Day trip to Rhodes from Marmaris: A complete guide

Just a short ferry ride from Marmaris, on the Turkish Riviera, lies Rhodes - a Greek island of myth and beauty. Think medieval castles, ancient wonders, golden beaches, and a healthy dose of that irresistible Mediterranean charm, and you are half-way there.

So how exactly do you elevate your Marmaris vacation with a one-day escape to Rhodes from the Turkish coast, you might be asking yourself. In this blog, we’ll walk you through all the details to plan the perfect day trip to Rhodes from Marmaris, from start to finish.

• Catch the ferry to Rhodes
• Explore the Medieval City of Rhodes
• Cool down at Elli Beach
• Return to Marmaris

Catch the ferry to Rhodes

There are usually 3 daily crossings from Marmaris to Rhodes, with the earliest ferry setting sail at 11:00 and the last one around 17:00. Ticket prices typically start at €45, and often there are special offers on return trips.

The journey from the Turkish port to the Greek island usually lasts 1 hour, so you can be on the “Island of the Knights” by 12:00, allowing you plenty of time to explore the Old Town, hit the beach and grab lunch before heading back to Turkey.

Good to know: for more excursion ideas, check out our guide on day trips from Marmaris to the Greek islands.

Welcome to Rhodes!

Explore the Medieval City of Rhodes

After enjoying the short cruise along the Aegean, you arrive at the main port of Rhodes. As one of the best Greek islands, it should come as no surprise that Rhodes is also one of the most family-friendly Greek islands, with plenty to see and do.

As soon as you exit the port, head right along the shoreline and towards the main event on the island, the Medieval City of Rhodes. Built by the Knights Hospitaller between the 14th and 16th centuries, the citadel is surrounded by about 4 km of stone walls with ramparts and towers. 

There are many gates to the cobbled streets of Rhodes’ Medieval City, with the Sea Gate (Porta Marina), opposite the main port, being one of the most beautiful. The well-preserved Street of Knights is a stellar example of the Gothic architecture that dominates the city, with many alleys and archways leading to courtyards and terraces. 

Perhaps the most important highlight is the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes, which is believed to have been constructed on the foundations of the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Although the palace withstood many sieges and earthquakes over the centuries, it suffered extensive damage from a gunpowder explosion in the late 1800s. Restoration work was carried out during the Italian rule of the island, and these days the palace houses a museum.

The courtyard of the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes in the Medieval City

Cool down at Elli Beach

Once you’ve had your history fix, you can exit from the D'Amboise Gate near the Palace of the Grand Master and make your way to Elli Beach, one of the best spots for a swim in Rhodes. The beach is located on the northern edge of the island, and you can expect golden sand and crystal-clear waters. It is also well-organized, with many amenities, like sunbeds, parasols and beach bars, as well as water sports and a quirky diving platform, if you are feeling adventurous! 

There are many cafés nearby for a quick bite or drink, but if you are looking for something more substantial, there are plenty of restaurants and tavernas nearby. Some of the local dishes you may want to try include pitaroudia (fried chickpeas with mint and herbs), karavoloi (snail stew), lamb stew, as well as fresh seafood. You can wash it all down with some of the local wines or a glass of souma, a distilled grape pomace drink similar to raki or grappa.

If you’d rather skip the long lunch and have time to spare, you can always visit the Modern Greek Art Museum in town or discover the wonders that live beneath the waves at the Aquarium, and cap off your day in Rhodes with an ice cream and stroll along the shoreline back to the port.

The magnificent Elli beach is a short walk from the port in Rhodes

Return to Marmaris

Relaxed, fed, and probably with a bit of salt in your hair, it’s time to return to Turkey. During the summer, there are usually 3 Rhodes - Marmaris ferries every day, with ticket prices starting at around €45. The last ferry leaves at 19:15 and the trip takes about 1 hr, so you can be back in Marmaris in time for dinner and a night out in town!

Good to know: for more return travel options and day trip ideas, check out our detailed guide on ferries between Greece and Turkey.

Sunset at the port of Mandraki, Rhodes

With many Greek islands being a stone’s throw from the Turkish Riviera, it is easier than ever to plan a cross-country adventure with Ferryhopper. Plan your trip on our interactive Map of ferries, book your ferry tickets online in just a few clicks, and let the good times roll!