22 Best Things To Do In Rhodes, Greece

Rhodes is one of the most popular islands in the Greek Isles, partly due to its cheap flights from the UK. Of course, it’s Greece, so you will get plenty of sunshine and a great time. Plus, there are plenty of things to do in Rhodes to ensure you will never get bored.
We love Greece and have made several trips to explore the different islands. There are many things to do in Rhodes, including many beautiful Greek beaches and charming towns. Rhodes is known for being one of the most diverse Greek Isles and packed with history due to its geographical significance.
Where is Rhodes, Greece
Before we dig into the best things to do in Rhodes let’s discuss location! Rhodes is one of the largest Greek Islands, and the largest of the Dodecanese islands. Compared to many other Greek Islands it’s also one of the most visited thanks to its ease of travel and many European flight connections.
Rhodes provides visitors with a wonderful mix of history, beautiful beaches, and a great medieval town, making it one of the best places to visit in Greece.
Even if you have never traveled to Greece before you have likely heard of Rhodes. It is famous around the world for the Colossus of Rhodes, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Because of its location Rhodes is accessible via ferry from Athens as well as the islands of Kos, Symi, Tilos and even Turkey.
Best Things to do in Rhodes, Greece
Wander Around Rhodes Old Town
With its fascinating history dating back to antiquity, finding unusual things to do in Rhodes town won’t be a problem. Perhaps, the most important step you’ll make on your trip to the island is Old Town Rhodes. The old town features architecture and relics left behind by the various groups who have controlled the island over its history.
When we first arrived in Rhodes on board a gulet cruise based out of Turkey we were blown away by the Old Town in Rhodes. We arrived in the evening watched the sunset and then wandered through the ancient streets into the night.
Near the town’s center, there are minarets, Turkish baths, a mosque, a synagogue, and Italian monuments. Meandering through the town’s dizzying and enchanting mishmash of small streets will make you feel like you’ve been sucked into a vortex and deposited in a different era.
While many of the attractions on the island are best experienced with a guide, old town is one of those places where the town’s essence seems to flow right into you without the constant ramblings of a well-meaning tour guide.
If you’re lucky enough to find yourself on Socrates Street, stop for a cappuccino, gelato or souvenir, as this is the main tourist street. If you’re interested in hanging around after hours, the city is known for its lively nightlife too.
Book: Explore the Ancient City by Scooter
Photograph the Old Town Aquarium
Housed in a beautiful art deco building built in the ’30s, the aquarium – or Hydro-Biological Station of Rhodes – was built to be visually pleasing, both inside and out. We’re not big on animal enclosures or aquariums; however, the building is a nice piece of architecture and worth a stop for some photos.
Sun Bathe on Elli Beach
Ellis Beach is one of the best beaches in Rhodes and it also happens to be the closest to Rhodes town. It’s a super popular beach and considered to be one of the most beautiful in the Dodecanese islands, granted we don’t agree with that.
The beach has a plethora of chairs and umbrellas for rent along with tavernas and hotels on the beach front. We came for a chance to take dive off the awesome diving board located in the middle of the ocean.
Along with being a great spot to catch some sun, there are a plethora of water sports you can try out. We gave windsurfing a try.
Walk Down the Street of the Knights
This medieval street was once the home to the famed Knights of Hospitaller who ruled over Rhodes. The street was divided into seven languages where knights were organized according to their birthplace – France, Germany, England, Auvergne, Italy, and Provence. Each of the knights was responsible for their own section of the fortifications of Rhodes town.
Once you start walking down the street you feel as if you’ve been instantly transported back in time. It appears as little has changed other than a few lights that could be lanterns in the last 700 years.
Go Scuba Diving
This was the first place we ever went scuba diving in our lives. It was an exhilarating excursion to do in Rhodes and anyone looking to experience what lies in our oceans should give scuba a try.
We’ve since gotten our open water certification but still look back to the very first place we ever went scuba diving. We went with Waterhoppers who operate out of Rhodes harbor. You can read more about our scuba experience in Rhodes here.
