Compare 7 seater car hire at Rhodes Airport. Discover the best vehicles for Lindos, Rhodes Town, family holidays, costs, insurance and practical island driving advice.
Rhodes is one of the easiest Greek islands to explore by car. Unlike islands where public transport only serves the main resorts, Rhodes has a good road network connecting beaches, mountain villages, archaeological sites and traditional towns. If you’re travelling as a family or group, hiring a 7 seater at Rhodes Airport allows you to experience far more of the island than staying in a single resort.
The airport sits on the island’s north-west coast, around 14 kilometres from Rhodes Town. From the moment you collect your vehicle, you’re within easy reach of both the lively northern resorts and the quieter southern coastline. The airport connects directly to the island’s main coastal road, making it straightforward to reach most holiday destinations.
Rhodes Is Much Bigger Than Many Visitors Expect
Although Rhodes is an island destination, it’s one of the largest in Greece and rewards visitors who explore beyond their hotel.
Typical driving times from Rhodes Airport include:
- Rhodes Town – 20 minutes.
- Ixia – 15 minutes.
- Ialyssos – 10 minutes.
- Faliraki – 25 minutes.
- Anthony Quinn Bay – 35 minutes.
- Lindos – around 1 hour.
- Prasonisi – around 1 hour 40 minutes.
- Monolithos – around 1 hour 20 minutes.
Unlike Santorini or Mykonos, many visitors spend entire days driving around Rhodes because there’s so much variety across the island.
Who Should Hire a 7 Seater?
A larger vehicle is ideal if you’re:
- Travelling with grandparents and children.
- Staying in a private villa.
- Planning to visit different beaches every day.
- Exploring villages in the island’s interior.
- Carrying snorkelling equipment, pushchairs or sports gear.
For many groups, hiring one larger vehicle is considerably cheaper than renting two small cars, while keeping everyone together throughout the holiday.
East Coast or West Coast? They Feel Like Different Islands
One of the most interesting things about Rhodes is how different each side of the island feels.
The East Coast
The eastern coastline is home to most of the island’s famous beaches and holiday resorts. The sea is generally calmer, making it particularly popular with families.
You’ll find destinations such as:
- Faliraki.
- Kolymbia.
- Tsambika Beach.
- Lindos.
- Haraki.
The West Coast
The west coast is noticeably quieter and often windier, attracting windsurfers and visitors looking for a more traditional side of Rhodes.
Resorts such as Ialyssos and Theologos provide a very different atmosphere from the busy eastern beaches.
Choosing the Right Vehicle
Rhodes has good roads, but many villages still have narrow streets and limited parking.
Medium-sized people carriers usually offer the best balance between passenger comfort and practicality.
Popular models include:
- Ford Galaxy.
- Volkswagen Touran.
- Peugeot 5008.
- Dacia Jogger.
- Citroën Grand C4 SpaceTourer.
- Volkswagen Caddy Maxi.
If every seat will be occupied throughout the holiday, avoid assuming that every SUV provides the same luggage space as a traditional people carrier.
Driving to Lindos
Lindos is one of the highlights of any Rhodes holiday, but parking catches many first-time visitors by surprise.
The historic village sits beneath the Acropolis, and the narrow whitewashed streets are pedestrian-only.
You’ll need to park outside the village before walking downhill into the centre.
During July and August, arriving before 10am or later in the afternoon usually makes parking much easier.
Should You Drive Into Rhodes Old Town?
The medieval Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and isn’t somewhere you’ll want to drive.
Instead, use one of the public parking areas outside the city walls and explore on foot.
This gives you time to enjoy:
- The Palace of the Grand Master.
- The Street of the Knights.
- Mandraki Harbour.
- The old city walls.
- Waterside cafés and restaurants.
Don’t Miss the Island’s Mountain Villages
Many visitors spend their entire holiday on the coast, but some of Rhodes’ most rewarding drives head inland.
Villages such as Embonas, Siana and Apollona offer a completely different experience, with vineyards, local tavernas and panoramic mountain scenery.
The roads are generally in good condition, although they include plenty of bends and elevation changes.
Can a 7 Seater Handle Rhodes Easily?
Yes.
Rhodes is generally considered one of the easier Greek islands to drive on.
The main coastal roads are wide and well maintained, although village centres and some beach access roads become narrower.
Recent visitor experiences consistently describe driving around Rhodes as relatively relaxed compared with islands such as Santorini, while noting that compact vehicles are slightly easier to park in the smallest villages.
How Much Does 7 Seater Car Hire Cost at Rhodes Airport?
Rental prices vary considerably depending on the season.
Typical Daily Prices
- April: €45 to €80.
- May: €55 to €100.
- June: €70 to €130.
- July and August: €130 to €240+.
- September: €75 to €140.
- October: €50 to €90.
Automatic vehicles often cost €15 to €30 more per day than manual models and usually sell out first during school holidays.
Other Costs to Budget For
- Additional driver: €5 to €12 per day.
- Child seat: €6 to €12 per day.
- Booster seat: €4 to €8 per day.
- Automatic transmission surcharge.
- Late-night airport collection fees where applicable.
Insurance: The Damage That Happens Most Often on Rhodes
Most insurance claims on Rhodes aren’t caused by major accidents.
Instead, they’re more likely to involve:
- Kerbed alloy wheels.
- Tyre damage.
- Minor scrapes while parking.
- Mirror damage on narrow village streets.
Typical Excess
- €900 to €1,600 for standard people carriers.
- €1,600 to €2,800 for premium vehicles.
Items Often Excluded
- Tyres.
- Alloy wheels.
- Windscreens.
- Roof damage.
- Undercarriage damage.
- Lost keys.
Don’t assume “full insurance” means every type of damage is covered. Wheel and tyre claims are commonly excluded, so read the policy carefully before signing.
Security Deposits
Most suppliers pre-authorise between €500 and €2,000 on your credit card depending on the vehicle category and insurance package selected.
Fuel Planning
Fuel stations are plentiful around Rhodes Town, Faliraki, Lindos and the airport area.
If you’re driving to more remote areas such as Prasonisi or the mountainous centre of the island, it’s sensible to fill up before leaving the main tourist areas.
Suggested Road Trips
Classic Rhodes
Airport → Rhodes Town → Anthony Quinn Bay → Faliraki → Airport.
South Coast Explorer
Airport → Lindos → Pefkos → Prasonisi → Monolithos → Airport.
Mountain Villages
Airport → Embonas → Siana → Profitis Ilias → Rhodes Town.
Family Beach Day
Airport → Tsambika Beach → Kolymbia → Seven Springs → Faliraki.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rhodes a good island for hiring a 7 seater?
Yes. Rhodes has one of Greece’s best road networks, making it well suited to larger family vehicles.
Should I drive into Rhodes Old Town?
No. Park outside the medieval walls and explore the historic centre on foot.
Is Lindos easy to park in?
Parking is available outside the village, but spaces fill quickly during summer. Early morning arrivals usually have the best chance of finding a convenient space.
Will seven adults and seven large suitcases fit?
Not comfortably in most 7 seaters. If every passenger has full-sized luggage, a 9 seater is generally the better option.
Should I book an automatic?
If you normally drive an automatic, reserve one well in advance. They’re less common than manual vehicles and are often fully booked during peak season.
When should I book?
For travel between June and September, booking several months ahead usually provides the widest choice of vehicles and the lowest prices.
Things to Do
Visitors to Rhodes can enjoy typical island activities like sunbathing, swimming, boating, windsurfing, parasailing, and fishing (but check with local regulations first). The town offers shopping, spa visits, and plenty of authentic Greek cuisine to try.
Spending the day wandering the streets will delight tourists as they see a beautiful mixture of old and new architecture, local shops selling unique wares, and cultural experiences around every corner.
