Rhodes, Greece captivates visitors with its amazing 300 days of sunshine each year. The island ranks as Greece’s fifth-largest and stands as the biggest among the Dodecanese Islands with 1,400 square kilometers. Travelers can enjoy a perfect mix of historical sites, natural landscapes, and genuine Greek culture.
The island packs everything from ancient monuments to beautiful beaches. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Medieval City of Rhodes ranks among Europe’s most well-preserved medieval towns. The island’s 43 villages give visitors a chance to dive deep into local traditions. Most tourists visit between April and October. May and September are great months to visit with pleasant temperatures, reasonable prices, and smaller crowds.
This piece shows you the best spots in Rhodes that regular guidebooks might miss. These suggestions are a great way to get the most from your visit – whether you stay for a week or just one day during a cruise stop. The island’s heritage includes the Colossus of Rhodes, a massive 108-foot bronze statue that once stood as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. From secluded beaches to charming villages, you’ll see the true spirit of this amazing Greek island.
Table of Contents
Start in Rhodes Old Town: A Walk Through Time
Rhodes Old Town fascinates visitors with its 4 km-long medieval walls that have protected the city for centuries. This UNESCO Heritage site gives you some of the most remarkable things to do in Rhodes Greece and takes you back through time.
Explore the Palace of the Grand Master
The Palace of the Grand Master started as a Byzantine citadel in the late 7th century. Knights Hospitaller turned it into their administrative center and home after taking Rhodes in 1309. A huge explosion damaged most of the palace in 1856, leaving just the ground floor rooms intact. The Italian authorities rebuilt it between 1937-1940.
This Gothic masterpiece stands unique as one of Greece’s rare Gothic buildings. You can explore its 158 rooms, though not all are open to visitors. The halls showcase beautiful mosaics, tapestries, and frescoes. Two large museums about Rhodes’ history fill the ground floor.
Practical information: The palace welcomes visitors daily from 8:00-20:00. Tickets cost €20 (€10 reduced). If you’re wondering what to do in Rhodes Greece in one day from a cruise ship, skip-the-line tickets will save you time.
Wander the Street of the Knights
The Street of the Knights (Odos Ippoton) runs 600 meters from the Hospital of the Knights to the Grand Master’s Palace. This medieval street replaced an old road that connected the town to Rhodes’ Acropolis.
Knights divided themselves into seven “tongues” along this cobblestone path – Italy, France, Spain, Provence, Auvergne, England, and Germany. Each group had its inn with unique coats of arms and detailed carvings. The Auberge de France stands out as the most decorated, opening occasionally for special events.
Walking uphill on this perfectly preserved street lets you follow the exact path of armor-clad knights who guarded different parts of the city walls. Experts rate this as one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval streets.
Visit the Archaeological Museum
The Archaeological Museum lives in the grand 15th-century Knights’ Hospital. It houses 7,000 years of treasures from Rhodes and nearby Dodecanese islands. Construction started in 1440 and finished during Grand Master d’Aubusson’s time (1476-1503).
Museum galleries show amazing artifacts – pottery amphora, vases, statues, coins, jewelry, and tombstones. The first-century marble statue of Aphrodite bathing and wall-mounted mosaics deserve special attention.
Visitor information: Entry costs €10. The museum opens daily from 8:00am-7:30pm. Winter months (November-March) bring Tuesday closures, like most Greek museums.
The eastern and southern parts of Old Town offer a peaceful escape from tourist crowds. These areas reveal Rhodes’ medieval character through narrow side streets where locals spend their time.
Stoa Cafe Bar shows what these hidden spots can offer. Just steps from the main street, you’ll find great cocktails (€6 mojitos), fresh orange juice, and tasty breakfast in a charming setting. Guests love their “amazing cocktails” made “to the highest standard” and friendly service in this quiet corner.
Minos Roof Garden Café gives you drinks with a view. The shaded terrace looks out over Old Town’s rooftops toward the Palace of the Grand Master, mosque domes, and the sea.
Discover Lindos Beyond the Acropolis
Lindos sits majestically on Rhodes’ eastern coast. This charming village draws visitors with more than its famous Acropolis. You’ll find some of the most authentic things to do in Rhodes Greece when you step away from the usual tourist spots.
Climb to the Temple of Athena Lindia
The remarkable Temple of Athena Lindia stands proudly at Lindos Acropolis’s heart. This ancient masterpiece dates back to the 4th century BC. Ancient Greeks saw this temple as the world’s holiest site. The Doric-style structure spans 7.75 x 21.65 meters and shows off the Hellenistic era’s architectural brilliance.
Alexander the Great and his successors made sacrifices here. They dedicated their weapons after victories. Today’s visitors can see what remains of Athena’s standing figure. She carries a shield and wears a polos crown instead of a helmet.
Anyone thinking about what to see in Rhodes Greece should check out the temple’s views. The acropolis towers 116 meters high. A 20-25 minute climb rewards you with breathtaking views of the coastline, village, and St. Paul’s Bay’s turquoise waters below.
Swim at St. Paul’s Bay
St. Paul’s Bay lies just a 5-10 minute walk south from Lindos town. This almost circular inlet seems separate from the Aegean when seen from above but connects through a narrow opening in the rocks. Local stories tell how St. Paul found shelter here in 51/57 AD during a storm.
Two distinct beaches make up the bay—Paralia Agios Pavlos on the south side and a smaller beach to the north near Lindos. Both beaches have rental sunbeds (around €30 for two in 2022) and excellent tavernas. Dimitris on the northern beach provides shade under pink oleanders, while Tambakio at Agios Pavlos creates the perfect setting for sunset dining.
Calm, sheltered waters make this spot perfect for families who want to swim and snorkel. You’ll enjoy a more peaceful experience at this natural wonder by visiting early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and midday heat.
Get lost in Lindos’ whitewashed alleys
The narrow streets of Lindos show authentic Greek island life at its best. Pirates once found these winding pathways confusing by design. Now these same alleys lead visitors to hidden corners away from tourist crowds.
Traditional Greek island architecture shines throughout the village. Beautiful pebbly mosaic courtyards made from sea rocks and flat-roofed white houses create stunning contrasts against the blue sky. Each corner reveals new treasures—detailed doorways, intricate mosaics, and surprise viewpoints that appear suddenly.
Local artisans and shopkeepers fill many pathways with handmade jewelry, Rhodian lace, and authentic souvenirs that make perfect memories of your visit. The quiet corners away from main streets show peaceful courtyards and glimpses of daily island life that most tourists miss.
True rhodes greece things to do should include wandering these whitewashed passages. You’ll find amazing discoveries that no guidebook could ever capture.
Hidden Natural Wonders You Shouldn’t Miss
Rhodes is a paradise that engages nature lovers with hidden gems showcasing the island’s natural beauty. Travelers asking what to do in Rhodes Greece beyond beaches and historical sites will find these natural wonders are exceptional experiences away from tourist crowds.
Walk through the tunnel at Seven Springs
Epta Piges (Seven Springs) is a unique adventure spot just 30 km from Rhodes Town. The star attraction here is a 186-meter-long dark tunnel, built by Italians in 1931, where you can wade through ankle-deep water toward daylight. Water shoes and a flashlight will make your trip more comfortable. The tunnel leads to a peaceful artificial lake with tall trees that provide shade even in peak summer heat.
The area has beautiful walking paths through thick pine and plane tree forests. The seven natural springs create small waterfalls that add to its tranquil atmosphere. A small dam built in 1931 helps collect spring water, creating the perfect home for butterflies, turtles, eels, and crabs that thrive in this ecosystem.
Relax at Kalithea Springs
Kalithea Springs sits just 8 km from Rhodes Town and blends architectural beauty with natural wonder. Pietro Lombardi’s 1929 design features stunning rotunda buildings and mosaics. The pristine cove’s crystal-clear waters are perfect to swim and snorkel among small fish.
A €3 entrance fee lets you use well-kept sunbeds and umbrellas. The on-site café serves refreshments while you take in the spectacular Art Deco architecture against blue waters. The springs no longer serve therapeutic purposes, but this remains one of the island’s most photogenic spots.
Catch the view from Tsambika Monastery
Tsambika Monastery sits atop a 240-meter rock and rewards you with amazing panoramic views after climbing 297 steps. This small Byzantine church, dedicated to Our Lady of Tsambika, holds special meaning for women hoping to conceive. Local belief says the Virgin Mary of Tsambika helps with fertility challenges.
The steep climb gives you magnificent views of Tsambika Beach below—one of Rhodes’ most beautiful shores with golden sand and shallow turquoise waters. It’s worth mentioning that you’ll need modest dress at the time of visiting the monastery, so bring something to cover your shoulders and knees.
Visit the Cave of Archangel Michael Panormitis
The remarkable cave-church on Symi island is available through day trips from Rhodes. This shrine to Archangel Michael shows off beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. You’ll find many religious icons and sailors’ offerings inside.
The cave sits near the impressive Panormitis Monastery, where visitors leave small bottles with wishes. These bottles are said to wash up on shores worldwide, taking prayers to distant lands. Your trip to this sacred site, by ferry or tour, adds another layer to the things to do in Rhodes Greece for those who want natural wonders and spiritual meaning.
Beach Escapes Locals Love
Locals treasure several spectacular beaches in Rhodes that first-time visitors often overlook. These coastal gems range from world-class snorkeling spots to unique locations where you can swim between two different seas.
Anthony Quinn Bay for snorkeling
The eastern coast hides a picturesque cove named after the famous actor who fell in love with it during “The Guns of Navarone” filming. Anthony Quinn Bay’s crystal-clear turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs create some of the island’s best snorkeling spots. Marine life thrives around the rocky beach, making underwater exploration worth every minute. Water shoes are a must since the bay is rocky and sea urchins populate the area. Sharp rocks and sudden depth changes make this spot challenging for children.
Stegna Beach for peace and quiet
Stegna showcases the authentic side of rhodes greece beaches through its unspoiled Greek village charm. Natural greenery meets aqua blue waters along a sandy shoreline in this peaceful haven. The beach serves as a perfect escape from crowded tourist spots. Clear, calm waters wash against a mix of sand and pebbles, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Local tavernas bring fresh seafood right to your sunbed, so you can relax here all day.
Sunset swim at Elli Beach
Rhodes Town’s Elli Beach gives you a convenient yet beautiful spot for evening dips. Crystal-clear waters stretch for miles, creating the perfect backdrop for sunset watching. The beach comes with all amenities – sunbeds, umbrellas, showers and changing rooms.
Prasonisi Beach where two seas meet
Rhodes’ southwestern tip reveals the remarkable Prasonisi Beach, a meeting point of the Aegean and Mediterranean seas. The name “prasonisi” means “green island” in Greek. This unique spot changes between an island and peninsula depending on the season. Summer reveals a sandy spit that connects Prasonisi to Rhodes. Each side offers different conditions – big waves on the Aegean side attract advanced surfers, while the Mediterranean side stays calm with flat water that beginners love.
Local Life and Offbeat Adventures
Finding authentic Greek culture is one of the best things to do in Rhodes Greece. The island’s true character shines through genuine experiences away from tourist hotspots.
Explore the village of Theologos
Theologos (also called Tholos) sits 20 kilometers from Rhodes Town. The village’s colorful houses with tall shutters create a maze of narrow streets between olive groves and the Aegean Sea. The pace of life moves slowly here. Locals gather in family-run tavernas that serve time-honored recipes. Agios Spiridonas Church’s whitewashed bell tower stands tall above the rooftops and creates perfect photo opportunities.
Try honey and wine in Embonas
Embonas reigns as Rhodes’ premier wine village, where winemaking shapes daily life. The village’s family wineries welcome visitors to taste about 30 different wines. Local delicacies complement the wine tasting – fresh handmade bread, olives, aged cheeses, and spoon sweets made by village grandmothers.
