Rhodes
A large and diverse island combining historic centers, resort areas, and active local communities.
Intro
Rhodes is one of Greece’s most expansive and multifaceted islands, offering an unusual combination of scale, variety, and accessibility. Its size allows for a wide range of experiences, from historic towns and archaeological sites to long beaches, resort areas, and traditional inland villages. Rhodes supports both structured tourism and everyday local life, creating a destination that feels active and layered rather than singular in character. Visitors can move between centuries within a single day, walking medieval streets in the morning and relaxing by the sea in the afternoon. The island’s infrastructure is well developed, making travel relatively easy, while its interior still holds pockets of quiet and tradition. Rhodes attracts a broad mix of travelers, each finding different entry points into the island’s identity. It is a place where contrast defines the experience, and where exploration can be as shallow or as deep as the visitor chooses.
Who It's Best For
Rhodes is best for travelers who want variety and flexibility. It suits families, first time visitors to Greece, and people who want to combine history, beaches, and modern comforts. Rhodes appeals to travelers who like having options and structure alongside exploration.
Things To Know
Rhodes is best for travelers who want variety and flexibility. It suits families, first time visitors to Greece, and people who want to combine history, beaches, and modern comforts. Rhodes appeals to travelers who like having options and structure alongside exploration.
Things To Do
Explore the Medieval Old Town of Rhodes, walking its preserved streets, walls, and historic landmarks.
Visit Lindos and the Acropolis for panoramic views and insight into the island’s ancient history.
Experience natural landmarks such as Butterfly Valley and Seven Springs, especially during warmer months.
Spend time on the water with catamaran cruises, sailing trips, or coastal boat excursions.
Try scuba diving or snorkeling along the island’s clear and varied coastline.
These are some of the ways visitors experience Rhodes, but much of the island’s appeal comes from unplanned moments and discovering different sides of its size and variety.
Beaches or Nature
Rhodes has a varied coastline, with long sandy beaches on the east and more rugged shores on the west. Areas such as Faliraki, Tsambika, and Prasonisi highlight this contrast. Inland hills and valleys add depth to the island’s natural landscape.
Areas To Explore
Rhodes Old Town
Lindos
Faliraki
Ialyssos
Kolymbia
These areas range from historic centers to resort towns and coastal hubs, illustrating the island’s scale and variety in both daily life and tourism.
Local Cuisine
Rhodes has one of the most diverse food scenes in the Dodecanese, blending traditional island dishes with broader Greek and international influences. Local cuisine includes seafood, slow cooked meats, and regional specialties, alongside a wide range of dining options shaped by the island’s size and tourism.
History
Rhodes has a long and complex history shaped by its strategic position in the eastern Mediterranean. Successive civilizations left strong architectural and cultural marks, especially in fortified towns and trade centers. This layered past remains central to the island’s identity.
Best Time To Visit
Rhodes is most active from May through October, when beaches, historic sites, and tours operate fully. These months support a wide range of experiences across the island.
From November through March, Rhodes remains accessible but calmer, offering more space at major sites. This suits travelers who want flexibility without peak demand.
Editor's Insider Tips
Rhodes supports multiple experiences at once, and time spent there often depends on where one stays rather than how long. Different regions of the island feel almost independent of each other.
The island absorbs volume without losing functionality, but quieter areas still exist away from major centers. Longer stays reveal how layered the island actually is.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I get to Rhodes?
Rhodes is one of the most accessible islands in Greece, acting as a gateway for the southern Aegean.
By Air: Diagoras International Airport (RHO) is busy year-round with daily flights from Athens and Thessaloniki. In the summer, it receives hundreds of direct charter flights from major European cities.
By Ferry: Large ferries from the port of Piraeus run daily. The journey takes between 12 and 15 hours. Rhodes is also the main hub for regional ferries connecting to Kos, Symi, Marmaris (Turkey), and Crete.
2. Is the Medieval City of Rhodes inhabited?
Yes, the Medieval City (Old Town) is one of the few inhabited medieval cities in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Living History: Around 6,000 people still live and work within the massive fortifications built by the Knights of Saint John.
Structure: It is divided into the High Town (where the Palace of the Grand Master is located) and the Lower Town, which is a maze of Byzantine, Ottoman, and Gothic architecture.
3. Do I need to rent a car?
Yes, unless you plan to stay strictly within Rhodes Town.
The Island's Size: Rhodes is large. While the local bus system (KTEL) is efficient for reaching Lindos and Faliraki, it is difficult to reach the mountain villages or the remote southern beaches without your own vehicle.
Exploring: A car allows you to visit the west coast for sunsets and the Monolithos Castle, which are not easily accessible by public transport.
4. What is the "Colossus of Rhodes" and can I see it?
The Colossus was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a giant bronze statue of the sun god Helios.
The Reality: The statue was destroyed by an earthquake in 226 BC. Today, nothing remains of it.
The Site: Tradition says it stood at the entrance of Mandraki Harbor. Today, two bronze deer statues (Elefos and Elafina) stand on the pillars where the feet of the Colossus were supposedly positioned.
5. Can you drink the tap water?
Yes, in most parts of Rhodes Town and major resorts, the tap water is safe to drink.
However, many visitors still prefer bottled water due to the high mineral content which affects the taste.
In more remote villages, it is always safer to ask your host or stick to bottled water.
6. Why is Lindos so famous?
Lindos is considered the most picturesque village on the island, known for its sugar-cube houses and its ancient Acropolis.
The Acropolis: Perched on a 116 meter high cliff, the Temple of Athena Lindia offers one of the most famous views in Greece.
St. Paul’s Bay: Located just behind the village, this heart-shaped bay is a popular spot for swimming and weddings, named after the Apostle who is said to have landed there in 51 AD.
7. Which are the best beaches on Rhodes?
Rhodes has a beach for every preference, from sandy bays to windy surfing spots.
Tsambika: A long, broad sandy beach with shallow water, ideal for families.
Anthony Quinn Bay: A stunning emerald cove made famous by the film The Guns of Navarone. It is rocky and perfect for snorkeling.
Prasonisi: Located at the southernmost tip, this is where the Aegean and Mediterranean seas meet. It is a world-class destination for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
8. What is the Valley of the Butterflies?
The Petaloudes Valley is a unique natural park on the western side of the island.
The Attraction: From June to September, thousands of Jersey Tiger moths (often mistaken for butterflies) congregate here due to the scent of the oriental sweetgum trees.
The Experience: It is a lush, cool environment with wooden bridges and waterfalls, providing a great escape from the summer heat.
9. What should I eat in Rhodes?
Rhodian cuisine is a rich blend of Aegean flavors and eastern influences.
Pitaroudia: Traditional fried chickpea patties with onion and mint.
Melekouni: A local sweet made of honey, sesame seeds, and almonds, traditionally served at weddings.
Rhodes Wine: The island has a 2,400-year history of winemaking. Look for local varieties like Athiri (white) and Mandilaria (red).
10. How many days should I stay?
Because of its size and the depth of its history, you need more than a few days.
3 to 4 Days: Only enough to see Rhodes Town and Lindos.
7 Days: The ideal duration. This allows for a mix of historical sightseeing, beach time, and a day trip to the nearby island of Symi.
Discover Beaches on this Island
Discover Activities and Tours in Greece
Browse Articles from our Blog
Explore GetGreece Products & Services: