Day Trips from Faliraki by Car – Epic Routes, Hidden Gems & Must-See Spots

The best day trips you can do with four wheels and zero tour bus drama.

So, you’ve hired a car in Faliraki (high five for choosing freedom). Now what?

Rhodes is a surprisingly big island, and the minute you leave the sunbeds behind, you’ll realise just how much there is to explore. From ancient castles and mountain villages to epic beaches, lush valleys, and remote tavernas, having your own car means you can do Rhodes your way—on your schedule, with no sweaty bus queues or rushed photo stops.

Here’s your ultimate guide to the best day trips from Faliraki by car—including how long they take, why they’re worth it, and what to do when you get there.

• Fuel up early—stations are easy to find, but not always open late.
• Bring water, snacks, and a towel. You’ll thank us later.
• Google Maps works perfectly, but so does getting lost.
• Beach shoes = lifesavers. Some of these beaches are all rock, no fluff.
• Start early, avoid the heat, and stop often. This is a road trip, not a race.

Distance: 35 km | Why go: Iconic whitewashed village & ancient acropolis

If you only do one trip, make it this. Lindos is postcard-perfect with cobbled lanes, rooftop cafés, donkey-free zones (please skip the rides), and the stunning Acropolis of Lindos perched above the sea.

Highlights:

• Swim at St. Paul’s Bay
• Climb to the ancient ruins (go early to beat the heat!)
• Shop in boutique stores or grab an iced coffee on a rooftop
• Park just before the town & walk down (no driving in the village)

☀️ Tip: Come early or after 4pm to avoid the tour bus swarm.

Distance: 20 km | Why go: Nature walk + thousands of butterflies (June–Sept)

Combine these two stops in one easy trip:

🦋 Butterfly Valley: A peaceful, shaded walk through a forest with streams, bridges, and millions of butterflies during peak summer. Even when the butterflies aren’t in season, it’s a lovely nature escape with cafés and a little museum.

Kid-friendly, stroller-hating. Leave wheels at the car.

🦋 Tip: Don’t clap or shout. The butterflies don’t love that.

🦙 Farma of Rhodes Petting Zoo is home to camels, lemurs, deer, ostriches and more. Feed the animals, walk through nature, and let the kids run wild.

Distance: 3-4 km | Why go: Crystal-clear water + rocky cove heaven

The closest day trip—and one of the most photogenic beaches on the island. Anthony Quinn Bay is named after the actor who filmed “The Guns of Navarone” here. Great snorkelling, sunbeds, and cliff-jumping (for the brave).

🌊 Park above the bay and walk down. It’s steep but worth it.

Distance: 14 km | Why go: Nature, tunnels, and escape from the heat

A beautiful shady forest escape with seven natural springs, ducks, peacocks, and a pitch-black tunnel you can walk through barefoot (don’t worry—it’s part of the fun). A fab break from the beach, especially in peak summer.

🥗 Eat at the taverna near the springs—it’s seriously underrated.

Distance: 65 km | Why go: Wild west coast views & crumbling cliff-top castle

This one’s a proper road trip—but so worth it. Drive through scenic villages, pine forests and coastal roads to reach this epic ruined castle perched above the sea. The sunsets here are the stuff of legends.

🏝️ Bonus: You can see across to Halki and other nearby islands. It feels like the edge of the world (but with less stress and better tzatziki).

Distance: 13 km | Why go: Bees, honey, and hands-on fun

🐝 The Bee Museum in Pastida is interactive and great for kids (and adults who like honey sampling).

Great option for families or if you fancy a break from the beach.

Distance: 77 km | Why go: Two seas meet + windsurfing + wild island vibes

At the southernmost tip of Rhodes, Prasonisi is where the Aegean and Mediterranean seas crash together—literally. It’s a surfer’s paradise and a wild spot that feels like the end of the world. Bring your camera, swimsuit, and sense of adventure.

⚠️ Can get windy (that’s the point). Don’t bring your best beach hat.

Distance: 15 km | Why go: Medieval magic + shopping + street food heaven

Drive up to Rhodes Town, park outside the walls, and walk through the UNESCO-listed medieval city filled with history, markets, fountains, cats, and frozen yoghurt. Perfect for a full-day explore or late afternoon into evening.

🍽️ Stay for dinner and sunset drinks at Elli Beach or Mandraki Harbour.

• Kritinia Castle – Less touristy than Monolithos, fab views
• Archangelos Village – Colourful homes + local vibe
• Tsambika Beach – Huge sandy beach with shallow water = kid heaven
• Kallithea Springs – Restored spa complex with beautiful mosaic tilework

👉 Car Hire in Faliraki – What You Need to Know
👉 Driving in Rhodes: The Good, The Bad & The Ridiculously Scenic
👉 Hidden Beaches Near Faliraki You Can Drive To

Whether you're in Rhodes for a few days or two weeks, having a car opens up a whole new world beyond the resort.

Book your wheels the easy way at 👉 falirakitravel.com/carhire

✔️ No queues
✔️ Full insurance available
✔️ Local pickup
✔️ Advice from people who actually live here

Because Rhodes deserves to be explored properly—and Faliraki is just the beginning.