Surrounded by sparkling turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, Rhodes is a charming Greek island with a lot to offer. The island boasts over 300 sunny days a year and plenty of beautiful beaches, but there is more to this island than a great spot for a beach holiday.
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Rhodes is the capital of the Dodecanese islands and the fourth largest island in Greece. The island is home to iconic old towns, beautiful villages and landscapes, traditional dishes and practices, wrapped in a mix of Venetian, Arab, and Rhodian influences.
We recently spent two weeks exploring this beautiful, lesser-known destination in Greece and loved every minute of it. It’s got everything you can expect from a Greek island and more!
Read on to find out things to do in Rhodes, Greece.
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How to Get to Rhodes
By Ferry
There are regular ferries from mainland Greece to Rhodes all year round. Daily routes from the port of Piraeus, Athens, take about 15 hours, depending on the vessel and weather.
Ferries are also available from other Greek islands, such as the Cyclades, Crete, and the rest of the Dodecanese islands.
By Plane
Rhodes International Airport, or Diagoras, has regular flights to and from Athens. During the summer months, there are international flights to European cities. A flight from Athens takes about 3 hours.
Getting Around Rhodes
Unless you plan on spending your entire holiday in Rhodes Town (and we hope you don’t), we highly recommend getting a rental car. There is so much to see outside of Rhodes Town, and the lack of public transportation around the island makes getting around quite challenging.
Luckily, car rental in Greece is easy, with agencies available at the airport and in main towns. If you’re not going too far, bicycle and scooter rentals are great eco-friendly options.
If you’re staying in one area, like Rhodes Town or Lindos, you can get around without a car. Just remember to account for airport transfers!
Things to do in Rhodes, Greece
1. Visit Rhodes Old Town
Trace back the island’s rich history with a visit to the well-preserved Old Town. Rhodes Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a glimpse into what the town has undergone, from its Mediterranean past to the Gothic and Ottoman civilizations that followed.
Don’t miss the Street of the Knights, which has been restored to its medieval glory. The surrounding buildings are not only great examples of medieval architecture but have also been converted into museums.
Add a stop to the Archaeological Museum and the Byzantine Museum. The imposing Palace of the Grand Master, impossible to miss at the highest point of the street, also has a museum.
And make sure you spend some time just getting lost in the town’s narrow alleyways. Go past the shopping streets and the main town square and explore the hidden corners that reverberate with life.
Now, if you are thinking about visiting Rhodes Acropolis, consider skipping it. It is currently under construction and is covered in scaffolding, so it’s not very impressive. Instead, head to the nearby Old Jewish Quarter, where you can find the oldest synagogue in Greece and the Jewish Museum.
2. Take a Day Trip to Symi Island
Known for its colourful mansions, boats, and gorgeous beaches, Symi is a small island with one of the most beautiful harbours in Dodecanese.
To get here, you’ll need to hop on a ferry from Rhodes, which takes about 1-2 hours. During the high season, there are 5-7 daily ferries available, making it a great day trip option.
When in Symi, don’t miss the chance to try Modern Greek cuisine at the Michelin-worthy Agora. It was our favourite part of visiting Symi Island. The food was phenomenal, the views from the restaurant were great, and it really felt like a hidden gem. We managed to squeeze in a dinner at Agora on a day trip to Symi, with the last ferry departing shortly after our meal. It’s well worth the trip.
3.Visit Lindos Town and Lindos Acropolis
Another historically significant site in Rhodes Island is Lindos, a charming village of white houses that sit on a hill overlooking the sea. Lindos town is very different from Rhodes; it’s more reminiscent of that typical Cyclade island, with boutique shops, rooftop restaurants and a vibrant atmosphere.
The biggest attraction in Lindons Town is the Lindos Acropolis. Situated high up on the hill overlooking the town, there are various ruins, including the Temple of Athena Lindia, a Hellenistic stoa, and a Byzantine Church.
4. Swim at Anthony Quinn Bay
Originally called Vagies, the bay got its current name from the leading actor in the 1961 film The Guns of Navarone, which was shot on location. The beach itself is small and narrow, but the crystal clear waters and rock formations are beautiful regardless.
The scenery is what makes this one of the most popular beaches on the island.
Head here for a refreshing dip, soak up the sun, or catch a beautiful sunset on the sand. There are umbrellas and sun loungers available for rent, as well as a beachside taverna.
5. Visit the Valley of the Butterflies
The Butterflies Valley, or “Petaloudes Valley,” is another popular attraction on the island. It’s a lush, shaded nature reserve in Rhodes that becomes home to thousands of butterflies, particularly the Jersey Tiger Moth, during the summer months.
