Overview
Cycling on Rhodes Island, you will discover the biggest of the Dodecanese Islands, situated in south-east Greece, close to the coast of Turkey. Experience by bike one of the most beloved islands of Greece from an unknown side. You will pedal through remote villages, taste the local wines and olives and enjoy the mild Mediterranean climate.
Easy stretches along the sea are alternated with more strenuous sections through mountainous areas. You will be surprised by the wide variety in landscapes with vast pine forests, and, especially in spring, abundant flowers. Cycling along the coast, you will enjoy the views over the sparkling deep blue sea and admire picturesque fishing villages.
You will see many historic places by bike. Rhodes played an important role in the ancient world over 2300 years ago. The importance of that time is still to be admired at Kamiros and Lindos. The city of Rhodes was a crusader fortress and is now a UNESCO world heritage site. You will stay 2 nights in this old city of Rhodes and may explore the historic Crusader city or make a day trip with your bicycle to the island of Symi.
- The spectacular Crusader fortress, a UNESCO Heritage Site, and ancient Kamiros
- Hidden coves and beaches
- The narrow alleyways between the charming white-washed houses of Lindos
- Petaloudes (‘Valley of The Butterflies’)
- Pine forests, fishing villages and along stunning coastlines
Click to view map
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival Kalavarda
Arrival to Rhodes. An included transfer from the airport brings you to Kalavarda, a picturesque village near the ruins of ancient Kamiroson. Time permitting, afternoon cycle trip in the hotel’s vicinity or to the beach where you can admire some of the most beautiful sunsets Greece has to offer.
- Accommodation: Hotel Vouras (Kalavarda) or similar
Day 2: Loop Ride from Kalavarda | 37km
Ride the roads of the lesser-known northwest coast of the island. Ride coastal roads passing the ruined city-state of Kamiros, where we recommend stopping for a visit, en route to Mandriko. The authentic kafenion of Mandriko offers a nice possibility for a coffee break. Don’t forget to visit the beautiful church next to the café. Crossing a low hill, you descend to the small fishing port of Skala Kamiros. Small ferries depart to the Island of Chalki from this port. From Skala, you make a loop to the fortress of Kritinia, dating back to Medieval Times. From its immense surrounding walls, you enjoy great views over the inhabited Island Chalki and its surrounding uninhabited islands. You cycle back to Skala and from here follow the same route back to Kalavarda. The sun is now on your back and usually cycling with a tailwind. Back in your hotel to enjoy a nice dinner (included for tonight).
- Cycling for the day: 37km, ↑440m ↓440m
- Accommodation: Hotel Vouras (Kalavarda) or similar
Day 3: Via Petaloudes (Valley of the Butterflies) to Rhodes Town | 43km
You start cycling northwards parallel to the coast. In the village of Fanes, you will see the colourful houses that make this village so unique. Then you head inwards to the valley of Petaloudes (Greek for butterflies). In this beautiful green gorge, you will see thousands of butterflies in summer (June-September). Through a forested area, you will come to Maritsa and further north to Pastida, where you find excellent tavernas. You enter the old centre of Rhodes via a gate and cycle through the medieval city to your hotel located within the old city walls.
- Cycling for the day: 43km, ↑385m ↓385m
- Accommodation: Hotel Saint Michel (Rhodes Town) or similar
Day 4: Free Day in Rhodes Town or Optional Boat Trip and Cycling on Symi Island | 23km
Today you can choose to take a 6 km walking tour through the town of Rhodes or a short but challenging 19 km bike ride (graded moderate to strenuous) on the Island of Symi reachable with a ferry journey from Rhodes.
- The walking tour around the city allows you to discover the sights alongside hidden alleyways. It allows plenty of time to explore at your leisure in the afternoon or take to the beach for some relaxation before a traditional meal in one of many tavernas.
- Alternatively, arrive on the south coast of beautiful Symi Island and pedal past Panormitis Monastery before taking on the sustained 500m climb to its highest point. Continue across the island to arrive in Symi, the island’s capital, for the late afternoon return ferry to Rhodes.
- Cycling for the day (optional): 23km, ↑520m ↓520m
- Accommodation: Hotel Saint Michel (Rhodes Town) or similar
Day 5: Via the East Coast to Archangellos | 39km
Today’s trip takes you along the east coast. First highlights are the ancient Turkish baths in Kalithea that have been wonderfully restored recently. In Afandou, you will pedal along quiet beaches. At the far end, you will see the Monastery of Tsambika built on the summit of a 300-metre high cliff. End of today’s trip is Archangellos, a lively Greek village.
- Cycling for the day: 39km, ↑375m ↓200m
- Accommodation: Hotel Rosmari (Archangellos) or similar
Day 6: Cycle to Lindos and Back | 52km
Today you may go by bike (3 km) to the beach of Stegna and enjoy a day at the sea, or you can opt for a visit to Lindos. You can go by bike or by public bus. Lindos is a beautiful little village of white cubist houses at the foot of a vertical rock crowned by the ancient Acropolis of Lindos. There are two small ports on either side of the village. Together with the Acropolis on top, it was easy to defend the village in ancient times. After you park your bicycle at the village entrance, you can visit the Acropolis with ancient temples’ remains within a medieval fortress.
