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Day Trips & Excursions

Day Trips & Excursions

Greece

Nearby Destinations

Numerous captivating destinations are within easy reach for a day trip from Lindos. Rhodes Town, an UNESCO World Heritage site, is approximately 55 km (34 miles) north of Lindos. It boasts the magnificent medieval Old Town and Mandraki Harbour. Pefkos, a lively resort village, is just 4 km (2.5 miles) south, with sandy beaches and a relaxed atmosphere.

Symi Island, picturesque with its neoclassical harbor town, hosts daily boat trips. Seven Springs (Epta Piges), a lush oasis 27 km (17 miles) north, offers an unique tunnel walk to a lake. Tsambika Beach & Monastery, 15 km (9 miles) north, provides crystal-clear waters and panoramic views. Prasonisi, the southernmost tip at 40 km (25 miles) south, is world-renowned for windsurfing and kitesurfing, presenting a dramatic natural landscape.

Transportation for Each

  • Rhodes Town: Regular public buses (approx. 1.5 hours), taxis (approx. 45-60 min), or a rental car.
  • Pefkos: Frequent public buses (approx. 10 minutes), short taxi ride, or scenic walk.
  • Symi Island: Organized boat trips from Lindos (seasonal) or larger ferries from Rhodes Town.
  • Seven Springs / Tsambika: Best reached by rental car or organized tour; limited public bus access.

Organized Tours vs. Independent Travel

Exploring the island can be tailored to your preference.

Organized Tours

They offer convenience, with transportation typically included, and often guided commentary, enriching your knowledge of the sites. Many Rhodes island excursions are available.

Benefits

  • Transportation included.
  • Guided commentary.
  • Good for multiple stops.

Independent Travel

This approach provides maximum flexibility. You spend as much or as little time as you wish at preferred sites. Renting a car gives you ultimate flexibility.

Benefits

  • Maximum flexibility.
  • Cost-effective with public transport.
  • Explore at your own pace.

Suggested Itineraries & Time

Recommended Durations

  • Rhodes Town: Full day (6-8 hours minimum).
  • Pefkos: Half-day or evening (3-5 hours).
  • Symi: Full day (8-10 hours).
  • Seven Springs & Tsambika: Half-day (3-4 hours).

Additional Options

  • Prasonisi: Half-day (3-5 hours).
  • Valley of the Butterflies: Seasonal (mid-June to Sept).
  • Ancient Kamiros: Half-day.
  • Kritinia Castle: Short visit.

Travel Costs Overview

  • Public Bus:Most affordable.
  • Taxi:Moderate cost.
  • Rental Car:Variable, consider fuel.
  • Boat Trip (Symi):Varies by tour.
  • Acropolis Entry:Fixed fee.
  • Museums:Varies per site.
  • Organized Tours:Higher upfront cost.
  • Food & Drinks:Varies widely.

Planning Ahead

Check seasonal availability for boat trips and specific attractions. Early morning visits to popular sites avoid crowds.

Natural Escapes

Rhodes offers diverse natural landscapes beyond the immediate surroundings of Lindos, perfect for day trips.

Valley of the Butterflies

A unique natural park, located approximately 26 km (16 miles) southwest of Rhodes Town. Thousands of Panaxia Quadripunctaria butterflies gather here from mid-June to late September.

Tsambika Beach

A popular sandy beach with crystal-clear waters, located below a monastery perched on a hill. It is approximately 15 km (9 miles) north of Lindos.

Profitis Ilias

The second highest peak on Rhodes, offering refreshing pine forests, well-marked hiking trails, and a charming hotel. An excellent spot for a cooler escape during the summer heat.

Southern Beaches

Explore quieter, less developed beaches south of Lindos, like Glystra, Gennadi, or Lardos beach. These offer tranquil environments, often with fewer crowds than the main Lindos beaches.

Features

  • Tranquil environments.
  • Fewer crowds.
  • Good for relaxation.

Prasonisi

The southernmost tip of Rhodes, approximately 40 km (25 miles) south of Lindos. Prasonisi is an unique sand spit connecting two landmasses, creating two distinct bays.

