10 best things to do in Rhodes

Just west of the medieval Old Town, the Acropolis of Rhodes gives you a very different glimpse into the island’s past. Set on Monte Smith Hill, above the modern city, this was the ancient heart of Rhodes – a centre of politics, worship and sport in the Hellenistic period (3rd and 2nd centuries BC). It didn’t have the defensive character a typical acropolis of the time. Rather, it had a monumental layout, with sanctuaries, public buildings and spaces of worship, including temples dedicated to Zeus, Athena, and Apollo. Other remains include a theatre (Odeon) that once seated 800 spectators. On the southern side of the hill is a 210m-long horseshoe-shaped stadium.

Discover Greece tip: Along with the Acropolis of Rhodes, make sure to visit the Archaeological Museum in the Old Town, where many of the finds from the Acropolis are kept.

Another highlight of your list of things to do in Rhodes is to visit Lindos, around 50 km south of the main town on the east coast. As soon as you arrive, make your way to the hilltop Acropolis of Lindos, dedicated to the goddess Athina Lindia. It was one of the most important religious centres of ancient Rhodes, with foundations dating to the 9th century BC and a striking Doric temple built around 300 BC. The sea views from the top are magical. Behind you is the whitewashed village of Lindos, a labyrinth of shops, bars and tavernas. And around the peninsula, Lindos beach is popular and organised. However, the star swimming spot here is St Paul’s Bay, an almost fully enclosed sandy inlet that you can see from the top of the Acropolis. With its crystal-clear water, sunbeds and beach bar, you can easily stay till sunset.

Discover the wonder of Lindos

There are many places to visit in Rhodes that offer a change of pace from sightseeing and beach life. One of the most popular is the Valley of the Butterflies which, from June to September, becomes a refuge for thousands of Jersey tiger moths, attracted by the resin of the sweetgum trees that grow here. Wooden walkways lead through the shaded valley, alongside streams and waterfalls, making it a pleasant and easy walk – especially popular with families. But please tread carefully and help preserve these delicate little creatures. Meanwhile, very close to the Old Town is Rodini Valley Park, which has a handful of gentle hiking paths and ponds. It’s a great place for a picnic.

Epta Piges (Seven Springs), around 30km south of Rhodes Town, is another favourite escape, with shaded walking paths and trickling streams from seven natural springs feeding a manmade lake. The highlight is walking to a small waterfall and swimming spot. It’s refreshingly cool, even in the height of summer. Further south, Lake Apolakkia is a lesser-known gem near the village of Apolakkia. Created by a dam, it is surrounded by pine-covered hills and has become a peaceful wetland habitat. There are paths for walking, cycling and horse riding and pedal boats and kayaks for rent, as well as a small information kiosk. Pack a picnic and enjoy the solitude.

You could pick a different beach for every day of your holiday in Rhodes and still only scratch the surface. Most are on the east coast, with the areas around Kallithea and Faliraki being summer favourites because of their long, sandy beaches and excellent facilities. There are plenty to pick as you head down the south coast, either by car, bus or even a boat trip, including hiring a boat with a skipper from the port of Mandraki or Rhodes Marina, near the main town – a great choice if you are looking for a quiet spot to swim.

The most popular beaches in Rhodes come with sunbeds, beach bars and tavernas. Some have interesting backstories – like Anthony Quinn beach, named after the American actor – while Kallithea Springs stands out for its unique art deco design. Further south are pebbly Traganou and long and sandy Afandou. Tsambika is one of the most photographed beaches on Rhodes, while Agathi is ideal for families. Glystra offers calm, shallow water and a more peaceful setting. Nearby are the beaches of Lindos and St Paul’s Bay and, right at the southern tip of Rhodes, is Prasonisi, where a double-sided beach becomes a peninsula in summer and conditions are often ideal for wind- and kite-surfing.

Discover Greece tip: There’s a wide selection of beaches with water sports and diving centres in Rhodes as well as beaches with Seatrac facilities for people with disabilities and mobility issues.

Explore the best beaches in Rhodes

Hiking is one of the best ways reach parts of Rhodes that are often overlooked by visitors. From hillside trails through pine forests to coastal routes with Aegean views, there is a range of hiking paths for all levels. The most challenging are on the slopes of Mt Attavyros, Rhodes’ tallest mountain (1,215 metres). Starting from the village of Embonas or Agios Isidoros, there are marked trails with a significant elevation gain of around 750 metres, leading to the ruins of the ancient Temple of Zeus Atavyrios. The terrain is rocky and exposed, so proper footwear and water are essential. For a shorter but still rewarding climb, the path to the Monastery of Tsambika involves almost 300 stone steps through a cypress forest, leading to panoramic views from the chapel at 320 metres.

Near Rhodes Town, the coastal trail from Psaropoula beach to Kritika (Kato Petres) is a gentle 1.8 km walk along the shoreline, with rest areas and sea views. Another accessible option is the path up Filerimos Hill in Ialyssos, a 4 km route through pine and oak trees, ending at a monastery and a large cross with sweeping views. For those seeking organised hikes, there is a wide choice of full-day or even multi-day hiking experiences offering guided routes through the island’s diverse terrain.

Discover Greece tip: Spring and autumn are the best seasons for all nature activities in Rhodes, with milder temperatures and blooming landscapes. Please ensure you follow all the appropriate safety precautions when hiking in Greece, especially in the summer months.

Taking a day trip from Rhodes to Symi or Halki, two neighbouring but much smaller islands, is the best way to experience a completely different pace of life during your holidays. Both offer a change of scenery and atmosphere, with pastel-coloured mansions lining their harbours, a rich maritime heritage and the kind of quiet charm that feels like you are stepping back in time.

Symi welcomes you with neoclassical houses rising above the port of Gialos, where you can stroll along the seafront, explore the old town of Horio or visit the Monastery of the Archangel Michael at Panormitis. Don’t leave without trying the famous tiny Symi shrimp. Meanwhile, Halki is quieter and more low-key. It centres on the harbour town of Emporio, with colourful houses, swimming spots right off the quay and a timeless atmosphere. Just an hour from Rhodes, both islands are an easy way to experience the Dodecanese at its most authentic.

From ancient landmarks and charming villages to beach days, local flavours and nature escapes, the list of things to do in Rhodes is as varied as the island itself. Whether it’s your first visit or one of many, Rhodes has a way of revealing something new every time.

Discover the island of the knights

Find Tours in Rhodes

Rhodes, the largest island of the Dodecanese, is connected to Athens through Piraeus Port, with year-round ferry routes.

From Piraeus:

• Conventional ferry: ~15–17 hours (usually overnight)

Ferries to Rhodes typically offer cabins, numbered seats, and vehicle decks for long-distance comfort.

Luggage is included in the ticket price, with storage areas available onboard.

In summer, ferry schedules become more frequent, and Rhodes also has direct ferry connections to other Dodecanese islands like Kos, Symi, and Kalymnos.