Explore the 10 Best Things To Do on Rhodes Island

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Rhodes is the largest island in the Dodecanese archipelago. Greece’s fourth-largest island owes its nickname, ‘Sun Island’, to its approximately 300 days of sunshine per year. The impressive natural landscape and endless beaches magically attract families, couples, and solo travellers all year round. Located off the southern coast of Turkey, the island also attracts culture lovers, connoisseurs and active travellers to the sights and attractions of Rhodes thanks to its diversity and world cultural heritage. Discover the best things to do and see on the island – from the east coast to the west coast!

Rhodes is one of the most popular islands in Greece and one of the top travel destinations in Europe. This is not only due to the fantastic weather and beautiful beaches, but also to the varied sights that the island has to offer. The island’s distinctive atmosphere is particularly evident in the beautiful medieval town of Rhodes.

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Where is the most beautiful place on Rhodes?

Rhodes has countless beautiful places. However, the most popular holiday resorts on the island of Rhodes are all located on the east coast. Starting from Rhodes Town and heading southwest, these are Faliraki, Afandou, Kolymbia, Kallithea, Lindos and Lardos. The famous Anthony Quinn Bay, the beautiful St. Paul’s Bay and Tsambika Beach are also located here. The beaches on this side are nice and wide and there is a wide range of tourist attractions. It is also less windy here than on the west coast, so the sea is calmer. Surfers and travellers who particularly value peace and quiet will probably be drawn to the west coast, where it is greener and the temperatures are slightly cooler.

In Short – What should you definitely see on Rhodes?

If you’re holidaying on Rhodes, don’t miss the following things to do, sights and activities:

• Sightseeing in Rhodes Town: The historic old town of Rhodes is definitely worth a visit. Stroll through the beautiful medieval streets, follow in the footsteps of the ancient knights and explore the impressive Grand Master’s Palace.
• Relax at the Kallithea Thermal Springs: Every visitor to Rhodes should see the former Oriental-style spa. This wonderful setting is perfect for relaxing on the beach. It is also a great place for snorkelling.
• Stroll through the streets of Lindos: Lindos is famous for its picturesque alleys, beautiful white houses and, of course, the breathtaking Acropolis, which towers majestically over the village.
• Hiking at Epta Piges: The Seven Springs are one of the most popular destinations on Rhodes. Here, near Kolymbia, visitors will find a true hiking oasis in the lushest greenery of the Mediterranean.
• Snorkelling in Anthony Quinn Bay: The picturesque bay in the north-east of the island is an ideal spot for snorkelling, not least because fishing is prohibited here. Crystal-clear, turquoise-shimmering water and many large and small rocks provide a dreamlike backdrop for your holiday in Rhodes.
• Marvel at the Valley of the Butterflies: From June to September, huge numbers of butterflies are attracted to the resinous scent of the Oriental amber tree in this wildly romantic valley. As you hike through the woods, past beautiful waterfalls, you can marvel at the butterflies that cover the tree trunks like a patterned carpet.

Rhodes Town – See the Colossus of Rhodes

Mandraki, the modern part of the town, is located at the northern tip of the east coast of Rhodes, along with the harbour. Here you can admire three picturesque windmills and one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Colossus of Rhodes. Curiously, the 30-metre-high bronze statue of the sun god Helios no longer exists today: the Colossus was completely destroyed by an earthquake in 226 BC, only 66 years after its construction, and no remains exist.

Today, two smaller stone columns with statues of a doe and a fawn, the heraldic animals of Rhodes, flank the harbour entrance. If you enjoy the fresh sea air at the harbour early in the morning, you can see the locals fishing.

Rhodes’ Old Town – A reflection of turbulent times

One of the highlights among Rhodes’ sights is the Old Town of Rhodes Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988. Numerous occupiers have left their mark here. Buildings from the Middle Ages nestle alongside those from the Ottoman occupation from 1523 to 1912. But hardly any era shaped the city more than that of the Knights Hospitaller, which began in Rhodes at the beginning of the 14th century and lasted for around 200 years.

