Rhodes Things to Do

Surrounded by formidable walls, the medieval Old Town of Rhodes is one of the biggest and best-preserved ones in Europe. Dominated by the imposing Palace of the Grand Master and the 15th-century buildings that line the stone-paved Street of the Knights, it makes you feel as if you’ve traveled back in time or as if you’ve stepped right into a fairytale. Today, many of these medieval buildings have been transformed into museums, like the Hospital of the Knights which now houses the Archaeological Museum, or the Old Syssitio building, which hosts a branch of the Rhodes Museum of Modern Greek Art.

Here and there, it is also possible to see ancient Greek ruins or Ottoman edifices that harmoniously coexist with the town’s medieval legacy, while the lush bougainvilleas jutting out among the city walls also add a unique charm to the cityscape. Scattered around the vibrant alleys of the historical center, you will find a plethora of shops, bars, cafes and restaurants, where you can pause and rest after your sightseeing expeditions. At sunset, the nearby Mandraki marina, with its great sea and city views, is one of the best spots for a truly romantic walk.
As you will soon find out for yourself, one can never get enough of strolling around the medieval Old Town, which definitely ranks as the very best thing to do in Rhodes!

Explore Rhodes Town

No visit to Rhodes would be complete without a visit to Lindos, one of the most emblematic locations on the island. Dominated by the imposing acropolis of Lindos that stands on top of a high hill, it is a charming settlement with whitewashed traditional houses that bear a mix of Venetian, Arab and Rhodian influences. Walking along its labyrinthine cobblestone streets or riding a donkey to get to the Acropolis is hands-down one of the top things to do, as it offers unimpeded views of the magnificent bay that stretches below the settlement. The traditional restaurants you will find around the village and the seafront, as well as the fabulous beaches with their turquoise waters guarantee a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Explore Lindos

Rhodes is not all about sightseeing; the island boasts spectacular beaches with crystalline waters that take on kaleidoscopic shades of blue. Many of them are organized and offer visitors a range of amenities, including taverns, bars, accommodation options and watersports centers. If you prefer a relaxing swim away from large crowds, the island will not disappoint you either; all you have to do is explore its secluded sandy coves.
- Megali Paralia and Agios Pavlos, both of which stretch right in front of Lindos and offer stunning views of the village and the acropolis, are among the best —if not the best— swimming destinations on the island. With their pristine turquoise waters, they never fail to captivate visitors from all over the world.
- Surrounded by imposing rocks and lush vegetation, Ladiko (Anthony Quinn) Beach is another highly popular location. Its stunning turquoise waters made it a favorite swimming spot for the actor Anthony Quinn while filming The Guns of Navarone, hence the beach’s nickname.
- With its long stretch of fine golden sand and lovely azure waters, Tsambika easily ranks among the best beaches in Rhodes. It is well-organized and offers plenty of water sports facilities for the more daring.

Discover the best beaches

Looking for a place to stay in Rhodes? The island offers many lovely options! These are our favorite hotels and accommodations on the island:
• Situated in the Kiotari seaside resort, the Mitsis Rodos Village is a luxury complex of suites, bungalows and maisonettes with tastefully furnished interiors. It is an ideal choice as it boasts spectacular outdoor swimming pools, eating establishments and an upscale spa center.
• With its rich architectural legacy, Rhodes Town offers plenty of accommodations in carefully restored medieval buildings. One of them is the Saint Nikolis Hotel, which is housed in an early 14th-century edifice with stone walls and wooden-beamed ceilings. It is centrally located and prides itself on a fantastic rooftop garden terrace with great views.
• Melenos Art Boutique Hotel is one of the best places to stay in Lindos. Offering a selection of suites and villa apartments, it also has a magnificent rooftop restaurant to unwind, taking in the stunning views of Lindos Bay.
• Built on the slopes of Mount Prophet Elias, at an altitude of 780 meters, the magical Elafos Hotel offers something completely different. It is housed in an elegant Italian-style building enclosed by a verdant forest and provides its guests with a variety of activities that mostly revolve around the exploration of the forested mountain slopes.

The best hotels in Rhodes

Rhodes has a particularly rich gastronomic tradition based on a series of high-quality local products, such as virgin olive oil, cheeses, honey, bulgur, tarhana, tahini, chickpeas, and cumin. Thus, though you will find plenty of dining options, from grill houses to ethnic restaurants, one of the best things to do is to head for a traditional tavern and sample some of the delicious local recipes like yaprakia (cyclamen leaves stuffed with rice and lentils), pitaroudia, a kind of chickpea fritters that come in various versions, a goat stew known as lakani, and, of course, the sweet melekouni, a delicacy made with sesame, honey, oranges and spices.

