Speed wins when you’re this far south. This high-speed boat to Rhodes Town turns a long journey into a fun sea day, with plenty of time on land once you arrive. You’ll also get that front-row seat to Rhodes from the water as the ride tracks along the east coast, past places with names you’ll keep hearing around the island.

What I like most is the mix of priorities: a focused visit to the UNESCO-listed Medieval City of Rhodes plus serious time for the New Town vibe and shopping. The other win is the free time rhythm: you’re given about six hours around Mandraki Harbour and Rhodes City, which is enough to do history and then switch gears.

One consideration is pacing. You’re committing to a full-day schedule built around boat transfer times, so it’s best when you’re comfortable exploring Rhodes on your own for those six hours rather than following a tight guided loop.

Key highlights worth planning around

• Fast transfer saves hours compared with a slower bus day from the south
• Six hours in Rhodes Town from Mandraki Harbour to split between Old Town and New Town
• East-coast views as you pass Lindos, Archangelos, Kolymbia, Afandou, Faliraki, and Kalithea
• Mandraki Harbour base puts you right where people actually walk, shop, and browse
• Aquarium and Elli Beach time are built into the Rhodes Town free-time window

Why this high-speed route from Kiotari and Lardos works so well

If you’re staying in Kiotari or Lardos, getting to Rhodes City can feel like a slog. This trip solves that problem with a speedboat transfer, so you spend less of your day traveling and more of it actually walking Rhodes. The result is a day that feels like an outing, not a chore.

I also like that this isn’t just transport with a token stop. Rhodes City is the whole point. You’re dropped off at Mandraki Harbour and get six hours free time to roam the Old Town and then hit the New Town for shops, food options, and familiar brands. That mix matters because Rhodes City is one of those places where you’ll want both moods in one day: medieval lanes in the morning and shopping energy later.

Finally, the route itself adds interest. The ride follows a path associated with the Crusaders and Barbary pirates heading toward the city of Rhodes. That historical framing gives the sea portion some context, and once the coastline starts rolling by, you’ll see why people remember this island from water as much as land.

Pickup points and the “be there on time” reality

This boat trip runs with multiple pickup options along the south and east side, depending on whether you’re starting from Kiotari or Lardos. You can expect pickup from the beach areas under major hotels and meeting spots, including:

• Under Rodos Village Mitsis hotel (Kiotari area)
• Between Stafylia and the Lindos Imperial Hotel
• Under Costa Lindia hotel (Lardos)

You’ll also see pickup described as happening from red steps on the beach under the hotels (the exact hotel reference can vary by stop and the starting point you select). The practical takeaway: confirm your exact pickup point when you book, then arrive a little early so you’re not standing in the sun scanning for the right meeting area.

The trip duration is about 9 hours, which includes the transfer time both ways plus the time in Rhodes City. That means your day will feel full, even though you’re not stuck on a bus.

Riding the speedboat: 1.5 hours that feel like part of the tour

From Kiotari or Lardos, you’ll have a speedboat ride of around 1.5 hours toward Rhodes City. Along the way, the route tracks the island’s east coast, and you pass a string of well-known places: Lindos, Archangelos, Kolymbia, Afandou, Faliraki, and Kalithea.

Even if you don’t stop at those towns, seeing them from the sea changes how you understand Rhodes. You start noticing how the coastline bends and how the settlements sit against the hills. It also helps you build a mental map for your Rhodes day: you’re not just arriving, you’re arriving with context.

Two onboard details are worth knowing because they affect comfort. You’ll find toilets on board, and there are covers if you need shade from the sun. That makes a difference on a bright Mediterranean day, especially if you’re doing this with kids or anyone who dislikes direct sun for long stretches.

Mandraki Harbour and six hours in Rhodes Town

This is the core of the experience. Once you reach Rhodes, you’ll get a six-hour visit based around Mandraki Harbour. From there, you can choose your own mix of:

• the Old Town (medieval streets inside the UNESCO-listed area)
• the New Town for shopping and modern city time

The Old City is the big draw. It’s a fully functioning, inhabited UNESCO world heritage site, which means you’re not looking at an empty set of buildings. You’re walking through real streets where life continues, and that gives the medieval setting weight. Expect historic walls, winding lanes, and a sense of stepping into a different era.

Then you can switch gears. The New Town side is where you’ll find designer shopping and mainstream options, including familiar brands like Starbucks and McDonald’s. That may sound trivial, but it’s practical if you want a predictable meal or a quick break before heading back to walk more.

If you’re traveling with a child, this six-hour window is often the sweet spot. One practical note from real day-trippers: six hours can be enough even for an 11-year-old when you manage the plan, rather than trying to see everything at a sprint.

Old Town vs New Town: a simple way to spend your six hours

You don’t need a complicated strategy, but you do need one. Rhodes City can eat time fast, especially in the Old Town where the streets are easy to get turned around in.

Here’s a straightforward approach that fits the way this trip is set up:

• Spend your first block in the Old Town so you’re there before you feel midday fatigue.
• Then transition to the New Town for shopping and a reset.