Book Your Scuba Adventure Here
Explore the Palace of Grand Masters
In case you missed it while meandering your way through the streets of Old Town Rhodes, make it a point to head to the majestic Palace of Grand Masters – also known as the Kastello. Its size and sheer presence seem to draw gazes from all over town, which makes missing it kind of impossible.
One of the only examples of gothic architecture in Greece, it functioned as a palace, military headquarters, and fort, and according to recent excavations, it may be the very site where the ancient Colossus of Rhodes stood. If your timing is good, you may catch one of the many special exhibits or festivals that are common in Old Town throughout the year.
Visit the Acropolis of Lindos
One of Greece’s oldest and most popular archaeological sites, the Acropolis of Lindos is built into a dramatic, rocky bluff nearly 300 feet high. Sandwiched between Saint Paul’s Bay and the town below, the view from the top is memorable, to say the least.
Located in the island’s south, about 45 km from the city of Rhodes, it has been used as a fort by various factions throughout history, including the Greeks, Romans, and Turks. In ancient times, Lindos was important and prosperous due to its location along the sea lanes between Greece, the Middle East, Europe, and Russia.
Though its prosperity waned over the years, its majestic beauty has persevered, but remember, Lindos is a pedestrian-only site, so bring your walking shoes. For those who don’t think they can manage the walk, donkey tours are available, but the trip up the ancient path shouldn’t take more than 20 minutes.
Take a High Speed Boat to Lindos
Swim at Lindos Beach
After a hike up to the Acropolis in the hot sun head down to the beautiful beach below for a swim. There are plenty of places to rent chairs and umbrellas, and a section to layout with just a towel.
The water here is very calm and clear making it a wonderful place to go for a swim along with a sandy beach. It’s a bit of a rarity as many of the beaches on Rhodes are smooth stones. Chilling here is one of the best things to do in Rhodes for families and children. If you need a beach packing list find ours here with a checklist.
You don’t need to drive all the way to Lindos. Instead, you can take a boat cruise along the beautiful coastline.
Artistic Village Contemporary Museum
Sure, there are lots of great things to do in Rhodes, like exploring ruins, castles and archaeological sites from antiquity, but there are also contemporary attractions that should be on your to-do list as well. To get out of the sun and take a refreshing break from antiquity, head to the Artistic Village Contemporary Museum.
You’ll find many artists from the same family whose art is displayed working there, and they’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have. You won’t find any of the overpriced and overdone tourist gizmos and knickknacks that you will at the other stores.
Be prepared to be delighted by the quirky, imaginative and colorful works on display here. Your kids will love the artwork’s off-the-wall nature and don’t be afraid to buy something, even if it’s breakable, because the staff will be more than happy to wrap it for you to withstand the trip home.
Explore the Butterfly Valley
Just a convenient hop, skip and jump from the city of Rhodes, is a place that draws nature lovers from all over the world. Set inside rocky hills covered with green foliage that provides much-needed shade on hot days, it’s a magic place where butterflies come every year from June until September to mate and leave their eggs, ensuring survival for the next generation.
Convenient little bridges and walkways have been constructed to make getting around easy. If you happen to be there at the height of the migration, the butterflies may be so thick they’ll make the trees and hills look like their alive.
It’s one of the most fascinating things to do in Rhodes, especially for kids. There’s a café and gift shop too if you’re inclined to buy a souvenir.
Seven Springs and Archangelos
If by some chance you didn’t get your fill of nature at Butterfly Valley, then a trip to Seven Springs should do the trick. You can get there by car, bus, taxi or bicycle.
Small, slightly off the beaten path, and no more than a half hour from the city of Rhodes, Sevens Springs can be a peaceful oasis from the hustle and bustle of the town. With old wells and an aqueduct, there are lots of interesting things to see and discover.
The cool stream that runs through the park attracts insects, frogs, and waterfowl, and the water is accessible, so it’s a great place for kids to slop around and be kids. Due to their proximity, you may want to head to Archangelos and visit the ruins of the castle of St. John too. Built in 1309, the citadel has a fascinating history and lots of dramatic views from the top too.
