Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese islands and is known for its mix of ancient history and crystal-clear waters. We honestly couldn’t believe the different shades of blue, from bright turquoise to a deep cobalt and everything in between…simply stunning!
The island blends Greek, Ottoman, and Italian influences, which you can see everywhere from the architecture to the delicious food. It has an incredible amount to offer, from ancient ruins and medieval castles to turquoise bays and mountain villages. Not to mention the 300 days of sunshine a year, making it one of the sunniest destinations in Europe. There is truly something in Rhodes for everyone.
Wander Round Rhodes Town
Rhodes Town is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you stroll around the cobbled streets admiring the architecture, you will notice a mix of ancient ruins, Turkish mosques, Italian-era buildings, and Greek tavernas, all reflecting the many civilizations that shaped the island over thousands of years.
Start with a stroll along Mandraki Harbour to admire the luxury yachts and colorful fishing boats, and perhaps stop at one of the cafés for a strong Greek coffee and some baklava. Then, head inside the medieval walls through one of the gates; Saint Paul’s Gate is a great option as it is close to the Tower of Naillac. From here, you can climb up onto the walls for spectacular views of the harbour entrance, a powerful symbol of the island’s historic military strength.
From the walls, wander back into the cobbled streets, which truly feels like stepping back in time. Narrow stone alleyways wind beneath ancient archways and towering medieval walls, complete with hidden courtyards, colorful shutters, and bougainvillea spilling from balconies. While the area near Hippocrates Square can become very busy, the crowds quickly thin out as you head further away.
There are plenty of places to grab lunch in Rhodes Town. Head away from the busier areas to find tiny tavernas offering Greek specialties in a more peaceful atmosphere, or try out one of the many rooftops for amazing views.
Another must-visit spot is the Street of the Knights, a beautifully preserved cobbled street lined with medieval inns once used by the Knights of Rhodes. As you walk up the incline, take in the medieval Gothic architecture, imposing stone buildings, arched doorways, and carved crests.
At the top of this street, you will find one of the most iconic landmarks in Rhodes Town: the Palace of the Grand Master. This medieval castle was built by the Knights of Saint John and features grand halls, detailed mosaics, and an incredible history. From its vantage point, you can enjoy panoramic views over Mandraki Harbour, nearby minarets, church towers, rooftops, and the maze-like streets below.
Finally, there are plenty of shops to browse, where you will find a mix of traditional Greek crafts, handmade goods, and local delicacies…the perfect souvenirs to take home or enjoy during your stay.
Take A Trip To Lindos
Lindos, as its name suggests, is a beautiful village on the east coast of Rhodes, tucked away in a little bay with whitewashed houses and narrow cobbled streets. Unlike the busier resorts in Rhodes, it has no high-rise hotels, so it has kept its traditional Greek charm. Instead, it is watched over by the Lindos Acropolis, an ancient archaeological site featuring the remains of a temple dedicated to Athena, medieval fortifications, and panoramic coastal views.
During the day, you can swim in the turquoise bays, such as St Paul’s Bay, and as the sun sets, Lindos transforms into a lively yet romantic destination with rooftop dining and glowing lantern-lit streets. Many people take a day trip to Lindos, but I would suggest staying for a day or two so you can experience it in the evening, when many of the crowds have gone.
Day Trip To Symi Island
Symi is simply stunning and well worth the 1–2 hour journey to get there. Along the way, you’ll enjoy views of the rugged coastline, and most trips include a stop at St. George Bay, where you can swim in the crystal-clear water or simply sit back and admire the scenery.
When you arrive in Symi, you’re greeted by rows of colourful neoclassical houses climbing the hillside above the waterfront. The harbour is lined with traditional tavernas, cafés, and little shops selling local sponges, herbs, and handmade crafts.
Most boat trips give you around three hours on the island, which is the perfect amount of time to explore and enjoy a bite to eat in one of the tavernas. The seafood we had here was some of the best we’ve tasted in Greece, and the setting makes you feel as though you’ve stepped into a film.
Butterflies Valley
The best time to visit is between June and September, when the butterflies arrive to breed and cover parts of the valley in shades of orange, black, and cream. Hidden within a shaded green valley filled with pine and oriental sweetgum trees, Valley of the Butterflies is famous for the thousands of Jersey tiger moths that gather there each year.
Wooden bridges, small waterfalls, streams, and winding trails lead you through the cool forest landscape, making it the perfect escape from the heat of the coastal resorts. The peaceful atmosphere and beautiful scenery make it a wonderful place to relax and enjoy a gentle stroll through nature, and it’s somewhere we would definitely visit again.
Explore Seven Springs
Seven Springs is another great spot if you want to escape the busy resorts and experience more of Rhodes’ beautiful natural landscape. Known locally as Epta Piges, it takes its name from the seven natural springs that flow through the woodland and feed into a small lake.
We loved escaping the heat and wandering along the paths shaded by pine trees. Little wooden bridges cross over the streams, and peacocks roam freely through the area, adding to its charm. We had planned to enjoy a picnic, but after finding a nearby taverna serving delicious Greek food in such a beautiful setting, we couldn’t resist stopping for a drink and a bite to eat.
Watch The Sunset From The West Coast
The west coast of Rhodes offers some of the most beautiful sunsets on the island. We were lucky enough to stay in a hotel with a rooftop sunset bar overlooking the sea, which was the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail or two as the sun turned the sky shades of pink and gold.
There are plenty of restaurants dotted along the west coast right by the beach, making it an ideal setting for a sunset dinner. Alternatively, you can keep things simple by grabbing a blanket, picking up some gyros and a bottle of beer, and sitting on the beach while watching the sun disappear into the horizon.
Spend The Day At Tsambika Beach
Tsambika Beach looks as though it has been taken straight from a postcard, it almost doesn’t look real. The long stretch of golden sand and crystal-clear water makes it the perfect place for swimming, and to make the setting even more picturesque, the tiny white Tsambika Monastery sits on the hillside overlooking the beach.
There are plenty of beachfront tavernas where you can enjoy fresh seafood for lunch or an ice-cold drink to cool down. The atmosphere is relaxed, but there is still plenty to keep everyone entertained, with paddle boarding, jet skis, and paragliding available for the more adventurous visitors. If you’re feeling energetic, you can also climb the hill up to the monastery for incredible views across the coastline. Personally, I was more than happy relaxing on a comfy sun lounger and simply enjoying the scenery.
Why We Love Rhodes
Rhodes really does have a little bit of everything, so whatever your taste, you can easily plan the perfect holiday. The weather is fantastic for most of the year, the people are incredibly friendly, and there is such a great mix of experiences on offer.
We loved the contrast of spending our days relaxing on beautiful beaches before heading off to explore the island’s many historical sights and charming villages. And of course, the food is amazing too, from fresh seafood by the harbour to traditional Greek tavernas tucked away in the hills. Honestly, what more could you ask for?