The valley’s cool microclimate, fed by small streams and waterfalls, creates a peaceful atmosphere ideal for a scenic walk along wooden pathways. The butterflies are attracted to the sweet scent of the oriental sweetgum trees, and visitors can enjoy spotting them resting in clusters on tree trunks and rocks.
Tickets are 5€ for adults and free for children under 12.
6. Take a Cooking Class
If you’re a fan of traditional Greek Cuisine, take the appreciation to the next level and sign up for a Rhodes Cooking Class. This was our favourite activity to do with our family while visiting Rhodes. We booked this cooking class and spent an amazing day learning traditional teaching recipes like moussaka, dolmates, Greek salad and much more.
The cooking class was held in a charming 1950s eco-farmhouse with so much history. It lasted about six hours and was truly a family affair, with the whole host family cooking alongside us. The day was filled with lots of laughs, wine, and, of course, amazing food.
7. Spend a Day at Tsambika Beach
Tsambika Beach is one of the prettiest beaches on the west coast of Rhodes Island, known for its golden sand and crystal waters. It’s especially popular among families since it’s a calm beach with beach umbrellas, sun beds, and water sports facilities. There are also a few beachside tavernas, beach bars, and accommodations nearby.
Of course, Rhodes has so many beautiful beaches. Here are a few others worth checking out:
- Elli Beach – easy-to-access beach within walking distance from Rhodes Old Town
- Kathara Beach – One of the cleanest beaches with a small, quiet bay
- Faliraki Beach – Lined with taverns, beach bars, and hotels, this beach is lively and quite popular
- Prasonisi Beach – where the Aegean Sea meets the Mediterranean Sea, with ideal conditions for watersports
- Agathi Beach – Known for its soft, golden sand and shallow, warm waters, this beach is perfect for a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
- Lindos Beach – Located beneath the historic village of Lindos, this beach offers a mix of sand and pebbles with a backdrop of the Lindos Acropolis, making it ideal for a scenic swim.
- Glystra Beach – A quieter option with golden sand and gentle waters, perfect for a relaxed day on the beach away from the crowds.
8. Discover the Ancient World of Kamiros
Kamiros, the “lost and found” Ancient City, was once the smallest city in ancient Rhodes. It thrived during the 5th century BC, but then suffered two large earthquakes.
Today, it’s one of the best-preserved classical Greek cities with an archaeological site that tells more about life during the ancient times, particularly during the Dorian civilisation.
9. Go Wine Tasting
It turns out that Rhodes was one of the first Aegean islands to cultivate a vineyard and make wine! We recommend getting a taste at Kounaki Wines, established in 1928. It’s the top-rated winery in Rhodes, and it offers a variety of wine tastings. The wine cellar door is open daily and offers charcuterie platters and other snacks.
10. Visit the Kallithea Springs
Kallithea Springs in Rhodes is a historic, scenic spa known for its beautiful mosaics, unique architecture, and crystal-clear waters. Originally built by the Italians in the 1920s, the complex was recently restored and offers a blend of relaxation and heritage with sunbeds, beach access, and small cafes.
While the site was historically known for its supposed healing properties, today, it’s more of a beautifully restored beach club bathing area with clear seawater, perfect for swimming and snorkelling. We enjoyed our day there, but is it a must-do? Probably not.
11. Hike Profitis Ilias Mountain
Rhodes has many hiking trails and treks to explore, and Profitis Ilias Mountain is one of them.
The Mountain Profitis Ilias hike in Rhodes offers a serene escape with scenic trails through pine and cypress forests, leading up to the island’s third-highest peak at 798 meters. The hike is about 5.5km and takes roughly 2.5 hours to complete. The trail is moderately challenging, making it suitable for most hikers, with rewarding panoramic views of Rhodes’ coastline and nearby islands at the summit.
12. Go on a Sailing Trip
No visit to Greece is complete without a boat day! There are a lot of boats available for rent in Rhodes. You can hop on a boat cruise that takes you around the coastline for a day of swimming and snorkelling or hop on a sunset cruise that departs in the afternoon, just in time for a beautiful sunset on the water.
You can also hire your own boat for your group or just for a couple. You can even hire a small boat and drive it yourself – the options are plentiful.
We spent a day on the water on the Lindean Pearl, a very comfortable and luxurious boat with day trips around Lindos Main Beach, Afandou Beach, and Tsambika Beach. Our private day on the boat for our family of 6 cost $800 EUR and included lunch and unlimited drinks.
