Rhodes Travelers Recommend

Rhodes' biggest draw might be its pristine beaches, but there's plenty to do on the largest Dodecanese Island besides top up your suntan and learn to windsurf. From exploring the island’s ancient cities to sipping wine in a traditional winery, here’s how to get the most of three days on the Greek island of Rhodes. 

Day 1: Medieval Rhodes

Start with a guided Segway tour of Rhodes’ medieval Old Town, the island’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enter the towering fortification walls where you can walk the legendary Avenue of the Knights to the hilltop Palace of the Grand Masters of the Knights of Rhodes, then stroll around the maze of cobblestone streets that make up Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited medieval city. In the afternoon, take some time to enjoy the natural beauty of the island, either on nearby Kallithea Beach or stand-up paddleboarding along the island’s rocky coast. Once the sun goes down, experience the Old Town illuminated at night during an evening walking tour of the city.

Day 2: Island Adventure

Spend your second day traveling around the coast to explore some of the island’s many historic attractions. Discover the ruins of the ancient Doric cities of Lindos and Kamiros, take in the views from the grand medieval Kritinia Castle, or picnic by the banks of the shaded Seven Springs. Alternatively, clamber a rock-cut stairwell to the summit of the secluded Monolithos Castle and stop off along the way for wine-tasting at the traditional winemaking villages of Emponas and Siana. Opt for a round-island Jeep safari with a professional driver or drive yourself as part of an off-road caravan. To make sure you see what you want, consider a private tour tailored to your interests. End your day with a sunset dinner cruise.

Day 3: Aegean Day Trip

Now that you’ve experienced the best of Rhodes, leave the island on a day trip, perhaps to the idyllic island of Symi, known for its picturesque harbor surrounded by colorful houses, or on a full-day cruise to Marmaris on the Turkish Riviera. Soak up the views from its hilltop medieval castle, visit an archaeological museum, or shop for Turkish keepsakes at the Marmaris Bazaar. Independent travelers can catch a ferry to Fethiye, also in Turkey, to explore this low-key harbor town and its surrounding attractions. After a long day island hopping, end your stay with a quiet dinner at your hotel or a local restaurant in Rhodes’ Old Town.

With two days to spend on the island of Rhodes, you’ll be able to stroll through the streets of the medieval Old Town, explore ancient archaeological sites, and enjoy the great outdoors (both on land and by sea). Here are some tips for how to plan the ultimate 48 hours on Rhodes.

Day 1: Ancient Wonders

Morning: Start your day with a tour of medieval Rhodes for an introduction to the history and heritage of this Greek island. One of the best ways to get around is by Segway, allowing you to zip around the old city to points of interest such as the Palace of the Grand Master, Ibrahim Pasha Mosque, the Hospice of St. Catherine, and the former headquarters of the Knights of St. John.

Afternoon: This afternoon, head further back in time with a visit to one of the most important archaeological sites of ancient Greece, the Acropolis of Lindos. Explore the ruins—some dating back more than 2,500 years—with a guide for insight into the role Rhodes played in ancient Greek civilization.

Night: Rhodes’ Old Town is at its most beautiful when illuminated at night. Return here this evening to experience this atmospheric time of day. Explore on your own, or join an evening tour, many of which include a short cruise around Mandraki Harbor, dinner at a local Greek restaurant, and free time for shopping.

Day 2: Outdoor Adventures

Morning: Rhodes makes an excellent base for outdoor adventure in the Aegean Sea. Choose your favorite activity or try something new; hike through the pine forests of Eastern Rhodes, kayak along the rocky coast, learn the basics of scuba diving in Kalithea Bay, or charter a yacht for a customized cruise.

Afternoon: Many outdoor activities in Rhodes take up the better part of the day, but if you have some free time this afternoon, you have options. Dig deeper into history at the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes, catch a showing of Throne of Helios: The History of Rhodes 9D experience, or head to Kalithea Beach to relax in the sun.

