Rhodes is the fourth largest Greek island. It’s located in the southern Aegean Sea just a few miles off the coast of Turkey. It is also known as the Island of the Knights because the Knights of St John ruled this greek Island for two centuries.
Rhodes with its rich history, unique landscapes and stunning beaches has something for everyone. And let’s not forget that Rhodes is one of the prettiest islands in Greece.
You can also read: Top Things to Do in Mykonos
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When to visit Rhodes
Rhodes has the longest summer of all the Greek islands. With more than 300 sunny days, This greek island is a great tourist destination all year round.
But, it is better to avoid travelling here during July and August because it is very hot and crowded. The best time to visit Rhodes is June and September up until early October when the sea is warm enough to swim comfortably.
How to get to Rhodes
The fastest and easiest way to get to Rhodes is by plane. There are direct flights from many European cities, including London, to Rhodes International Airport. If this isn’t the case, you can fly to Athens and then to Rhodes. There are direct flights from Athens and Thessaloniki in mainland Greece to Rhodes.
Another option is to take a ferry to Rhodes from the Greek mainland or nearby islands.
You can also read: Best Adults-Only Hotels in Rhodes
How to Get Around the Island
As I mentioned earlier, Rhodes is one of the largest Islands in Greece. This means that if you want to explore the island, you need to rent a car or take guided tours. Renting a car is the best way to get around. Booking in advance helps you to find better deals. You can check rentalcars.com to compare the prices and find the best options.
10 Top Things to Do on Rhodes Island
1. Stroll Around the Old Town
The main attraction here is Rhodes Old Town, one of the oldest inhabited medieval towns in Europe. The old town is surrounded by walls with seven gates. This town is one of the best-preserved medieval settlements in the world.
Strolling around the Old Town is one of the best things to do in Rhodes. You can also join the guided walking tour to learn more about the town. Walking in the narrow cobbled streets here feels like stepping back in time. It is indeed a living museum and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Navigating around the old town can be a little tricky, it is a bit of a maze. However do not worry, you can always find your way back.
There are plenty of restaurants, bars and boutique shops here to keep you entertained for a number of days. Many tourists choose the Old Town as their base to explore the rest of the island.
Best Hotels in Rhodes Old Town
Attiki Hotel located right in the heart of Old Town is only 15 minutes walk from the beach and offers a unique stay. Most guests find this hotel “exceptional”.
Ancient Knights Luxury Suites is another great place to stay in the heart of Rhodes Old Town. This luxury property with a unique style is only 6 minutes away from the beach.
Allegory Boutique Hotel is a small luxury hotel in the heart of the Medieval Rhodes Old Town. This property is part of Yades Greek Historic Hotels which offers a full Mediterranean breakfast.
BOOK HOTELS IN RHODES OLD TOWN
2. Visit the Palace of the Grand Master
While in the Old Town, you should visit the Palace of the Grand Master. It is a medieval castle at the highest point of the Old town. It was originally built on the foundations of the Temple of Helios, the Greek God of the Sun. In the 16th century, The Ottomans converted it into a fortress and a prison.
This palace is enormous and has 158 rooms, although today only 24 are open to visitors.
3. Go to Kallithea Beach and Thermal Springs
Kallithea beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Rhodes and it is a popular one among the locals. It is located only 5 miles from the Old Town. It is a perfect place for swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing.
Right next to the beach, you will find the Kallithea Thermal Springs, which have been known for their beauty as well as their thermal healing water since ancient times. The building and gardens are gorgeous. This is a great place for relaxing and you can easily spend the whole day here.
4. Visit Lindos Village
The village of Lindos is one of the most beautiful places on Rhodes and it is a must-visit when you are on the island. Basically, Lindos is what you expect from a traditional Greek fishing village: narrow cobbled streets, local souvenir shops and white buildings surrounded by crystal clear waters.
Walking here is a great way to see how life on the island was hundreds of years ago. You can get here by car or take a boat from Rhodes town. Book your boat trip here.
Best Hotels in Lindos
Melenos Art Boutique Hotel located a stone's throw away from the beach offers celebrity treatment with world-class service.
Lindos Shore Superior Studio sits right next to the beach and is only 180 meters from Lindos Acropolis. This property is perfect for couples.
Casita Casita Lindos is an adult-only hotel located a short walk from the beach. Guests have access to a garden with an outdoor swimming pool.
5. Visit Acropolis of Lindos
The village of Lindos isn’t the only thing to see around here. Arguably, the main point of interest here is Lindos Acropolis, sitting on a steep cliff, 116 meters above the sea.
To get to the Lindos Acropolis you need to walk through the town first and then you reach the stairs. I highly recommend you to walk up the same as people did in ancient times, but if you have an injury and can’t walk, you can hire a donkey at the bottom of the stairs.
Lindos Acropolis is a well-preserved citadel and the most impressive archaeological site of Rhodes, offering incredible views over the sea and island. Book the entry ticket to Entry Lindos Acropolis with the Temple of Athena.
6. Kitesurfing in Prasonisi Beach
While most of the beaches on Rhodes Island are pebbly, Prasonisi Beach is a wide sandy beach, located at the southernmost tip of the island, where the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas meet. This means you can swim in the Mediterranean Sea and then jump into the Aegean Sea in just a matter of seconds.
Prasonisi Beach is a paradise for windsurfers and kitesurfers and there are a few windsurfing and kitesurfing centres around for those who want to learn a new skill.
7. Go Sea Kayaking
Sea kayaking is one of the most fun outdoor activities in Rhodes. This is a great way to explore the caves and some of the most beautiful bays and beaches on the island. Kayaking gives you the opportunity to visit some of the unspoilt beaches on the island while discovering some of the hidden gems.
The good news is that you do not need to know how to kayak, the instructor usually teaches you what to do and that is enough to have a safe journey on the sea. Book the Pirates' Route Sea Kayaking Tour.
8. Visit Anthony Quinn Bay
If you take the sea kayaking tour, you will have a short stop at Anthony Quinn Bay, but don’t worry, if that is not the case, you can always drive there. The beach at Anthony Quinn Bay is one of the most beautiful beaches in Rhodes.
This beach is named after Anthony Quinn, an American actor. He fell in love with Rhodes after filming "The Guns of Navarone" and bought this part of the island.
9. Go Scuba Diving
Scuba diving is another fun activity to do in Rhodes. Diving in Rhodes is usually easy, relaxing and suitable for beginners. You won’t see a lot of marine life here but there are opportunities to swim through rocks and go into some caves. You will probably need to use torches and you might see some archaeological artefacts underwater.
Rhodes is also a great place for night diving, we tried it and we have seen quite a few octopuses during our dive. Book the Full Day Scuba Diving Tour.
10. Take a boat to Symi Island
Symi is one of the most beautiful places in Greece. Visiting Simi is one of the best things to do when in Rhodes since it can only be reached by boat. This small island is a real gem and it is only a short boat ride from Rhodes island. Symi is famous for its cute harbour town.
More than 22000 people used to live on this island in the 19th century but right now the population is only 2500. Shipbuilding and sponge industries were the main source of income in Symi, but these days the economy relies mostly on tourism. There are a number of tours you can take and I highly recommend taking the High-Speed Boat Cruise to Symi Island.
11. Take a trip to the Seven Springs
Seven Springs is a protected green area on the east side of the Island. The springs fall into a small lake surrounded by lush greenery. To visit the lake, you can have a unique experience by walking through a short, pitch-black tunnel.
The area of the Seven Springs and the nearby forests are also suitable for walking and usually, the temperature here is cooler than in the other parts of the island.
Other Fun Activities and Tours in Rhodes
Premium Catamaran Day Cruise with Lunch & Drinks takes you to the east coast of Rhodes on a luxury catamaran. Snorkelling in the most beautiful bays of Rhodes and a lunch buffet are included.
By taking the Segway Tour, you can explore the Street of the Knights and the Medieval Moat in your own individual segway.
Off-Roading Adventure Tour takes you on beautiful hidden tracks to the amazing viewpoints on the island.
The Full-Day Сomprehensive Tour of Rhodes including Wine Tasting & Lunch is ideal for thoes who want to get the most and the best of Rhodes within one day, without any rush and worries. This tour takes you to famous sights and some hidden gems.