Stamatiadis Mineralogy and Paleontology Museum
Don’t let the big name scare you; in laymen’s terms, it just means a neat place to see cool old stuff. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon looking at petrified fossils from bygone eras and locations around the world, some dating back as far as 400 million years.
There are beautiful and bizarre rocks, geodes and crystal formations, and there’s also a large hall which has been set up as a movie theatre, where visitors can take a load off and watch interesting films about nature on a big screen. There’s also a gift shop on site, entry is free, and, according to the website, they’re open from Monday to Sunday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Hike Around Anthony Quinn Beach
Hiking in Greece is wonderful on the island and one of the great free things to do in Rhodes. The recent history of this serene bay is quite interesting. It owes its name to the famed actor Anthony Quinn who decided to buy the isolated bay in order to create a center for artists. However, after making the purchase the Greek government annulled the sale and seized the land.
It deeply hurt the star and he along with his family vowed never to return to Rhodes or Greece again. His family even took the case to the Greek supreme court, but it never got to the end. To this day it’s still a contested issue that will likely never get solved. However, the bay makes for a beautiful hike and swim.
The hike along the bay was a highlight of our trip to Rhodes and one of the few times we were able to escape the majority of tourists on the island. You can find the beach here.
Hit 3 Bays in One: Book a Boat Trip to Anthony Quinn, Kallithea & Traganou Bays
Astronomy Cafe and Observatory “Hipparchos”
The Astronomy Cafe And Observatory puts on an astronomical experience every night of the week. In the summertime, you should expect a bit of wait, but you can pass the time walking around the garden and having a drink. However, once you’ve waited your turn they’ll take you into their observatory to point a few planets and stars out through the large telescope.
On a clear night the view of the moon through the telescope is unreal and well worth a trip for families and couples as it is both romantic and fun. If you’re with a loved one it’s definitely one of the most romantic things to do in Rhodes at night.
Take the kids to The Rhodes Toy Museum
Let’s face it, ancient history isn’t the most interesting topic to a lot of children, but thankfully, there are lots of kid-friendly things to do in Rhodes too. To lighten things up a bit, and hopefully remove that blank look that’s been on their faces since the trip to the Acropolis of Lindos, take a few mornings or afternoon hours out of your schedule to give them something they’ll really enjoy.
Near the quaint village of Archipoli, the museum is surrounded by olive trees and scenic mountains and gets all of its energy from the sun, which isn’t in short supply here. The toys in the Rhodes Toy Museum have one thing in common: they were all made in Greece and cover the timespan between the ’30s and ’90s and include all manner of toys, many of which are similar to the toys you grew up with.
Relax in Rodini Park
Supposedly the oldest park in the world and within a few kilometers from downtown Rhodes, Rodini Park may be the perfect and peaceful way to end a long day. It’s a pleasant mix of overgrown and manicured, full of thick vegetation and enchanting trails that lead you by babbling brooks, quiet pools, drinking animals, and ancient aqueducts.
A group of peacocks on the property that they aren’t shy and will show you their famous plumage if you’re lucky. There’s no park entrance fee or hours of operation, so go when you feel like a little nature is needed to soothe your rough edges.
Visit the Faliraki Waterpark
There are waterparks, and then there are waterparks on steroids. If you prefer the latter, the Faliraki Waterpark will quench your desire for fun, sun, and adrenaline. With massive waterslides, waves, and pools of all shapes and sizes, there will be something sensational and safe for every family member.
If you’d rather just watch from a safe distance, that’s okay, too; deck chairs and refreshments are available. According to their website, the park opens at 9:30 in the morning and is just across the street from Esperos Palace.
Skip the Line at the Waterpark!
Visit Thermal Springs in Kallithea
Put everything you think you know about thermal springs out of your mind. As one of the most luxurious things to do in Rhodes, it’s more like a private island meets spa for the hopelessly rich and famous.
Don’t worry if you just had your car repossessed and sold a kidney to pay for your trip; the entrance fee won’t break the bank, and the facilities, staff, and views will make you feel like a high-roller. Lounging in the soothingly hot water bubbling from the earth below is a great way to soothe your soul and your tired feet.