Well-preserved buildings and fortresses, the imposing city walls and, last but not least, the medieval knights’ street – ‘Odos Ippoton’, home to the knightly fraternities of the so-called Rhodians – bear witness to a time when trade flourished. Other sights that await you on your package holiday to Rhodes Town:

• Hippocrates Square
• the Owl Fountain
• the old hospital with its archaeological museum
• the lower town with its narrow streets, shops, cafés, and restaurants
• the Kahal Shalom Synagogue

Tip: A day trip to the island of Symi is also well worth it.

The Grand Master’s Palace: Rhodes’ highlight in the old town

At the end of Knight Street, you will find what is probably the most historic relic from the time of the Knights Hospitaller. The Grand Master’s Palace in Rhodes’ old town was built in the 14th century and served as a medieval residence, administrative headquarters, prison and ammunition depot. In 1856, large parts of the building were destroyed in an explosion. It was rebuilt under Italian rule, with only the main portal remaining in its original form. Historians still puzzle over whether the Colossus of Rhodes was actually located inside the Grand Master’s Palace…

Tip: The Grand Master’s Palace is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. from April to October. From November to March, it is closed on Mondays and open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on all other days. Regular admission costs €6 at the door.

More sights and attractions on Rhodes

Acropolis of Lindos – Impressive architecture and stunning scenery

The third most visited archaeological site in Greece is also one of the most picturesque, containing traces of more than five thousand years of history.

The Acropolis of Lindos and the listed village of the same name at its foot are an absolute must-see when visiting Rhodes. The extremely authentic village is located 45 km from the city of Rhodes in a beautiful bay dotted with fabulous sandy beaches. It is a very charming place with cobbled alleys and whitewashed houses in typical Greek style sloping down to the sea. However, Lindos is not only a world-famous holiday resort, but also a place of great historical interest.

• Location: Acropolis of Lindos

Whether you undertake the somewhat arduous climb on foot to the impressive fortress or opt for the more comfortable ride up on a donkey, a highly interesting archaeological site and an unforgettable view await you at the top. The village of Lindos was built on the ruins of ancient Lindos. A few traces of this period still exist, such as the ancient theatre on the edge of today’s settlement. However, the Acropolis of Lindos is the most prominent monument. It is the monumental citadel of the sanctuary of Athena Lindia, famous in ancient times, which later became the Crusader fortress of the Knights of St John.

Epta Piges – The Seven Springs of Rhodes

The Seven Springs of Rhodes invite you to hike through a magical landscape and provide a refreshing change of pace during your island holiday.

The seven springs (Epta Piges) near the resort of Kolymbia are one of the most charming destinations on the island of Rhodes. Visitors will find a real oasis here in the lush greenery of the Mediterranean. You can stroll along beautiful forest paths, follow the course of the natural springs and take a refreshing dip in the freshwater lake formed by a dam. In these beautiful surroundings, you can observe many animals up close, such as peacocks, turtles and geese, as well as smaller creatures such as crabs and fish. The highlight of the excursion is the hike through a narrow, dark tunnel that leads to the lake where the seven springs converge.

If you follow the path of the water through the forest, you will come to an approximately 180-metre-long walk-through tunnel through which the water flows ankle-deep into an artificial lake. The lake was created by the Italians during their occupation of the island in the 1930s and dammed by an approximately eight-metre-high dam. The flowing water creates a magnificent waterfall here. You can also swim in the Seven Springs Lake, but the water is quite cold even in midsummer.

Tip: If you decide to venture on the popular tunnel hike, you should not be claustrophobic and should bring a torch and waterproof shoes. If necessary, you can also go barefoot, but the path is quite slippery.

Valley of the Butterflies – A fascinating natural spectacle on Rhodes

In the Valley of the Butterflies on Rhodes, you can enjoy the beauty of nature and explore the life cycle of these beautiful creatures.