Visit the Toy Museum in Archipoli
A unique museum outside Archipoli village showcases toys made in Greece from 1930-1990. This solar-powered facility has a basement “Games Room” where visitors can play arcade machines, pinball, jukeboxes, and vintage Atari systems. Kids love the dedicated play areas with Lego and Playmobil.
Pet animals at Farma of Rhodes
This 25,000-square-meter petting zoo near Valley of Butterflies lets visitors get close to animals. You can feed and pet many creatures, from lemurs and ostriches to camels, llamas, kangaroos, and ponies. The core team guides guests through special encounters. Visitors can step into the lemur enclosure where these friendly animals climb right onto them.
Rhodes has way more to offer than most travelers ever find. This magnificent Greek island shows its true magic through hidden spots that locals love. The Medieval City’s ancient walls, Gothic architecture, and cobblestone pathways tell stories of knights and conquests from centuries ago. Lindos creates a perfect mix of history and natural beauty with its commanding Acropolis and the peaceful waters of St. Paul’s Bay.
Nature lovers will without doubt find their paradise in the island’s hidden wonders. The water tunnel at Seven Springs, the architectural beauty of Kalithea Springs, and Tsambika Monastery’s panoramic views give you a unique escape from tourist crowds. The beaches that locals love are a great way to get authentic coastal experiences most guidebooks miss. Anthony Quinn Bay lets you snorkel in crystal waters, Stegna Beach gives you peace and quiet, and Prasonisi amazes visitors with its rare sight of two seas meeting.
The best experiences come from diving into authentic village life. Theologos greets you with its laid-back pace and family-run tavernas. Embonas lets wine lovers taste traditions passed down through generations. The Toy Museum and Farma of Rhodes add something special and unexpected to your trip.
The island shows its true colors when you step away from tourist spots. A visit between April and October lets you experience these extraordinary places fully. You can explore ancient ruins, swim in crystal-clear waters, or connect with local culture. Rhodes rewards curious travelers with memories that stay long after they return home. This sun-soaked paradise, with 43 unique villages and over 300 sunny days each year, reveals its secrets to those who look beyond the usual spots.
Here are some FAQs about what to do in Rhodes Greece:
What not to miss in Rhodes, Greece?
You should not miss exploring the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site of Rhodes Old Town and walking the Street of the Knights. Visiting the ancient Acropolis of Lindos with its clifftop temple and stunning views is also essential. These sites are central to any plan on what to do in rhodes greece.
What is Rhodes, Greece best known for?
Rhodes is best known for the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and its incredibly well-preserved medieval Old Town. It is also famous for its sunny beaches, historic Lindos village, and as a major island in the Dodecanese. This rich history defines the core of what to do in rhodes.
What should I be careful of in Rhodes?
You should be careful of pickpockets in crowded tourist areas, especially within the Old Town and at popular beaches. It’s also important to stay hydrated, use strong sunscreen, and be aware of your footing on uneven, ancient cobblestones. These precautions will help ensure your time exploring what to do in rhodes greece from cruise ship or independently is safe and enjoyable.
What to do in Rhodes, Greece old town?
In Rhodes Old Town, you must walk the medieval walls, visit the Palace of the Grand Master, and explore the archaeological museum housed in the old hospital. Wandering the labyrinthine streets and shopping in the traditional markets are also key experiences. This is a primary focus for visitors deciding what to do in rhodes from a cruise ship with limited time.
What is the prettiest town in Rhodes, Greece?
The picturesque village of Lindos, with its whitewashed houses, winding lanes, and dramatic acropolis, is often considered the prettiest town in Rhodes. Its blend of ancient history, traditional architecture, and stunning sea views is unforgettable. A trip to Lindos is a highlight when planning what to do in rhodes greece in one day.
How not to dress like a tourist in Greece?
To avoid dressing like a tourist in Greece, opt for smart-casual, understated clothing in neutral or dark colors rather than loud prints, athletic wear, or very short shorts. Comfortable, stylish walking shoes are a must, and it’s respectful to cover your shoulders and knees when visiting churches. This approach to dress is useful advice for any of your plans on what to do in rhodes greece.