Rhodes without a car is a curated experience that captures the essence of a Greek summer – pure, flavorful, and unforgettable. It is inspired by my many visits to the Island, and now the last time going as a couple to explore the Island. Rhodes is all about unspoiled beauty and rich traditions so dive in and enjoy.
Arriving in Rhodes during August, might not be the best time, it was the time I had vacation from work, so what do you do then? Well, you plan for a tranquil beach vacation with some history, divine Greek food, sun, and swimming in the ocean to become a mermaid.
Day 1: Rhodos City Center & Connect Onwards
Arriving at the international airport, you take the local bus to the town center of Rodes and have lunch at a nearby place like Bahar Souvlakeri probably the best gyros in town, for an easy lunch before going onwards with the local bus to Lindos.
Day 1: Lindos & Locavore dining
Arriving in Lindos, I suggest staying at the hillside since August. If you would like to feel more of the breeze, which seems harder to find in the downtown of Lindos. Before going to dinner, you should visit the monumental Acropolis of Lindos, which is on the hilltop overlooking Lindos town. Do it around 17:45 to 19:45, and you can escape some of the warm heat, and see the Acropolis right before sunset. Visit the impressive Temple of Athena Lindia, and be taken back to the time of great Greek history (I visited back in the days, this time in August was very warm so we skipped it).
Make your way down to dinner in the charming village of Lindos; make sure to have a reservation at Dionysos Restaurant – Meze Bar in Lindos, prepare yourself for a divine meal prepared by the Greek Gods or chefs of Lindos.
Dionysos Restaurant
Meze Bar in Lindos
Courtyard
Lindos Rooftop Bar
Stay in Lindos, Sleep on Coco Mat aka Nature
Lindian Myth Sea View Studios in Lindos Rhodes was our pick, which was the balance between comfortable sleeping on Coco Mat as well a friendly price, but still some great amenities with a great view of the Acropolis. If available F Charm All Suites or Casita Casita Lindos are also great choices.
Traveling in Rhodes without a Car
Being in Rhodes without a car is pretty easy; the buses function they do operate every 30 minutes, and the prices are very friendly, however, it must be said, the buses can get crowded, but then again you are saving money for more Greek salad, and you are traveling like a local, as well using a more sustainable mode of transportation. Have a look at the timetable in Rhodes. You will see you can move from Rhodos town to most places on the island. Enjoy traveling like a local in Rhodes without a car.
Day 2: St. Pauls Bay Lindos with Dazzling Ocean & Tambakio Beach Bar
Kalimera, remember to grab your frappe and make your way down to St. Pau Bay. Nestled along the sun-kissed coast, St. Paul’s Bay is a gem where crystal-clear waters meet the charm of any seaside lover. Here, a quaint beach bar invites you to unwind, while the serene natural bay cradles the historic chapel of St. Paul, a tribute to his storied visit. As you gaze upward, the ancient acropolis of Lindos rises majestically, offering breathtaking views that sweep across the horizon.
Go for a swim around the bay, then indulge in the beach bar, savoring the local flavors with the ocean as your backdrop. Then, retreat to your hotel for a leisurely siesta or moment of relaxation. Or go to the other side of Lindos Town, and find the Sea Caves to swim through.
Day 3: Kolympia & All Inclusive
Well, after days of much exploring, we are hopping on the bus to Kolympia for a 2-night all-inclusive stay; in this way, staying completely relaxed indulging in all amenities, and having a vacation from the vacation. There are many places in Rhodos, that have this offer, and we stayed at Blue Seaside Village. We also recommend Eden Roc Resort and Elissa Adults-Only Lifestyle Beach Resort (stayed in 2022).
Day 4: Beach & Spa Sessions
Slow down and enjoy the stunning surroundings of Rhodes. Staying at a hotel with beach access, the beaches are some of the cleanest. Enjoy the day soak up the rays and snorkel around crystal clear waters.
After lunch, perfect the art of doing nothing. And indulge in having time to do nothing—pure luxury. Or if you decide to spoil yourselves in one of the SPA, indulge in nourishing your skin and mind.
