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Holidays

Cycling on Rhodes

Greece
Available Departures: Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov
E-Bike Available

8 days from

US$1,155

without flights
Cycle
Self-Guided
LEISURELY LEISURELY

Experience the authentic side of Rhodes on this one-week self-guided cycling holiday

Trip Code: SGRH
Holiday Grades
          

Our Holiday Grades Explained

To show the relative difficulty of our holidays, each trip is graded on a scale of 1 to 12, with 12 being the most challenging. Although we have tried to make our grading system as clear as possible, it cannot take into account your personal interests, abilities or experience. If you have any questions about the nature of a particular trip or its suitability for you, please read the 'Is this holiday for you?' section or contact us.

 1 - 3 LEISURELY
1 - 3 LEISURELY

Suitable for most people in good health, holidays at this grade include only limited amounts of activity.

View leisurely holidays
4 - 6 MODERATE
4 - 6 MODERATE

Suitable for reasonably fit individuals, such as weekend walkers and cyclists. There can be the occasional more difficult day.

View moderate holidays
7 - 9 CHALLENGING
7 - 9 CHALLENGING

Physically challenging holidays, where you need to be prepared before you go.

View challenging holidays
10 - 12 TOUGH
10 - 12 TOUGH

Our toughest holidays, involving many long days, often in isolated areas. A high level of fitness and previous wilderness and mountain experience is essential.

View Tough holidays

Cycling on Rhodes

Highlights
  • Stay two nights in Rhodes Town and immerse into the history of the UNESCO-listed Medieval City

  • Soak in the tranquillity of the captivating Valley of the Butterflies

  • Explore the impressive Acropolis of ancient Lindos

  • Enjoy endless swimming opportunities at many of Rhodes’s fine beaches

  • Tuck in to delicious fresh seafood and local produce


At a Glance
  • Self-Guided
  • 6 days cycling and sightseeing
  • Bike Hire Included
  • E-bike upgrade available
  • Daily departures available
  • Join At Rhodes Airport

Accommodation & Meals
  • 7 Breakfasts
  • 1 Dinner
  • 5 nights Guesthouse
  • 2 nights Hotel
Overview

The largest of the Dodecanese Islands, the sun-kissed island of Rhodes is steeped in history and smiled upon by Helios, the sun god of Greek legend. It is said that the island was named for the nymph Rodon, who was gifted the island from Helios. Helios was so worshipped here that the triumvirate city-states of Lindos, Kameiros and Ialysos are also named for his grandsons. On this one-week self-guided cycling holiday, you can bask not only in the warmth of Helios’s blessings, but also in that of the authentic Greek hospitality at each of the small family-run guesthouses that are waiting to welcome you.

Exploring on two wheels, you can discover the contrasting landscapes of this beloved island from its endless beaches and sparkling turquoise coves to the peaceful and green interior, and uncover relics of Rhodian history spanning millennia. Staying two nights at each location of Kalavarda on the west coast, Rhodes Town at the north and Archangelos on the east of the island, you have the opportunity to settle in and enjoy your holiday at your own pace. Your holiday ends with a final night in Kalavarda for another chance of sumptuous sunset views before you bid farewell to this charming sun-kissed isle.

Is this holiday for you?

If you love to explore on two wheels and delve beyond the main tourist trail into the true heart of a destination, this holiday will tick the boxes for you. Over the course of the week you will get a taste of life in traditional villages, and discover picturesque beaches and bays with many opportunities for a refreshing dip in the sea.

You will cycle an average of 40km a day, with ascent …

If you love to explore on two wheels and delve beyond the main tourist trail into the true heart of a destination, this holiday will tick the boxes for you. Over the course of the week you will get a taste of life in traditional villages, and discover picturesque beaches and bays with many opportunities for a refreshing dip in the sea.

