Things to do in Rhodes: must-see attractions

Rhodes, the island where the knights left the keys

The Colossus is long gone. The bronze statue that once towered over the harbor, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, collapsed during an earthquake over two thousand years ago. Yet, as you arrive at the entrance to Mandraki harbor, where two bronze deer now stand guard, you still feel a presence. It is as if the giant’s shadow still lingers over this Dodecanese island, the largest in the archipelago, sitting just 11 miles (18 kilometers) from the Turkish coast.

A destination for history buffs, and more

Most travelers come here to walk in the footsteps of the Knights of Saint John. The medieval old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stands as the largest inhabited fortified city in Europe. But reducing the island to just its history would be a mistake. Windsurfing enthusiasts head straight to Prasonisi, a southern cape where the Aegean and Mediterranean seas collide in a dramatic display of crashing waves. Families flock to the sandy beaches along the east coast, while hikers tackle the pine forests of Mount Attavyros, which peaks at 3,989 feet (1,216 meters).

If you are looking for an intimate island vibe like you might find on a quiet Cycladic islet, you should look elsewhere. Mass tourism has turned certain beach towns like Faliraki into soulless hotel blocks. In the summer, the narrow streets of Lindos are packed to the brim. The fix is simple: rent a car and head inland or toward the wild south.

A softer budget than elsewhere in Greece

Prices here are generally 15 to 20 percent lower than in Santorini or Mykonos. Expect to pay 50 to 80 euros per night ($55 to $85) for a decent place to stay, 12 to 18 euros ($13 to $20) for a full meal at a tavern, and 3 to 5 euros ($3 to $5) for a quick gyros. Car rentals typically run around 35 euros per day ($38) in peak season.

Rhodes Old Town: A 2,500-year-old labyrinth

Crossing the Porte d'Amboise feels like stepping back in time. Behind four kilometers of stone ramparts, cobblestone alleys twist between Gothic buildings, Ottoman minarets, and Byzantine churches. The Knights of the Order of Saint John occupied the island from 1309 to 1522, leaving behind monumental inns and a palace that doubles as a fortress.

The rue des Chevaliers (Street of the Knights) is perfectly preserved, lined with the former inns where knights stayed based on their nationality, such as France, Spain, Italy, or England. At the end of the street, the Palais des Grands Maîtres (Palace of the Grand Masters) impresses with its massive towers and Roman mosaic floors. Entry costs 8 euros ($9), with an extra 2 euros ($2) for access to the ramparts for a bird's-eye view of the city.

Insider tip: Explore the old town early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., cruise ships flood the streets with thousands of visitors. The Jewish Quarter in the southeast is quieter and houses the synagogue Kahal Shalom, the oldest in Greece and still in use.

Lindos: Radiant beauty, crowds included

Located 31 miles (50 kilometers) south of the capital, this white-washed village clinging to the hillside is a major draw. The acropolis of Lindos, perched 380 feet (116 meters) above sea level, overlooks two turquoise bays. The Temple of Athena Lindia dates back to the 4th century BC. The walk up takes about 20 minutes via uneven stone stairs. Some visitors opt for a donkey ride, though the treatment of these animals is a point of contention.

The village's pedestrian alleys are packed with shops and restaurants offering rooftop terraces. The baie de Saint-Paul (Saint Paul's Bay) below features a small beach tucked between rocks, where a white chapel hosts weddings year-round. The water is incredibly clear, almost surreal.

Insider tip: Climb to the acropolis just before closing, around 7 p.m. in the summer. You will skip the midday heat and the tour groups, and the sunset from the temple is unforgettable.

The wild south: Where the winds meet

The Prasonisi cape at the southern tip changes shape with the tides. In the summer, a spit of sand connects the main island to a rocky islet. In the winter, the channel reopens and the currents become dangerous. This spot draws windsurfers and kitesurfers from all over the world, as the Aegean produces waves on one side while the Mediterranean remains calmer on the other.

