5 best day trips from Rhodes

Day trips compared

The day trips

45 km · About 1 hour by fast catamaran

1.Symi

Symi's harbour town, Gialos, is a steep amphitheatre of pastel neo-classical mansions built by 19th-century sponge merchants. Climb the Kali Strata stairway to the upper town of Chorio for views, eat Symi shrimp at the harbour and, on some excursion boats, stop at the Monastery of Panormitis on the south of the island.

Getting there

Catamaran or excursion boat from Rhodes Town

Best for

Couples, Culture, First-timers

90 km · About 1 hour 30 minutes by car

2.Prasonisi

At the island's southern tip, a sand spit links Rhodes to the islet of Prasonisi, with the windy Aegean on one side and the flatter Mediterranean on the other. It is one of Europe's best-known windsurfing and kitesurfing spots, with schools and board hire on the beach; non-surfers come for the landscape and to watch.

Getting there

Car; occasional summer buses

Best for

Beach, Quiet stays

70 km · About 2 hours by road and boat

3.Halki

A tiny, car-light island off the west coast with a harbour village, Emborio, of restored captains' houses, a few pebble beaches and walks up to an abandoned village and a Knights' castle. Lunch on the harbour and an afternoon swim are the point.

Getting there

Drive or bus to Kamiros Skala, then a small ferry

Best for

Quiet stays, Couples

75 km · About 1 hour 30 minutes by car

4.Monolithos and the west-coast villages

A scenic drive down the west coast takes in Kritinia Castle, the wine village of Embonas, Siana for honey and souma, and finally Monolithos Castle on a sheer pinnacle of rock above the sea. Fourni beach lies below the castle for a late swim.

Getting there

Car

Best for

Couples, Food lovers, Quiet stays

50 km · About 1 hour by ferry

5.Marmaris, Turkey

Fast ferries cross to the Turkish resort of Marmaris, with its marina, castle and covered bazaar. It is an international crossing, so check document requirements with official sources before booking, and allow for passport control at both ends.

Getting there

International ferry from Rhodes Town

Best for

Shopping, First-timers

Day-trip tips

• Leave early: most trips are more relaxed with a morning departure and a return before dinner.
• Check the last bus back from Lindos or the south before you set off; evening services are limited.
• For trips over about 150 km, an overnight stay or an organised tour saves a lot of travelling.

Questions travellers ask