Guides · Rhodes
10 Best Things to Do in Rhodes, Greece
By Tomas Achmedovas · CEO and co-founder
CEO and co-founder
This guide covers the 10 best things to do in Rhodes Greece - the sights, beaches, and experiences that genuinely earn a spot on your itinerary whether you have three days or a full week on the island. Each entry includes the exact address, nearest bus stop or driving distance from Rhodes Town, and a practical Pro Tip drawn from on-the-ground experience. We have ordered the list to make route planning straightforward: the first three entries (Old Town, Lindos, Anthony Quinn Bay) cover the absolute essentials, followed by the east coast highlights, then the wider island.
Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese islands and one of the sunniest places in Europe, averaging over 300 days of sunshine a year. The island splits neatly into two halves: the developed east coast (beaches, resorts, Lindos) and the quieter west coast (windsurfing, mountain villages, ancient Kamiros). Rhodes Town itself combines a UNESCO-listed medieval Old Town with a modern harbour district, making it a strong base for day trips in every direction. Transit details reference the KTEL bus network, which connects Rhodes Town to most major points on the island for EUR 2-8 per ride.
From medieval fortresses and ancient acropolis ruins to turquoise bays and a day trip to the tiny island of Symi, this Rhodes travel guide for 2026 sticks to what genuinely deserves your time and skips the filler.
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1Rhodes Old Town - The Most Iconic Thing to Do in Rhodes
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.
2Lindos Acropolis - The Best Ancient Ruins to Visit in Rhodes
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. Admission is EUR 12 (EUR 6 reduced).
3Anthony Quinn Bay - One of the Most Beautiful Beaches in Rhodes
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. Sunbed rental runs around EUR 8-10 per pair in peak season.
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4Kalithea Springs (Terme di Calitea) - A Stunning Rhodes Landmark
The Kallithea Springs is one of the most architecturally striking 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 Rhodes. Admission is EUR 3. The complex also hosts a small exhibition on the history of the springs and their therapeutic reputation, which dates back to antiquity.
5Valley of the Butterflies (Petaloudes) - A Hidden Gem for Nature Lovers
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. Admission is EUR 5 in summer (free off-season).
6Acropolis of Rhodes - Ancient History Above the Modern City
Overlooking modern Rhodes Town from Monte Smith Hill, the Acropolis of Rhodes is one of the most rewarding and underrated attractions on the island. 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 and open 24 hours.
7Boat Tour from Rhodes - The Best Way to See the Coastline
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 (from EUR 20) to full-day sailing trips with swimming stops, snorkelling, and on-board Greek lunches (EUR 45-80). Private yacht charters are excellent value split between a small group - expect EUR 400-600 for a full-day charter for up to 8 people.
8Symi Island - The Best Day Trip from Rhodes
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. Return ferry tickets cost around EUR 20-25.
9Prasonisi Beach - Where Two Seas Meet
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. Equipment rental starts at around EUR 30 per hour.
10Rhodes Town Food Scene - The Best of Greek Island Life
Rhodes has a rich culinary tradition shaped by Greek, Ottoman, Italian, and Byzantine influences. Start at the New Market (Nea Agora) at 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 stops.
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CEO and co-founder
Tomas is the co-founder and director of trip1, an European company specializing in reservation services. He launched the company in 2025 with a focus on building scalable, efficient operations.
Rhodes Travel Guide FAQ
Walk the medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site ringed by 4 km of walls, especially the Street of the Knights and the Palace of the Grand Master. Then climb the Acropolis of Lindos on its 116-metre cliff, swim at Anthony Quinn Bay, and take the 45-minute ferry to Symi, the best day trip from the island.
Lindos is the usual answer: a whitewashed village below the Acropolis of Lindos, with St Paul's Bay for a swim beneath it. Rhodes Old Town is the other contender, a walled medieval city of cobbled lanes that is at its best at dusk, when the cruise crowds have gone.
Three days covers the essentials: Rhodes Town, Lindos with Anthony Quinn Bay, and Symi. A week lets you add the Valley of the Butterflies, the ancient sites of the west coast and Prasonisi at the southern tip. KTEL buses reach the main towns, but a hire car is the easiest way to get to Prasonisi and the interior.
May, June and September: warm weather of 22 to 28 degrees, calm seas and manageable crowds. July and August are hotter, up to 32 degrees, and much busier, while April and October are quieter and cheaper and still good for sightseeing. From November to March some sites close.
Yes. The cruise terminal sits right beside the medieval walls, and the nearest Old Town gate is a 5 to 10 minute walk on flat ground. That leaves time on a port day for the Street of the Knights, the Palace of the Grand Master and a stroll along Mandraki Harbour.
Yes. On trip1 you can book hotels across Rhodes, in Rhodes Town, Lindos, Faliraki and on the west coast, and pay with over 120 cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum and USDC, or by Visa and Mastercard.
