Rhodes Travel Guide – Discover Greece’s Medieval Island Paradise

Welcome to Rhodes, the largest island in Greece’s Dodecanese archipelago and a destination that perfectly blends ancient history, medieval grandeur, and beachside bliss. Known for the legendary Colossus of Rhodes, the mighty Knights of St. John, and some of the most stunning coastal scenery in the Aegean, Rhodes is a must-visit for any traveler craving both culture and relaxation.
 

This in-dept

h travel guide will help you plan your perfect visit to Rhodes, with expert insights into the island’s top attractions, activities, accommodations, and local experiences.

📚 Table of Contents

Why Visit Rhodes

A Brief History of Rhodes

Top Attractions in Rhodes Town

Best Beaches in Rhodes

Exploring Villages & Countryside

Adventure & Outdoor Activities

What to Eat & Drink

Where to Stay

Getting to Rhodes

Getting Around

Best Time to Visit

Rhodes Travel Tips

Final Thoughts

🌟 1. Why Visit Rhodes?

Rhodes is an island of diverse experiences, from UNESCO-listed medieval cities to tranquil beach resorts and ancient ruins.

Reasons to Visit Rhodes:

🏰 Explore one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval towns

🏖️ Relax on sun-soaked beaches with turquoise waters

🏛️ Discover ancient Greek and Roman ruins

🧗‍♀️ Enjoy hiking, snorkeling, windsurfing, and more

🍷 Indulge in delicious local cuisine and wines

Whether you’re a history lover, beach bum, or active explorer, Rhodes has something for everyone.

🏛️ 2. A Brief History of Rhodes

Rhodes has a history spanning over 2,400 years. It was once one of the wealthiest and most powerful islands in the eastern Mediterranean.

Ancient Era: Home to the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

Hellenistic & Roman Rule: Flourished as a center of commerce and arts

Byzantine Period: Fortified for defense against pirates

Knights of St. John (1309–1522): Built the iconic medieval city

Ottoman Rule (1522–1912): Islamic architecture and bathhouses added

Italian Occupation (1912–1947): Introduced neoclassical buildings

Modern Era: Part of Greece since 1947

Each era has left a mark, creating a rich and layered cultural landscape.

🏰 3. Top Attractions in Rhodes Town

Rhodes Town, the island’s capital, is divided into Old Town and New Town, each offering unique experiences.

🏯 Rhodes Old Town (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Palace of the Grand Master – A medieval fortress and museum of Rhodes history

Street of the Knights – Cobblestone street lined with Inns of the Knights

Archaeological Museum of Rhodes – Housed in a 15th-century hospital

Suleymaniye Mosque & Turkish Baths – Remnants of Ottoman influence

Clock Tower – Offers great panoramic views over the Old Town

🛍️ New Town Highlights

Mandraki Harbor – Once the site of the Colossus; now home to windmills and statues of deer

Elli Beach – Close to town and popular for sunbathing

Nea Agora (New Market) – Great for shopping and food

🏖️ 4. Best Beaches in Rhodes

Rhodes is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and sandy shores.

🏝️ Top Beaches:

Faliraki Beach – Popular and lively with water sports and beach bars

Anthony Quinn Bay – Named after the actor; ideal for snorkeling

Tsambika Beach – Golden sand and shallow turquoise waters

Lindos Beach – Gorgeous setting near the whitewashed village and Acropolis

Prasonisi Beach – A windsurfer’s paradise where two seas meet (Aegean and Mediterranean)

🏘️ 5. Exploring Villages & Countryside

Beyond Rhodes Town, the island offers charming villages, olive groves, and ancient sites.

🌄 Lindos

Iconic white village with narrow lanes and rooftop cafes

Acropolis of Lindos – Ancient citadel with panoramic views

🌿 Embonas

Famous for wine production and mountain charm

Great spot to try local wines and souma (grape spirit)

🌻 Monolithos & Kritinia

Small hilltop villages with castles overlooking the sea

Excellent for sunset photos

🌅 Kamiros

Visit Ancient Kamiros, a classical Greek city ruin near the west coast

🧗‍♂️ 6. Adventure & Outdoor Activities

Rhodes isn’t just history and beaches—it’s also an outdoor lover’s paradise.

🧗 Top Activities:

Windsurfing and kiteboarding – Especially at Prasonisi

Scuba diving and snorkeling – Explore underwater caves and reefs

Hiking – Trails in Mount Attavyros or the Valley of the Butterflies

Horseback riding along the beach

Boat tours to nearby islands like Symi or Halki

🍽️ 7. What to Eat & Drink in Rhodes

Rhodes offers a mix of classic Greek dishes and local Dodecanese specialties.

🍲 Must-Try Dishes:

Pitaroudia – Chickpea fritters

Melekouni – Sesame and honey bars offered at weddings

Lamb kleftiko – Slow-cooked lamb with herbs

Dolmades – Stuffed grape leaves

Fresh seafood – Try grilled octopus, calamari, and red mullet

🍷 Drinks:

Local wines from Embonas region

Souma – Traditional distilled spirit

Fresh orange and pomegranate juices

🍴 Recommended Restaurants:

Marco Polo Mansion – Elegant dining in the Old Town

Tamam – Local favorite for authentic Greek flavors

To Steno – Cozy and traditional

Stefano’s Fish Tavern – Near the coast with unbeatable seafood

🏨 8. Where to Stay in Rhodes

Whether you prefer medieval hotels or beach resorts, Rhodes has accommodations for every budget.

🏰 In Rhodes Old Town:

Spirit of the Knights Boutique Hotel – Historic charm with luxury

Avalon Boutique Suites Hotel – Close to the Palace

🏖️ Near the Beach:

Esperos Village Blue & Spa – Adults-only in Faliraki

Mitsis Grand Hotel – Beachfront and all-inclusive

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Family-Friendly:

Lindos Princess Beach Hotel – Great for kids and activities

Eden Roc Resort Hotel – Pools, sports, and a private beach

🛬 9. How to Get to Rhodes

Rhodes is accessible by both air and sea.

✈️ By Plane:

Rhodes International Airport (RHO) connects with Athens and major European cities

Taxis and buses available to Rhodes Town and resorts

⛴️ By Ferry:

Ferries from Athens (Piraeus Port) – 12–15 hours

Ferries also connect to Kos, Symi, Karpathos, and Crete

🛵 10. Getting Around Rhodes

Car rentals are the most convenient way to explore the island

Public buses are available but may be infrequent in remote areas

Scooters and ATVs are popular and affordable

Walking is ideal for Rhodes Town and Lindos

🌤️ 11. Best Time to Visit Rhodes

☀️ May, June, and September are ideal for avoiding crowds while enjoying great weather.

💡 12. Rhodes Travel Tips

🕍 Book tickets early for museums and guided tours

💶 Carry some cash, especially in villages

👟 Wear comfortable shoes for exploring ruins

🚰 Tap water is safe to drink

📸 Sunrise and sunset photos are best from Monte Smith Hill or Lindos Acropolis

🎟️ Consider the combined archaeological ticket for savings

🏁 13. Final Thoughts

Rhodes is a destination where myths, knights, and the Aegean sun come together in perfect harmony. From ancient temples to medieval fortresses, and from bustling beach towns to serene villages, this island offers an experience that’s both historic and endlessly relaxing.

So whether you're a solo traveler, a couple on a romantic getaway, or a family seeking sun and culture, Rhodes welcomes you with open arms and timeless beauty.