Rhodes
The fourth-largest Greek island (1,401 km²) and the undisputed center of the Dodecanese. Rhodes has it all: one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the world, ancient ruins, stunning bays, a lively nightlife, and an astonishingly diverse landscape — from pine forests in the interior to citrus plantations in the east to wind-swept cliffs on the west coast.
In antiquity, the island was one of the most important trading powers of the eastern Mediterranean. The Colossus of Rhodes — one of the seven wonders of the world — supposedly stood at the entrance to the Mandraki Harbor (although no one knows exactly what it looked like or where it stood). In the Middle Ages, the Knights of St. John (1309–1522) made Rhodes the main fortress of Christendom against the Ottoman Empire and built the massive fortress town that is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Rhodes Town is divided into two worlds: The Old Town within the walls — a labyrinth of medieval alleys, Ottoman mosques, and hidden squares — and the modern New Town with hotels, shopping, and the lively nightlife around Bar Street. Outside the town, the white village of Lindos with its Acropolis, miles of sandy beaches on the east coast, and the little-visited, mountainous hinterland beckon.
Plan at least 5 full days for Rhodes: 2 for the Old Town, 1 for Lindos, 1 for beaches, and 1 for the hinterland or a day trip to Symi.
💡 Tipp
The Old Town of Rhodes is HUGE — plan at least a full day just to get lost in the alleys. Most tourists concentrate on the Street of the Knights and the Grand Master's Palace. Turn into the side streets, especially towards the Jewish Quarter in the southeast — there you'll find the most authentic taverns and beautiful hidden spots.
Rhodes Town Old Town (UNESCO)★★★
The Old Town of Rhodes is the largest still-inhabited medieval town in Europe — and one of the best-preserved in the world. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988, around 6,000 people still live and work within the massive fortress walls built by the Knights Hospitaller in the 14th and 15th centuries.
The walls are 4 km long, up to 12 m thick, and over 10 m high in places — a masterpiece of military architecture that withstood two massive Ottoman sieges (1480 and 1522). Eleven gates lead into the city, which is divided into two main areas: the Collachium (the knights' quarter in the north with Knights Street, Grand Master's Palace, and Hospital) and the Chora (the civilian quarter in the south, with Ottoman mosques, the Jewish quarter, and the liveliest squares).
The best thing about the Old Town? The atmosphere. In the cobblestone alleys, medieval stone houses mix with Turkish wooden balconies, Byzantine churches stand next to mosques, and in the small squares, locals and cats alike bask in the sun. In the evenings, when the cruise tourists are gone, the alleys transform into a magical stage — warm lantern light, the clinking of glasses from hidden courtyards, the scent of jasmine.
The Knights Street (Odos Ippoton) is the main axis of the Collachium — a straight, 200 m long cobblestone street lined with the "Inns" (residences) of the different nationalities of the knights: France, Spain, Provence, Auvergne, England, Germany, Italy. The facades are austere, almost unadorned — this was about defense, not decoration. At the upper end, the Grand Master's Palace looms.
The Old Town is freely accessible, 24/7. Best in the morning (8–10 am, before the cruise groups arrive) or in the evening (from 7 pm, when the alleys empty).
💡 Tipp
Walk the city wall! The Moat Walk along the outside is free and offers great perspectives. On Tuesdays and Saturdays, you can also walk ON TOP of the wall (start at the Grand Master's Palace, 4€) — the view over the old town roofs and the sea is sensational.
Grand Master's Palace★★★
The most imposing building in the Old Town and the symbol of Rhodes par excellence. The Palace of the Grand Masters of the Knights Hospitaller was built in the 14th century as a fortress and administrative seat — a massive, square structure with round corner towers, battlements, and a magnificent courtyard with arcades and ancient statues.
The history of the building is eventful: During the Ottoman rule, it served as a prison and stable. In 1856, an ammunition depot exploded in the basement, destroying large parts. The Italians (who occupied Rhodes from 1912–1947) rebuilt the palace in the 1930s as a summer residence for Mussolini and the Italian king — in a pseudo-medieval style, but with modern comforts. Mussolini used it exactly twice.
Today, the palace houses a museum with excellent mosaic floors from the 2nd–3rd century (brought from the nearby island of Kos), medieval furniture, and an exhibition on the knights' era. Particularly impressive are the Great Hall (banquet hall with Medusa floor mosaic) and the rooms with Hellenistic mosaics — hunting scenes, sea creatures, and mythological depictions in astonishing colors.
In the basement are two permanent exhibitions: "Ancient Rhodes" and "Medieval Rhodes" — both excellently curated and a good introduction to the island's history.