Heading back up the less-traveled west coast, the fortresses of Monolithos and Kritinia offer dizzying views. From Monolithos, the sunset over the sea and the island of Halki is worth the drive. The castle of Kritinia, built in 1472 by the knights, is free to visit.

Nature escapes: Butterflies and hidden springs

The Vallée des Papillons (Valley of the Butterflies), about 18 miles (30 kilometers) from town, attracts millions of Jersey tiger moths between June and September. They come to breed near the Oriental sweetgum trees, whose resin attracts them. Wooden walkways traverse this shaded gorge where streams cascade. Avoid making noise or startling them, as their survival depends on it.

Less known, the Sept Sources (Seven Springs) form a cool oasis amidst the pines. A dark, 180-meter tunnel carved into the rock, with ankle-deep water, leads to a small man-made lake. It can feel a bit claustrophobic, but it is a refreshing change after a day at the beach. Entry is free.

Where to eat and drink in Rhodes?

Rhodian cuisine blends Greek and Middle Eastern influences. Try the pitaroudia, fried chickpea fritters served with tzatziki. The local slow-cooked specialty is called lakani, a goat and chickpea stew simmered for hours. Cumin, which is rare elsewhere in Greece, seasons many of these dishes.

In the old town, the Marco Polo Café serves refined Mediterranean food in a quiet courtyard. For fresh fish, head to the Stegna Kozas tavern on Stegna beach, near Archangelos. In Embonas, a winemaking village on the slopes of Mount Attavyros, taverns serve grilled lamb chops paired with local wine. Tamam, also in the old town, is a reliable pick for affordable, family-style cooking.

As for wine, the island has produced Athiri white wine since antiquity. For a tasting, the 10GR Hotel & Wine Bar offers the island's largest wine list in an elegant setting.

Where to stay in Rhodes and the surrounding area?

The vieille ville (old town) offers the most immersive experience, letting you stay in a converted medieval house and wake up to the sound of church bells. The Rodos Park Suites & Spa pairs modern comfort with proximity to the ramparts. For tighter budgets, the guesthouses around place Hippocrate are affordable outside of the peak summer rush.

In Lindos, accommodations with a view of the acropolis book up months in advance. The Lindos Comfy Suites offers panoramic terraces at reasonable rates. The Faliraki resort area suits families looking for all-inclusive complexes with pools and kids' clubs, though the vibe is fairly generic.

To combine quiet with beach access, the village of Pefkos, south of Lindos, features studios and small hotels facing crystal-clear water. Travelers seeking local charm often prefer Koskinou, ten minutes from the capital, known for its vibrantly painted house facades and mosaic-tiled courtyards.

How to get to and around Rhodes?

Diagoras International Airport receives direct flights from Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and many other European cities between April and October. The flight takes about 3.5 hours. Off-season, you will usually need to connect through Athens. Aegean Airlines operates flights year-round.

From Athens, the ferry departing from Piraeus takes 12 to 15 hours to reach the island. Maritime connections also link the island to Turkey from Marmaris, Fethiye, or Bodrum in one to two hours. The colorful, photogenic island of Symi is just a one-hour boat ride away.

Once you arrive, a car is the best way to explore. Roads are decent, and parking is free outside of the town centers. Two bus companies serve the island: KTEL for the east coast and RODA for the west. The wild, sparsely populated south is not well served by public transit. Taxis display their rates at stands, so expect to pay about 30 euros ($33) to reach Lindos from the capital.

When should you go?

The island enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year. May-June and September-October offer the best balance, with pleasant temperatures, a warm sea, and manageable crowds. July and August bring heavy crowds and higher prices. The Butterfly Valley is only worth visiting in the summer, between June and September.

Winter transforms the island, as the tourists vanish, the old town regains its calm, and prices drop. It is ideal for history enthusiasts who want to explore archaeological sites without the masses. The sea is too cold for swimming, but the countryside turns lush and green, perfect for hiking.