Rhodes in 5 days
The first two days stay in town, on foot; the other three go by bus, but not the same one — the east and west of the island run on two different companies, and that changes the order more than anything else.
- How long
- 5–7
- Getting around
- RODA for town, the west and the airport
- Day ticket
- none
5–7; old town 2, and this plan splits them by who's driving, not by a checklist of sights: two days on foot around town, then three by bus, switching between the western network (RODA) and the eastern one (KTEL Rodou), since there is no line running straight between them. Get the order wrong and you're waiting at the wrong stop.
Arrival and the Street of the Knights
Arrival Diagoras airport (RHO), 14 km. bus (RODA/KTEL) to centre into the centre, 35–45 min.
The Street of the Knights, 10 min (street only), free.
Lunch in the old town: a main course without drinks runs €10–15.
Mandraki, the harbour with two bronze deer statues on columns and three windmills from the 14th or 15th century — free to enter, not part of the old town itself but the waterfront next to it.
The Grand Master's Palace
The Grand Master's Palace, €20, booking recommended — at the top of the Street of the Knights, open in the morning, before the town fills up with the day's cruise arrivals.
The ticket is bought on the spot: since the 1 April 2025 reform, the Palace, Lindos and Kameiros no longer share one ticket — each site sells its own.
A free afternoon in the old town — no fixed stop, just walking without a plan.
Lindos
KTEL Rodou to Lindos, about 40 kilometres south — the eastern network, not RODA.
Climbing to the acropolis before the cruise crowds arrive, €20 — a timed entry slot has been required since the 2025 reform.
Lunch in the village, then down to St Paul's Bay for an afternoon swim.
The west coast: Kameiros and the Valley of the Butterflies
RODA to Kameiros, about 35 kilometres west, €10 — an ancient town without the crowds of the eastern sights.
Back towards town on the same line, then a change onto the Valley of the Butterflies, about 26 kilometres from the centre.
daily 8–18, €6 (22 Jun–30 Sep) — no booking, tickets at the gate only.
The two coasts
The last day picks one of the two coasts, not both — free (beaches), the only figure this day needs.
Want calm water, KTEL Rodou runs east; want wind on a board, RODA runs west.
Back into town before dinner, and a last look round the old town shops.
Before you go
Short answers to what people ask most before setting out.
Is five days enough for Rhodes?
5–7; old town 2 — five days covers the town, Lindos and the west coast; a seventh day would add the other coast, or a trip to Prasonisi or Symi.
Is a rental car needed for this plan?
No — RODA and KTEL Rodou cover every stop in the plan, just not on the same line; a car only makes sense for anyone wanting Prasonisi and the west coast on the same day.
What if only three days are available?
The old town and the Palace on the first two days, then Lindos on the third — the west coast and a second beach day drop from the plan rather than being shortened.
Ready for Rhodes?
Where to next
Day trips from Rhodes
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How well does Rhodes suit you?
→Six questions: a score for this place and others like it.
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