Features

  • World-renowned for windsurfing.
  • Kitesurfing spot.
  • Dramatic natural landscape.

Valley of the Butterflies Season

Panaxia Quadripunctaria butterfliesMost abundant: Mid-June to late September.
Ideal time to visit.During these months.
A unique natural phenomenon.Accessible by car or organized tour.
A unique natural phenomenon.Explore natural beauty.
Valley of the Butterflies.A unique nature reserve.
Located southwest of Rhodes Town.A memorable experience.

Explore Beyond the Coast

  • Venture inland for a different perspective.
  • Discover lush forests and cooler temperatures.
  • Many walking trails.
  • Observe local flora and fauna.
  • Away from the busy tourist spots.

Cultural Excursions

Beyond Lindos's own historical sites, Rhodes offers a wealth of archaeological and cultural experiences.

Ancient Kamiros

An ancient city-state located on the west coast of Rhodes. It offers extensive archaeological ruins, including an agora, a temple, and residential houses, all set in a beautiful, serene natural environment.

Highlights

  • Extensive archaeological ruins.
  • Ancient Hellenistic life.
  • Serene natural environment.

Monastery of Filerimos

Situated near Ialyssos, this site offers panoramic views over the Aegean Sea and the island's interior. It features a Byzantine monastery, remnants of an ancient temple, and a pathway lined with the Stations of the Cross.

Highlights

  • Panoramic Aegean views.
  • Byzantine monastery.
  • Stations of the Cross pathway.

Kritinia Castle

A ruined Venetian castle perched on a hill, offering stunning views over the Aegean Sea and nearby islands. It provides a sense of medieval history.

Features

  • Ruined Venetian castle.
  • Stunning Aegean views.
  • Good for sunset photography.

Traditional Villages

Explore inland villages for an authentic experience. Embona is known for wine production, while Apollona features a folk art museum.

Village Types

  • Embona: Wine production.
  • Apollona: Folk art museum.
  • Peaceful atmosphere.

Tsambika Monastery Pilgrimage

A significant pilgrimage site, especially for women seeking fertility. The monastery is on a hilltop, requiring a steep climb (or a short drive followed by steps) to reach it, but with incredible views.

Significance

Important pilgrimage site, especially for women seeking fertility.

Accessibility

Steep climb, also reachable by car and steps.

Reward

Incredible panoramic views await those who make the climb.

Dive into History

History enthusiasts have many sites to explore beyond Lindos. These excursions offer insight into Rhodes' long and varied past. Each site offers an unique perspective on the island's heritage.

Multi-Day Extensions

For those with more time, extending your trip beyond Lindos broadens your exploration of Greece.

Suggested Extensions

1.

Rhodes Town

Spend 1-2 nights immersing yourself in the capital. Explore the medieval Old Town, museums, and harbor.

2.

Symi Island

Dedicate a night or two to Symi. Experience its neoclassical harbor town and charming atmosphere after day-trippers leave.

3.

Southern Rhodes

Devote 1-2 days to exploring the less-developed southern part of the island. Discover quieter beaches and traditional inland villages.

Inter-Island Travel

  • Other Dodecanese Islands: Kos, Patmos, Leros.
  • Transportation: Ferries from Rhodes Town.
  • Crete: Fly or ferry.
  • Transportation: Flights from Rhodes Airport (RHO) to Athens.
  • Rhodes International Airport (RHO)
  • Domestic flights to Athens, Thessaloniki, other Greek cities and islands.

Longer Regional Travel

  • Dodecanese Island Hopping: Begin in Rhodes, then ferries to Symi, Kos, Kalymnos, Patmos.
  • Each island has distinct appeal.
  • Rhodes & Beyond: Combine stay in Lindos and Rhodes.
  • Flight to Athens for ancient history and city culture.
  • Ferry to Crete for a diverse Greek island experience.
  • Blends history, nature, and adventure.

Dodecanese Island Hopping

Starting Point

Begin your journey in Rhodes.

Next Destinations

Take ferries to Symi, Kos, Kalymnos, or Patmos.

Unique Character

Each island offers its own unique character and attractions.

Broader Horizons

Extend your journey to discover more Greek islands or the mainland. Ferries and domestic flights offer connections.