I knew that renting a car in Rhodes would be convenient, but I didn’t expect it to become the real heart of the journey. In fact, when I started organizing my vacation in Rhodes by car, I didn’t know how much this choice would positively change the way I lived the island.

Having a car available not only allows you to reach the most famous beaches, but also gives you the chance to go beyond the beaten paths, discovering authentic villages, hidden monasteries, and breathtaking coastal views.

Rhodes is large and full of extraordinary places, and having a car felt like holding a key that unlocks hidden doors: solitary beaches, villages frozen in time, silent monasteries perched on hills, and landscapes that suddenly appear behind a curve.

If you like, you can first read my more general article: How to organize the perfect road trip, where you’ll find tips that are also useful when planning your own road trip in Rhodes.

Driving in Rhodes: Everything you need to know based on my experience

Why renting a car in Rhodes was the best choice

I still remember the moment when, just after landing, I picked up my little car booked through Discover Cars. It was perfect for slipping through the narrow streets of villages and tackling tight bends. The feeling I had right away was freedom. With the car ready, my road trip in Rhodes could begin at my own pace.

Many friends had asked me before leaving: “But is renting a car in Rhodes really worth it? Aren’t buses and taxis enough?” Now I can confidently answer: yes, it’s absolutely worth it. Public transport only connects certain tourist areas, but the island hides authentic corners you can only discover by Driving in Rhodes.

Where to pick up your car in Rhodes

The most convenient point is certainly the airport, where you can collect your car right after landing and immediately begin your adventure. Arriving with a confirmed booking will also save you a lot of time and guarantee the vehicle you want.

Driving in Rhodes is an unexpected pleasure

Another surprise was the driving itself. After the slightly chaotic experience in Crete, I feared I’d find the same traffic here. Instead, Driving in Rhodes was a real pleasure. The main roads are in excellent condition, the signs are clear, and above all, the local driving style is relaxed, in tune with the calm atmosphere of the island. No frantic rush, no stress—just the wind coming through the window and the blue sea often running alongside the road.

It is in moments like these that you realize how much a vacation in Rhodes by car makes you feel part of the place. You’re not just a tourist rushing from one attraction to another—you are a traveler savoring every kilometer.

Rhodes on the road: the moments I’ll never forget

One of the most vivid memories of my Rhodes on the road adventure was the return trip from Lindos. I stopped at Tsambika, a long golden beach where the water looked like a mirror, parked easily near the shore, and went for a swim. Not to mention the panoramic viewpoint above Stegna Beach! A place we never would have discovered with public transport.

Another day I decided to head toward the west coast—less traveled, wilder, almost another island compared to the touristy side most people know.

And then there’s the inland: the Valley of the Butterflies, the Seven Springs visited at our own pace, and the hidden tavernas where we tasted the most authentic local dishes. These were moments I would never have experienced without the freedom of renting a car in Rhodes.

Documents needed for renting a car in Rhodes

In 2025, these are the essential documents you’ll need:

• A valid driver’s license (European licenses are perfectly accepted)

• A credit card in the driver’s name (most companies don’t accept debit or prepaid cards)

• An ID card or passport

Some companies also require a minimum age of 21 or 23 and at least one year of driving experience. These requirements are key for starting your road trip in Rhodes safely and enjoying every moment of your vacation in Rhodes by car.

How much does renting a car in Rhodes cost?

The cost varies by season, but on average, you can find great deals from 20–30 euros per day for a small car.

I found my deal by comparing different options on Discover Cars, which allowed me to choose with just a few clicks and no surprises. The excellent value for money made my vacation in Rhodes by car even more carefree.

Itineraries for living Rhodes on the road

Here are some ideas for your own road trip in Rhodes. My itinerary was a mix of everything: nature, beaches, picturesque villages.

• The east coast: from Rhodes Town to Lindos, with stops at Anthony Quinn Bay, Tsambika, and Stegna.

• The west coast: less touristy but spectacular, with wild landscapes and Monolithos Castle.

• The inland: villages like Embonas, famous for wine, or the Valley of the Butterflies and Seven Springs.

Every route makes your vacation in Rhodes by car a unique experience filled with authentic discoveries and postcard-perfect views.

Discover Cars: my ideal partner

To make your experience simple and stress-free, I recommend using Discover Cars. The platform lets you compare offers from top companies, read reviews, benefit from free cancellation, and book in just a few clicks.

That way, you can focus on what really matters: living your Rhodes on the road adventure without stress.

If you decide to book a car using my link, thank you, you will be supporting my work and helping me to continue sharing my travel experiences.

Looking back, I think renting a car in Rhodes was the most important decision of my trip. It gave me freedom, authenticity, and the chance to live the island at my own pace. Every day was different, every curve brought a new discovery.

If you’re thinking about your own Rhodes on the road experience, don’t hesitate: getting behind the wheel is the best way to make the island truly yours. With a bit of organization, your road trip in Rhodes will be a memory you’ll carry forever. Because in the end, Driving in Rhodes isn’t just a way to get around—it’s a journey into the island, into its soul, and even a little into yourself