Among the best places to enjoy mouthwatering recipes are Bistrot de l’Aubergne, which sits right in the heart of the Old Town, Antonis, a tavern in Ialyssos that is famous for its authentic Rhodian cuisine, and Paraga in Apollona village, which has emerged as a meeting point for both locals and visitors thanks to its authentic recipes.

More places to eat

Being one of the largest islands in Greece, Rhodes boasts an impressive 220-kilometer-long coastline and a plethora of mindblowing natural, as well as cultural sights. Thus, renting a car is one of the best things to do as it will save you time and unlock destinations that cannot be easily accessed by bus or by going on a day tour. You will be able to move around the island at your own pace and discover all the off-the-beaten-track gems waiting to be explored.
In cooperation with the best local car rental agencies, we offer the best prices and our service is rated .

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Words would never be enough to describe the Valley of Butterflies. Located on the island’s western coast, this is a unique verdant reserve with running streams and trees that attract literally millions of butterflies! During the summer months, everything in the valley is covered with flutters of butterflies: the rocks, the leaves, the tree trunks and every bigger or smaller cavity! Walking along the luxuriant trails, listening to the sound of water and marveling at the butterflies is an awe-inspiring and, at the same time, profoundly relaxing experience that makes this tour one of the best things to do in Rhodes.
The tour is completed with a visit to Filerimos Hill, where it is possible to see the ruins of Ancient Ialyssos and the Gothic-style Monastery of Panagia Filerimos. What makes Filerimos truly memorable, though, is its lovely inhabitants: peacocks that have grown accustomed to human presence and majestically stroll around visitors! Taking back home with you some of the peacock feathers that lie scattered on the ground could well be one of the very best possible souvenirs from your trip to Rhodes!

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Being the largest of the Dodecanese islands, Rhodes is ideally located for day trips to dazzling nearby islands like Symi. Full of colorful mansions popping up around the port, Symi boasts gorgeous beaches and traditional settlements, as well as the 15th-century Monastery of Panormitis with its remarkable icons. With 5-7 daily ferry connections during the high season, it is the ideal destination for a laid-back day trip. Other great choices include the peaceful Halki and the alternative Tilos.

Book your ferry tickets

Rhodes’ unique geographical position also makes it ideal for a short trip to the town of Marmaris in neighboring Turkey, which is merely 1 hour away. Experience the aromas and the splendor of the old town, taste the rich local cuisine and discover the sights and sounds of the East. Seizing this unique chance to combine two countries and two continents during your vacation is definitely one of the best things to do while in Rhodes!
The best way to explore lovely Marmaris is by booking a day tour.

Book the day tour

With such a plethora of well-organized beaches, one of the best things to do in Rhodes is to try your hand at thrilling watersports. Families and groups of friends are sure to have the time of their lives riding a crazy sofa or a banana boat; other sports that have immensely gained popularity over the last years are parasailing, jet skiing and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). There are plenty of watersports centers where visitors can rent all the necessary equipment or have lessons under the supervision of experienced trainers. Windsurfing and kite surfing enthusiasts will also find plenty of locations to indulge their passion, like the idyllic Prasonisi, a narrow stretch of sand that splits the Carpathian Sea in two!

Find the best watersports centers in Rhodes

Hiking and trekking are among the best ways to discover the hidden gems of Rhodes. With a remarkably diverse landscape made up of an extensive coastline, verdant forests, springs, and no less than three mountains, the island boasts several locations of stunning natural beauty that have been declared NATURA-protected areas. There are several hiking routes, many of which pass through traditional villages, while the mountain slopes of Attaviros, the highest mountain, offer sublime views of the nearby islands and the mainland of Asia Minor. And if you’re lucky enough, you might even get a glimpse of the island’s emblematic Dama Dama deer! One of the best things to do in terms of hiking is to follow the alluring trail to the verdant Seven Springs; the highlight of the route is a narrow 186-meter-long tunnel with running water that leads to a small enchanting lake!

Discover the hiking trails

Rhodes has a vibrant nightlife scene to pair with its centuries-old rich culture. Whether you’re looking for a romantic night out or endless partying till the early hours of the morning, you’re sure to find exactly what you’re looking for. As soon as the sun sets, the medieval alleys of Rhodes Town come alive with lively clubs, lounge bars, and classy pubs, while the serene Lindos and Faliraki also boast some of the best nightlife options on the island. Food connoisseurs, on the other hand, will find their hearts’ delight in such traditional villages as Embonas, Kritinia, Apollona, Archipoli, and Psinthos, where they can taste the truly authentic flavors of the local cuisine to the accompaniment of Rhodes’ wines.

Find the best bars

The weather is usually pleasant, and open-air cinemas have become an integral part of Greek summer nights for a good reason. The experience of watching a film under the starry sky is one of a kind, so visiting the Rodon open-air cinema in Rhodes Town is definitely one of the top things to do to make the most out of your stay in Rhodes.

An alternative way to reach your destination is to take a water taxi. Boats depart regularly from Rhodes Town, and other locations like Kiotari and Faliraki, taking visitors to such places as Lindos and Symi. Feel the light breeze in your hair, the sun on your body, and embrace the glory of the sea!

Water taxis in Rhodes

With an underwater landscape abounding in caverns, rock formations and walls with a variegated marine life, Rhodes is perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling. Some of the most riveting diving sites include Lindos, Anthony Quinn Bay, Prasonisi, Pefkos and Kallithea Springs, while Plimiri on the southern coast promises the most spellbinding experience of all other sites in Rhodes thanks to the impressive wreck of a virtually intact 1950s ship. Around the island, you will find numerous scuba diving centers that offer a variety of programs addressed not only to experienced divers but also to children and complete beginners.

Discover the best scuba diving centers

While in Rhodes, don’t miss the chance to visit the Throne of Helios and embark on a unique multidimensional journey through the history and mythology of Rhodes. Experience sound, motion, rain, snow, wind, fire and even smells, see a chariot race with the gods of Olympus, and witness the Colossus of Rhodes, the knights of the order of Saint John, the Ottoman fleet of Suleiman the Magnificent and even the tremendous earthquake that changed the face of the ancient world! Films are available in over 13 languages, and the result is breathtaking and educational for all, regardless of age.

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One of the best things to do in order to take back with you an experience that will truly stay with you for a lifetime is to have a cooking workshop with an expert local chef. In the course of the tour, you will have a unique chance to visit a local winery, taste awarding-winning wines, and learn how to make a selection of traditional Greek appetizers and main courses, like tzatziki and eggplant salad, dolmadakia, cheese pies, and much more. Thanks to this unique workshop, you will be able to delight your relatives and friends back home with all the delicious dishes you will have learned to prepare!

Book the workshop

Renowned since antiquity for the therapeutic properties of the reddish water that springs from various rock formations, the Kallithea springs deserve to be on your bucket list of the best things to do in Rhodes. In the 1920s, this natural spa was adorned with magnificent marble buildings, which have now been completely restored and refurbished, attracting hundreds of visitors every day. Their incomparable monumental architecture, magnificent mosaics and stunning natural scenery make the Kallithea Springs one of the most photogenic spots on the island, so it is no wonder why they featured so prominently in Greek and international film-making in the 1960s and 1970s. While there, try to see if you can recognize the setting of such films as Surprise Package, Escape to Athena, or The Guns of Navarone!

More about the Kallithea Springs

You don’t have to be an experienced diver to marvel at the rich underwater life of Rhodes; go on a submarine cruise and watch the panorama of the island’s underwater world unfold before your eyes! The vessel remains above sea level at all times, so that you can also enjoy great views of Mandraki Port, Elli Beach and the imposing walls of the Old Town, while its hull remains 2.5 meters below the surface of the sea, allowing you to get a glimpse of hundreds of multicolored flora and fauna species.

About Farma of Rhodes

You don’t have to be an experienced diver to marvel at the rich underwater life of Rhodes; just go on a submarine cruise and watch the panorama of the island’s underwater world unfold before your eyes! The vessel remains above sea level at all times, so that you can also enjoy great views of Mandraki Port, Elli Beach and the imposing walls of the Old Town, while its hull remains 2.5 meters below the surface of the sea, allowing you to get a glimpse of hundreds of multicolored flora and fauna species.

Book the cruise

One of the best things to do if you find yourself in Rhodes in late May is to attend the Medieval Rhodes Festival, an annual event inspired by the island’s history. Lasting for several days, it comprises medieval-themed street parades, jousting tournaments, sword-fighting demonstrations, archery contests, reenactments of major historical events, music and dance performances, workshops and much more.

More festivals in Rhodes

On the way from Rhodes Town to Lindos, visitors will find Phaethon, an association dedicated to the protection of the island’s endangered miniature horses. Ranking among the smallest horse breeds in the whole world, Rhodian ponies are unique in that their small size is a result of natural choice rather than human intervention, and, unlike most such species, they have harmonious bodies that resemble those of bigger horses. Today, there are just 14 such horses on the island, under the protection of Phaethon, so visiting them and supporting the association’s work is one of the best things to do while in Rhodes.
Visit their website: www.roditikoalogaki.gr

Housed inside the majestic Grande Albergo delle Rose hotel in the heart of Rhodes Town, the Rhodes Casino offers 1,700 sq.m. of gaming in over 300 state-of-the-art machines ranging from traditional reels to the latest video and interactive innovations. If you feel like admiring its lavish interiors and experiencing an adrenaline rush, don’t forget to pay a visit to the historic Casino of Rhodes.

About the casino

But that's not all! There are a lot more things to do, from taking a yoga class to enjoying a cup of coffee at one of the several cafes!
We invite you to explore even more options that the island has to offer: