Rhodes, the biggest and most remarkable Greek island in the Dodecanese, is an important tourist destination, home to magnificent beaches and very interesting ancient sites. The island attracts visitors from all over the world looking for pleasant weather, long summers, and a laid-back vibe.
Vast and home to an impressive past, there are some pretty amazing things to do in Rhodes, starting from its incredibly old town. This is a fantastic place to visit in Greece for endless fun and relaxation.
If you’re looking for a complete guide to the island, read on and discover everything you need to know about Rhodes and all the best things to do in Rhodes Greece.
This post may contain affiliate links and Solo Trips and Tips may receive a commission for purchases made through links. See our disclosure about affiliate links
General Information about Rhodes
Owner of an impressive and rich past, Rhodes has also been nicknamed the island of the Knights.
This is due to the remarkable ancient fortress built all over the island, the magnificent Medieval castles, defensive walls, and ancient structures left behind by medieval templars that lived on the island during the Middle Ages.
The Old Town of Rhodes is one of the most magical scenarios to discover. It is a spectacular medieval settlement made of fortified mansions and hosting a gorgeous castle, one of the most beautiful in Greece and among the best preserved all over Europe.
A perfect destination for those into water sports, hiking, and many other outdoor adventures, Rhodes attracts visitors of all ages.
From young travelers looking for adrenaline-infused kite surfing to more mature travelers seeking pleasant walks in the fantastic hills and valleys of the island.
Finally, a word must also be spent on Rhodes beaches, fantastic shores of incredible beauty where it is possible to admire the rich marine life of the coastline as well as different shipwreck sites off the coast that have become interesting destinations for scuba diving in Greece.
Getting to Rhodes
Visitors can get to the island by plane or by ferry.
Rhodes has an important international airport receiving flights from the rest of Greece as well as from several other European countries.
Those flying from outside Europe can fly either to Athens, Thessaloniki, or any other European capital and take a connecting flight to Rhodes.
As an alternative, several ferries depart from Athens and other Greek islands every week.
There are several ferries reaching Rhodes from the Port of Piraeus, but, unfortunately, the trip is not direct as the ferry stops on several other islands before reaching its destination.
It can take up to 18 hours to get from Athens to Rhodes, making air travel the most efficient way to get there.
Best Time of the Year to Visit Rhodes
As with many other Greek destinations, the island enjoys long and hot summers, with the warmer temperatures starting around the end of April or May and lasting until the last days of September.
The central summer months are better for those who enjoy going to the beach; however, accommodation tends to be more expensive, and booking last minute is not the best idea since it is a very popular destination.
Besides, most attractions and beaches tend to be packed; the same goes for museums, shops, and restaurants.
May, June, September, and even the first weeks of October are the best months to visit Rhodes.
Solo Travelers in Rhodes
The island is vibrant, lively, and features an interesting range of possibilities to enjoy, also for solo travelers.
The welcoming locals will make you feel protected and at home, taking great care of you, especially if you’re a female traveling on your own.
The hospitable and welcoming atmosphere makes it easy to join other solo travelers for tours, excursions, and adventures.
Those who prefer outdoor experiences will adore visiting the fantastic Valley of the Butterflies or have fun taking up one of the many seaside sports available at the unique beach of Prasonisi, a small islet that can be reached on foot according to the tides.
Where to Stay in Rhodes
Rhodes Town
The medieval Rhodes town is one of the most picturesque places to stay on the island.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site features a maze of ancient cobblestoned streets, palm trees, and arabesque minarets, gathering some of the best attractions of the island all in one place.
Moreover, the place has dozens of gorgeous boutique hotels, but also taverns, restaurants, and shops, and it is a lively place to stay with plenty of things to do at all times.
Sperveri Boutique Hotel is located in the old town of Rhodes, also close to Elli Beach. It offers gorgeous suites and guest rooms with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, and is a only minutes from the port of Mandraki and the well-known deer statues of Rhodes. Book the beautiful Sperveri Boutique Hotel in Rhodes now.
Modern Rhodes
If you’re looking for more modern hotels as well as more affordable prices, then the new city of Rhodes is a better alternative.
Here you will find all the structures and facilities for a comfortable stay, including convenience stores, banks, shops, cafes, restaurants, and shopping areas.
Sol Cosmopolitan Rhodes is a 4-star hotel located in the modern town of Rhodes featuring accommodation with a restaurant, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a bar, and a garden. Check the availability and prices for the Sol Cosmopolitan Rhodes hotel now.
Faliraki
If you’re looking to spend your time on Rhodes on the beach, then head to this cosmopolitan seaside resort to find the perfect all-inclusive hotel. Prices range from budget to luxurious, depending on how close to the seaside you’re planning to stay. The area is lively and popular among young travelers; there are shops, restaurants, and convenience stores that will easily cover all your basic needs.
Moscha Hotel is a simple but well-located and comfortable hotel only 300 meters from the Faliraki beach and about 2 km from Anthony Quinn Beach. The hotel is only 15 minutes from Rhodes International Airport. Book your stay at Moscha Hotel now.
Lindos
It is also a good idea to stay in a tranquil fishing village close to gorgeous beaches as well as a famous archaeological site, the Acropolis of Lindos.
The traditional settlement features a typical traditional Greek landscape of whitewashed houses and winding alleys. Here, you can find fantastic studios and vacation homes to rent, as well as some fantastic beaches to discover.
Although the area tends to be very popular and therefore overcrowded in the summer, it remains one of the best areas to stay on the island.
Captains House is a gorgeous place to stay in the heart of Lindos village, settled in a traditional villa from the seventeenth century. It is only a 5-minute walk from the beach and a short walking distance from the Ancient Acropolis of Lindos. Book your room at Captains House now.
10 Best Things To Do and See in Rhodes
1. Acropolis of Rhodes
Start by exploring the magnificent old town of Rhodes from a privileged point of view—its ancient Acropolis.
The archaeological site is located atop Mount Smith and is one of the most remarkable examples of Hellenistic settlements in the Mediterranean.
Despite not being protected by defensive walls, the area managed to preserve in fairly good condition the ruins of several ancient sanctuaries, public buildings, a fantastic theater, majestic columns, and other impressive structures from the Hellenistic Age.
Among the most important places to discover, do not overlook the unique Temple of Athena and Zeus, the finest example of Dorian architecture that you will find on the island.
2. The Palace of the Grand Master
Only a few minutes from the Acropolis of Rhodes, venture inside the most spectacular place you can imagine—the incredibly well-preserved Castle of the Knights, which is rightfully considered the most important landmark on the island.
The beautiful castle is in the so-called Street of the Knights, a beautiful medieval alley in the heart of the ancient settlement, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The fortress dates back to the Middle Ages; it was designed and built by the powerful order of the Knights of Saint John, and even when it underwent significant damage during the centuries, several works of reconstruction have managed to give the place all its ancient splendor.
During your visit, take enough time to admire the imposing cylindric towers and access gates at the entrance.
Once inside, don’t miss the fantastic marble floors and Oriental decorations in some of the more than 150 rooms that made the structure.
For a better understanding of not just the building but also the history of the palace and of the whole island, I highly recommend you visit by joining an organized tour.
3. The Baths of Suleiman
Also known as the Great Hammam of Rhodes, this important building used to host several popular Turkish baths in the old medieval settlement of Rhodes Town.
It is one of the most important buildings in the area, featuring cupolas made of distinctive red tiles and different sections both for men and women.
The building, probably dating back from the fourteenth century, has colorful, rich decorations, water fountains, and a lavish marble floor. If you’re looking for a relaxing moment, then why not enjoy one of the many spa treatments that the hammam still offers to the public.
Lindos and its Acropolis
Situated in a scenic position on the side of a picturesque hill, about 45 kilometers from Rhodes Town, the beautiful settlement of Lindos is another must-visit place on the island.
The area is home to another impressive archaeological site of Dorian origin, the Acropolis of Lindos, which most probably dates back to the same period as the Acropolis in Rhodes Town.
At the site, it is possible to see unique Dorian structures from the Hellenistic times, but also more surprising ruins that were restored by the Knights of Saint John during the time they lived on the island.
Among the ruins that you should not miss, explore the Doric Temple of Athena and a more recent temple of Roman origins.
4. The Archaeological Museum of Rhodes
A history with such a rich and impressive past deserves a visit to its archaeological museum.
Hosted by the previous Hospital of the Knights, the museum is located inside one important building from the Middle Ages.
A visit to the premises will provide more in-depth information about the archaeological sites that you’ve probably already visited.
You can check different exhibitions that host different religious artifacts, art, and objects of everyday use found across the different archaeological sites on the island.
A more modern collection features vases, weapons, mosaic floors, and artifacts from the period of the Knights. The museum is also located in the old town of Rhodes.
5. The Valley of the Butterflies
One of the most surreal places you can visit in Rhodes is the gorgeous Petaloudes (the Greek term for butterfly), also known as the Valley of the Butterflies.
This fantastic valley features a unique natural park located no more than half an hour away from Rhodes Town.
This particular place is a natural reserve that shelters a huge colony of butterflies that visits the islands in spring and autumn.
The River Pelekanos crosses a great part of the valley, while beautiful stone bridges and wooden benches under the shade of the trees provide shade and give a refreshing touch to the surroundings.
In the area, you can also visit abundant waterfalls, ponds, and small crystal-clear streams.
Even if you visit in the middle of summer, when it is impossible to spot the butterflies, the place is a perfect oasis to get relief from the high temperatures in the hottest hours of the day.
Rhodes Best Beaches
There are some incredible beaches dotting the coastline of Rhodes; among the most important and popular ones, these are the ones I suggest you visit:
6. Faliraki Beach
Probably the most popular beach on the island, Faliraki features a naturist-friendly area and is popular among travelers of all ages.
This big and often crowded coastal resort faces the beautiful bay of Faliraki, and it is located about 14 km south of Rhodes town.
7. Ladiko Beach (Anthony Quinn Beach)
Also known as Anthony Quinn Beach or Anthony Quinn Bay, this is a shallow and beautiful shore, featuring organized facilities as well as a diving club.
The small cove is about 30 minutes from the center of Rhodes Town. It has small, smooth pebbles and vibrant green waters.
The beach has been named after the famous actor who loved to come to this shore for a refreshing swim during his stay on the island when shooting the famous film The Guns of Navarone.
Ladiko Beach is not far from another famous beach on the island, Faliraki.
8. Agios Pavlos Beach, Lindos
Agios Pavlos, or Saint Paul’s Bay, is a unique beach near the village of Lindos, about an hour from Rhodes Town (about 45 kilometers).
It features a scenic setting right under the shadow of the Acropolis of Lindos, gorgeous golden sand mixed with small pebbles, and pristine waters.
The beach is well organized; it is possible to rent sunbeds and umbrellas, while water sports and scuba diving are also available.
9. Prasonisi
One of the most popular areas of the island is Prasonisi.
The place offers the perfect wind conditions to practice windsurfing and kite surfing.
Prasonisi is a famous peninsula that, according to the hours of the day and the tides, can become a small island that you can also reach on foot. It is not close to Rhodes Town (about 85 kilometers), so it is necessary to rent a car to visit.
Remember that the beach lacks facilities, so packing enough drinks and a lunch will be necessary if you plan to spend the day.
10. Kallithea Beach
If you don’t plan on driving or renting a car when visiting, or if you just want to remain closer to the old town of Rhodes, then Kallithea is a good shore about 8 kilometers from Rhodes Town.
This spot is also known for the hot springs in the area as well as for the different scuba diving opportunities and the excellent conditions to practice water sports too. You can book a sea kayaking tour to explore Rhodes from the water and enjoy swimming and snorkeling too.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, Rhodes is one of the most magnificent places in Greece, and it’s best to plan for a 3- to 5-day itinerary in Rhodes to see the top attractions and enjoy some time at the beaches too!
More Places to See in Greece
Guide to Mykonos – Best Things to Do
What are the Must-Try Foods in Greece?
10 Best Islands to Visit in Greece
When is the Best Time to Visit Greece?
10 Tips for Do’s and Don’ts of Dining in Greece
Save this to Pinterest for later!
About the Author
Gabi Ancarola is a translator and travel journalist living in Crete. She regularly writes about Europe for several magazines about travel, gastronomy, and hospitality. She has published several travel guides about Greece and plans customized trips to the Greek islands. She loves cooking local dishes, taking photos, and driving on the mountain roads of Crete.