You will cycle an average of 40km a day, with ascents of up to 500m with rides along the coast and into the mountainous interior of the island. Most of the cycling is on tarmacked tracks, with some short sections on unpaved roads. In and around Rhodes town, you should also be prepared to share the road with town traffic. E-bike upgrades are also available if you would like the extra pedal power.

Why KE?

Get off the main tourist trail and delve into the history and culture of Rhodes by exploring the island on two wheels, with bike hire included.

Itinerary

On arrival to Rhodes Airport, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation in Kalavarda where you can settle in for the coming two nights. A traditional agricultural village positioned on the west of the island, Kalavarda offers some of the most beautiful sunset views. If you head down to the sand and pebble beach you will get the best vantage point of the changing colours of the dusk; here you might also be able to watch some kite surfers and wind surfers in action. You will be sure to find excellent fresh produce and plentiful seafood served up in the village's local tavernas, giving you a wonderful first taste of the delicious Mediterranean cuisine available on this island.

Accommodation

Guesthouse

Your bike will be ready for collection this morning. Setting off from your hotel, today you will pedal along the sparkling coast in the direction of the small fishing port of Skala Kamiros. There are many opportunities today for coffee stops, dips in the sea (don't forget to pack your swimwear!) and exploring off the bike to discover the sleepy villages lining this section of coast. When you reach the village of Mandriko, you might like to stop for a refreshment break and pay a visit to the Holy Trinity church to admire many the colour frescoes that adorn its cool interior. Continuing on your way, verdant forests of pine alternate with cultivated fields before the road descends to the port of Skala Kamiros. This is the jumping off point for ferries to the neighbouring island of Chalki. In the vicinity you can find small coves, inviting you to enjoy a dip in the clear blue waters. One of the highlights of the day is ruins of the medieval fortress of Kritinia; from this elevated vantage point you can enjoy views over the Rhodes coastline and out to Chalki and its surrounding uninhabited islands. You might like to enjoy a relaxed lunch in this languid part of the island before hopping on your bike and pedalling back to Kalavarda. With the island's prevailing winds, your return journey will hopefully be assisted by a tailwind!

Accommodation

Guesthouse

Meals

B D

Ascent

330 M

Descent

330 M

Distance

38 KM

A lovely ride is in store today for you to discover the lush green island interior on your way to the medieval city of Rhodes Old Town, where you will stay for the next two nights. Riding from your hotel, your route takes you parallel to the coast through the rural foothills, taking you on a gradual ascent through seemingly endless groves of olive trees. As you head inland and gain in height, the olive groves make way for forests of pine and larch, and soon enough your efforts will be rewarded by your arrival to the famed "valley of butterflies", so called for the proliferation of Jersey tiger moth in this cool and shady gorge, usually found congregating between the months of May and September. You can get off the bike here to soak in the tranquil surrounds of natural pools and waterfalls, in quiet observation of the wonders to be found in this nature reserve. When you are ready to move on from this captivating spot, hop back on your bike and pedal an undulating route through the verdant hills, gradually making your way back to the coast. On reaching the old town of Rhodes on the northern tip of the island, you will pedal through the ancient city fortifications to discover the history contained within the old city walls. Settle in to your hotel room and freshen up; this evening you can explore the cobbled lanes, take your pick from the many restaurants available in the old town, and enjoy the atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B

Ascent

385 M

Descent

385 M

Distance

43 KM

The Medieval City of Rhodes, located within a 4km-long wall, illustrates an incredible melting pot of cultures dating back some 2000 years. Today you have the option to explore this captivating town with a walking tour where you can discover the city's dense collection of monuments at every turn; surrounded by centuries of history you will feel like you have stepped back in time. Depending on available ferries, you also have the option to take a day trip with your bike to the neighbouring island of Symi. Landing on the southern coast, you will have the opportunity to explore the historic monastery of Panormitis and its numerous Byzantine frescoes, before traversing the length of the island to reach picturesque Symi Town on the north coast. This is a fun and challenging ride, gaining over 500m of ascent over the spine of the island, followed by the awesome descent after your efforts! Admire the colourful stone houses and the gorgeous views of the port, and perhaps enjoy some refreshments at one of the waterfront tavernas before taking the ferry back to Rhodes. Optional excursion to Symi: 22km / 585m ascent / 580m descent