- Cycling for the day (optional): 52km, ↑470m ↓470m
- Accommodation: Hotel Rosmari (Archangellos) or similar
Day 7: Cycle to the West Coast and Kalavarda | 40km
A great day of riding with time to take in the sights along the way – pass Eta Piges, a beautiful place in the forest of seven springs and a tavern where peacocks roam, before ascending to the Monastery of Agios Nektarios, and the Italian village of Eleousa. Follow mountain roads to Rhodes’ oldest Byzantine Chapel of Fountoukli and from here begin your descent to the island’s west coast, passing the cave chapel of Silas, en route to Soroni. Pedal along the coast to Kalavarda for your final overnight at the same hotel where you spent the first two nights.
- Cycling for the day (optional): 40km, ↑500m ↓600m
- Accommodation: Hotel Vouras (Kalavarda) or similar
Day 8: Departure
Transfer to the airport (included) and departure. In case you leave late, you may still use your rental bike for a trip around Kalavarda.
What to expect
Accommodation
You will stay in private en-suite double/twin rooms. We have carefully hand-picked all places and regularly monitor their quality. We have tried to choose accommodations that offer friendly service, clean and comfortable rooms and local flavour. The hotels in Kalavarda and Archangellos are small, simple Greek family hotels: you will feel welcomed, the hotels are clean and have an air-conditioning. In Rhodes town, your hotel is more luxurious and located within the old city walls in the medieval city of Rhodes.
Click to view default hotels
- Hotel Saint Michel (Rhodes Town)
- Hotel Rosmari (Archangellos)
- Hotel Vouras (Kalavarda)
*Hotels are subject to availability. In case a particular hotel is fully booked for your desired dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.
Meals
The overnights are on bed & breakfast basis. Every morning you enjoy a traditional breakfast with ingredients from local produce. Items for lunch are on purchase in the local mini-market in all villages. In most hotels you can order a packed lunch; discuss with the hosts what they can make for you and what you like and pay for your lunch on the spot in cash. Occasionally there is a possibility for a tavern lunch on your walk as well. Evening dinner can be enjoyed in one of the local taverns or at some of the accommodations you will stay overnight.
Difficulty and terrain
While not too demanding, this tour is suitable for regular cyclists comfortable in hilly terrain. Although there is some flat coastal cycling this is often combined with a rolling terrain which adds up to considerable ascent/descent over moderate daily distances allowing you plenty of time to complete the rides. Some of the hardest stretches are optional, though. Most tracks are on tarmac, sometimes short distances on unpaved roads. In and around Rhodes town you will have short sections on major traffic roads (read more about difficulty grades). We strongly advise you to follow only marked trails and never shorten the path through the unknown and unmarked terrain. We will provide you with detailed road notes and maps, and you can call our 24/7 local assistance phone number anytime. We are also using a specialized app for walking and cycling holidays. We recommend all guests to download the app and create an account on which we can upload all the information needed for the trip routes.
When to go
You can start this cycling tour on any day between April and October, except Mondays.
From June to mid-September the weather is hot and sunny, sometimes with periods of intense heat especially from mid-July to mid-August. We would recommend trying to avoid this time of year, alternatively that you begin your cycle very early in the morning, to avoid the midday heat.
The flexibility of self-guided holidays means that there are no fixed dates and you can start your trip on any date in the season.
Getting there
Click to view travel options
Our recommended airport for this tour is Rhodes (RHO).
- Rhodes Airport (Diagoras) is closest to Kalavarda, and many airlines fly here, including Aegean Airlines, BA, EasyJet, Ryanair and KLM.
- Airport transfers are included in the trip costs, and you will be collected from the airport and transferred to your Kalavarda accommodation. At the end of the holiday, a return transfer from Kalavarda to the airport is also included.
Inclusions
Included
- 7 nights accommodation (private en-suite)
- 7 breakfasts
- Dinner on Day 2
- Arrival and departure airport transfers
- Luggage transfers when changing hotels
- All the needed navigation materials in digital format
- 24/7 phone assistance by our local office/representative
Excluded
- Airfare and connecting land transfers
- Lunches (except Day 2), dinners, drinks and snacks
- Travel insurance (required – get a quote online)
- Personal expenses
- Local tourist taxes and entry fees (payable on-site)
- Any items not explicitly listed as included
Options, extras and supplements
- Single room supplement applies to members of a group who require a single room
- This holiday is available for solo travellers; a supplement will be charged as accommodation and luggage transfer costs are not shared (we never mix and match – solo travellers will be accommodated in single rooms)
- Bike & e-bike rentals
- Extra nights are available upon request
Rental Bikes
Option 1: Hybrid (Trekking) Bikes: 24-speed, lock, pump, puncture repair kit including spare inner tube, rear luggage rack with panniers, bottle holder (no bottle), computer.
- Bike model: TREK T-200 or Gazelle Medeo
- Bike Type: Hybrid trekking bike with alu frame and 28″ wheels and V-brakes
- Gears: Adults bikes: 24 gears
- Suspension: No (some bikes YES)
- Frame sizes: (Ladies): 45-50-55 cm (Gents): 50-55-65 cm
Option 2: E-Bikes: 24-speed, lock, pump, puncture repair kit including spare inner tube, rear luggage rack with panniers, bottle holder (no bottle), computer.
- Bike model: TREK T-200 E-bike
- Bike Type: E-bike with alum frame and 28″ wheels and V-brakes
- Gears: Adults bikes: 24 gears
- Suspension: No (some bikes YES)
- Frame sizes: (Ladies): 45-50-55 cm (Gents): 50-55-65 cm
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