Private Island Tour Rhodes: Lindos, Butterflies, Medieval Castle

One day across Rhodes: coast, forest, castle and a rare butterfly habitat

A private island tour of Rhodes by minivan or minibus with driver pickup, covering the Acropolis of Lindos, Valley of the Butterflies, Monolithos Castle and the mountain villages of Profitis Ilias. The driver provides tips at each stop. You can add an official guide or explore independently. Bottled water is included. Entrance fees are separate.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Valley of the Butterflies30m
2. Monolithos Castle45m
3. Acropolis of Lindos5m

Explore Rhodes Island's highlights

• Pick up by minibus
• Visit Filerimos Hill views
• Explore Butterfly Valley
• See ghost village of Aghia Eleousa
• Visit St Nikolas Fountoukli chapel
• Drive through Profitis Ilias forest to Apollona
• Optional local food tasting in Apollona
• Visit Monolithos Castle
• Try honey in Sianna village
• Photo stop at Lindos viewpoint
• Return to hotels

The experience

The tour starts with pickup from your hotel and heads to Filerimos Hill, where the ruins of the ancient Acropolis of Ialysos sit alongside a 14th-century monastery built by the Knights of Saint John. A 16-meter cross marks the westernmost point of the hill, and the panoramic views from there frame the whole northern coast. The driver times the route to reach Valley of the Butterflies early, before other groups arrive: the rare Panaxia Quadripunctaria butterfly appears mid-June through late September, and the valley itself is a network of pine-clad paths, wooden bridges and small waterfalls fed by a stream.

From there the route turns inland to the abandoned village of Aghia Eleousa, built for Italian lumberjacks during World War II and later used as a sanatorium before closing in the 1970s. A small chapel dedicated to St Nikolas Fountoukli sits 2 km further, with one of the island's cleanest natural water sources at its entrance. You can drink from it and step inside to see the painted family portrait of St Nikolas on the wall. The driver then takes you through the green forest of Profitis Ilias mountain to the village of Apollona, where you have the option to stop at a traditional family tavern for local foods and products away from the tourist center.

The afternoon moves to the southwest coast and Monolithos Castle, built in 1480 by the Knights of Saint John to defend against attacks. A small working chapel to Agios Panteleimon sits inside, and the views across the sea to two small islets are the main draw. On the way back east you pass through Sianna, a hilltop honey village known for its apiculture. The local honey is considered the island's best and you can taste it there. The final stop is a photo viewpoint opposite Lindos village, where the Acropolis of Lindos (the third most popular archaeological site in Greece) comes into view before the driver returns you to your hotel. The whole day runs about 8 hours with built-in free time at each stop.

What’s included

• Bottled water is provided.
• hotel pickup is included.
• the driver gives tips at each stop to help you explore the attractions.

Options for this experience

5 options

SedanUp to 2 per booking · 09:00Sedan, pickup is included

Without Official GuideUp to 7 per booking · 09:00Minivan, pickup is included

Premium, without an official guideUp to 12 per booking · 09:00Luxury van, pickup is included

See 2 more options

By minivan with an official guideUp to 6 per booking · 09:00Minivan with an official licensed guide, pickup is included

Premium, with an official guideUp to 11 per booking · 09:00Luxury van with an official licensed guide, pickup is included

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to1d before

GroupPrivate

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by GREtour

Is this one for you?Choose the option with an official guide if you want detailed history and context at each site. Book without a guide if you prefer to explore at your own pace with the driver's local tips. The minivan suits smaller groups or families, while the minibus works for larger parties traveling together.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Valley of the Butterflies actually like when we get there?

Valley of the Butterflies is a natural park of pine-clad forest crossed by a stream, with shady paths, small ponds, wooden bridges and waterfalls. The rare Panaxia Quadripunctaria butterfly appears there from mid-June through late September. The tour arrives early to see it before other groups.

Can we stop to eat or taste local food during the tour?

Yes. In the village of Apollona you can optionally stop at a traditional family tavern for local foods and products, and in Sianna you have the chance to taste the village's honey, which is considered the best on the island.

Do we go inside the Acropolis of Lindos?

No. The tour stops at a photo viewpoint opposite Lindos village so you can see the Acropolis of Lindos from across the way. Entrance fees are not included and are paid separately if you choose to visit.

What's inside Monolithos Castle?

Monolithos Castle was built in 1480 by the Knights of Saint John and contains a small working chapel dedicated to Agios Panteleimon. The main reason to visit is the views across the sea to two small islets opposite the castle.

Can we choose between a smaller vehicle and a larger one?

Yes. You can book either a 9-seat minivan or a 14-seat minibus, and you can add an official guide or explore with the driver's tips alone. Both vehicles are air-conditioned and fully compliant with Greek law.