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B

Pedalling out from your hotel this morning, your route follows the eastern coast of Rhodes and offers many opportunities to enjoy a cooling dip in the sea. Reaching Kallithea early on in the day, you might like to visit the ancient Turkish baths built upon the thermal springs here, once frequented for the therapeutic properties of the natural springs. The complex today has been carefully restored for you to admire the mosaics and architecture, and enjoy a swim in the crystal clear waters of the sheltered cove. Soon you will pass through the resort town of Faliraki, popular for its long sandy beach and lively nightlife. Leaving the buzz behind, you will pedal to the next bay and along the long sand-and-pebble beach of Afantou. Perhaps one of the seafront tavernas, cafes and restaurants along the way will take your fancy for a relaxed lunch and a spot of people watching before continuing on your way. Leaving behind the quiet beaches, a short climb inland through ubiquitous groves of olive trees will take you to the traditional village of Archangelos and your home for the next two nights.

Accommodation

Guesthouse

Meals

B

Ascent

375 M

Descent

200 M

Distance

39 KM

Waking rested this morning, enjoy a taste of traditional Greek hospitality with a delicious breakfast of fresh produce and homemade specialties. Hopping on your bike, your objective today is the attractive town of Lindos, overlooked by the ancient Acropolis and surrounded by azure seas and sparkling bays. Winding your way through the maze of narrow alleys, you can lose yourself in this charming village and maybe stumble upon cosy restaurants, bars and boutique shops tucked among the seemingly higgledy-piggledy collection of whitewashed buildings and flowered courtyards. The Acropolis is probably the most impressive archaeological site on Rhodes; standing proudly on a rocky promontory, the views are breath-taking from the ancient citadel and are well worth the climb to reach this elevated position. After your day of exploration, and perhaps some more relaxing and swimming at the beach of Lindos Bay, get back on your bike and make your return journey to Archangelos. A short detour is possible to reach the seaside village of Charaki and the ruins of Faraklos Castle, before climbing uphill back to your home for the night.

Accommodation

Guesthouse

Meals

B

Ascent

470 M

Descent

470 M

Distance

52 KM

Your final ride will take you on the biggest cumulative climb of the week, crossing over the hilly interior of the island to return to the west coast and Kalavarda from where you began your holiday earlier in the week. The forest glade of Epta Piges (Seven Springs), with its attractive wooded setting and natural springs is an early stop along the route. Here you can explore the pools and waterfalls nestled among the tall pines and gnarled olives, and look out for the resident peacocks. Pedalling on along a wooded valley through dappled shadows, you will pass the Byzantine Monastery of Agios Nektarios and soon enough the views open up as you travel through the village of Archipoli. Continuing your steady climb, the former Italian settlement of Eleousa marks the half way point of your ride. A little quiet country road takes you to the unassuming chapel of Fountoukli, the oldest on Rhodes dating from around the 15th century. From here on in, the rest of the way is pretty much all downhill to reach the coast!

Accommodation

Guesthouse

Meals

B

Ascent

500 M

Descent

650 M

Distance

40 KM

Depending on the time of your departure flight, you may have time to enjoy a relaxed breakfast and a final stroll to the beach before your transfer collects you to take you to the airport.

Meals

B
Download Trip Notes
The Route
Point Point
Airport Airport
Direction Direction
Cycling

Essential Information

We've compiled some of our Frequently Asked Questions to help you learn more about this amazing trip.

