Rhodes Town is one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you wander the cobbled streets admiring the architecture, you’ll notice a mix of ancient ruins, Turkish mosques, Italian-era buildings, and Greek taverns, reflecting all of the many civilizations that have shaped the island over thousands of years.
Start with a stroll along Mandraki Harbor to admire the luxury yachts and colorful fishing boats, and perhaps stop at one of the cafes for a strong Greek coffee and baklava. Next, head inside the medieval walls through one of the doors; Porte Saint Paul is a great option as it is close to the Tour de Naillac. From here you can climb the walls to enjoy a spectacular view of the harbor entrance, a powerful symbol of the island’s historic military strength.
From the walls, return to the cobbled streets, which truly feels like stepping back in time. Narrow stone lanes wind beneath ancient arcades and imposing medieval walls, complete with hidden courtyards, colorful shutters and bougainvillea sprouting from balconies. While the area near Hippocrates Square can get very busy, the crowds quickly dissipate as you move further away.
There are many places to have lunch in Rhodes Town. Stray away from the busier areas to find small tavernas offering Greek specialties in a more peaceful atmosphere, or try one of the many rooftops for stunning views.
Another must-see is Knights’ Street, a beautifully preserved cobbled street lined with medieval inns once used by the Knights of Rhodes. As you climb the slope, admire the medieval Gothic architecture, its imposing stone buildings, arched doorways and carved ridges.
At the top of this street you will find one of the most iconic monuments of Rhodes Town: the Palace of the Grand Master. This medieval castle was built by the Knights of St. John and features large rooms, detailed mosaics and incredible history. From its viewpoint, you can enjoy panoramic views of Mandraki Harbour, nearby minarets, church bell towers, rooftops and the labyrinthine streets below.
Finally, there are plenty of shops to browse, where you’ll find a mix of traditional Greek crafts, artisan products and local specialties… the perfect souvenirs to take home or enjoy during your stay.
Take a trip to Lindos
Lindos, as its name suggests, is a beautiful village on the east coast of Rhodes, nestled in a small bay with whitewashed houses and narrow cobbled streets. Unlike the busier resorts of Rhodes, it does not have any high-rise hotels and has therefore retained its traditional Greek charm. Instead, it’s overseen by the Acropolis of Lindos, an ancient archaeological site featuring the remains of a temple dedicated to Athena, medieval fortifications and panoramic coastal views.
During the day, you can swim in turquoise bays, such as St. Paul’s Bay, and as the sun sets, Lindos transforms into a bustling but romantic destination with rooftop restaurants and lantern-lit streets. Many people take a day trip to Lindos, but I suggest staying a day or two so you can experience it in the evening when most of the crowds have left.
Day trip to Symi Island
Symi is simply stunning and well worth the one to two hour drive to get there. Along the way, you’ll enjoy views of the rugged coastline, and most tours include a stop at St. George’s Bay, where you can swim in the crystal clear waters or simply sit and admire the scenery.
When you arrive at Symi, you are greeted by rows of colorful neoclassical houses climbing the hillside above the waterfront. The harbor is lined with traditional tavernas, cafes and small shops selling sponges, herbs and local crafts.
Most boat tours give you around three hours on the island, which is perfect time to explore and grab a bite to eat at one of the tavernas. The seafood we ate here was some of the best we tasted in Greece, and the decor makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a movie.
Valley of the Butterflies
The best time to visit is between June and September, when the butterflies arrive to breed and cover parts of the valley in shades of orange, black and cream. Hidden in a green, shady valley filled with pine trees and oriental sweetgums, Butterfly Valley is famous for the thousands of Jersey tiger butterflies that congregate there each year.
Wooden bridges, small waterfalls, streams and winding paths lead you through the cool forest landscape, making it the perfect escape from the resort heat. The peaceful atmosphere and beautiful scenery make it a wonderful place to relax and enjoy a gentle walk in nature, and it’s a place we will definitely return to.
Explore Seven Springs
Seven Springs is another great place if you want to escape the busy resorts and experience more of Rhodes’ beautiful natural landscape. Known locally as Epta Piges, it takes its name from the seven natural springs which flow through the forest and feed a small lake.
We loved escaping the heat and strolling the pine-shaded trails. Small wooden bridges cross the streams and peacocks roam freely in the area, adding to its charm. We had planned to have a picnic, but after finding a nearby taverna serving delicious Greek food in such a beautiful setting, we couldn’t resist stopping for a drink and a bite to eat.
Watch the sunset from the west coast
The west coast of Rhodes offers some of the most beautiful sunsets on the island. We were lucky enough to stay at a hotel that had a rooftop sunset bar overlooking the sea, which was the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail or two as the sun transformed the sky into shades of pink and gold.
There are many restaurants dotted along the west coast, right next to the beach, making it a perfect setting for a sunset dinner. Alternatively, you can keep things simple by grabbing a blanket, picking up some gyros and a bottle of beer, and sitting on the beach while watching the sun disappear over the horizon.
Spend the day at Tsambika Beach
Tsambika Beach looks like it was taken straight from a postcard, it almost doesn’t seem real. The long stretch of golden sand and crystal clear water make it the ideal place for swimming, and to make the setting even more picturesque, the small white monastery of Tsambika sits on the hillside overlooking the beach.
There are many seaside taverns where you can enjoy fresh seafood for lunch or an ice cold drink to cool down. The atmosphere is relaxed, but there’s still plenty to keep everyone entertained, with paddle boarding, jet skis and paragliding available for the more adventurous visitors. If you’re feeling energetic, you can also climb the hill to the monastery for incredible views of the coastline. Personally, I was more than happy to relax on a comfortable lounge chair and just enjoy the scenery.
Why we love Rhodes
Rhodes truly has a little bit of everything, so whatever your tastes, you can easily plan the perfect vacation. The weather is fantastic for most of the year, the people are incredibly friendly and the mix of experiences is so varied.
We loved the contrast of spending our days relaxing on beautiful beaches before heading out to explore the island’s many historic sites and charming villages. And of course, the food is delicious too, from fresh seafood near the port to traditional Greek tavernas nestled in the hills. Honestly, what more could you ask for?
