaurants.

Mobile Providers

Greece's main providers are Cosmote, Vodafone, and Wind (Nova). Prepaid SIM cards require your passport for registration.

Postal Services

ELTA (Hellenic Post) offices are in Rhodes City and larger towns for sending postcards or packages.

Support Resources

For language learning, visit Rosetta Stone. To gain lounge access at airports, consider Priority Pass.