  • All accommodation as described

  • Rhodes Airport transfers

  • Luggage transfers

  • Meals as described in the Meal Plan

  • Self-guided information pack containing your map and route notes

  • Bike hire

  • Travel to / from Rhodes Airport

  • Tourist taxes may apply and are usually under 5 Euros per room per night

  • Travel insurance

  • Visas (if applicable)

  • Some meals as described in the Meal Plan

  • Personal equipment

  • Entrance fees

  • Any additional activities/excursions indicated as optional

Each self-guided holiday comes with comprehensive route notes and a map or pocket guidebook of the area you are exploring. The route notes contain information about the places you will visit and the local transport you might need, along with the detailed route notes for your daily walks or cycle rides. We even include some tips for the best places to stop for lunch.

You can expect to receive your Self-Guided Pack containing your route notes, a map or guidebook, and all your relevant documents, no later than 3 weeks before your holiday start-date. We will send your documents using a signed-for courier so that you can track your package and know that it is safely on its way to you. For bookings of more than 4 people we will send an additional Self-Guided Pack. If you do not need this additional pack please inform our Sales Team. Your pack will be sent to the lead booker, so please remind them to pack it before setting off.

Should your self-guided trip be part of a longer adventure requiring you to leave home more than three weeks before your holiday start-date, please inform our Sales Team so that we can make alternative delivery arrangements.

Our Self-Guided Holidays are perfect for your next family holiday and are suitable for children of all ages.

Our partner hotels and accommodations are able to provide cots for young children, and some offer family rooms. We can also arrange hire of children’s bikes and tag along bikes for most of our self-guided cycling trips and with trips such as Lake Constance and the Danube offering routes on designated cycle paths you can rest assured in keeping your family safe.

As a parent we trust that you know your own child’s capabilities, so please read the itinerary details to ensure the distances covered each day are suitable for your family. If this is a first time walking holiday for your family, a centre based trip is a fantastic option as it allows you to easily opt out of a days walking if a day of building sand castles, swimming in the pool or visiting museums is calling instead.

Please discuss this further with our sales team who will be happy to assist in picking the best trip for your family.

The trip starts and ends at Rhodes Airport. All of our self-guided holidays are sold on a Land Only basis allowing you the flexibility to choose the travel method which best suits you. For this trip we have included a return transfer for you from Rhodes Airport which offers many departures from regional UK airports.

Please ensure you inform our customer sales and support team as early as possible of your flight times so that we can arrange your transfers for you.

It is also possible to travel by ferry to Rhodes from various Greek ports, potentially making for an extended island-hopping holiday. For example, from Piraeus (Athens), the direct overnight journey can take between 13 hours and 23 hours. The following website is useful for further schedule information: https://www.ferryhopper.com/en/ferry-timetables/greece/rhodes

If you are planning to arrive to Rhodes by ferry, the arrival and departure transfers can be arranged from/to the port instead of the airport. There would be a supplementary cost for this service – please contact our Sales team for a quote.

This trip is on a bed and breakfast basis to allow you the most flexibility during your holiday. We have also included one dinner in Kalavarda on day 2 of the itinerary for you to experience the warm hospitality of your welcoming hosts.

Water from the taps is perfectly drinkable on this holiday - please use this to fill your personal bottles for your daily activities. We do not encourage the purchase of single-use plastic bottles.

The abundant crops produced on the fertile island of Rhodes makes for a very healthy Mediterranean diet. You will find plentiful fresh seasonal vegetables and fruits alongside staples of lamb and seafood; the fresh and flavoursome produce are typically cooked simply or served raw to allow the ingredients to sing.

The traditional Greek mezedes are a great way to sample a variety of appetizer-sized dishes – expect salads, stuffed vine leaves, dips, pulses and cheeses to feature universally. Meat dishes like souvlaki and gyros will keep the carnivores happy, but equally vegetarians will also be well-catered for.

You can enjoy respectable wines produced either locally on the island or from the mainland; these are usually served in full, half- or quarter-litre carafes.

There are many opportunities for purchasing picnic lunches in the villages, and to eat out for dinner. Shops are open daily, except Sundays, from early morning to the late evening.