Day 5 Slow Vacation Morning & Faliraki Without a Car
Start the day with breakfast in the hotel, and enjoy a morning swim before doing check out in the hotel. Once again locate the nearest bus stop and travel onwards in Rhodes without a car to Faliraki, the town that has something for everyone visiting the Island.
No doubt, taking the bus will leave you a bit more famished. So, check in with your new place in Faliraki we stayed at the humble and comfortable Jimm’s Garden if you want to splurge more stay at Casa Cabana Boutique Hotel & Spa. Enjoy a dinner reservation at Manolis Taverna, enjoy maybe some of the best Greek food, and most of all taste the wines made from Malagouzia which are aromatic white wines that stand out due to their vivacity and complexity.
Day 6: Anthony Quinn Bay & ETEON Greek culture restaurant
Give yourself another day to find one of Rhodes’s incredible bays—Anthony Quinn Bay, which was the shooting location for the 1961 film The Guns of Navarone. So the beach was renamed after the lead actor of the movie, Anthony Quinn.
A perfect swim stop for those who like gazing on rocks, snorkeling around, and swimming in a bay. I must say that the bay has changed since I was there in 2013. However it is still a great place to be, but now you will share the place with more people than before. Also, the old taverna has been replaced with the more hip Kounna Beach & Resto Bar, which offers great food, and an amusing view of the bay as well, people watching.
Returning to Faliraki, have a stroll down the main street and end up at ETEON Greek Culture Restaurant, for another culinary adventure, if you are clever about eating there, have a table reservation.
Day 7: Old Town of Rhodes
Once again, move onwards with the local bus from Faliraki to Rhodes Old Town, and stay in the heart of the old town at 10GR Boutique Hotel & Wine Bar. Unpack or unwind before you feel like swimming in the ocean or begin exploring the port of Rhodes’s new town and maybe you can imagine the massive Colossus of Rhodos, standing tall at the entrance? Today you will see the Rhodian Deer Status.
Or go to the legendary Mediaeval part of Rhodes Old Town a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Follow the cobblestone streets in the narrow streets of the old town, visit the Palace of the Grand Master, find the Street of the Knights, and visit various local shops, cafes, and art galleries in the area.
Have dinner at a traditional Greek taverna: Local Insights from my friend living in Rhodes: Nireas, Hatzikelis, Pizanias, Marco Polo – book table!) and soak up the ambiance of the old town. Return to the hotel for some well-deserved sleep.
Or do – Rhodes: Private Wine Tasting Experience for Wine Lovers at 10GR Wine Bar.
Day 8: Beach Club & Departure Rhodes Without a Car
Even on the last of your 8 days in Rhodes without a car, you might have time for a day at the city beach in one of the many beach clubs in the city center. Enjoy dipping into the crystalline waters for the last time. We stayed at Baia Seaside and stayed by the waterfront the entire day before returning to our hotel for a last dinner and the last glass of Greek Malagouzia white wine before returning home. Take the bus the last time from the main bus station in Rhodoes, and go to Diagoras International Airport for your departure. Safe travels home.
8 Days in Rhodes Without a Car
The eight-day Rhodes itinerary without a car balances beach time with ocean swims, natural beauty, relaxation, and cultural and historical sites. It is suggested that you plan your time best when traveling in Rhodes without a car but using the public transportation system. It is all about keeping the balance of exploring the destination but, also maintaining your energy for adventure. After all 8 days in Rhodes should leave you feeling enriched with new memories, and recalibrated for more adventures. If you are more about Island hopping in Greece you should read: 10 Days Greece Itinerary in Cyclades & Athens or maybe you only have 48 hours in Santorini.
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[…] Greece in summer is something special for us Norwegians. I love gyros and Greek frappe coffee, not other Greek coffee. I adore crystal clear blue water, white houses, Greek salad, and everything. There is so much to love about Greece. And I loved exploring Greece with Luis. It was his first time in Greece, which is always special when visiting a country for the first time. Please read all about our travels in Rhodos. […]