The Valley of the Butterflies (Petaloudes) on Rhodes is known worldwide as a summer retreat for millions of butterflies. It is a habitat with dense vegetation, breathtaking natural beauty, bridges that blend harmoniously into the surroundings, ponds, small waterfalls and a peaceful atmosphere. A unique experience for visitors, who will be enchanted by the sound of cicadas and the murmur of cool water.

• Location: Valley of Butterflies Rhodes

The area is famous for its natural beauty, but the valley’s main and unique feature is the zitia plant and the specific substances it secretes, which attract butterflies, especially those of the Panaxia quadripunctaria species. Visitors can witness a spectacular phenomenon that rarely occurs in nature. Huge numbers of butterflies gather in this small valley during the final phase of their life cycle.

Tsambika Monastery – Shrouded in legends

Of all the places on the beautiful island of Rhodes, Tsambika is probably the one that earned the island its reputation as a Mediterranean paradise. With a monastery on a hill and a long sandy beach by the sea, Tsambika has everything a holidaymaker could wish for – breathtaking views, a relaxing atmosphere and enchanting beaches. The Tsambika monastery is located on a hill about 300 metres high with a view over the Kolymbia area to the north, from where you can just see the eucalyptus road. To the south, you can see Tsambika beach.

Legend has it that women who have difficulty conceiving should climb the hill barefoot to ask the Virgin Mary for fertility, and that in most cases, their faith will be rewarded and their wish granted. If this is the case, the male child born to such a mother should be named ‘Tsambikos’, while the girl should be named ‘Tsambika’. For those who are still sceptical about the veracity of this tradition, I recommend an experiment: call out the name on a busy street somewhere on the island! Count the number of heads that turn towards you and you will realise how much truth there is in this story.

Insider Tip: Lachania, the authentic village on Rhodes

The village of Lachania, about 3 km from the sea, exudes a very special charm and is probably a dream destination for individualists in Rhodes who want to explore the island off the beaten tourist track.

Many of the old stone houses have been lovingly restored and are now home to artists and free spirits from all over the world. Lachania also has some pretty Rhodes holiday homes and apartments. The artists’ village of Rhodes is ideal for anyone who wants to spend their Rhodes holiday far away from the hustle and bustle.

The village square of Lachania looks like something out of a picture book. Pure Greek idyll with a large plane tree, whitewashed houses, a splashing fountain and the village church. In the evening, the atmosphere in the Taverne Platanos is particularly romantic over a glass of wine and is sure to be an unforgettable Rhodes experience.

Things to do on Rhodes: The most beautiful places & beaches

In addition to Kos and Crete, Rhodes also boasts some beautiful and picturesque bays that you can discover as part of a holiday to Greece:

• Kolymbia: Visit a monastery and go parasailing at Tsambika Beach on the east coast
• Anthony Quinn Bay: Snorkelling south of Rhodes Town
• Traganou Beach: clear water and a cave near Faliraki
• Pefkos Beach: velvety soft sand on the Lindos peninsula
• Lardos: family beach on the south-east coast
• Ialysos: pebble beach for kite surfing and windsurfing on the west coast

The rocky Prasonisi peninsula in the south of Rhodes

At the southern tip of the island, sun worshippers and windsurfers will find a beautiful sandy beach on Prasonisi, which separates the Mediterranean from the Aegean Sea.

Rental cars & getting around Rhodes

The best way to explore Rhodes is to take a long road trip in a rental car. If you are travelling independently, you can also explore some beautiful places far away from the tourist crowds. During high season, the island’s motorway in the east of Rhodes is very busy. Keep to the speed limits and avoid overtaking in situations where visibility is poor.

Car hire in Rhodes is available from several international rental companies directly at the airport. Regional providers are often slightly cheaper and will also bring the desired vehicle to the airport. Small cars start at around € 40 per day, depending on the season and model. The longer you hire, the cheaper the daily rate becomes. I like to use DiscoverCars to compare rental cars:

As most roads on Rhodes are paved, an off-road vehicle is not absolutely necessary. During the peak season in July and August, I recommend reserving a vehicle in advance from home before travelling.