🗺️ Rhodes Roads: A Practical Guide to Driving, Scooter Rental, and Public Transport
To fully enjoy the diversity of Rhodes , from the cosmopolitan resort of Faliraki to the remote shores of Prasonisi, it is essential to understand how to get around.
The island’s road infrastructure is key to every exploration, but it presents two distinct faces. On the one hand, the main arteries connecting major towns are generally well-maintained and fast, while the secondary roads leading to lesser-known beaches or inland villages can be narrow, winding, and demand greater caution.
Navigating Rhodes means understanding the road surface conditions, knowing whether to choose a car or a scooter, and being prepared for Greek driving habits. This comprehensive guide provides essential tips for navigating the island’s road network safely and efficiently.
Table of Contents
🚗 Car, Scooter, or Bus?
Transport Comparison and Driving Rules
The most efficient way to explore Rhodes independently is undoubtedly to rent a car. A car guarantees maximum freedom to decide your daily itinerary and reach remote coves and sites. Furthermore, if booked in advance, costs are generally very reasonable.
A valid and widely used alternative is the local public transport (bus). The bus network is efficient and covers most tourist and coastal areas, with frequent stops along the main roads.
⚠️ Watch Out for Summer Heat: While buses are economical, you must consider the travel period. During peak summer heat, walking from the main road bus stop to the beach can be particularly uncomfortable and tiring under the scorching sun. A car offers air-conditioned shelter for the entire trip, right up to the parking lot.
Rhodes vs. Mykonos: The Size Difference
Unlike islands such as Mykonos, where the bus is extremely popular (due to reduced distances and stops often directly at main beaches, like Ornos Beach), remember that Rhodes is a much larger island. In Rhodes, the greater size implies longer journeys and increased travel time, significantly reducing the freedom of exploration compared to having a car.
Driving Side and Documents
- Driving Side: In Greece, you drive on the right.
- Required Documents: EU citizens only need their standard driving license. Non-EU citizens should typically carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to their national license.
🛣️ The Road Network: State Highways and Local Superroads – No Tolls
Although the island does not have true motorways, the main arteries are very navigable.
- Outside the City: Roads generally have a single lane per direction and are well maintained.
- Access to Rhodes Town: As you approach the capital, the roads widen and turn into an infrastructure with two lanes in each direction. These arteries ensure a very smooth flow of traffic and are comparable to a superroad.
Important: On the Rhodes road network, including the main multi-lane arteries, we did not encounter any tolls. All road usage is free. Note that this “superroad” does not have full motorway status; there are still ground-level intersections and traffic lights that can occasionally slow down the flow.
⛰️ Driving Inland: Secondary Roads and Caution
While coastal roads are excellent, the situation changes when you venture into the centre of the island or try to reach more secluded coves.
- Conditions: Secondary roads can be narrow, winding, and sometimes poorly lit30. The road surface may have potholes or be less well-maintained, especially near small villages.
- Driving: It is essential to proceed at reduced speed and pay maximum attention, especially in the presence of animals or on blind corners. The interior offers breathtaking views but requires more careful driving than the coast.
- Vehicle: In these areas, a small or medium-sized car is preferable to a large SUV, given the limited width of the carriageways.
🅿️ Parking and ZTL: Tips for Rhodes Town and Lindos
Parking is one of the most critical aspects of driving, especially in the most crowded or historic areas:
- Rhodes Town: Access to the Old Town (Medieval City) is strictly limited or prohibited (ZTL – Limited Traffic Zone). You must look for parking in the areas surrounding the walls. There are paid parking lots and free parking areas, but the latter fill up quickly.
- Lindos: Access to Lindos village by car is prohibited. You must park in the large car park situated at the top of the village and continue on foot (or with local taxis) to the main square.
- Tourist Resorts: In major resorts like Faliraki, Kolymbia, or near the most popular beaches, free or paid parking is usually available (often managed by private individuals).
🚨 Speed Cameras and Controls: Respecting the Limits
On the main Rhodes roads, there is no overly aggressive or rigid speed control. However, it is essential not to underestimate the rules:
- Speed limits are clearly signed (generally 50 km/h in built-up areas, 80 km or 90 km/h outside.
