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Updated: April 16, 2025
Rhodes is one of those Greek islands that truly has it all—amazing beaches, ancient history, cute villages, and even a medieval city that looks like it came out of a movie. It’s in the southeastern Aegean Sea, near Turkey, and it’s the biggest island in the Dodecanese, so don’t expect to see everything in just one day.
In this post, I’ll share the best things to do in Rhodes, including must-visit places and a few hidden gems that are totally worth it. Whether you’re into history, beach time, or exploring at your own pace, you’ll find everything you need here to plan your trip and make the most of the island. All based on my experience living in Rhodes for over two years.
✅ Boat trip to Lindos: the island’s most beautiful acropolis
✅ Pirate kayak tour: explore the best beaches and caves 😍
✅ Day trip to Symi: a charming nearby island
What to See in Rhodes
1. Medieval City (Rodos Town)
The medieval city of Rhodes feels like it came straight out of a fantasy video game. Huge stone walls, cobbled streets, and fortified gates have been incredibly well preserved since the time of the Knights Hospitaller.
It’s right in Rhodes town and is actually the largest active medieval walled city in Europe. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.
Inside the walls, you’ll find charming corners full of history, shaded terraces to grab a drink, and lots of souvenir shops. Don’t miss the famous Street of the Knights, the Palace of the Grand Master, and the Archaeological Museum.
As you walk around, look out for Ottoman fountains with Arabic carvings, mosques, and other cool details that make this place a dream for photographers. You can check out this other post for more about what to see in the medieval city of Rhodes.
For me, the most fascinating thing is the mix of Byzantine, Ottoman, and medieval styles everywhere you look. My tip? Take your time, wear comfy shoes, and just wander. If there’s one place made for getting lost, it’s this one.
A great way to explore the old town without getting tired—and learn lots of cool facts—is this e-bike tour of Rhodes Medieval City. It even ends at a great spot to catch the sunset. 😍
And don’t miss out on eating at a Greek taverna. Two of my favorites are the traditional Café Symi, known for its smoked fish and calamari, and Mama Sofia, where the house moussaka is seriously amazing.
🤑 If you want to save on your next adventure, use this link from Booking to get 15% off your stay.
2. Mandraki Harbor
Just a short walk from the medieval city is Mandraki, the old harbor where the famous Colossus of Rhodes was said to have stood. These days, it’s a charming area full of history, little boats, and postcard-perfect windmills.
You’ll also find some of the island’s most unique buildings here, a legacy from the Italian era.
⭐ Related article: What to see in the Medieval City of Rhodes and Mandraki.
3. Acropolis of Lindos
If there’s one place in Rhodes that will leave you speechless, it’s this one. Lindos has the most stunning acropolis on the island, sitting on a cliff with views of the sea and, just below, St. Paul’s Bay—it’s so enclosed it looks like a natural swimming pool.
Among the ancient ruins and still-standing columns, the highlight is the Temple of Athena Lindia, which dates back to the 6th century BC. This spot is a perfect mix of history, breathtaking views, and awesome photo ops.
I also recommend walking around the village—it’s super cute—taking a swim at the beach, and ending the day with a meal at one of the local restaurants. I loved Giorgos 2 Food Cafe Bar; the seafood was delicious and the view of the bay was amazing.
📌 Opening Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
🎟️ Entrance Fee: 12 €
✔️ How to Get There?
You can get to Lindos from Rhodes by bus or join this tour, which is a great budget-friendly option—it includes a stop at a scenic viewpoint and a visit to the famous Seven Springs, which I’ll talk about later. But the most fun way to go (and my personal favorite) is this boat trip, with swimming stops at beautiful beaches. Check availability and book it below.
4. Anthony Quinn Bay
Rhodes has some gorgeous beaches, but Anthony Quinn Bay might be the best of them all. This small cove with clear turquoise water and rocky cliffs is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and grabbing a drink at the beach bar. Since it’s protected from the wind, it’s also great for snorkeling—you’ll spot plenty of marine life and good visibility.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can explore the coast by kayak and check out hidden caves. You can join this guided kayak tour known as the Pirate Route—back when Rhodes was rich and powerful, pirates used to hang out in this area. For me, it was one of the most fun and interesting things to do.
👍 Friend's tip: if you plan to visit this and other beaches in Rhodes, bring water shoes! A lot of the beaches are rocky. These ones in the link are cheap, last longer than the ones sold on the island, and your feet will thank you. 😝
✔️ How to Get There?
The easiest way is by car, but you can also take a bus from Rhodes or other towns along the east coast. One of the most convenient (and scenic!) options is this catamaran tour that includes lunch, beer, and wine—unlimited!
Another awesome option is this full-day boat trip around Rhodes that stops at Anthony Quinn, Tsambika, and Lindos—perfect if you want to visit a few spots in one day.
👉 Fun fact: the bay is named after actor Anthony Quinn, who fell in love with the place while filming The Guns of Navarone. He loved it so much that he bought land there and even helped build the access road.
👩🦯 Hiking in the area
If you like hiking, there are some really nice trails with views over the bay, heading toward Faliraki and Ladiko. If you keep going past Ladiko, you’ll even come across a couple of World War II tanks—or what’s left of them.
✅ Friendly Tip: Don’t forget to get travel insurance for your next adventure. I recommend Heymondo,—it’s super comprehensive, and with that link, you’ll get 5% off!
5. Beaches of Rhodes
Rhodes is packed with beaches—and I’m not kidding! There’s something for everyone, from wild little coves to family-friendly spots with water parks. If you’re not sure where to start, here’s a quick roundup of the best ones:
If you want soft sand and a family vibe, Tsambika is your spot. It’s a long, comfy beach with bars, sunbeds, and even a floating inflatable park where kids (and grown-ups!) can go all out for just €18 a day. Just don’t expect peace and quiet—it’s a popular place.
Looking for something more chill and local? Try Stegna, right next to a small fishing village. The food is great, the atmosphere is super relaxed, and it’s perfect for paddleboarding or taking it slow with some snorkeling.
If rocky beaches and caves are your thing, check out Traganou. There’s no sand, but the water is crystal clear, and the caves give it a special vibe. It’s also a fun spot for things like jet skiing or wakeboarding.
And if you love that wild, wind-in-your-hair, salty-air kind of feeling, head to the wilder side of the island. Beaches like Ixia, Paradisi, or Theologos are favorites for windsurfing and kitesurfing. You’ll find fewer tourists, more waves, and plenty of wind. Oh, and Paradisi is so close to the airport you could probably wave at the pilot while you’re swimming.
🌊 Spoiler: there are so many more. I’ll be sharing my personal favorites soon in a full beach guide—there’s a lot to cover!
6. Tsambika Church
Tsambika Church sits on top of a hill and is a beloved pilgrimage site for many Greeks—especially those hoping to have children. The Virgin of Tsambika is known for helping with fertility. In fact, in Rhodes, lots of people are named Tsambika or Tsambiko in her honor.
The church is small and traditional, with beautiful frescoes, but what really stands out are the panoramic views over Tsambika Beach and the Aegean Sea. Absolutely stunning.
Just be ready to climb about 300 steps. It’s not a super tough hike, but if it’s hot, bring water... and a little patience.
📌 Opening Hours: open all day
🎟️ Entrance Fee: free
🚗 How to get there: by car or bus from Rhodes Town and other towns on the east coast (Faliraki, Kolymbia, Lindos, etc.)
7. Symi Island
One of the prettiest day trips from Rhodes is Symi, a small, incredibly photogenic island just an hour away by ferry. Its capital looks like something out of a storybook: pastel-colored houses climbing up the hillside, cobblestone streets, and that laid-back island vibe that makes you want to slow down (and eat, of course).
Unlike other Greek islands, you won’t see white houses with blue windows here. Instead, the buildings look more like something you’d find on the Amalfi Coast. Why? Because the Italians developed the island during their occupation.
😋 Food tip: Don’t leave without trying Symi shrimp. They’re tiny, bright orange, served almost whole (just without the head), and you eat them like that. Super crunchy and tasty.
✔️ How to visit Symi?
You can go on your own by ferry. On this website, you can check the schedule, prices, and book tickets.
But if you only have one day, the easiest way is to take a day trip from Rhodes. Most tours stop in the capital and then either:
- Panormitis, on the other side of the island, known for its monastery dedicated to Archangel Michael. You can book that option on this site.
- Or at a small bay perfect for snorkeling, surrounded by cliffs and only reachable by boat. If you’re visiting in summer, swimming there is a dream—for me, it’s the best option. 😍 You can book it on this page or down below.
8. Kalithea Springs
Just 9 km from Rhodes Town, Kalithea Springs is a hidden gem that mixes history, architecture, and the sea. The Italians built it in 1929 as a thermal spa, and even though the hot springs aren’t used anymore, the place is still beautiful.
You’ll find palm gardens, mosaic floors, Art Deco columns, and a peaceful vibe that’s perfect for photos or just relaxing. Plus, it’s right next to a small bay that’s great for a swim.
📌 Opening Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (summer)
🎟️ Entrance Fee: 5 €
🚗 How to get there: By car or bus from Rhodes or Faliraki.
📸 Tip: Bring your swimsuit, camera, and a towel. You can easily spend half a day between the beach and the springs.
😎 Nearby beaches: While you’re in the area, check out other nearby coves like Kokkini Beach, Oasis Beach, Tasos Beach, and Nicolas Beach.
9. Butterfly Valley
If you’re in the mood for something different in nature, don’t miss Butterfly Valley (Petaloudes). It’s a peaceful forest with waterfalls, wooden bridges, and a shady trail where thousands of butterflies come to breed in the summer.
Well… technically, they’re moths (Panaxia quadripunctaria)—but don’t tell them that. Their black and orange wings are seriously pretty. 🦋
Just keep in mind you’ll only see them from mid-June to mid-September. And since it’s a nature reserve, clapping, shouting, or disturbing them is not allowed.
If you’re up for a short walk, there’s an easy 1.3 km trail that leads up to Kalopetra Monastery.
📌 Opening Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
🎟️ Entrance Fee: €6 in summer / €3 the rest of the year
🚗 How to get there: By car, by bus from Rhodes Town, or on this day trip with a stop at the Seven Springs (next point).
👍 My two cents: If you want to stay connected in Greece, 🤳 I recommend this eSIM for Greece. Click on that links for a 5% discount.
10. Seven Springs
Epta Piges, or the Seven Springs, is another cool, green escape in Rhodes where you can beat the heat. Several freshwater springs meet here and flow into a small artificial lake built by the Italians for irrigation.
The coolest part? A 150-meter tunnel where the water flows. You can walk through it—if you're not claustrophobic. In my experience, some parts are less than 1.80 meters tall and pretty narrow. It’s dark, a bit slippery, and the water goes up to your ankles, so it’s best to wear flip-flops or shoes you don’t mind getting wet.
There’s a hidden waterfall, peacocks walking around like they own the place, and even a restaurant with a terrace that serves delicious Greek food (the lamb is amazing). It’s a great spot to cool off—especially if you’re in the island during a heat wave.
📌 Opening hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
🎟️ Entrance Fee: free
🚗 How to get there: You can take a bus from Rhodes or Faliraki, or join this day trip I recommended before or this one, a budget-friendly option that also includes Lindos.
11. Renting a boat
One of the most fun things to do in Rhodes is renting a boat to explore its turquoise beaches, hidden caves, and postcard-worthy bays like Anthony Quinn Bay.
There are tons of options—from small, budget-friendly boats that don’t need a license to sailboats or catamarans if you know how to sail. But heads up: if you’re coming in summer, book early—they go fast.
I recommend this site for renting a boat in Rhodes. The boats are in great shape, and you can compare prices and read reviews.
⭐ Related article: 6 Best Places to Rent a Boat in Greece with practical tips.
Rhodes Map
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
There’s a lot to see in Rhodes, so ideally try to stay 5 to 7 days to enjoy a mix of history, beaches, and fun activities. But if you’re short on time, here are a few quick itinerary ideas:
🔹 1 day (cruise stop): Explore the Old Town + take a tour to Lindos if you have the whole day.
🔹 2 days: Add Anthony Quinn Bay and some beach time.
🔹 3 days: All of the above + a day trip to Symi or beach-hopping around the island.
There are direct flight from many european cities, including low-cost options like Ryanair and Volotea.
From Athens, the fastest and easiest way is to fly—it takes just an hour and you can often find great deals. You can check prices and schedules on this website.
Once you land in Rhodes, you can get to the city center by bus, taxi, or this private transfer, where someone will be waiting for you with a sign—so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
The Old Town and city center are super walkable. But if you’d rather not walk too much, this hop-on hop-off bus is a practical and affordable way to get around.
To explore the rest of the island, your best bet is to rent a car. On this site, you can rent for less than €5 a day during the mid-season (spring and fall); in summer, prices skyrocket. You can also compare deals on this website, which sometimes has great deals.
Taxis can be pricey. If you don’t want to drive, you can use the local buses or join one of the many tours available for every style and budget (I’ve linked a few above).
Rhodes is well connected by ferry to other Dodecanese islands like Kos, Patmos, or Kastellorizo. You can also hop over to Turkey—there are fast ferries to Marmaris and Fethiye that take about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Check ferry schedules, prices, and book your tickets to other islands or Turkey on this website.
⭐ You might also be interested in this article on How to Get to the Greek islands and Go Island Hopping.
If you’re only here for a few days, the best place to stay is Rhodes Town, inside the medieval walls—everything’s close by, and the vibe is amazing. I recommend Athineon Hotel, my favorite, or the Stavros Pension if you’re on a budget.
If you’re more into beaches and relaxing, stay around Kalithea or Faliraki, where you’ll find some of the island’s best beaches and hotels with pools.
🤑 If you want to save on your next adventure, use this link from Booking to get 15% off your stay.
Final Thoughts
These are the top things to do in Rhodes—a Greek island with gorgeous turquoise beaches, historic spots, and plenty of adventures for an unforgettable trip.
In this guide to Greece, you’ll find all my articles, based on my personal experience living in the country.
If you have any questions, leave me a comment below and I'll help you as much as I can. If you found the article useful, share it with other travelers. Have a good trip! 😘
More about the Greek islands and Greece
- How to go to the Greek islands and move between them?
- When to Travel to the Greek islands.
- Free Museum Entry Days in Athens and Greece
- How to Get from Athens to Santorini: ferry or plane
Hello, I’m Andrea, the creator and writer of Viajeros Activos (Active Travelers). I’m a nomad, so I consider myself a full-time traveler. I’m passionate about good food and always looking for new adventures.