A practical guide to exploring Rhodes by car
If you’re deciding whether to hire a car in Rhodes, this guide will save you time, money, and a few avoidable mistakes.
This isn’t a resort review or a dream itinerary. It’s a grounded, practical breakdown of what actually works when you explore Rhodes properly — by car.
Quick Facts at a Glance
- Trip length: 9 nights / 10 days
- When: September 2025
- Airport: Rhodes Diagoras (arrival and departure)
- Car hire cost: £158 for 10 days
- Car: Toyota Yaris (ideal size)
Is Rhodes Worth Exploring by Car?
Yes — unless you’re planning a resort-only holiday.
If you’re staying in Faliraki, spending most days by the pool, and want everything within walking distance, you can skip the car.
For everyone else, hiring a car is the difference between:
- seeing Rhodes Old Town and Faliraki
and - seeing the real island — beaches, viewpoints, quieter towns, and places you simply won’t reach otherwise.
If you’re travelling from the UK, it’s also worth being honest:
you can get a Faliraki-style resort holiday much closer to home. What makes Rhodes special is what sits beyond it.
Hiring a Car in Rhodes: What to Expect
Cost & booking
- £158 for 10 days
- Booked via Discover Cars (AbbyCar)
- Excellent value compared to taxis or tours
Pickup & return
- Late-night arrival at Diagoras Airport
- Transfer to nearby car hire lot included
- Returned to the same airport
Driving conditions
- Roads are smooth, wide, and clearly marked
- Minimal potholes or confusing junctions
- Old Town roads are tight, but manageable
Important tip
Many petrol stations close around 8pm.
Fill up earlier than you think — especially the night before returning the car.
Where to Base Yourself
Rhodes Old Town (Best Overall Base)
Why stay here
- Walkable historic centre
- Excellent food and nightlife
- Easy access to the rest of the island by car
Parking
- Plenty of nearby street parking if you’re patient
- Always check accommodation reviews for parking reality
Recommended
- Amalia Apartments (especially rooftop/top-floor options)
Lindos Area (Visit, Don’t Overstay)
- Beautiful, iconic, and expensive
- Parking is paid and limited
- Great as a day trip, not essential as a base
If you stay nearby (e.g. Lardos), choose accommodation carefully — location is good, quality varies.
Faliraki (Resort Base Only)
Good for
- All-inclusive lovers
- Families
- Minimal planning
Not ideal for
- Explorers
- Couples wanting quieter evenings
Verdict: fine without a car — but if this is the holiday you want, similar options exist closer to home.
Places Worth Driving To
Tsampika Beach (Non-Negotiable)
If you do one proper beach day, make it Tsampika.
- Soft sand (rare in Rhodes)
- Calm, warm, crystal-clear water
- Free parking
- Modern beach bars with table service
Cost
- €30 for two sunbeds and parasol (all day)
Worth driving past closer beaches for.
FARMA Petting Zoo
One of the most unexpectedly good stops on the island.
- Free roaming animal feeding
- Entry into a ring-tailed lemur enclosure
- Genuinely memorable
Cost
- €17 entry
- €3 per pot of animal food
Best time
Early morning — lemurs sleep after midday.
Lindos & St Paul’s Bay
- Stunning whitewashed town
- Acropolis visible from miles away
Acropolis
- €20 entry
- Steep walk
- Only worth it if you’re genuinely interested in history
St Paul’s Bay
- Beautiful swimming spot
- Extremely busy — go early or don’t bother
Food & Nightlife Worth Planning Around
Ronda Beach Bar (Rhodes Old Town)
- Restaurant becomes a full party from around 9pm
- Fire dancers, music, table dancing
Cost
- €80–150 for two (food + drinks)
Book ahead and treat it as an experience, not a casual meal.
Kimino (Old Town)
- Central
- Scenic
- Reliable Greek food
An easy recommendation.
How Long Do You Need?
Ideal trip length:
7–10 days
This allows:
- Old Town base
- Southern Rhodes day trips
- Proper beach time
- No rushing
Shorter trip?
- Base yourself in Old Town
- Prioritise Tsampika and FARMA
- Skip Faliraki entirely
Who This Trip Is (and Isn’t) For
This trip suits
- Curious travellers
- Couples
- People who hate sitting still
- Anyone who values freedom over convenience
This trip doesn’t suit
- Resort-only travellers
- People unwilling to drive
- Anyone wanting nightlife every single night without moving bases
Final Advice
- Always check parking before booking accommodation
- Don’t overpay for all-inclusive if you plan to explore
- Go off the beaten track — it’s safe and rewarding
- Fill up with petrol earlier than you think
If you want the story behind this guide, you can read the full experience post here → Read my Rhodes road trip experience
If you’re planning something similar and want honest advice before you book, my socials are always open.
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Alongside this Rhodes travel guide, I’ve written a detailed road trip blog covering the route we took, what stood out, and how the island felt when explored beyond the resorts. Read it here.
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