Entrance: 8€ (adults), 4€ (reduced), under 18 free in the off-season. April–October: 8–20 (last entry 19:30). November–March: 8–15. Closed Mondays. Audioguide 4€ (recommended). Combo ticket with Archaeological Museum 12€.
💡 Tipp
The combo ticket (12€) for the Grand Master's Palace + Archaeological Museum is worth it. Both museums are excellent. Plan 1.5 hours for the palace — the basement exhibitions are surprisingly good.
Mandraki Harbor
The ancient commercial harbor of Rhodes, directly north of the Old Town — this is where the legendary Colossus of Rhodes is said to have stood, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The bronze statue of the sun god Helios (about 33 m high) probably stood at the harbor entrance before an earthquake destroyed it in 226 BC after only 54 years. Today, two slimmer symbols mark the entrance: a stag and a doe on stone columns — the heraldic animals of Rhodes.
The harbor itself is picturesque: rows of sailboats and yachts, behind them three stone windmills from the knights' era (once used to grind grain for the ships), and at the end of the pier the Fortress of Agios Nikolaos with the lighthouse of the same name. Excursion boats to Symi, Lindos, and Turkey depart from the harbor.
Along the harbor promenade, cafes and restaurants line up — touristy, but the sunset view over the harbor with the windmills backlit is beautiful. The Nea Agora (New Market), an art-deco building from the Italian period at the end of the harbor, houses small shops and a few tavernas.
Directly behind the harbor lies the Eleftherias Square (Freedom Square) with the Italian governor's residence, the national theater, and the impressive Murad Reis Mosque complex with its small Ottoman cemetery under palm trees.
Lindos★★
47 km south of Rhodes Town lies Lindos — and the first view from the viewpoint above the village is one of those moments for which you travel to Greece. A white village of cubic houses clinging to a rock, above it an ancient acropolis on a 116 m high cliff, and at its feet the horseshoe-shaped St. Paul's Bay with turquoise water — one of the most photogenic places in all of Greece.
In antiquity, Lindos was one of the three powerful city-states of Rhodes (along with Kamiros and Ialysos) and a significant trading center. The ascent to the Acropolis (about 15 minutes uphill, or by donkey for 7€ one-way) leads through the village's alleys, past the famous "captain's houses" from the 16th–17th century with their elaborately decorated courtyards (some accessible as museums).
At the top awaits you an ancient Temple of Athena Lindia (4th century BC) on a terrace, a Hellenistic stoa, a Byzantine church, and a Knights' fortress — all layered over each other, millennia in close quarters. The view in all directions is breathtaking.
★★★ St. Paul's Bay
Directly below the south side of the Acropolis lies this almost enclosed bay — legend has it that the Apostle Paul landed here in 51 AD. The water is crystal clear and calm (the bay is naturally protected), the beach tiny but perfect. In summer crowded, but always beautiful. Best to come early in the morning or evening.
Acropolis entrance: 12€ (adults), 6€ (reduced), under 18 free. April–October: 8–19:30. November–March: 8–14:30. Closed on Mondays. No shade at the top — bring sun protection and water!
💡 Tipp
Come EARLY (8 am opening) or LATE (after 5 pm). Between 10 am and 4 pm, Lindos is brutally crowded with day-trippers. The heat on top of the Acropolis is murderous in summer — take at least 1 liter of water per person. The donkey option uphill sounds fun, but the animals are often overloaded; better to go on foot.
Beaches on Rhodes
Rhodes has over 40 beaches, spread over 220 km of coastline. Basic rule: The east coast is calmer (less wind) and has the better sandy beaches — ideal for swimming and families. The west coast is windier and wavier — perfect for surfing and kitesurfing. Inside the island, there are mountain forests with hiking trails.
★★★ Tsambika Beach
THE sandy beach of Rhodes and one of the most beautiful beaches of the Dodecanese. 800 meters of fine, golden sand in a wide bay, gently sloping, crystal-clear water — perfect for families. Sunshade and loungers about 8€/set, plus a few beach bars. No nearby settlement, so relatively unspoiled. Named after the small monastery Panagia Tsambika on the hill above (300 steps up, great view).
26 km south of Rhodes Town on the east coast. Parking 3€. Bus from Rhodes Town about 40 min.
★★ Anthony Quinn Bay
This small, fjord-like rocky bay was named after the actor who bought land here during the filming of "The Guns of Navarone" (1961) (later reclaimed by the government). Emerald green water between dramatic rocks, surrounded by pines. Excellent for snorkeling — colorful fish, sea urchins, occasional octopuses. But beware: The "beach" is rocky with a few small pebble areas, bathing shoes are a must.
Ladiko, 15 km south of Rhodes Town. Can get extremely crowded in summer. Best before 10 am or after 5 pm.
★★ Prasonisi
The southern tip of Rhodes — and a paradise for windsurfers and kitesurfers. A land bridge connects the main island with a small offshore island, and the wind almost always whistles here. On one side flat, windless water (Aegean side), on the other the full wind power (Mediterranean side). Several surf schools and rentals on site. Also impressive as a natural spectacle — at high tide, the land bridge is flooded.
92 km south of Rhodes Town (about 1.5 hours drive). Surf courses from about 60€/3 hours. Camping options nearby.
Faliraki Beach
The most famous (and commercial) beach of Rhodes. 5 km of sandy beach with all the trimmings: water sports, beach bars, sun loungers (from 6€/set). The north side is lively (bars, clubs), the south side quieter. Directly at the party spot Faliraki — if you're looking for peace, this is the wrong place. But the beach itself is objectively very good: fine sand, clear water, Blue Flag.
Agathi Beach
Small, unspoiled sandy beach near Haraki, 38 km south. Golden sand, shallow water, little infrastructure — just one taverna. The alternative to Tsambika if you want less hustle and bustle. Next to the beach, the ruins of the Crusader castle Feraklos.
Valley of the Butterflies (Petaloudes)
From June to September, millions of Panaxia moths (Jersey Tiger) gather in this wooded valley 26 km southwest of Rhodes Town. The butterflies are attracted by the resin of the amber trees (Liquidambar orientalis) and cover the tree trunks in dense clusters — a surreal spectacle. At rest, they are brown-beige and well camouflaged; only when they take flight do they show their bright orange-red hindwings.
The valley itself is a pleasant, shaded walk (about 1 km uphill) along a stream with small waterfalls and wooden bridges. At the upper end, a small natural history museum and a monastery (Panagia Kalopetra) with a beautiful view.
Important: The butterfly population has declined significantly in recent years — partly due to tourists clapping and making noise to make the animals fly. This stresses the animals and costs them vital energy. Please be quiet and do not disturb the butterflies!
Entrance: 5€ (June–September), 3€ (off-season). Daily 8–18 (summer). Come in the morning — fewer people, more active butterflies. Most impressive end of July/August.
Achtung
The butterfly population in the valley is declining. Please do NOT clap, do not be loud, and do not use flash photography — it harms the animals. Enjoy the spectacle in peace!
Food & Drink
Rhodes has an excellent gastro scene that goes far beyond the typical taverna. In the Old Town, you'll find restaurants in medieval vaults and Ottoman gardens, chic rooftop bars in Lindos, and tavernas in village squares in the hinterland where Yiayia (grandmother) still cooks herself. Rhodian cuisine mixes Greek basics with influences from the Aegean and Turkey.
Important: The Old Town is divided. Along the tourist axis Sokratous Street, most restaurants are mediocre and overpriced. The insider tips are in the side streets, especially in the southern part of the Old Town (Jewish quarter) and around Platia Arionos.
Marco Polo Mansion
One of the most beautiful restaurant settings in all of Greece: An Ottoman mansion from the 15th century with a paradisiacal courtyard garden under bougainvillea and jasmine. The cuisine is creatively Mediterranean with Rhodian accents — lamb kleftiko with herbs, grilled octopus, homemade pasta with seafood. Wine list with excellent Rhodian and Dodecanese wines.
Reservation MANDATORY, especially for the garden. Main courses 18–32€. Agiou Fanouriou 42, Old Town.
Marco Polo Mansion€€€
The most romantic restaurant in the Old Town — in an elaborately restored Ottoman mansion from the 15th century. The courtyard garden under centuries-old trees, bougainvillea, and soft lighting is like a journey back in time. The rooms upstairs can also be booked as a boutique hotel.
The cuisine is sophisticated but not pretentious: lamb kleftiko in a clay pot, grilled swordfish with caper salsa, Rhodian pasta with shrimp, and for dessert Galaktoboureko with Rhodian honey. The wine list showcases what the Dodecanese can do: Athiri and Mandilaria from CAIR, the oldest winery on the island.
Reservation highly recommended, in summer 2–3 days in advance. Main courses 18–32€, starters 8–14€. Agiou Fanouriou 42, Old Town.
To Marouli€€
A refreshing surprise in the Old Town: creative vegetarian and vegan cuisine with a Greek base. The chef uses local, seasonal ingredients and reinterprets Greek classics — fava puree with caramelized onions and capers, vegetable moussaka, stuffed vine leaves with wild herbs, grilled eggplant with walnut-tahini.
