Best Things to Do in Rhodes, Greece

Rhodes is one of those islands that makes planning easy. You can spend the morning inside a UNESCO-listed medieval city, the afternoon in clear water, and the evening eating grilled fish in a harbour-side taverna. It has enough history to keep culture lovers busy for days, but it also works brilliantly if your idea of a good holiday includes long swims, scenic drives and slow lunches.

The island’s capital combines the medieval old town with a newer quarter, while the rest of Rhodes gives you beaches, hilltop villages, archaeological sites and a south coast shaped by wind and sea.

Get lost in Rhodes Old Town

If you do one thing in Rhodes, make it this. The Medieval City of Rhodes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, enclosed within around 4km of walls, and it is still very much a living part of the town rather than a staged historic quarter. That mix is what makes it memorable. You’ll find stone lanes, arched gateways, quiet courtyards, souvenir shops, churches, cafés and homes all folded into the same maze.

See the Palace of the Grand Master and the Street of the Knights

Inside the old town, the grandest stop is the Palace of the Grand Master, one of the key buildings left by the Knights of St John. Pair it with the Street of the Knights, one of the best-preserved medieval streets in Europe and one of the most recognisable sights in Rhodes. The street was restored to its medieval shape and scale, which helps explain why it feels so striking compared with many old quarters that have been heavily altered over time.

Walk up to the Acropolis of Rhodes at Monte Smith

For a different angle on the island’s history, head up to the Acropolis of Rhodes on Monte Smith Hill. The Municipality of Rhodes highlights it as an archaeological park suited to both historical interest and walking, and that combination sums it up well. You’re not going for a polished, tightly enclosed monument. You’re going for open ruins, sea views and a sense of space above the city.

It works particularly well late in the day when the heat drops. If you are staying in Rhodes Town, this is one of the easiest high-reward outings on the island.

Spend a day in Lindos

Around 55 km south of Rhodes Town on the east coast, Lindos is a non-negotiable stop. It is one of the island’s three great ancient cities and today combines whitewashed lanes, sea views and the famous Acropolis of Lindos rising above the village.

The archaeological site opens at 8am and closes at 8pm during the summer months, remaining open every day of the week during high season. The recommended visit is two to three hours. Going at 10am is manageable, but by 11am large groups arrive, visiting early is strongly advised. Bring water and a hat as there are many steps to climb.

After the acropolis, walk down to St Paul’s Bay, reputedly the spot where the Apostle Paul first set foot on Rhodes in AD 51. The water here stays warm as late as October, and the bay is both shallow and protected from winds, making it ideal for swimming.

Pick a beach that matches your pace

Rhodes has more coastline than most visitors expect, with each stretch offering something slightly different.

For a scenic cove and clear water, Anthony Quinn Bay is a classic choice.

If you prefer convenience, Elli Beach sits right in Rhodes Town, with beach bars, hotels and attractions close by.

For space and softer sand, Tsambika Beach is a strong option, while Lindos Beach is known for calmer water and an easy, well-organised setup.

At the southern tip, Prasonisi stands out for its unique setting, where two seas meet and the water shifts in colour.

Before heading out, it’s worth checking you’ve packed the essentials. A quick skim through these beach must-have items you shouldn’t forget can save you from an avoidable detour back to the shops.

And if you’re planning longer beach days, especially with children, these practical beach safety hacks are worth keeping in mind.

Visit Kallithea Springs

Kallithea Springs is a good choice when you want more than a standard beach stop. The site combines restored Italian-era architecture, pebble mosaics, rocky bathing areas and a small-scale cove that feels elegant.

Go to the Valley of the Butterflies in the right season

The Valley of the Butterflies is one of Rhodes’ most seasonal attractions. The valley is home to butterflies of the genus Panaxia quadripunctaria and the main spectacle runs from June to September. That timing matters. Outside the season, it is still a pleasant green area, but it will not deliver the same experience people often expect from photos and guidebooks.

Take a boat trip for a different view of the island

A boat trip is worth adding if your holiday is longer than three days. It breaks up the pattern of beach-town-site-beach and gives you the coastline at its best. You do not need a full luxury cruise either. A short swim-stop trip or coastal cruise is enough to add something different to the week.

This is particularly useful in summer, when the sea can be the most comfortable place to spend the middle of the day.

Food, wine & nightlife

Local seafood is the obvious starting point, grilled octopus, fresh sea bream and kakavia (a traditional Greek fisherman’s stew) are all widely available along the waterfront and in the Old Town. At the end of meals in traditional tavernas, it’s common to be offered a shot of souma, the traditional alcoholic drink of Rhodes, a grape spirit similar to grappa, made from the leftovers of winemaking.

The island has a long winemaking tradition. The Emery Winery near Embonas (also spelled Embona), in the foothills of Mount Attavyros, is the most accessible for visitors and offers tastings.

For nightlife, Faliraki remains the loudest option. Those looking for something more relaxed will find better options in the Old Town, where rooftop bars and smaller tavernas keep things going until the early hours in a far more manageable atmosphere.

Day trips

Day trip to Turkey: Ferries run daily between Rhodes and Marmaris, with the crossing taking around an hour. It’s a popular add-on for those who want to cross into a different country for the day.

Day Trip to Symi Island: A boat trip to Symi Island is one of the best day trips from Rhodes. It’s just a short ferry ride away and is easily one of the prettiest islands in Greece, with colourful buildings lining the hillside and harbour.

If you’re planning to go, this detailed Symi Island Greece travel guide will help you make the most of your time there.

Practical travel tips

Getting there: Rhodes has its own international airport (Diagoras, RHO), with direct flights from major airports throughout the summer season. The airport sits about 14 km southwest of Rhodes Town.

Getting around: Rhodes is one of the larger Greek islands, so renting a car makes exploring the interior and south of the island far easier. KTEL buses are affordable and connect Rhodes Town to eastern resorts, but timetables for rural routes can be infrequent.

Best time to visit: Rhodes has Greece’s longest stretch of summery weather, running from April to October. Tourist season peaks in July and August when beaches are packed and temperatures hover around 28°C (82°F). For a calmer atmosphere and gentler temperatures, visiting in early April, when the island is covered in wildflowers, or in October and November, when the sea is still warm enough for swimming, is well worth considering.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do you need in Rhodes?

Five to seven days gives enough time to cover the main highlights, the Old Town, Lindos, a few beaches, and at least one day trip to Symi. Shorter stays of two to three days work if you focus on Rhodes Town and Lindos only.

Is Rhodes good for families?

Yes. The island has calm, shallow beaches well-suited for young children, a large waterpark near Faliraki, and plenty of historical sites that engage older kids. Pefkos and Kolymbia are particularly good family-friendly resort areas.

When is the best time to visit Rhodes?

Late May, June, and September are the sweet spot, warm enough for swimming, less crowded than peak summer, and more affordable across hotels and car hire.

Is it easy to get around Rhodes without a car?

You can get by on buses for Rhodes Town to Lindos and Faliraki. For anywhere else, particularly the west coast, Prasonisi, and the interior, a hire car is strongly recommended.

Can you do a day trip from Rhodes to Symi?

Yes. Ferries depart daily from Mandraki Harbour, with the crossing taking roughly one hour each way. Most day-trippers have around four to five hours on the island before the return journey.

The rhythm of a Rhodes trip

Rhodes works so well because it never pushes you into one type of trip. You can lean heavily into history, fill your days with beaches, or mix the two without feeling like you are compromising. Start with the old town and Lindos, add one or two standout nature or beach stops, then leave enough room for long meals and unplanned swims. That is usually when Rhodes feels at its best.