Rhodes Travel Guide 2026. Best Things to Do, Beaches and Where to Stay

Rhodes is one of the most complete travel destinations in Greece — ancient history, stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife and some of the best weather in Europe. The largest island of the Dodecanese has been welcoming visitors for thousands of years, and in 2026 it remains one of the top destinations in the Mediterranean. Here is everything you need to know.

Why Rhodes is special

Rhodes has it all — a UNESCO World Heritage medieval old town, over 300 days of sunshine per year, crystal clear beaches stretching for miles, excellent food and a tourist infrastructure that works perfectly. It was home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World — the Colossus of Rhodes — and its medieval old town is one of the best preserved in all of Europe.

Top things to do in Rhodes

1. Rhodes Old Town — Medieval marvel

📍 Rhodes Town  ·  ⏱ Half day to full day  ·  🏆 UNESCO World Heritage Site

The medieval old town of Rhodes is one of the most impressive in the world — entirely surrounded by massive walls built by the Knights of St. John in the 14th century. The Street of the Knights (Ippoton) is one of the best preserved medieval streets in Europe. Inside the walls you'll find Byzantine churches, Ottoman mosques, Jewish synagogues, ancient ruins and hundreds of restaurants and shops — all within a perfectly intact medieval city.

2. Palace of the Grand Master

📍 Rhodes Old Town  ·  ⏱ 1-2 hours  ·  🎟 €8 entry

The most impressive building in the old town — a massive medieval palace built by the Knights of St. John and later restored by the Italians. Inside you'll find stunning mosaic floors (brought from the island of Kos), ancient artifacts and exhibitions about the history of Rhodes. The views from the towers over the old town and the sea are spectacular.

3. Lindos — the most beautiful village in Rhodes

📍 East coast, 50km from Rhodes Town  ·  ⏱ Full day

Lindos is arguably the most beautiful village in Rhodes — a dazzling white village of neoclassical captain's houses cascading down the hillside to a perfect natural harbor. Above the village sits the ancient Acropolis of Lindos with a Doric temple to Athena and dramatic views over the bay. Below the village is St. Paul's Bay — one of the most beautiful small beaches in Greece, where according to tradition St. Paul himself landed in 51 AD.

4. Prasonisi — where two seas meet

📍 Southern tip of Rhodes  ·  ⏱ Full day

Prasonisi is one of the most unique natural phenomena in Greece — a narrow sandy peninsula at the southern tip of Rhodes where the Aegean Sea meets the Mediterranean. The two sides have completely different sea conditions — one calm and perfect for swimming, the other wild and windy, making it one of the top windsurfing and kitesurfing spots in Europe.

5. Valley of the Butterflies (Petaloudes)

📍 West coast, 25km from Rhodes Town  ·  ⏱ 2 hours  ·  🎟 €5 entry (summer)

From June to September, thousands of Jersey Tiger moths gather in this lush valley to mate — covering the trees and rocks in a carpet of black, white and red. Walking through the shaded paths alongside streams and waterfalls while surrounded by these spectacular insects is a truly unique experience. One of the most unusual natural attractions in Greece.

6. Ancient Kamiros

📍 West coast, 36km from Rhodes Town  ·  ⏱ 2 hours  ·  🎟 €6 entry

One of the three ancient cities of Rhodes — a remarkably well preserved Doric city with temples, a cistern, houses and public buildings dating back to the 5th century BC. Far less visited than Lindos, Kamiros is often called the "Pompeii of Rhodes" — an entire ancient city frozen in time on a hillside overlooking the sea.

7. Faliraki and the east coast beaches

📍 East coast, 15km from Rhodes Town  ·  ⏱ Full day

The east coast of Rhodes has some of the best beaches in the Dodecanese — sheltered from the winds, with calm clear water and golden sand. Faliraki is the most famous (and most lively), Anthony Quinn Bay is the most scenic, and Tsambika beach is the most beautiful — a long stretch of golden sand backed by a dramatic hill with a monastery on top.

💡 Local tip: The west coast of Rhodes is windier — better for water sports. The east coast is calmer and better for swimming. Choose your base accordingly!

Where to stay in Rhodes

• Rhodes Old Town — most atmospheric, unique experience of sleeping inside a medieval city. Perfect for couples and history lovers.
• Rhodes New Town — best facilities, good beaches, close to the old town. Great for families.
• Lindos — most beautiful village, stunning views, romantic atmosphere. Book well in advance.
• Faliraki — best for nightlife and beach clubs. Popular with younger travelers.
• Ixia / Ialyssos — best for windsurfing and water sports, good value hotels.

Getting to Rhodes

• By plane: Rhodes International Airport (RHO) has direct flights from most major European cities in summer. Athens to Rhodes is a 55-minute flight.
• By ferry: Regular overnight ferries from Piraeus (Athens) — about 14-18 hours. Also connections from Crete, Kos, Santorini and other Dodecanese islands.

Getting around Rhodes

• Rental car: Best way to explore — Rhodes is large and many attractions are spread across the island. Roads are good and well signposted.
• Public buses (KTEL): Good connections between Rhodes Town, Lindos and the main resorts on both coasts.
• Scooter/quad: Popular option for exploring the east coast beaches.

Best time to visit Rhodes

• May – June: Perfect weather, uncrowded, lower prices. Best overall.
• July – August: Peak season — hot (35°C+), busy and expensive. Book everything well in advance.
• September – October: Still very warm, far fewer tourists, excellent value. September is arguably the best month.
• November – April: Very quiet, many facilities closed, but great for exploring the old town and villages without crowds.

Rhodes food — what to eat

• Pitaroudia — chickpea fritters unique to Rhodes. A perfect meze.
• Makaronia tou fournou — baked pasta with minced meat and béchamel. The Rhodian version of pastitsio.
• Fresh grilled fish — the fish tavernas in the old town and Lindos harbor are excellent.
• Melekouni — a traditional Rhodian sweet made with sesame seeds and honey, traditionally given to newlyweds.
• Local wine — CAIR winery produces good local wines and is open for visits near Rhodes Town.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do I need in Rhodes?

A minimum of 5-7 days is ideal for first timers. This gives you enough time to explore the old town, visit Lindos, see a few beaches and get a feel for the island. With 10 days you can explore the whole island properly.

Is Rhodes good for families?

Rhodes is one of the best Greek islands for families — calm east coast beaches, good facilities, excellent infrastructure, plenty of activities and a wide range of accommodation at all price points. The old town is also fascinating for older children.

Is Rhodes expensive?

Rhodes offers excellent value compared to Santorini or Mykonos. Mid-range hotels cost €70-€150 per night, a good taverna meal is €20-€40 per person and there are plenty of budget options. It's one of the most affordable major Greek islands.

What is Rhodes most famous for?

Rhodes is most famous for its medieval old town (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the ancient Colossus of Rhodes (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World), the village of Lindos and its exceptional sunshine record — over 300 sunny days per year, one of the highest in Europe.