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Kalithea Springs is an absolute must-visit when you're in Rhodes, not only is it full of stunning Italian-era architecture, but it's also a perfect spot to relax, swim in crystal-clear waters and soak up the Mediterranean sun.
Before my visit, I struggled to find solid information about the basics like getting there, entrance fees and what to actually expect once you arrive. So in this guide, I'm sharing everything I wish I'd known beforehand, from transportation options and costs to what you can do during your visit.
How to get to Kalithea Springs from Rhodes Town
Getting to Kalithea Springs is easy and straightforward once you know your options. It's located about 10 km south of Rhodes Town, so it's close enough for an easy afternoon trip.
There are a couple different ways you can reach it, either by bus, taxi or rental car.
By Bus
To get the bus, you'll need to head to Mandraki Station in Rhodes Town, which is the main bus station. The buses run roughly every 20 minutes during peak season (we visited in May), you'll find a schedule at the bus station.
- It's bus number 40 (Faliraki Route).
- The journey takes 20 minutes.
- Costs €2.50 per person each way.
You can either pay at the ticket office or directly on the bus, some buses accept cards, but I'd definitely recommend having cash ready just in case.
When we visited, the ticket office was closed and we ended up paying the driver in cash. Just tell the driver "Kalithea" and they'll know exactly where you're going, it's a popular stop!
The bus driver will call out "Kalithea" when you arrive, so you won't miss your stop. From there, it's an easy 5 minute walk to the entrance. Just cross the road and follow the path that leads down toward the sea.
By Taxi
A taxi from Rhodes Town will cost you roughly €15-20 each way, depending on your negotiation skills and the time of day. The ride takes about 15 minutes, and most drivers know Kalithea Springs well.
The taxi station outside of our hotel stated it was €17 each way.
By Rental Car
If you're renting a car while in Rhodes, driving to Kalithea is easy and scenic, just follow the coastal road south. You'll see signs for "Kallithea" (note the different spelling on road signs) and there's a decent-sized free parking area at the entrance.
How to get to Kalithea Springs from Faliraki
If you're staying in Faliraki, Kalithea Springs is very easy to get to! You can either catch the same bus, get a taxi or drive.
By Bus
The same number 40 bus that connects Rhodes Town to Kalithea also stops in Faliraki, which makes things simple. Head to Bar Street and catch the bus heading toward Kalithea.
The journey takes about 10 minutes and while I don't know the exact fare, you can expect it to be around €1-2 each way.
By Car or Taxi
If you've rented a car, it's an easy 10 minutes along the scenic coast road heading north.
For a taxi, expect to pay around €10 each way, which isn't too bad if you're splitting it with friends.
Ticket prices and opening hours for Kalithea Springs
Current Entrance Fees (2025)
- Between May 1st - October 31st: €5 per person
- Between November 1st - April 30th: €3.00 per person
They accept both cash and cards at the entrance, but I always recommend having a bit of cash on hand just in case.
Opening Hours
- Summer Season (May 1st - October 31st): 8am - 8pm
- Winter Season (November 1st - April 30th): 8am - 4pm
What's Included With Your Ticket
Your entrance fee gets you access to the entire complex, including the restored pavilions and architectural sites and all the swimming and snorkeling areas.
What's not included are sun loungers and umbrellas, these cost extra if you want them (around €8-10 for the set), though honestly, there are plenty of spots where you can spread out your towel for free.
What to Do at Kalithea Springs
Once you arrive at Kalithea Springs, there are plenty of things to keep you busy, whether you're visiting for the full day or just stopping in for the afternoon.
1. Admire the Architecture
The obvious thing to do at Kalithea Springs is to explore the complex and admire it's stunning architecture. The grounds are beautiful, with plenty of greenery and beautiful walkways and the actual buildings themselves are very impressive.
2. Swimming & Snorkeling
Kalithea is a great spot for swimming and snorkelling, with clear, turquoise water and rocky formations that create interesting little caves where you might spot small fish.
Just remember this isn't a sandy beach, it's all rocky coastline and concrete platforms, which actually keeps the water incredibly clear.
3. Photography
Every corner here is photogenic, so definitely bring a camera. It's actually the entire reason I came here, I knew it would look incredible in photos!
My favorite spot is from the domed pavilion at the top of the complex. You have the beautiful arches with the greenery and sea in the background.
4. Relaxing
Sometimes the best plan is no plan at all. Find a comfortable spot or sunbed and just enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
5. Eat at the restaurant
There's a lovely restaurant right in the middle of the complex with that unbeatable seaside setting. Unfortunately, they couldn't serve anything when we visited due to a problem, but it would've been an incredible lunch or dinner spot.
How much time do I actually need at Kalithea Springs?
If you're squeezing it into a packed Rhodes itinerary, 1-2 hours covers the essentials like exploring and taking photos. But, if you want to spend some time relaxing, swimming and eating lunch, aim for half a day (3-4 hours).
What do I need to bring?
Make sure to bring your own towel (they don't provide them) and SPF. If you've got snorkeling gear, definitely bring it along!
Is it worth combining with other nearby attractions?
Absolutely! The location is perfect for a day out along the east coast. You can visit Faliraki, Anthony Quinn Bay, Tsambika Beach and even Lindos. There are also a number of boat tours that include other locations around the coast.
👋 We hope that you found this guide helpful! Before you go - don't forget to read our other Greece travel guides for more tips, suggestions & advice.
