Rhodes is one of the most inviting islands. It is accessible, there are direct flights, the beaches are excellent, the food is cheap and the selection of hotels is suitable for all types of travelers, from all-inclusive hotels with a water park for families to boutique hotels for adults only. So what to do in Rhodes? We have collected all the information for you in the article.
Rhodes - some background on the island
Rhodes is the fourth largest Greek island. It is located in the southern Aegean Sea, just a few kilometers from the coast of Turkey. The island with a rich history, unique landscapes and amazing beaches, so everyone will find something to do on this beautiful island.
The ancient city of Rhodes, which has existed since the Middle Ages, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most beautiful ancient cities in Greece.
What to do in Rhodes? Get to know the towns on the island
Rhodes is a big island and there is a lot to do. Apart from the dozens of spectacular beaches on the island, you’ll be happy to know that there are some charming villages that are totally worth including in your schedule during your vacation in Rhodes.
Rhodes - the old city
The old city of Rhodes is surrounded by medieval walls that are well preserved and make the appearance of the city historic and fascinating.
The city is full of beautiful alleys that you can get lost in, lots of shops, cafes, taverns and ice cream parlors that will refresh you during your summer vacation. It is recommended to arrive in the city towards the evening when it is less hot outside and enjoy the city in comfort that you will not get in the afternoon today. The nightlife in the old town of Rhodes is bustling, and you can find here pubs and clubs that are open until the wee hours of the night.
Where to walk in the old city?
The Grand Master Palace, one of the most beautiful and photogenic spots in the city.
Rhodes Windmills – located in the port, and it is recommended to see them day and night.
The port of Rhodes and the Saint Nicholas Fortress.
Rhodes Kahal Shalom Synagogue.
Good restaurants in town-
A great place for desserts – Savazio
A cafe with excellent coffee – Coffee Berry
Recommended beach bar – RONDA Resto
Rhodes city hotels
Recommended hotels in Rhodes –
Lindos - the most picturesque town in Rhodes
After the old town of Rhodes, Lindos, which is 50 km from Rhodes, is probably the most visited destination in Rhodes, and rightfully so. A beautiful town, with its whitewashed houses and narrow streets, make it one of the most photogenic and inviting locations on the island. In Lindos you can meet the local elders, wander among the souvenir shops The beautiful, the best restaurants and the fashionable cafes. It is recommended to go up to one of the roofs of the houses, which offer a culinary experience and magical views of the town and the area.
A recommended place to eat – Dionysos
A cafe with good desserts and breakfasts – Melia
Recommended hotels in Lindos
Valley of Butterflies
If you are looking for a refuge in nature, get to know Butterfly Valley.
A unique nature reserve on the island. A green valley between May and September you can see lots of butterflies.
The coolness of the place and the water flowing through it make it an especially attractive destination in the hot summer.
When you visit the place, try to respect nature and the butterflies, and not disturb them, but only look at them.
Click here for more details and to order tickets
Epta Piges 7 Springs Park
The 7 Springs Park is one of the famous spots to escape to in the summer. A relatively cool and shady place, with springs that you can dip in (make sure beforehand with the locals that there is enough water in the springs)
You can enter the spring water and refresh yourself (keep in mind that the water is very cold even in the summer), and of course you can also take a walk in the park, it is recommended to wear closed shoes. This is one place to breathe in some of nature’s energies. Inside the park near the springs, there is a pleasant tavern to sit in, with local dishes and a great atmosphere.
Ambonas - the authentic village on the island
Ambonas is a picturesque village, the highest in Rhodes. The location of the village leaves it with almost no tourists. Here you will meet the local life, with traditional costumes. Part of the local tradition is needlework produced here in the village. You will be impressed by the traditional Rhodesian architecture that is well maintained in this village.
Ambonas has some of the best taverns on the island, it is recommended to eat here in one of them and enjoy a wonderful meal.
You can also visit the Kounaki Wines winery and enjoy tours and wine tastings.
And eat and have fun at Empona’s View restaurant and cafe
Faliraki
Faliraki used to be a quiet fishing village, which over the years has become one of the main tourist attractions on the island of Rhodes. You will find there well-kept beaches, a variety of hotels and accommodation, cafes, shops, restaurants and clubs. The nightlife here is bustling and lasts all night, and the atmosphere in the place attracts thousands of tourists in the summer.
Recommended beach bar – Kathara Beach Café
Recommended hotels in Faliraki
Archangelos
The village of Archangelos is located south of the city of Rhodes, on the east coast of the island. The village is suitable for those looking for the authenticity of Rhodes. Narrow streets, beautiful squares, cafes, and meeting the friendly locals.
You can also visit St. John’s Castle, built by the knights. It stands on top of the hill about a quarter of an hour’s walk from the village.
Ialissos
The village of Ialissos is the third largest settlement on the island of Rhodes. In recent years it has become a popular tourist destination on the island, it offers a selection of good hotels, camping sites, traditional restaurants and lively nightlife. The village is mainly busy in the summer, when the European Windsurfing Championship is held there.
Afantou
The village is mainly famous for the beautiful beach next to it. It is considered one of the most beautiful and clean beaches in Rhodes. After you have finished resting on the beach you can visit the village and enjoy one of the cafes in the main square. If you are a carpet lover then you will know that the village is a center for carpet production and you can find many shops there that sell the beautiful carpets produced there.
