Rhodes Revealed: Compelling Reasons Why You Should Hire a Car in Rhodes

Hiring a car in Rhodes can offer the freedom and flexibility to explore the island at your own pace, without being constrained by public transportation schedules. In the post, I will share with you some ideas of places that you can visit by car in Rhodes and why hiring a car in Rhodes is the ultimate adventure!

Where to Hire a Car in Rhodes

When it comes to renting a car in Rhodes, there are several options to choose from. Here are some of the most common places where you can hire a car on the island:

1. Rhodes Airport: Many international car rental companies have desks at Rhodes Airport (Diagoras International Airport). This option is convenient if you’re planning to rent a car immediately upon arrival as transport to your accommodation.
2. Rhodes Town: In Rhodes Town, especially around the Old Town and Mandraki Harbor area, you’ll find numerous car rental agencies offering a variety of vehicles to suit your needs.
3. Tourist Areas: Popular tourist areas such as Faliraki, Lindos, and Kiotari also have car rental agencies catering to visitors. You can often find rental options within walking distance of hotels and resorts in these areas.
4. Online Rental Platforms: Utilising online rental platforms like Rentalcars.com, Expedia, Get Rent A Car or local Greek rental companies’ websites can often provide competitive rates and allow you to compare options before arriving on the island.
5. Hotels and Accommodations: Some hotels and accommodations may offer car rental services or have partnerships with local rental agencies. It’s worth inquiring with your accommodation provider to see if they can assist you in arranging a rental.
6. Local Agencies: There are also smaller, local car rental agencies scattered throughout the island. These agencies may offer competitive rates and personalized service, so it’s worth exploring your options beyond the larger international chains.

Before renting a car, make sure to compare prices, read reviews, and check the terms and conditions of the rental agreement, including insurance coverage and any additional fees. Additionally, ensure that you have a valid driving license and any other required documentation for renting a car in Greece.

Where You Can Visit

When I was in Rhodes I chose to hire a car for one day of my trip so that I could explore the island further. These are some of the places I visited.

Tsambika Beach

Our first stop was Tsambika Beach. This is a stunning stretch of coastline located on the east coast of Rhodes, Greece. Tsambika is renowned for its natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, and soft golden sands, The beach is nestled between the villages of Archangelos and Kolymbia. We spent an hour or relaxing here in the morning before moving on to our next stop.

Seven Springs

Seven Springs (Epta Piges) is a captivating natural attraction nestled amidst the lush landscape of Rhodes. As indicated by it’s name, it consists of seven different water sources that converge to form a small lake. The area exudes a sense of serenity and coolness, making it a relaxing oasis from the Mediterranean sun.

To get to the lake you can walk through a 186 meter long narrow underground tunnel. If you are claustrophobic I would sit this one out as the tunnel gets gradually smaller and narrower as you make your way through it. At times it is pitch dark in the tunnel and the running water in the tunnel can get to almost knee-deep making for an eerie and exhilarating experience. By the time you near the end of the tunnel, you will need to crouch as the ceiling height gradually gets lower. If you’re up for a bit of an adventure, this is great experience and you’ll be rewarded a waterfall cascading into a natural pool at the tunnel’s exit. If the tunnel doesn’t sound like it’s for you, you are also able to walk to the waterfall and pool via a walking trail.

Butterfly Valley

Butterfly Valley, also known as Petaloudes Valley, is located in the western part of Rhodes, near the village of Kalamonas. The valley has valley a network of well-marked trails that wind through lush forested landscape and of course, as the clue is in the name, thousands of fluttering butterflies! The valley feels like a wonderland as it comes alive with countless colorful butterflies, creating a magical spectacle that must be seen to be believed. The best time to visit to see the valley come fully alive is from late June to early September when the butterflies are in full migration. Be prepared that to walk the full length of the valley is around 6 kilomters and does involve some steep stairs so you will want to wear comfortable footwear and bring some water. Tickets to enter are €5 and it’s totally worth it. I would definitely recommend a visit as it was unlike anything I’ve ever seen!

Antony Quinn Bay

Anthony Quinn Bay, named after the renowned actor who starred in the movie “The Guns of Navarone,” is a hidden gem nestled along the eastern coast of Rhodes, Greece. This picturesque cove is truly captivating with its crystalline turquoise waters, rugged cliffs, and lush greenery, creating a stunning backdrop for a day of relaxation and adventure. We stopped for lunch at Kounna Beach and Resto Bar where we had some amazing food and drink with an incredible view of the bay.

Accessible via a winding coastal road, Anthony Quinn Bay greets you with its dramatic scenery and inviting waters. The bay offers a sense of seclusion and tranquility away from the bustling tourist crowds.

The bay also has excellent snorkeling opportunities as the crystal-clear waters teem with marine life, including colorful fish and vibrant corals, making it a paradise for underwater exploration. We didn’t have time for swimming on our visit but if you have longer there I’d suggest it!

Wine Tasting at Embonas

Embonas, also known as Emponas, is a charming mountain village on the Greek island of Rhodes. It is renowned for being the most important grape-producing village on Rhodes. We stopped at this village on our way to the top of Attavryos Mountain and were surprised to find many of the wineries offer free tastings! We stopped at a couple of different places for tastings and learned a bit about the winemaking process and of course, purchased a few bottles to take home with us!

Attavyros Mountain

Attavyros, or Attavyros Mountain, is the highest peak on the island of Rhodes, Greece. It’s situated in the southwestern part of the island and stands at approximately 1,215 meters (3,986 feet) above sea level. The mountain is known for its rugged beauty, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the Aegean Sea. We stopped at the restaurant Empoas View for a drink and a snack and enjoyed the view of the landscape and town below. However, if you are interested in hiking, several trails lead to the summit.

We had an absolutely jam-packed day fitting in all of these activities so if you have longer, you could certainly spend more time at each place and make this a few days’ worth of excursions. However you choose to do your itinerary, these are places I would hugely recommend visiting on your trip to Rhodes!

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