Make Your Taste Buds Happy
The largest of the Dodecanese Islands and nearer to Turkey than Greece, Rhodes is dripping with history, culture, and culinary influences from its neighbors and cosmopolitan past. Known for its fresh ingredients and healthy food, the island has become a hotspot for young chefs and fusion cuisine, which mixes traditional dishes with a modern twist and international flare. But don’t worry—if trendy isn’t your thing, you’ll find plenty of traditional Greek restaurants, and if a burger and beer are more your speed, you’ll find that, too.
Thanks to some advice from our friendly guesthouse owners, we took our motorbike and went into the town of Maritsa for local tavernas. Traditional tavernas do not operate on a menu, as you have mezze or a series of “small” plates brought out to you one after another. It’s always based on what’s available, and you eat until you’re stuffed.
It’s a traditional way of life in Greece. You eat and drink with family and friends for several hours into the late night hours. It is one of their most charming traditions and something you must dig a little to find outside of the traditional tourist haunts.
See the Sunset at Monolithos Castle
Monolithos Castle is near the village of Monolithos. Its purpose back in the day was to protect from pirates and enemies. Now, it’s another fascinating ruin, but it serves as a great lookout point over the sea—especially at sunset! Catching the end of the day here is one of the best things to do in Rhodes.
Prassonissi beach
Located about 85 km south of Rhodes Town is Prassonissi Beach. Once of the most secluded beaches on Rhodes, and great for windsurfing. This peninsula in the sea actually creates two sandy beaches and is one of the best places in Rhodes to spend the day at.
Day Trip to Symi
It only takes one hour and 20 minutes to get to Symi, a colorful town well worth a day out. One of the best things to do in Rhodes is take a day trip to the small islands. Wander the town, shop in the boutique stores, and bring a beach tote for Greek beach time!
Book a Trip to Symi
Best Things to do in Rhodes, Greece map
Other Fun Tours to Try in Rhodes
How to Get to Rhodes, Greece
The best way to get to the Greek islands is via ferry or plane.
By Plane
The Rhodes International Airport “Diagoras” is one of the busiest airports in all of Greece. It has countless daily flights to and from Athens and Thessaloniki. You can also score cheap Ryan Air flights into Rhodes from around the rest of Europe.
If you are coming from outside the EU you will likely need to route yourself through Athens. Thankfully the flight from Athens to Rhodes is under an hour! The airport is about 15 minutes away from Rhodes Town, so once you land it’s best to either pick up a rental car or take a taxi to your accommodation.
By Ferry
The Greek islands are spread apart and unfortunately, you can’t just hop on a short ferry to the next one. Depending on the journey the ferry can take forever, or if it’s the next-door island it can take as little as two hours. It’s advisable to book your ferry tickets beforehand, especially in the high season. Book your ferry tickets here!
Ferry Hopper is what we use to plan our trips around the Greek Islands. Rhodes is well connected via ferry to Santorini, Samos, Tinos, Symi, Kos, Crete, and the coast of Turkey!
Get Around Rhodes
Rental Car in Rhodes
Once in Rhodes, the best way to get around is with a rental car or motorbike. You can usually rent a motorbike for about €15 a day, and the Greeks are generally willing to cut you a deal the longer you rent. This is one way to get to all the destinations you want to get to on your own schedule.
Another great option is a rental car. An automatic rental car can go for €15 a day in the low season up to €35 a day in the higher seasons and will ensure you get to all the best places in Greece. Knowing how to drive a manual car will get you better prices in Europe. If you’re traveling as a group it is worth your while to hire a car for your trip.
We traveled around Greece for three weeks and paid about €25 a day for a car rental on the Greek Islands, which was a pretty decent deal in my opinion! I generally like to check comparison sites so I can get the best prices. My favorites to look at are:
- RentalCars.com: Provides comparisons for car rentals in Greece.
- AutoEurope: I can often find deals here for car rentals in Europe.
- Discover Car Hire: Searches rental car prices around the globe.