A recommended villa in Apanto – Muses of art Villas
Skala Kamirou
A small fishing port used as a mooring for fishing boats. From there you can take a one-hour cruise to the nearby island of Halki. Near the harbor there is a small beach with pebbles and clean water. A nice place to hang out for those who want to find a quiet corner in a summer full of tourists.
You can combine the visit to the port with lunch at a good fish restaurant Amythita
Lardos
Lardos is a beautiful village with tavernas and local shops. It is recommended to wander through the alleys and olive groves and be impressed by the beautiful surroundings of the village. The village is located near the beautiful Lindos. Most of the life in the village is centered around the wide square. You will see there the locals going to draw natural spring water from the fountain. The water is excellent and refreshing to drink.
Recommended hotels on the island of Rhodes
Eden Roc Resort – All Inclusive is a great hotel for families and for those looking for an all-inclusive standard.
Cook’s Club Ialysos Rhodes A charming hotel for the young at heart.
Mayia Exclusive Resort & Spa – Adults Only All inclusive hotel for adults only.
Recommended beaches in Rhodes
Rhodes has dozens of stunning beaches, most of which are very suitable for families. The beaches on the island are organized clean and clear. Here is the list of the most beautiful beaches on the island.
Anthony Quinn Beach
Anthony Quinn Beach is considered one of the calmest and most beautiful beaches on the island. This beach is quite small and narrow with a mix of sand, pebbles and rocks. The beach is not considered a really organized beach, but you can find some umbrellas and deck chairs. The water at the beach is very clear, which makes it especially inviting.
A charming restaurant bar on the beach – Kounna Beach & Resto Bar
St Paul's Bay
St. Paul beach is a beautiful beach, with two bays in both of which you will find quiet and clean water, a cafe / restaurant and the possibility to rent sunbeds and umbrellas. Those staying in Lindos can also reach the beach on foot. The beautiful little church built on the hillside to the right of the bay is a popular location for weddings. The beach is ideal for families with small children, in light of the fact that the water at the entrance to the beach is very shallow and the children can play there happily, and without fear from the parents.
Lindos Beach (pallas beach)
Pallas Beach in Lindos is a spectacularly beautiful beach. It is located below the Royal Acropolis of Lindos. On the beach you will find taverns, cafes, sunbeds and a calm bay with yachts that adds to the charming atmosphere of the place. The water at the beach is clear and clean, the beach is sandy and it is definitely recommended to visit it during your vacation on the island.
Pefki beach
Compared to other beaches on the island of Rhodes, Pefki beach is quite narrow. It has soft sand with pebbles, coves with shallow water, and is an ideal place for swimming. Near the beach you can find shops and taverns offering a selection of seafood and fresh fish. Pefki is strategically and ideally located right between the northern and southern parts of the island, making it a great base for island hopping.
Recommended restaurant in the area – Taverna Nikolas
kolymbia beach
Kolymbia Beach is a wide and sandy beach, making for a quiet and ideal resort on the island. A natural bay located about 26 km south of Rhodes. It is one of the organized beaches on the island, with umbrellas, sunbeds, and water sports. The clear water combined with the surrounding green trees make the location particularly magical.
Recommended hotels in Colombia
Tsambika Beach
Tsambika beach, a beautiful strip with identical sand and turquoise water. The beach lies under a particularly impressive rock on which the Tsambika Monastery stands. The beach is considered a real gem in Rhodes. When you lie on the beach, you will surely be charmed by the beautiful scenery around you and the impressive rock above. Tsambika beach offers beach facilities and a variety of water sports for the more daring visitors among you 🙂
ixia beach
Ixia beach is one of the most sought after beaches in Rhodes despite being very rough all the time. It is located 5 km from the city of Rhodes. The beach is a popular destination for windsurfing, and it offers a variety of accommodations ranging from luxury hotels to simpler apartments for rent. In the village you will find many restaurants, taverns and bars.
Actually Ixia is a series of beaches next to each other, not one beach. Most of them are organized and operated by the various hotels in the area, but some parts are public and open to everyone.
Recommended hotels in Ixia
Faliraki Beach
Looking for a lively beach with a wide selection of options? Faliraki beach is the ideal beach for you. It is considered the most organized beach in Rhodes, with more than 5 km of beach. You can find here everything you want, shallow water, bars, restaurants, water sports and nightclubs.
Faliraki is a paradise that offers endless options for couples, families and anyone who wants to spend quality time on their vacation. If you come with the family, you can combine a visit to the water park in Faliraki.
Elli Beach
Eli Beach is located in the city of Rhodes, and is one of the most popular beaches on the island. Hundreds of tourists visit the beach every day, as well as the locals who come here to enjoy their lunch break. The water at this beach is particularly clear, and in its vicinity there are many beach bars that are worth it and especially inviting. Its proximity to the old city makes it particularly attractive. Recommended beach bar – Elli World Rhodes
Kalithea Springs beach
The beach offers a unique combination of nature, architecture and history, making it an opportunity for visitors to enjoy a special and different experience. The bay is beautiful and includes a cafe with a great atmosphere where you can sit and eat/drink and enjoy the beautiful view of the sea. Sunbeds and umbrellas are scattered along the narrow beach and the rocks around which you can descend directly into the water by ladder.
Agathi Beach
Agathi Beach is known for its sandy beach and clear and pleasant water. The beach is particularly peaceful and inviting, and is a great place to relax in the summer. The beach has several canteens offering food and drink, and beyond that you will feel in the heart of nature, far from civilization. If you visit the beach towards evening you can enjoy a pleasant night swim in warm water, because the beach is protected from winds and its waters are shallow.
