Rhodes: Private Half-Day Highlights Tour & Lindos Acropolis

Summary

Wander Rhodes’ old gates, white alleys and sea-swept ruins with a local driver who knows every shortcut

You’ll wind through Rhodes’ medieval gates, catch sea breezes atop Monte Smith Hill, watch pottery spun by hand, and wander Lindos’ whitewashed maze—all with a local guide who adapts as you go. Expect spontaneous stories and time to linger where you want most. The kind of day that lingers long after you’ve left.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely settled into the car—windows cracked for that first salty breath—when our driver, Nikos, started pointing out the old walls of Rhodes Town. The stones looked almost soft in the morning light. He grinned when I tried to pronounce “Mandraki” (I got it wrong, twice), then we rolled past the deer statues where the Colossus supposedly stood. There was this faint smell of coffee drifting from somewhere near the harbor. I remember thinking: okay, this is already more layered than I expected.

The medieval city gates were busy but not overwhelming—Nikos knew which ones to pause at for photos without getting in anyone’s way. He explained how cars can’t go inside anymore (“Only your feet allowed!” he joked), so we’d finish here later if we wanted to wander back on our own. We zipped up Monte Smith Hill for a panoramic view—honestly, the wind nearly stole my hat—and he pointed out where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean. It’s subtle but you can see it if you squint; blue on blue, but not quite the same blue.

The drive down to Lindos was longer than I thought (about an hour?), but Nikos kept up a steady stream of stories—about Anthony Quinn Bay being packed some days (“too many cars, too many selfies”), about his uncle who used to fish near Faliraki before all the beach bars arrived. We stopped at a pottery place where Giannis let me try spinning clay (my bowl looked like a lopsided pancake). The air smelled like dust and something sweet I couldn’t place.

Lindos itself felt like stepping into a postcard someone had scribbled notes on—the white alleys twisting uphill, cats sunning themselves everywhere. You can climb all 292 steps to the Acropolis if you’re feeling ambitious (I made it halfway before giving up and just taking pictures from below). Nikos met us again by St Paul’s Bay—he pointed out where “The Guns of Navarone” was filmed—and then we coasted back along Kallithea Road with that last flash of turquoise water in my head. I still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Rhodes Island Highlights

• Pickup at the dock
• Drive to Medieval City gates
• Visit Mandraki Old Harbor and bronze deer
• See Church of the Annunciation
• Drive to Monte Smith Hill for panoramic views
• Photo stop at Temple of Apollo and Ancient Stadium
• Drive to Anthony Quinn Bay for scenic views
• Stop at vantage point before Lindos for photos
• Explore Lindos Village and optional Acropolis climb
• Meet at Lindos main square
• Drive to Saint Paul's Bay for views
• Optional stop at pottery workshop
• Drive back via Faliraki and Kallithea coastal road
• Return to Rhodes Old City or ship

Top questions

How long is this private Rhodes highlights tour?

The tour lasts about 5 hours and covers around 120 km (75 miles).

Is pickup included for cruise passengers?

Yes, pickup from the dock or your chosen starting point is included.

Can I customize or extend the tour route?

Yes, you can modify or extend the tour with your driver for an extra fee if needed.

Do we enter Rhodes Old Town by car?

No cars are allowed inside; your driver will show you how to walk back through Old Town after drop-off.

Is there time to climb Lindos Acropolis?

You have about an hour in Lindos; climbing all 292 steps is optional and tickets are required via e-ticket system.

Are large groups accommodated?

Yes, larger groups can be arranged using Mercedes minibuses upon request.

Will we visit Anthony Quinn Bay?

If traffic allows; otherwise a scenic stop at Kallithea Viewpoint may replace it on busy days.

Is lunch included in this tour?

No lunch is included; however there are opportunities to buy food during stops like Lindos village.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup right from your ship or hotel, private air-conditioned Mercedes transport with an English-speaking local driver who knows every shortcut, flexible stops at highlights like Rhodes’ medieval city gates, Mandraki Harbor, Monte Smith Hill’s panoramic views, pottery workshop visit (if you want), Lindos village and Acropolis—with plenty of time to wander or climb as much as you like before being dropped off wherever suits you best.