The small place in the quiet southern part of the Old Town has only a few tables inside and outside — cozy, personal, not a tourist trap. An experience even for non-vegetarians. Homemade lemonades and Rhodian natural wines.
Main courses 10–16€, starters 6–9€. Reserve in the evening. Sofocleous 76, Old Town.
Ta Kardasia€
Authentic Greek tavern away from the tourist crowds, hidden in a side alley in the southern part of the old town. This is where the locals eat — and you can tell by the prices and the quality. Classic Mezedes: Tzatziki, Saganaki (fried cheese), Dolmadakia, grilled meat from the charcoal grill. The portions are huge.
The atmosphere is simple — plastic tablecloths, wooden chairs on the cobblestones, a TV showing Greek football — but that's exactly what gives it its charm. Best value for money in the old town. The host speaks little English, but is all the more welcoming.
Main courses 7–12€, Mezedes 3–6€. Cash only! Aristotelous 11, Old Town.
Accommodation
Rhodes offers accommodations for every budget, from backpacker hostels to boutique hotels in medieval knight palaces. The most exciting options are in the old town — here you sleep in historic buildings with vaulted ceilings, courtyards, and the feeling of waking up in another era. Outside the walls, there are beach resorts along the east coast and family-friendly all-inclusive complexes around Faliraki and Kolymbia.
Budget: Stay Hostel€
The only real hostel in the Old Town — and one of the best in all of Greece. Clean, modern dorms (4–8 beds, from 18€/night) and private rooms (from 55€), plus a fantastic rooftop terrace with views over the Old Town rooftops and the Grand Master's Palace. Communal kitchen, washing machine, organized bar crawls and excursions. Perfect location in the heart of the Old Town, 2 minutes to Knights Street.
Pythagora 16, Old Town. Booking via Hostelworld or directly. Wi-Fi good, breakfast 5€ extra.
Mid-range: Spirit of the Knights€€
Atmospheric boutique hotel in a restored medieval building from the 13th century — vaulted ceilings, stone walls, antique furniture, but with modern comforts (air conditioning, good beds, chic bathrooms). 6 individually designed rooms, each with its own character. The courtyard with a fountain and bougainvillea is a dream. First-class breakfast with local products.
Double rooms from 90–140€/night depending on the season. Alexandridou 14, Old Town. Book in advance — only 6 rooms!
Mid-range: In Camera Art Boutique Hotel€€
A lovingly renovated house in the Jewish quarter of the Old Town, with artworks on the walls and a quiet, adult atmosphere. 10 rooms with high ceilings, designer furniture, and vintage accents. The location is perfect: quiet, yet just minutes from restaurants and sights. Great breakfast on the terrace.
Double rooms from 80–130€/night. Sofokleous Str., Old Town. Children under 12 not allowed (adults-only concept).
Luxury: Kokkini Porta Rossa€€€
The best boutique hotel in the Old Town — in a spectacularly restored complex of three medieval buildings with its own hamam spa. Only 5 suites, each a work of art with vaulted ceilings, natural stone, handcrafted furniture, and modern luxury. The "Grand Master Suite" has its own whirlpool and view of the palace. Personal concierge, gourmet breakfast, private courtyard garden.
Suites from 200–400€/night. Reservation months in advance necessary. Only 5 suites. Kissthonos, Old Town.
Nightlife
Rhodes has the liveliest nightlife in the Dodecanese — and one of the most intense in all of Greece. The scene is concentrated in two areas:
Orfanidou Street ("Bar Street")
The legendary party mile in the New Town — a whole street full of bars, clubs, and shot bars, packed every night from May to October. Here, an international crowd (a lot of British, Scandinavian) celebrates to everything from house to pop to Schlager. The action starts from 11 pm and goes until 5 am. Entry is usually free, drinks 5–8€.
Recommendations: Colorado Club (largest club, three floors, live acts), Paradiso Beach Club (pool party vibe, Elli Beach), Sfinx Cocktail Bar (relaxed, good cocktails). For Greek nightlife: Privilege (Greek music, locals).
Old Town at Night
For those who prefer it more cultured: The Old Town transforms into a magical setting in the evening. Small cocktail bars in medieval vaults, jazz clubs in cellar rooms, rooftop bars with views of the illuminated palace. Much more atmospheric than Bar Street, but also quieter.
Tips: Macao Bar (cocktails in a stone vault, Agiou Fanouriou), Ronda (rooftop with Old Town panorama), Café Chantant (jazz and blues in a historic setting).