Rhodes Travel Guide: Best Things to Do, Beaches & Where to Stay

Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese islands and one of the most rewarding destinations in Greece. It combines a magnificent medieval Old Town, one of the best-preserved in Europe, with golden beaches, ancient ruins, and some of the most reliable sunshine in the country. Whether you are travelling with family, as a couple, or in search of history and culture, Rhodes is a brilliant all-rounder.

This guide covers the best things to do, where to stay, the top beaches, and when to visit, with links through to our more detailed Rhodes guides along the way.

Why Visit Rhodes?

Few Greek islands pack in as much variety as Rhodes. You can spend the morning walking the cobbled streets of a UNESCO-listed medieval city, the afternoon swimming in a turquoise bay, and the evening watching the sunset over the sea from the island's western coast. Its long season, excellent beaches, rich history, and easy flight connections make it a dependable choice from late spring right through to autumn.

Best Things to Do in Rhodes

Explore the Medieval Old Town

The walled Old Town of Rhodes is the island's crowning glory and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander the cobbled Street of the Knights, visit the imposing Palace of the Grand Master, and lose yourself among the squares, archways, and tavernas within the ancient walls. It is one of the largest inhabited medieval towns in Europe and genuinely atmospheric, especially in the early morning or evening.

Discover Lindos and Its Acropolis

About an hour south of Rhodes Town, Lindos is a postcard village of whitewashed houses crowned by a clifftop ancient acropolis. Climb up for spectacular views over the rooftops and the beautiful St Paul's Bay below. The village itself, with its captains' mansions and maze of car-free lanes, is a highlight in its own right.

Visit the Valley of the Butterflies

In summer, the lush, shaded Valley of the Butterflies (Petaloudes) fills with thousands of Jersey tiger moths. The walking trails alongside streams and waterfalls make a cool, green escape from the heat of the coast.

See Ancient Kamiros

On the west coast lie the well-preserved ruins of Ancient Kamiros, an ancient Greek city with streets, houses, and temples spread across a hillside, often called the Pompeii of Rhodes for the picture it paints of everyday ancient life.

Take a Day Trip to Symi

A short boat ride away, the tiny island of Symi is one of the prettiest in the Aegean, with a harbour ringed by pastel neoclassical mansions. It makes for a memorable day trip from Rhodes Town.

The Best Beaches in Rhodes

Rhodes has beaches for every taste. Tsambika is a long stretch of golden sand with shallow water, ideal for families. Anthony Quinn Bay is a small, rocky cove with brilliant snorkelling. Faliraki is the liveliest resort beach, well organised and full of water sports. At the island's southern tip, Prasonisi is a windsurfing and kitesurfing hotspot where two seas meet. St Paul's Bay below Lindos is a sheltered, scenic spot for a swim.

Where to Stay in Rhodes

Rhodes Town suits those who want history, dining, and nightlife on the doorstep, with options inside the atmospheric Old Town or the more modern new town. Lindos is perfect for couples and anyone after charm and scenery. Faliraki is the go-to for families and lively resorts, while Ixia and Ialyssos offer big beach hotels and great windsurfing. For a quieter base, consider Kolymbia, Pefkos, or Kiotari. For more detail, see our guides to the best family accommodation in Rhodes and the island's premium villas.

What to Eat in Rhodes

Rhodian cooking is hearty and full of flavour. Look out for pitaroudia (chickpea fritters), melekouni (a sesame and honey sweet traditionally served at celebrations), fresh grilled seafood, and locally produced wine and olive oil. The tavernas tucked into the Old Town's quieter corners are often better value than those on the main tourist squares.

Best Time to Visit Rhodes

Rhodes enjoys one of the longest seasons in Greece. May, June, September, and October bring warm weather, swimmable seas, and thinner crowds, the ideal window for sightseeing and beaches combined. July and August are hot and busy, best for a beach-focused break. For a full month-by-month breakdown, see our guide on the best time to visit Rhodes.

Getting to and Around Rhodes

Rhodes has an international airport with flights from across Europe, plus ferry links to Athens (Piraeus) and the other Dodecanese islands. The island is large, so hiring a car is the best way to reach Lindos, the west-coast sights, and the quieter southern beaches. Buses connect Rhodes Town with the main resorts in season. For practical advice, read our tips on renting a car at Rhodes Airport.

Plan Your Trip to Rhodes

Once you have a feel for the island, our detailed Rhodes guides cover everything you need to put a trip together: when to visit, how to hire a car, where families should stay, the best premium villas, romantic things to do for couples, and a step-by-step trip-planning guide. Browse the Rhodes category to find them all in one place.

Final Thoughts

Rhodes is one of the easiest Greek islands to fall for. With its medieval Old Town, sun-soaked beaches, ancient ruins, and long, warm season, it offers something for every kind of traveller. Plan your visit for the shoulder season, hire a car to explore beyond the resorts, and you will discover an island that more than lives up to its reputation.