Why this order? Old Town walking tends to be slower and more stop-and-look. It’s also where you get the most “wow” factor from the medieval setting. After that, the New Town is easier to handle when you want browsing, a meal, or a break from the heavier walking pace.

Also, don’t feel like you must do every museum or every viewpoint. The trip gives you a city day, not a full week. The smart move is picking one or two “must-do” targets and leaving flexibility for what catches your eye while you walk.

Aquarium of Rhodes, Elli Beach, and the 9D option

Within Rhodes Town free time, the experience specifically points you toward two add-ons: the Aquarium of Rhodes and Elli Beach. This is great because it balances culture with something that feels like a vacation, not only a sightseeing checklist.

The aquarium can be a nice pivot if the Old Town feels too hot or if you want an indoor option with a different pace. Elli Beach is the opposite: a straightforward breather where you can cool off after walking old streets.

There’s also mention of a 9D cinema in the Rhodes City mix. That’s the kind of choice that works best if you’re traveling with teens or want a low-effort, weather-friendly activity. If you’re not into it, you can simply swap it for more time in the Old and New Town areas.

The return speedboat: getting back to Kiotari or Lardos

After your Rhodes Town block, you’ll head back by boat. The return transfer is another 1.5 hours, bringing you back to your south-of-Rhodes pickup area.

One real-world timing pattern you might like: a common departure can leave Rhodes around 5:30pm and get you back around 7:20pm for Kiotari. Your exact timing will depend on the specific starting time you choose, since the schedule varies, but it’s reassuring to know the overall day doesn’t drag into late night.

If you want to keep energy up, plan for shade and comfort during the return. The sun can be relentless even when Rhodes City feels shaded at street level. That’s another reason the onboard shade covers and basic onboard comfort matter.

Price and value: what $79 buys you in real terms

At $79 per person, this trip isn’t a budget ticket, but it also isn’t priced like a private charter. The value comes from what you’re buying: time saved and a smoother day.

From the south coast, the main cost of a Rhodes City trip is often travel time. With a speedboat, you gain back hours compared with a slow land transfer. Those hours then become the difference between doing Rhodes properly and only touching the surface.

You’re also getting a well-defined Rhodes Town window that includes:

• Old Town time in the UNESCO medieval area
• New Town shopping time
• Aquarium and Elli Beach access inside that free-time period

So the “what you get” is not just a ride. It’s a full Rhodes day structured around six hours in the city and two sea transfers.

If you’re the type who hates sitting on buses, or you’re short on time during your stay, this is exactly the kind of trip that can feel worth it. If you love slow travel, don’t mind long rides, and prefer unstructured days with minimal logistics, a land option might still suit you. But for most people staying in Kiotari or Lardos, this speedboat is a practical upgrade.

Who should book this boat trip

This fits best if you:

• are staying in Kiotari or Lardos and want a real day in Rhodes Town
• want Old Town and New Town in one go, without a full-day bus grind
• like the idea of sightseeing from the water as part of the journey
• want a flexible day where you can choose what you do once you arrive

It’s also a good family option if you’re managing expectations. Six hours in the city is plenty for highlights, but it’s not a promise that you’ll see every corner of Rhodes without returning tired. Pick your priorities, and you’ll get a strong day out of it.

Should you book this tour?

If your goal is a fast, comfortable way to experience Rhodes City from the south, I think this is a smart booking. The biggest reason is simple: the speedboat makes the day feel like a trip, not a commute, and the six-hour window gives you enough time to do the Old Town and still enjoy the New Town side.

Book it if you want:

• a high-speed transfer
• meaningful time at Mandraki Harbour
• UNESCO Old Town plus shopping and easy breaks like Elli Beach

Skip it if you prefer slow travel, dislike managing your own time in a city, or you’re hoping for a heavily guided, tightly scheduled walkthrough. For a self-paced Rhodes day with a great start and finish, though, this one is hard to beat.

FAQ

Where do the pickups happen?

Pickups are offered from beach meeting points tied to hotels in the Kiotari and Lardos areas, including under places such as Rodos Village Mitsis hotel (Kiotari), a spot between Stafylia and Lindos Imperial Hotel, and under Costa Lindia hotel (Lardos), with pickups described from red steps on the beach.

How much free time do I get in Rhodes Town?

You get 6 hours of free time in Rhodes Town to explore the Old Town, the New City for shopping, and areas connected with the aquarium and Elli Beach.

What will I be able to see and do in Rhodes Town?

With your free time, you can visit the Old City of Rhodes (UNESCO-listed Medieval City), explore the New Town for shopping, and include the Aquarium of Rhodes and Elli Beach in your day.

How long is the whole trip?

The duration is listed as 9 hours total, including the speedboat transfers and the time in Rhodes Town.

Who runs the tour and what languages are spoken?

The host or greeter is listed as speaking Greek, English, and German.

What should I bring?

The main listed item is sunscreen.

Can I get a full refund if plans change?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.