Driving in Rhodes: Easy tips for exploring the island

In Rhodes, drivers drive on the right side of the road, as everywhere else in Greece and in most continental European countries. The driver’s seat is therefore on the left side of the car.
 

If you come from the UK, Ireland, Cyprus or another country where driving is on the left, take some extra time to get familiar with the car and local roads, especially when entering roundabouts or leaving parking areas.

Driving in Rhodes is generally easy. The island has a good main road network connecting Rhodes Town with the Rhodes airport, the major tourist resorts and many of its most popular attractions.
 

The eastern coast is particularly convenient for driving. Resorts and beaches such as Faliraki, Kallithea, Afandou, Tsambika and Lindos can be reached by paved main roads, making this side of the island ideal even for travelers who are visiting Rhodes for the first time.
 

The west coast is also accessible by car, with popular stops including Ialyssos, the Valley of the Butterflies and Ancient Kamiros. If you want a longer road trip, you can continue towards the quieter villages and beaches of southern Rhodes and eventually reach Prasonisi, at the southern end of the island.
 

However, you should be more cautious when leaving the main roads. Roads through traditional and mountainous villages can become narrow and winding, while some smaller streets have limited visibility.
 

Another challenge is Rhodes Town, especially during July and August. Traffic can become heavy and finding parking close to the historic center is not always easy. A convenient option is to park outside the busiest central area and continue on foot.
 

The Medieval Town itself is perfect for walking and you definitely do not need a car once you start exploring its narrow streets.
 

A small or economy car is therefore a practical choice for most travelers. It is easier to maneuver through narrow streets and makes finding a parking space simpler during the busy summer months.

The most important driving laws in Rhodes are:
 

• Alcohol: The legal blood alcohol limit in Greece is 0.05% for most drivers, while stricter limits apply to certain categories of drivers. For safety reasons, the best option is to avoid alcohol completely when you are planning to drive.
   
• Seat belts: The use of seat belts is mandatory for the driver and all passengers.
   
• Children: Children must travel using the appropriate child restraint system according to their age and size.
   
• Speed limits: The most common speed limits are 50/70 km/h in urban areas. However, always follow the local road signs, as speed limits change depending on the type of road and area. Drive particularly slowly when passing through villages, residential areas and busy tourist resorts.
   
• Mobile phones: Using a handheld mobile phone while driving is prohibited. If you need your phone for navigation or calls, use an appropriate hands-free system.
   
• Parking: Always check the local signs before leaving your car, especially in Rhodes Town and busy tourist areas. Controlled parking operates in parts of Rhodes Town, so make sure you have followed the parking instructions before walking away from the vehicle.

We recommend you remember the following tips when driving in Rhodes:
 

• Avoid Rhodes Town during the busiest hours. Traffic becomes heavier in summer, particularly around the center and the roads leading in and out of the city.
   
• Choose a smaller car if possible. An economy or compact vehicle is convenient for narrow village streets and makes parking much easier in popular areas.
   
• Plan your visit to Lindos carefully. The historic village is best explored on foot, so park outside the center and continue walking towards the village and the Acropolis.
   
• Drive cautiously on mountain and village roads. Reduce your speed around bends and narrow sections, even when the road appears quiet.
   
• Allow extra time during July and August. Popular routes towards beaches, Rhodes Town and Lindos can become much busier during the peak tourist season.
   
• Use navigation, but always check the road ahead. Navigation apps may sometimes suggest very small local roads as shortcuts. Staying on the main paved roads is usually the easiest option for visitors unfamiliar with the island.
   
• Plan at least one longer road trip. Rhodes is much bigger than many travelers expect. Driving from the north towards Lindos, the traditional inland villages or Prasonisi is one of the best ways to see how different the island becomes once you leave the main resorts behind.
   

With more than 15 years of experience in car rental and extensive knowledge of Greek destinations, Abbycar recommends choosing your vehicle according to the routes you actually plan to drive, rather than simply choosing the largest car available. For most trips around Rhodes, a modern economy or compact car offers the perfect combination of comfort, easy driving and convenient parking.
 

Start planning your trip to Rhodes and book your ideal car with Abbycar from a wide selection of new and safe vehicles. By your own car, you can explore Rhodes from its Medieval Town and famous beaches to Lindos, traditional villages and the beautiful landscapes of the south, entirely at your own pace.