The sailing trip took us to a few coves in and around Lindos and allowed us to admire the scenery from the water. It was one of our favourite activities and days spent on the island!
13. Visit a Small Town
While in Rhodes, go off the beaten path and explore some of the smaller villages dotted around the island. We visited Gennadi, a small settlement with whitewashed houses, a main street, and a few tavernas. We had our favourite meal at Taverna Temptation, which specializes in traditional Greek cuisine and meat.
A few other villages worth checking out on our list are:
- Embonas – Nestled in the mountains, Embonas is known for its wine production and traditional tavernas, offering visitors a taste of local wines and delicious Greek cuisine.
- Apollona – A quaint village with a rich history, Apollona features beautiful stone houses and is famous for its nearby ancient ruins, providing a glimpse into Rhodes’ past.
- Monolithos – Located near the coast, Monolithos boasts stunning views from its castle ruins, making it a great spot for photography and a taste of local culture.
- Vati – This charming village offers a tranquil atmosphere with traditional architecture and local tavernas, perfect for experiencing authentic village life away from the tourist crowds.
- Lachania – Known for its beautiful old houses and peaceful surroundings, Lachania is a great place to enjoy traditional hospitality and explore the rural landscape.
- Laerma – A small, picturesque village with narrow streets and a welcoming vibe, Laerma is perfect for those looking to experience authentic Greek culture and local traditions.
14. Go Olive Tasting
Olive oil was and is a staple in Greek life. We had a fantastic olive tasting at Sip of Olive Oil with its founder and certified olive oil taster, Vilma.
Located near Soroni village, the Sip of Olive Oil tour offered an informative and very experiential tasting experience. We got a chance to learn about local olive oil production, taste different oils, and explore their health benefits. But our favourite part was just sitting among the Olive Trees, enjoying good local treats with olive oil and chatting with the lovely Vilma.
15. See the Castle of Monolithos
The magnificent Monolithos Castle was originally built by the Master of Aubusson in 1476 on a cliff facing the sea. The castle was once considered a powerful fortress in ancient times and provides a fascinating glimpse into Rhodes’ medieval history.
While the castle itself is mostly in ruins, you can explore remnants of the walls and the small chapel of Agios Panteleimon within the grounds. The climb up is steep but manageable, and the views from the top are especially stunning at sunset.
16. Visit the Bee Museum of Rhodes
The Bee Museum of Rhodes, near Pastida, showcases the island’s rich beekeeping heritage through interactive exhibits and live beehive displays. You can learn about the biology of bees, the honey production process, and the cultural importance of beekeeping in Greece.
The museum also offers tastings of local honey varieties, which really is the best part of the visit!
17. Dine at Noble Gourmet Restaurant
Noble is considered one of the best restaurants on the island, on the top floor of Elysium Resort & Spa. The restaurant offers a refined dining experience with a focus on Mediterranean cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients. Every dish is a reinvention of Rhodian cuisine.
Get the full experience with their tasting menu or their 6 or 9-course meals.
18. Visit Seven Springs
Seven Springs, or “Epta Piges,” is a picturesque natural site located in Rhodes known for its lush greenery and tranquil atmosphere. This forested area gets its name from the seven springs that run down a slope to form the Loutanis River, which flows into a small, artificial lake.
One of the main attractions is the shaded tunnel that allows guests to walk through and enjoy the unique experience of the springs, while the surrounding area is ideal for picnics and enjoying nature. There are two routes: one down a water tunnel and the other a dry path under the shade of trees. The easy hike leads to a gift shop and a nice, traditional Rhodian restaurant.
19. Swim at St Paul’s Bay
They say the Apostle Paul docked here in 57 AD to preach Christianity on the island of Rhodes.
Today, St. Paul’s Bay is a stunning and serene spot located near Lindos, known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters and picturesque surroundings. It’s one of the top spots on the island for a day trip to enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and snorkelling in the calm waters.
The nearby church of St. Paul offers a charming backdrop and panoramic views.
20. Enjoy the Greek Island Lifestyle
To-do lists aside, our favourite thing to do in Rhodes (or anywhere in Greece, for that matter) is to just be. So, take some time to immerse yourself in the laid-back rhythm of island life. Enjoy slow meals at local tavernas, wander the towns, drive along the coastline and enjoy the views or just park up on the beach for the day and do absolutely nothing!
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There are so many things to do in Rhodes, Greece, for all kinds of travellers, from history buffs, foodies, nature lovers, and even those looking to party! Rhodes has a little bit of everything, and we highly recommend adding this Greek island to your itinerary.