- Signs indicating “speed detection” are also present on certain stretches.
The recommendation is always the same: drive cautiously and scrupulously respect the posted speed limits.
🍇 The Wine Route: Tourist Propaganda vs. Scenic Drive
While discussing the main Rhodes roads, one particular route stood out, though perhaps not for the reasons one might expect: the so-called Wine Route.
We frequently traveled between the Lindos area and Rhodes Town, and near Lindos, we encountered a roundabout clearly signposted with directions for the ‘Wine Route.’ Having read about the island’s wine regions, we were quite enthusiastic about having stumbled upon this route by chance. Although it wasn’t in our planned itinerary, we decided to follow the signs for a short distance.
Surprisingly, the drive itself offered nothing particularly scenic or remarkable. The oddity continued when we encountered parts of this same signed route coming back from the remote Prasonisi area , and again, near the airport on the opposite side of the island.
While Rhodes undoubtedly boasts excellent wineries and places for genuine tasting experiences, the proliferation of these road signs suggesting a singular, well-defined “Wine Route” felt more like tourist propaganda than a properly planned or structurally scenic driving itinerary. It’s a reminder that even the most promising road signs on the island might lead to a practical road, but not necessarily a visually breathtaking journey.
💡 Practical Tip: If your true interest lies in visiting the wineries and exploring the genuine wine regions of Rhodes, you should bypass these general signposts. Instead, set your GPS directly for the villages of Embonas and Sianna, which are known as the heart of the island’s viticulture.
🍷 From Roads to Table: Exploring Rhodes’ Authentic Flavors
If the mention of wine regions like Embonas and Sianna piqued your interest, remember that the driving experience is just the gateway to Rhodes’ rich culinary scene. Whether you’re navigating the main roads after a full day of tasting or driving the secondary routes to find an authentic seaside tavern, understanding the Rhodes roads leads directly to the island’s best local experiences.
For a comprehensive guide to the island’s autumn harvest season, authentic local dining, and hidden culinary gems, check out our dedicated food guide:
Rhodes Food Guide: Harvest, Food, and Authentic Experiences
⚠️ Driving in Adverse Conditions: Caution During Heavy Rain
While Rhodes is famous for its sunny weather, it is essential to be aware of the road conditions during the rare but heavy downpours, especially in the off-season.
The island’s drainage system is often inadequate for intense rain, which means that roads can flood easily and quickly. When driving in heavy rain, extreme caution is advised: reduce speed significantly and avoid driving through deep pools of water.
Practical Vehicle Tip: For those traveling outside the high season or planning to frequently explore secondary or unpaved Rhodes roads, choosing a rental car that is slightly higher off the ground (like a small crossover or SUV) is often much safer and more comfortable than a low-riding small car. This helps mitigate risks associated with sudden flooding and uneven surfaces.
If unexpected rain impacts your travel plans, you don’t need to worry about being stuck! Check out our guide for indoor activities:
Rhodes Rainy Day Activities: Indoor Guide
📍 The Last Mile: Access to Prasonisi and Remote Points
As highlighted, a private vehicle (car or scooter) is the most reliable way for complete island exploration. This is particularly true for the most isolated destinations, such as the far south.
The famous beach of Prasonisi (Prassonissi), the meeting point of the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas and a windsurfing paradise, is the perfect example of why independent mobility is crucial in Rhodes.
The location is reachable only via the main coastal road that runs the entire length of the island. Line buses in these remote areas have very reduced (if not absent) frequencies. To reach this splendid, isolated spot easily, you have two main options:
- Private Vehicle (Car/Scooter): Offers freedom of time and stops, allowing you to manage long travel times independently.
- Organized Tour: If you prefer to avoid long-distance driving, you can opt for excursions or organized tours that provide direct transport by coach or minibus. These tours eliminate the stress of driving but require adherence to fixed schedules.
For more details on the destination and how to prepare for the trip to the far south, check out our dedicated article: