The island of Rhodes in southeast Greece is the largest of the Dodecanese Islands. There's a very real sense that you are stepping back in time on Rhodes, especially in the capital city, Rhodes Town. Its historical legacy is showcased in the walls of the Old Town, architecture and museums.

Outside the main town, there's plenty to see on a road trip around Rhodes from ancient castles and churches, hilltop villages and miles of beautiful beaches.

Avis in Rhodes provides car hire right from when you land at Rhodes International Airport.

Our friendly Avis team is on hand to help you find your preferred vehicle and begin your Rhodes island road trip.

The island's unique medieval capital, Rhodes Town, is just a 20min car ride from Rhodes International Airport. This is one of Europe's surviving walled towns and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cobbled streets and courtyards, Moorish architecture and palm trees all add to the area's relaxed old-world charm.

The Old Town has plenty of shops and restaurants to enjoy but the area has maintained its medieval look and feel.

There are several museums in the Old town which detail the island's rich and complicated history. The Palace of the Grand Masters houses permanent exhibitions with displays of ancient and medieval Rhodes. After a tour around the palace head to the Mosque of Suleiman and climb to the top of the clock tower to gaze down below for a landscape view of the Old Town.

When it comes to nightlife, Rhodes Town has a few lively spots to choose from. Platía Aríonos in the old quarter has plenty of quaint bars that are popular with the locals. Neohóri has some lively nightclubs and good restaurants.

A drive in your rental car around Rhodes will offer beautiful scenic views of this special Greek island. Head beyond the city walls and discover traditional villages, historical sites and magnificent beaches. There are plenty of road trip options along the west and south coasts.

Lindos

A 50min drive down the southeast coast from Rhodes Town is the island village of Lindos. The former capital of the island has turned into a holiday resort, but at its centre remains a quaint village which has many unique shops. It's also the site of the famous ancient acropolis Athena Lindia. Perched on the top of a hill the ancient landmark provides views of the coast and St. Paul’s Bay. Head to the bay for a swim in the crystal clear waters.

Kattavia

Another 50min car journey along the south-east coast leads to Kattavia, Rhodes Island’s most southern town. Visit the town's square and soak up the local atmosphere. Drive further down to the most southern tip of Rhodes to reach Prasonissi. Popular with  windsurfers, this is where the Aegean and the Mediterranean seas meet.

While Rhodes is relatively compact and you can drive around the island by car in a few hours, there is plenty to see on this beautiful island and if you want to go off the beaten track hiring a car on Rhodes is definitely worth it.

The road network on Rhodes is good and traffic is light making driving a pleasure so renting a car gives you the opportunity for independent travel across one of Greece’s most beguiling islands.

If you are driving in Rhodes for the first time be aware that as in mainland Greece and Europe, you’ll be driving on the right hand side of the road and overtaking on the left, and giving right of way to vehicles approaching from the right, except where indicated.

In Rhodes, the top speed limit is 80km/hour (50 mph) on the two main routes from Rhodes to Lindos and Rhodes to Kalithea.

It’s worth familiarising yourself with the Greek road rules before you go.

Parking is generally free in villages and archeological sites on the island of Rhodes. In Rhodes town head for Acandia Free Parking where parking is free and there is a  complimentary electric bus shuttle service every 10min with multiple stops at landmarks including the port, harbour and old town.