Rhodes 5-Day Itinerary: Beaches, Day Trips & Local Food Spots

Explore Rhodes Old Town

Rhodes Old Town is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounded by impressive stone walls, it's home to historic streets, medieval gates, local shops and landmarks like the Palace of the Grand Master and the Street of the Knights.

I started my walk at Saint John's Gate, one of the main entrances to the Old Town, before slowly making my way through its narrow streets. Leave some time to wander through the quieter streets and see where they lead, and make sure not to miss the Street of the Knights, one of the most famous streets in Rhodes, as well as the Palace of the Grand Master, one of the town's most impressive landmarks.

Near the Palace of the Grand Master, I even came across someone dressed as a medieval knight, which added an extra touch to the whole experience and made the city's history feel even more alive.

Lunch at Koukos

Housed in a beautifully restored traditional building, Koukos is home to a boutique hotel, bakery, café and restaurant, making it an ideal stop for lunch after exploring Rhodes Old Town.

I ended up eating here more than once during my trip, stopping by for both breakfast and lunch on different days. Everything I ordered was excellent, which is why it's one of the places I'd happily return to on my next visit to Rhodes.

Optional: Dream Cream

If you're in the mood for something sweet after lunch, Dream Cream is just a short walk from Koukos. Whether you fancy gelato, waffles or pancakes, it's a great place to treat yourself before continuing your walk towards Mandraki Harbour.

Walk to Mandraki Harbour

Mandraki Harbour is one of Rhodes' most recognisable landmarks, known for its historic windmills, colourful boats and waterfront promenade. It's the perfect place for a walk after exploring the Old Town and offers a completely different side of the island.

I loved walking along the harbour in the late afternoon, when the temperature was a little cooler and the waterfront felt much livelier. After spending the morning surrounded by medieval streets and stone walls, it was a nice change of scenery before dinner.

Dinner at Taverna Kostas

Taverna Kostas was another recommendation from local friends in Rhodes, and it quickly became one of my favourite meals on the island. Tucked away in a quiet street of the Old Town, this family-run taverna serves traditional Greek dishes in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it the perfect place to end your first day.

Take the Ferry to Symi

If you're spending five days in Rhodes, don't miss the opportunity to visit Symi. When planning my trip, I had to decide between Symi and Halki, as both islands are frequently recommended by locals as day trips from Rhodes. In the end, I chose Symi—and as soon as the ferry started approaching the harbour, I knew I had made the right choice.

The moment the ferry begins approaching the harbour, it's almost impossible to stop taking photos. The colourful houses climbing up the hillside create one of the most beautiful arrivals I've experienced on a Greek island, and honestly, I don't think photos fully capture how impressive it looks in person.

I originally looked at one of the smaller excursion boats, but they were already fully booked. Instead, I travelled on the regular ferry, which turned out to be a great choice.

Wander Through the Streets of Symi

Before heading anywhere specific, spend some time exploring the harbour area and wandering through the small streets. If you don't mind a few steps, walk up part of the historic Kali Strata for some of the best views over the harbour.

What stood out to me most was how photogenic the entire island felt. Around almost every corner, you'll find colourful houses, traditional architecture and beautiful sea views that make you want to stop and take another photo. It's the kind of place that's best explored without a plan.

Stop by The Panormitis Bakery (Gialos Branch)

If you're looking for a quick snack while exploring Symi, I'd recommend stopping by The Panormitis Bakery (Gialos Branch). It's a popular local bakery serving traditional pies and freshly baked treats, and if you're anything like me, you'll probably struggle to leave with just one thing.

Relax by the Sea

After exploring Symi Town, spend the rest of the afternoon by the sea. I walked to Yiala Beach, about 30 minutes from the harbour, and it turned out to be one of my favourite parts of the day. The water was crystal clear, there were very few people around, and it was the perfect place to relax before returning to Rhodes.

If Yiala Beach feels a little too far, don't worry about reaching a specific beach. Symi has plenty of beautiful swimming spots along the coastline, so it's easy to stop wherever catches your eye and enjoy a swim.

Return to Rhodes

As the ferry heads back to Rhodes, you'll get one last view of Symi's colourful harbour. It was easily one of the highlights of my trip, and a day I'd happily repeat on my next visit.

Explore Lindos Village

I would highly recommend spending at least one night in Lindos rather than visiting on a day trip. This small village is one hour drive from Rhodes town and one of the most picturesque places in Greece. With its whitewashed houses, narrow streets and hilltop Acropolis overlooking the sea, it's easy to see why it's one of Rhodes' most iconic places to visit.

