10 Best Things to Do in Rhodes, Greece

Topping every list of things to do in Rhodes Greece, the medieval Old Town of Rhodes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved medieval cities anywhere in Europe. Enclosed by 4 km of ancient stone walls built by the Knights of St John, the Old Town is a labyrinth of cobbled alleys, Byzantine churches, Ottoman mosques, Venetian mansions, and colourful market stalls.

The Street of the Knights (Ippoton) is the most atmospheric lane in the city - a perfectly preserved medieval street lined with the inns of different knightly nations. The Palace of the Grand Master (Ippoton Street, top of the Street of Knights) is equally unmissable. Stroll through Socratous Street for shopping, stop at a rooftop cafe, and allow yourself to simply get lost.

Pro Tip: Visit at dusk when the golden light turns the stone walls amber and the cruise crowds have thinned. The atmosphere in the evening is truly magical.

One of the most dramatic sights in all of Greece, the Acropolis of Lindos sits atop a 116-metre cliff overlooking the deep blue Aegean and the picture-perfect whitewashed village of Lindos below. This ancient site dates back to the 10th century BC and features Doric columns, a 4th-century BC Temple of Athena Lindia, and sweeping panoramic views that stretch to the Turkish coast on a clear day.

Pro Tip: Make the climb early in the morning before the heat and the crowds arrive. Reward yourself with a swim at St Paul's Bay (Agios Pavlos Beach) below the acropolis afterwards - one of the most beautiful small bays on the island.

Named after the Hollywood actor who fell in love with the spot while filming The Guns of Navarone on the island, Anthony Quinn Bay is one of the best beaches in Rhodes Greece for snorkelling and swimming. The bay's crystal-clear turquoise water, dramatic rock formations, and relatively sheltered cove make it one of the most photographed spots on the island.

Pro Tip: Arrive before 10am to claim a spot on the rocks. Combination visits work well: Anthony Quinn Bay in the morning, then Kalithea Springs (~6 km north) in the afternoon.

The Kallithea Springs is one of the most architecturally striking Rhodes landmarks on the island. This art deco thermal spa complex, built in the 1920s by Italian architect Pietro Lombardi, sits dramatically on the coast. The restored rotunda, colonnaded terraces, mosaic floors, and palm-lined gardens make it one of the most photogenic spots on the island. It has featured in several James Bond films and continues to attract visitors looking for something different from typical Rhodes sightseeing.

One of the true hidden gems in Rhodes Greece, the Valley of the Butterflies is a lush, forested nature reserve in the island's interior. From June to September, thousands of Jersey Tiger moths gather in the valley's cool, damp gorge, creating a spectacular natural display. Wooden walkways wind through the trees, passing waterfalls and pools.

Pro Tip: Combine with a visit to the 18th-century Monastery of Kalopetra (1.5 km further uphill) and the ancient Ialyssos Acropolis / Filerimos Monastery (13 km from Rhodes Town) for a full western Rhodes day.

Overlooking modern Rhodes Town from Monte Smith Hill, the Acropolis of Rhodes is one of the most rewarding and underrated Rhodes tourist attractions. The restored Temple of Apollo, the ancient stadium (still used for athletic events), and the dramatic hilltop setting make this a must for history enthusiasts. On a clear day, the views across the city to the sea are among the finest you will find anywhere on the island. Completely free to enter.

A boat tour around the island opens up hidden coves, sea caves, and beaches completely inaccessible by road. Day cruises from Mandraki Harbour range from relaxed glass-bottom boat excursions to full-day sailing trips with swimming stops, snorkelling, and on-board Greek lunches. Private yacht charters are excellent value split between a small group.

Just 45 minutes by high-speed ferry from Rhodes, the island of Symi is one of the most beautiful in the entire Aegean. Its harbour town of Gialos is a theatrical cascade of neoclassical mansions in shades of ochre, terracotta, and cream, climbing steeply from the waterfront up to the hilltop village of Chorio. Take the 357-step Kali Strata staircase up to Chorio for lunch with a panoramic view.

Pro Tip: Book the first morning ferry to maximise time on Symi. Last return ferries are usually around 5-6pm. Alternatively, consider Halki island (1h away) for a more remote experience.

At the very southern tip of Rhodes, where the Aegean Sea meets the Mediterranean, lies one of the most extraordinary natural spectacles on the island - Prasonisi. A narrow sandy isthmus connects the mainland of Rhodes to a small rocky island, with calm water on one side and powerful waves on the other. This unique geography makes Prasonisi one of the world's top windsurfing and kitesurfing destinations.

Pro Tip: The drive to Prasonisi via the island's interior (through Lachania, Kattavia villages) passes olive groves, medieval villages, and sweeping valley views. Plan a full day for the round trip.

Rhodes has a rich culinary tradition shaped by Greek, Ottoman, Italian, and Byzantine influences. Start at the New Market (Nea Agora, Plateia Rimini, Rhodes Town) for fresh produce, local honey, and spices. Then head to the waterfront at Mandraki for grilled octopus, fresh-caught fish, and cold Mythos beer.

Look out for local dishes like pitaroudia (chickpea fritters), melekouni (honey and sesame candy), and loukoumades (Greek doughnuts) drizzled with thyme honey. Pair everything with a glass of local wine from the Emery Winery in Embonas village (~46 km from Rhodes Town, 55 min by car) - one of the island's most underrated hidden gems.