Rhodes, Greece
Dodecanese

Discover Rhodes

Medieval old town

  • UNESCO medieval Old Town
  • Lindos village and acropolis
  • Long sandy family beaches
  • Reliable sunshine into October

Welcome to Rhodes

Rhodes blends medieval grandeur with island holiday ease. Its UNESCO-listed Old Town is one of Europe's best-preserved walled cities, a living maze of cobbled streets, knights' halls and hidden courtyards.

Beyond the walls lie long sandy beaches, ancient sites and pretty villages set against a backdrop of pine-clad hills and clear Aegean water.

The largest of the Dodecanese islands, Rhodes offers plenty of sunshine, history and family-friendly resorts, making it easy to combine culture and relaxation.

Rhodes at a Glance

The essentials before you start planning.

Best time to visit

May–June and September for warm sea and manageable crowds. July and August are hot and busy but great for beaches.

How many days

Four to five nights covers the Old Town, Lindos and a few beaches. A week if you want the west coast and inland villages.

Who it's best for

Families, history lovers, couples and travellers combining culture with a resort holiday.

Best Areas to Stay

Rhodes Old Town

Staying inside the walls is atmospheric and central, though nights can be lively.

Best for: History lovers and short stays

Rhodes New Town

Beaches, restaurants and hotels a short walk from the Old Town gates.

Best for: Balancing sightseeing with beach time

Lindos

Whitewashed village below the acropolis, with small boutique stays and coves nearby.

Best for: Couples and photogenic stays

Faliraki & Kolymbia

Purpose-built resort areas with large hotels and organised beaches.

Best for: Families and all-inclusive holidays

Things to Do in Rhodes

Top highlights and experiences not to miss.

1

Medieval Old Town

Walk the Street of the Knights and explore the Palace of the Grand Master.

2

Lindos & Acropolis

A whitewashed hilltop village crowned by a stunning ancient acropolis.

3

Anthony Quinn Bay

A scenic rocky cove with crystal-clear water, ideal for snorkelling.

4

Valley of the Butterflies

A shaded nature reserve alive with butterflies in summer.

5

Ancient Kamiros

The atmospheric ruins of a well-preserved classical Greek city.

6

Prasonisi Beach

A wind-swept sandy spit that's a magnet for kite and windsurfers.

7

Tsambika Beach

A long stretch of golden sand backed by a scenic clifftop monastery.

8

Old Town Dining

Dine in candlelit courtyards tucked among the medieval walls.

Food & Drink

Rhodian cooking mixes Dodecanese island staples with Ottoman and Italian influences from the island's layered history.

Pitaroudia

Chickpea fritters with herbs and onion — a Rhodian classic.

Melekouni

A sesame and honey sweet traditionally served at weddings.

Fresh fish

Best in the harbour villages such as Haraki and Kamiros Skala.

Local wine

The Embonas area in the hills produces good Athiri whites and reds.

Choosing Where to Stay

Rhodes Town is ideal for combining sightseeing with beaches and nightlife. Lindos offers charm and character, while Faliraki and Kolymbia are popular family resort areas.

You'll find everything from historic Old Town guesthouses to large beachfront resorts and boutique hotels.

Practical Information

Quick facts to help you plan your trip.

Best time to visit

May–June and September for warm weather and calmer, cheaper conditions.

How to get there

Fly to Rhodes (RHO) from across Europe, or arrive by ferry from Athens and other Dodecanese islands.

Getting around

Buses serve the main resorts; a rental car helps you reach quieter beaches and inland villages.

Useful tips

Explore the Old Town early or late to avoid the midday heat and cruise-ship crowds.

Recommended Experiences

Ideas worth building your days around.

Old Town walking tour

The Street of the Knights and Palace of the Grand Master make far more sense with a guide.

Symi day cruise

A popular boat trip to the neighbouring island's pastel harbour.

Lindos by boat

Arriving from the sea gives the best view of the acropolis above the village.

Car or scooter hire

The best way to reach quieter southern beaches and mountain villages.

Guides & Articles about Rhodes

Next step

Plan the rest of your Rhodes trip

Keep going with the parts of the trip that usually take the longest to decide.