For this holiday we have chosen to use small family-run guesthouses in the villages of Kalavarda and Archangelos, and a historic hotel in the old town of Rhodes. All accommodations have been selected for their authenticity in showcasing the traditions of the local area.

While the guesthouses are simple, you will have comfortable double or twin rooms with private bathrooms, and your welcoming hosts will make you feel like one of the family, with personal touches like homemade items at your breakfast buffet. Air conditioning at these guesthouses may be at a small additional charge, payable directly. Your stay at these locations will support small businesses and benefit the local economy.

In the medieval city of Rhodes, you will usually stay at a historic hotel within the walls of the UNESCO-listed city, full of cosy character and with centuries of history contained within its stone walls. Rooms here are on a double or twin basis, with modern comforts such as air conditioning, WiFi and private bathrooms.

Accommodations can be subject to change depending on availability. During high season you may be booked into an alternative accommodation of a similar standard in the area.

Bikes are hybrid-style with 24 gears and come equipped with a pannier for your daily essentials plus lights, lock, puncture repair kit and bottle holder. Your bike will be delivered to your hotel in the morning of Day 2 of your holiday. We will reserve the appropriate size of bike for you based on your height.

We strongly recommend for you to bring your own helmet with you for the best comfort. We also recommend packing a gel seat for extra comfort or a pair of padded cycling shorts, whilst the cycling is leisurely and there are plenty of opportunities to stop and explore it is always nice to have some padding for a comfortable ride.

If you are looking for a bit of extra support whilst in the saddle, you can upgrade to an e-bike to make your ride even more leisurely.

Equipped with a battery and motor, these electric bikes give you a helping hand whilst you are pedalling, making it easier to climb hills, and travel further with less effort and more comfort.

E-bikes are available on this holiday at an additional supplement of £75. Just request this upgrade option with our sales team at the time of booking.

Your main luggage will be transferred between each of your hotels while you are out on your ride. We ask that you please ensure your luggage is under 20KG and that your luggage is ready for collection in the morning of changing hotels. You will also need a daypack to carry your daily essentials with you.

Europe

Your passport must meet 2 requirements. It must be:

  • less than 10 years old on the day you enter (check the ‘date of issue’)

  • valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)

For the latest details on visiting countries within the EU or the European Economic Area (EEA), please check the UK Government website

The information that we provide is for UK passport holders. A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required, and you should have at least 2 blank pages for each country that you visit.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Please ensure that you check for the latest advice before travel. For the most up to date information on entry requirements, please visit the UK Government website.

Vaccinations

You should contact your doctor or travel clinic to check whether you require any specific vaccinations.

GHIC / Medical cover

UK residents should carry a free Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This entitles you to state provided medical treatment when you're visiting an EU country or Switzerland. This is not a substitute for medical travel insurance which is vital when travelling overseas.

Severe Allergies

Please inform our KE Sales and support team of any severe allergies you may have before travel. We will always do our best to help but we are unable to guarantee an allergy free environment on our KE trips. We advise that you always carry your own treatment for the allergy with you such as 'adrenaline auto-injectors' if required.  We also recommend that you discuss this with your accommodation on arrival so that they can better assist you.

The currency for part or all of this holiday is the Euro.

The advantage of a self-guided cycling holiday is that you decide the pace. This trip is designed for regular leisure cyclists as the routes do contain some slightly hillier terrain. You should be comfortable with cycling 40-50 km a day on rural roads, side roads and cycle paths. It is always sensible to get some additional exercise before going on an active holiday and we advise you to dust off your bike and head out on a few rides before your holiday. After all, the fitter you are the more enjoyable your cycling will be.

With more than 3000 hours of sunshine per year, Rhodes belongs to the sunniest areas of Europe. A Mediterranean climate brings hot dry summers and mild winters, with little rainfall from mid-May to mid-September. For this active holiday we avoid the hottest period of the year, July & August, when daytime temperatures can reach as high as 40 degrees Celsius. Average daytime temperatures in the spring months typically range between 17-20 C with highs of up to around 27 C; while the latter part of the year the autumn temperatures are slightly warmer, around 21-24 C. The sea water has a pleasant temperature for swimming up to the end of November.