Compare Rates
When is the Best Time to Visit Rhodes, Greece
High season (June-September):
Like most places in Europe, Greece’s high season runs from June to mid September. This is when you will find the best sunny weather as noted above, but also crowds, especially on the popular islands like Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete. Days are longer, the weather is HOT, so you’ll want to be close to a pool or ocean. Hotel and car rental prices are at their highest.
Shoulder Season (April -May and October-November):
The weather in Greece is cooler during these months, some would consider it much more comfortable than prime summertime weather. It’s not as busy as the summertime, but you’ll still see lots of travelers lingering about. Prices on accommodation and car rentals will drop during this time. The shoulder season is typically a fantastic time to visit Greece.
Low Season (Late November- early April):
The temperatures are cooler during the low season in Greece. You’ll still see plenty of sunny days but also overcast days and little to no sunbathing. It’s too cold to take a dip in the water, but you can still enjoy the beaches with some clothes on to keep warm in the breeze. The upside is you’ll find low prices and low numbers of tourists.
See the Best Time to Visit Greece here
Where to Stay in Rhodes
There are so many options for accommodation around Rhodes it may make your head spin when booking. We were on the island for two weeks staying at a plethora of accommodation options. Here are some of our favorites.
- Trinity Boutique Hotel: A beautiful boutique hotel in the heart of Rhodes Town. It’s perfect for couples who want a little taste of history with style. Book on Agoda // Book on Booking.com
- Evdokia Hotel: Another amazing hotel beautiful within the ruins of Rhodes. Staying here is staying in history as you are literally in a 19th century building. The Medieval Castle and the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes are only located 200 m away. Book on Agoda // Book on Booking.com
- Lindian Polis: One of the very best places to stay in Lindos. Featuring the most gorgeous views over the bay and elegantly decorated. Book on Agoda // Book on Booking.com
Best Restaurants on Rhodes
- Kerasma: Small family restaurant with Greek fusion kitchen. One of the best-reviewed Greek restaurants on the island.
- Paraga: Greek Cookhouse located at the entrance of the Apollona village.
- Mavrikos Restaurant: Fantastic restaurant in the heart of Lindos. Great for date nights on the island.
What to Pack for Greece?
You may be wondering just what to pack for Greece. The islands are beautiful, swarming with history, and populated with some of the friendliest people in the world.
Our Recommendation For Travel Insurance
We don’t travel without travel insurance, and neither should you. You never know what can happen in a foreign country, and it’s best to be prepared. HeyMondo offers excellent short and long-term travel insurance policies.
READ MORE GREECE TRAVEL TIPS
I hope you enjoyed this guide on what to do on Rhodes! Hopefully you found it useful. Here are a few relevant articles for more travel around Greece!
- How Much Does a Trip to Greece Cost?
- The Best Things to do in Corfu
- The Best Things to do in Crete
- The Best Things to do in Milos
- The Best Things to do in Santorini
- The Best Things to do in Paros
Greek Travel Planning Resources
- ‘Hello’ and ‘Thank You’ in Greek: “Yasou” and “Efharisto”
- Currency: Euro – (EUR) – €
- Visa: Schengen visa. Which is 90 days in the European Union out of 180. Many nationalities are granted this on arrival for free. Check with your embassy to see if that is you.
- Weather: The weather in Greece is a Mediterranean climate. This means winters are mild and rainy, while summers are warm and dry with plenty of sunshine throughout the year.
- What to Pack: Warm weather clothes and a swimsuit, don’t forget a good pair of clothes to go and a jacket for cool nights. Read about what to wear in Greece.
- Budget: If you’re in the initial stages of planning, check out our awesome post that breaks down how much a trip to Greece costs.
- Rent a Car: We suggest most visitors consider renting a car for the best trip possible. Try Discover Cars to compare quotes from different rental agencies. Check Price Here!
- Protect Your Trip: Don’t forget to purchase travel insurance! We always carry travel insurance to protect us from injury, theft, or a canceled trip. We use HeyMondo for our insurance needs.
- Tours in Greece: Check out our list of the best tours you can enjoy in Greece!
- Travel Adapter: Make sure you find a good adapter to keep your personal electronics charged. Otherwise, you may be paying for a cheap one once you land. Purchase one here.