Night: Wrap up your time on Rhodes with a romantic sunset cruise through Aegean waters. Go for a late afternoon swim at Kalithea Springs, soak up the coastal scenery in the warm light of the setting sun, and enjoy a feast of Greek specialties on deck as you sail along the coast.

Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese Islands (and the fourth-largest island in Greece), blends sandy beaches and ample sunshine with medieval architecture and ancient historical attractions. If you only have one day to spend on the island, here are some suggestions for how to make the most of your limited time.

Morning: Island Sightseeing

Start your morning off with an orientation around Rhodes; one of the most fun and convenient options is by Segway. Zip around the City of Knights—the medieval center of Rhodes town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site—stopping at the Palace of the Grand Master, Ibrahim Pasha Mosque (the oldest on the island), Saint Catherine’s Hospice, and the former headquarters of the Knights of Saint John. If you have specific attractions in mind that you don’t want to miss, consider a private tour tailored to your interests, whether ancient archaeological sites or hidden beaches.

Afternoon: Fun in the Sun

This island gets more sunshine than just about anywhere else in Europe, making every day a good day for some outdoor adventure. This afternoon is your opportunity to enjoy the clear blue waters of Rhodes. Depending on your interests, you might spend the afternoon paddling along the island’s rocky shoreline in a kayak, scuba diving in Kalithea Bay, stand-up paddleboarding from the coastal village of Stegna, or horseback riding along Kiotari Beach. If you’d prefer to stay on dry land, take this time to explore the spectacular Valley of the Butterflies, an area of the island that most visitors miss.

Night: Sunset Cruise

Rhodes is at its most beautiful at dusk. This evening, soak up the sights from the water aboard a sunset cruise along the coast. Most excursions depart from the Mandraki Port and offer a chance to take a late afternoon swim at Kalithea Springs before watching the setting sun from the deck. Choose a cruise with dinner served onboard to feast on a buffet of Greek specialties. It’s a relaxing and romantic end to your day on the island of Rhodes.

In addition to historic sites, the island of Rhodes is also home to a wide selection of beaches. From the windier west coast, which is better suited for kitesurfing and windsurfing, to the calmer Mediterranean beaches of the east, Rhodes has plenty of choice when it comes to beaches. Here’s our pick of Rhodes’ best beaches. 

Afandou Beach

Situated on Rhodes’ east coast, this 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) stretch of fine pebbles has calm Mediterranean waters suitable for swimming. Some sections of the beach are bordered by tavernas and water sports operators, while others are blissfully undeveloped. 

Faliraki Bay

Situated on the northeast of the island, this bay is home to three separate beaches, as well as a wildly popular waterpark. Choose between a pebbly stretch, the central family-friendly sandy beach, and Mandomata, a nude beach. Because of its setting near several major resorts, it’s a fairly lively option, with lots of beach bars and water sports activities on offer. 

Anthony Quinn Bay

Surrounded by large rocks, this small and secluded bay is named after Anthony Quinn, the Hollywood actor who became smitten with Rhodes after filming the 1961 war epic,The Guns of Navarone, in Greece. It’s one of the most popular beaches for sunbathers, who lay out on the pebbled beach in deck chairs, as well as for snorkelers, who search the crystal-clear waters offshore for colorful marine life. 

Kallithea Beach

This Blue Flag–awarded beach is about 5.5 miles (9 kilometers) south of Rhodes Town. Once the site of ancient thermal springs, the beach now hosts a 1929 art deco spa complex, which has been beautifully restored and is now open to the public.

Agios Pavlos Beach

Set along St. Paul’s Bay near the town of Lindos, Agios Pavlos is a small, picturesque inlet with shelter-providing rocks extending out into the emerald waters on either side of the bay. A mixture of pebbles and golden sand gives way to shallow, clear water. Loungers and sun umbrellas are available for rent.