As a reputable tour operator, KE supports the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's ‘Travel Aware campaign to enable British citizens to prepare for their journeys overseas. The 'Travel Aware' website provides a single, authoritative source of advice for all kinds of travellers and we recommend that before travel, all KE clients visit the official UK Government website at travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and read the FCDO Travel Advice for their chosen destination. North Americans can also check out the U.S. Department of State website: www.travel.state.gov for essential travel advice and tips.

KE treat the safety and security of all clients as the most important aspect of any trip we organise. We would not run any trip that we did not consider reasonably safe.  Should the FCDO advise against travel for any reason, we will contact everyone booked to travel to discuss the situation.  We receive regular updates directly from the FCDO and are in constant touch with our contacts on the ground.  If you have any questions about government travel advice, please call our office.

KE do not encourage the use of single use plastic items. We are ensuring that our agents all over the world are working together to reduce the problem and educate those around them. We are leading by example in our KE office by reducing our plastic use.

The Greek Islands – Lawrence Durrell

Wild Abandon: A Journey to the Deserted Place of the Dodecanese – Jennifer Barclay

It is an essential condition of joining a holiday with KE Adventure Travel that you have a valid travel insurance policy to cover the cost of medical treatment and to protect the value of your holiday in the event of cancellation.  When taking out insurance please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary.

For appropriate insurance cover we recommend Campbell Irvine Direct.  Please go to our Travel Insurance page for further information and to get a quote.

  • Cycling shorts

  • Cycle helmet

  • Functional base layer

  • T-shirts

  • Scarf

  • Hat

  • Windproof jacket

  • Fleece / extra layer

  • Rain protection

  • Rucksack (approx. 20 l)

  • Small first aid kit for your rucksack

  • Sunscreen

  • Water bottle or hydration pack

  • Camera (batteries/memory card)

  • Mobile Phone (ensure your data package covers your destination)

  • Handlebar mount that is compatible with your smartphone

  • Power bank

  • Waterproof phone cover

  • Sun glasses

  • Personal wash kit

  • Reusable cloth bag for shopping to avoid the use of plastic bags

  • Tupperware for picnics

Many of the equipment items listed above are available from Cotswold Outdoor - our 'Official Recommended Outdoor Retailer'. When you book a holiday with KE you will receive a 12.5% discount with Cotswold Outdoor, Snow+Rock and Runners Need. The discount code can be downloaded from your MyKE account and you can use this code at the checkout, either in store or online.

DATES & PRICES

2025

Dates

Adults from

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Land Only Information

Please note our 'from price' listed is based on 4 persons on double/twin occupancy, however we can quote for any number of travellers, including solo travellers, please contact our sales team for a quote.

All of our self-guided holidays are sold on a Land Only basis allowing you the flexibility to choose the travel method which best suits you. You may even wish to make this holiday part of a bigger adventure or pair it with one of our other holidays. We can arrange additional nights accommodation before or after your self-guided trip, ask our sales team to find out more about this.

Our sales team will be happy to provide you a quote for scheduled flights or alternatively you may wish to book your own flights with a low cost carrier from your nearest regional airport.

Please DO NOT book your flights before you have received your booking confirmation and your deposit has been taken.

BOOK WITH KE CONFIDENCE - No surcharge guarantee

The price of our holidays can change depending on a variety of factors but unlike some other tour operators, KE have undertaken to guarantee the Land Only price of your holiday will not change after you have booked. The price when you book is the price you will pay, whether you are booking for this year or the next. Book early to avoid any tour price increases, get the best flight prices and take advantage of our 'No Surcharge Guarantee'.

KE Adventure is a fully bonded tour operator. We hold an ATOL license (No: 2808) and are bonded with ABTA (Membership No: W4341)

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