Rhodes in October can offer the perfect mix of swimming, culture and relaxed island vibes. We spent two weeks on the island during the second half of October and share our honest experience here. You will find out what the weather was really like, whether swimming is still possible, which places are worth visiting and whether renting a car makes sense.
Table of Contents
- What is the weather like in Rhodes in October?
- Can you still swim in Rhodes in October?
- Lindos in October – Our Experience as a Beach Base
- Rhodes Town in October – Is It Worth Staying?
- The Best Things to Do in Rhodes in October
- Is Renting a Car in Rhodes in October Worth It?
- What We Did Not Manage to See in October
- Conclusion – Is Rhodes Worth Visiting in October?
What Is the Weather Like in Rhodes in October?
In October, the weather in Rhodes is usually still pleasantly warm, although it no longer feels like peak summer. Swimming is often possible, however it can get windy at times.
During our trip in the last two weeks of October, daytime temperatures typically reached around 26 degrees Celsius. On sunny days, it felt noticeably warmer. The sea was still warmed up from the summer months and comfortable enough for relaxed swimming.
It no longer had that intense summer heat, yet we were able to swim without any problem. At the same time, the weather occasionally changed. On some days, wind or clouds reduced the typical beach atmosphere. That is exactly what you should keep in mind when planning an autumn holiday.
Can You Still Swim in Rhodes in October?
Yes, swimming in Rhodes in October is generally still very possible, especially at sheltered beaches.
We spent several beach days in Lindos. On calm days, the sea felt pleasant and smooth. However, when stronger winds picked up, the water felt noticeably cooler. Therefore, it helps to stay flexible and plan your beach days according to the weather conditions. For us, swimming in October was absolutely sufficient, as long as you do not expect peak summer heat.
Lindos in October – Our Experience as a Beach Base
Lindos was our first stop and an ideal place to start the trip. The Acropolis rises above the bay, while the beach is just a few steps away. This combination of history and sea makes Lindos truly special. Our accommodation was located at the edge of the old town. In the evenings, we wandered through the narrow streets, passing small shops and traditional tavernas.
In October, Lindos felt pleasantly relaxed. There were no large crowds, yet many restaurants were still open. That sense of calm made the town especially appealing to us. If you are looking for a mix of beach time and charming atmosphere, Lindos is an excellent base.
Rhodes Town in October – Is It Worth Staying?
Rhodes Town is an excellent choice in October for culture and city life, especially when the weather becomes more changeable. After one week in Lindos, we deliberately moved to the town. This allowed us to swap beach days for sightseeing whenever needed.
The medieval old town, with its massive stone walls, feels like a small labyrinth of its own. At the harbor, you can sense the maritime character of the island. Elli Beach is located close to the center, yet still offers a real beach atmosphere. From Monte Smith, you get wide views over the coastline and the sea.
Rhodes Town feels noticeably livelier than Lindos. At the same time, October remains much more relaxed than the peak summer season.
The Best Day Trips in Rhodes in October
In October, many sights are simply easier to explore because the island feels much less crowded.
Anthony Quinn Bay
The bay is famous for its turquoise water. On the day we visited, it was windy and cloudy, so there were hardly any swimmers. Because of that, we could enjoy the views in peace. From the viewpoint above the bay, you get a stunning look over the coastline.
Epta Piges – The Seven Springs
The Seven Springs* are located in the greener interior of the island and offer a nice contrast to the beaches and coastline. Do not expect a dramatic natural wonder. Instead, it feels more like a small, shady hideaway with a lake and forest. You can either walk through a narrow, dark tunnel or take the relaxed path along the water. We chose the lakeside route and enjoyed the calm atmosphere. As a short stop, Epta Piges is pleasant, but it is not a must see highlight of the island.
Tsambika Beach and Monastery
Tsambika Beach offers plenty of space and shallow, gently sloping water. Even in October, we still found great conditions for swimming here. What impressed us most was the monastery above the beach. After climbing more than three hundred steps, you are rewarded with a wide panoramic view.
Prasonisi
In the south of the island, the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea meet. On one side, surfers ride the waves, while the other side feels much calmer. We walked across the narrow sandbar to the peninsula and then climbed up the hill. From there, you can see both seas at the same time.
Kallithea Springs
Kallithea Springs surprised us with stylish architecture and a small bathing cove. You can relax right by the water, and drinks are brought to your sunbed. Overall, the atmosphere feels calm and high quality.
Embonas
Our last trip from Lindos took us inland to Embonas, the heart of Rhodes wine production. The village sits at around eight hundred meters above sea level, right at the foot of Attavyros, the highest mountain on the island. We tried local products, bought honey and enjoyed the mountain scenery as a refreshing contrast to the coast.
Symi – Is the Boat Trip Worth It in October?
The boat trip to Symi was one of our highlights. Even the entrance into the harbor, with its colorful houses, is impressive. In October, everything felt much quieter than in peak season. We had plenty of time to stroll through the lanes and simply sit by the water. Swimming was also still possible because the sea remained comfortably warm. If you want a relaxed day trip with postcard views, Symi is well worth it in October.
Horse Riding at Theologos Beach at Sunset
One of the most emotional moments for us was horse riding on the beach. We set off in the late afternoon and watched the sunset right by the sea. The light felt soft, and the atmosphere was incredibly calm. In October, the temperatures are ideal for this because it is no longer too hot. This experience stayed with us because it combines nature, quiet moments and movement in the best way.
Is Renting a Car in Rhodes in October Worth It?
From our point of view, renting a car in Rhodes is highly recommended. The roads are well maintained and the distances are easy to manage. In addition, many places are simply much more convenient to reach by car. We could decide spontaneously where to go next, and that flexibility really mattered whenever the weather changed.
Public buses do run regularly, although they can be surprisingly fast on the roads. With our own car, we felt much more independent. If you want to explore the island in depth, renting a car is absolutely worth it.
What We Did Not Manage to See in October
We did not visit every place that was originally on our list. We would have loved to see Filerimos and Kritinia Castle, but in the end we simply ran out of time.
The Faliraki Water Park was already closed. The Valley of the Butterflies* is also not ideal in October anymore. Rhodes is bigger than you might think at first, so it really helps to set clear priorities.
Conclusion – Is Rhodes Worth Visiting in October?
Yes, Rhodes is worth visiting in October. However, it helps to adjust your expectations. The weather can change, and some attractions may close earlier. In return, you get fewer crowds, more calm and a genuinely relaxed atmosphere.
With two bases and a rental car, you can experience the island in a very diverse way.
If you are planning your Rhodes trip, you will find more articles on our website about Lindos, Rhodes Town and specific day trips.
I’m Joshua, and my focus is road trips and round trips. I provide detailed travel information, planning tools, and practical tips for driving abroad. Together, we’ll make your next road trip perfectly organized and unforgettable