Out of everywhere I visited in Rhodes, this was the place that felt most like a traditional Greek island.

🏨 Compare hotels in Lindos

Visit St. Paul's Bay

A short walk from the village brings you to St. Paul's Bay, one of the most beautiful beaches in Rhodes.

The combination of crystal-clear water, dramatic cliffs and views of the Acropolis creates one of the most photogenic spots on the island. Whether you decide to swim or simply enjoy the view, it's easy to spend much longer here than you originally planned.

Lunch at Tambakio

Set right on the edge of St. Paul's Bay, Tambakio offers front-row views of the crystal-clear water in one of the most beautiful settings in Lindos. Even if you're only stopping for a drink, the location alone makes it worth the visit.

Dinner at Acropolis Roof Garden Restaurant

As the sun begins to set over Lindos, head to Acropolis Roof Garden Restaurant for dinner. Perched above the village, it offers beautiful views of both the Acropolis and the sea, making it one of the best places to enjoy the evening. If you can, book a table in advance for one of the outdoor tables.

Watch Sunrise Over Lindos

If you're happy to wake up early, sunrise is one of the best times to experience Lindos. I watched the sunrise from Lindos Viewpoint, and it's a spot I'd happily recommend to anyone visiting the village. From here, you'll have panoramic views over the Acropolis, St. Paul's Bay and the whitewashed houses of Lindos as the sun begins to rise.

Breakfast at Melia

After sunrise, head to Melia for breakfast. Its rooftop garden offers lovely views towards Lindos and the Acropolis, making it the perfect place to relax before continuing your day.

Visit the Acropolis of Lindos

After breakfast, make your way up to the Acropolis before the temperatures begin to rise.

This is one of the most important archaeological sites in Rhodes, and visiting early makes the experience much more enjoyable during the summer months. The views from the top over Lindos, St. Paul's Bay, and the coastline are easily among the best on the island.

Lunch at Mythos

Before leaving Lindos, stop by Mythos All Day Restaurant for lunch. Its rooftop terrace overlooks both the Acropolis and the harbour, making it the perfect place for one last meal before heading back to Rhodes Town.

Visit Kallithea Springs

Spend your final day in Rhodes exploring two of the island's most beautiful coastal spots, starting with Kallithea Springs.

Originally known for its thermal baths, today it's best known for its beautiful architecture, seaside setting and crystal-clear waters. The combination of Italian-inspired buildings, stone pathways and coastal views makes it one of the most photogenic places in Rhodes.

Spend the Afternoon at Anthony Quinn Bay

From Kallithea Springs, continue to Anthony Quinn Bay, one of the most famous beaches in Rhodes.

Known for its turquoise waters and dramatic rocky surroundings, it's easy to see why this bay has become one of the island's most photographed spots. Seeing it from above gave me a completely different appreciation for its colours and shape. I would recommend arriving earlier in the day, as the beach tends to get busier later on.

Lunch at Kounna

If you're looking for somewhere to stop for lunch or a drink, Kounna is a great choice. Perched above Anthony Quinn Bay, it offers beautiful views over the bay and is the perfect place to take a break after a swim. Even if you're only stopping for a coffee, the view alone makes it worth the visit.

Dinner at Myrovolos

Myrovolos is a modern meze restaurant serving traditional Greek dishes with a contemporary twist. If you're looking for somewhere special for your final dinner in Rhodes, this is a great choice.

It was recommended to me by local friends from Rhodes, so I knew it had to be good. My husband and I ordered several small dishes to share, and honestly, I couldn't tell you which one was my favourite. Every single dish was excellent, making it one of the best meals we had during our trip.

I'd recommend using Rhodes Town as your base for this itinerary. From there, you can easily visit Symi, Kallithea Springs, Anthony Quinn Bay and other nearby attractions without having to change hotels. The only exception is Lindos, where I'd recommend spending one night to experience the village after the day visitors leave.

Luxury

• Rodos Park, an SLH Hotel – Luxury spa hotel with elegant gardens.
• Allegory Boutique Hotel – Boutique hotel in a restored medieval building.

Mid-range

• Old Town Senses Boutique Hotel – Stylish boutique hotel with modern design.
• Canvas by Mitsis Petit Palais – Modern hotel with excellent breakfast.

Budget

• Saint Michel – Family-run guesthouse with authentic character.