Rhodes
Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese, with a walled medieval Old Town beside the port and beaches and ancient sites spread across the island. Visitors who want history within walking distance can stay in the Old Town, and those who want more can add a longer trip to Lindos or the beaches. Most of the things to do are either a short walk from the Old Town or a drive of about 50 minutes.
The most reviewed first. Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
Cruise to Anthony Quinn, Kallithea & Traganou Bays
Private Lindos Village and Kallithea with Panoramic Highlights
Lindos
Lindos Beach is a famous sandy beach below the Acropolis of Lindos on Rhodes's east coast. It has won international awards and is one of the few sandy stretches on the island.
Acropolis of Lindos
The Acropolis of Lindos is a clifftop ancient site above the village of Lindos on Rhodes. You climb steep stone paths to a reconstructed temple of Lindian Athena and wide views over the bay.
Lindos village
Lindos is a whitewashed village on the east side of Rhodes, known for its winding backstreets and historic houses. Most visitors come to wander the lanes and see the churches and Captains' houses.
Medieval City of Rhodes
The walled Old Town of the Knights sits right beside the port at Mandraki. You can walk from the berth into its streets and squares.
Palace of the Grand Master
The Palace of the Grand Master, called Castello, is a Knights' fortress that now works as a museum. Walk in from the Old Town streets and spend time among its halls.
Acropolis of Rhodes
The Acropolis of Rhodes is an ancient hilltop site above Rhodes town, where you walk among the ruins of an old city and take in the view.
Kamiros
Kamiros is an ancient city on Rhodes, one of three ancient cities on the island. The ruins give a clear picture of ancient Greek life, and you walk the stone remains on foot.
Kallithea Springs
Kallithea Springs is a beach on Rhodes with ancient thermal baths that date back to Roman times. People come for the swimming, the snorkeling and the old bath ruins set among palm trees.
St. Paul's Bay
St. Paul's Bay is a clear turquoise bay near Lindos, set among rock formations at the foot of the Acropolis of Lindos. People come here to swim and snorkel in calm, clear water.
Anthony Quinn Bay
Anthony Quinn Bay is a secluded cove on Rhodes with emerald green water and rugged rocky surroundings. It is good for snorkeling and diving, and yacht bay-hopping trips often stop here.
Tsambika Beach
Tsambika Beach is a long stretch of golden sand on Rhodes, lying below the historic Tsambika Monastery. The water is shallow and warm, and the beach is a family favorite.
Filerimos Hill
Filerimos Hill is a wooded hill with serene pathways, historical ruins and panoramic views over the island. Visitors also meet free-roaming peacocks along the way.
Mt Attavyros
Mt Attavyros is the highest point on Rhodes at 1,215 meters. The climb is steep, rocky and unmarked, and it is for walkers who are comfortable finding their own way up loose ground.
Butterfly Valley
Butterfly Valley, also called Petaloudes, is a nature reserve on Rhodes where Panaxia moths gather on the Zitia trees. The moths are the main reason people come, though sightings are not certain.
Rodini Park
Rodini Park is an old city park in Rhodes town, full of dense vegetation, shaded paths and ancient bridges. Free-roaming peacocks wander the grounds.
Good to know
Old town and historic sights
The walled medieval Old Town of Rhodes is a UNESCO site and one of the best-preserved medieval walled towns in Europe. Walk into the walls to see the Street of the Knights and the Jewish Quarter. Allow a half day or a full one.
Ancient sites
The Acropolis of Lindos is the best-known ancient site on the island. It has a Doric temple and wide views over the bay. It lies about 50 minutes' drive from Rhodes Town. The climb is steep and slippery, with more than 250 steps, so plan a half day for the trip there and back.
Highlights and island tours
Half-day and full-day tours usually join Lindos with stops in the Old Town, and some go to Symi by boat. The Best of Lindos and Rhodes tour pairs the narrow cobbled streets of Lindos with a walk through the old crusader city. Most of these tours leave from the port area and run by coach or boat.
When to go
Rhodes summers are very hot, with heatwaves over 40 degrees in July, so the Old Town walk and the Lindos climb are best done early in the day. The beach season runs from May to October.
Good to know
- Lindos has no cars inside the village. Its streets are pedestrianised and cobbled, so expect to walk or use a donkey or moped.
- Skip the Palace of the Grand Masters if time is short; many visitors feel the entry fee is not worth it.
- Mt Attavyros has no marked path and steep loose rock. Mt Attavyros has no marked path and steep loose rock, so it is not a trip to attempt casually.
- Only a 4x4 should cross the Prasonisi sand bar; cars can get stuck in the sand.
Coming by ship
Ships usually stay about 10 hours in Rhodes, and most arrive between 7 and 9 am.
Getting ashore and around
Most visitors start in the Old Town, since the medieval streets, the museums and the Kolona market are all close together. Getting around the Old Town is simple on foot. The Old Town streets are cobbled and narrow, so wear comfortable shoes. Taxis are dark blue with white roofs, and there are taxi stations at Mantraki and Kolona Port. Buses run from the New Market, and line 5 climbs to the Acropolis of Rhodes for a small fare. Buses are often full and late.
Questions people ask
How do I get from Rhodes Town to Lindos?
Lindos is about 50 minutes' drive from Rhodes Town. Most visitors go by tour or taxi. A boat from Mandraki harbor also reaches Lindos.
Is the Acropolis of Lindos hard to climb?
The climb is steep and slippery, with more than 250 steps and no handrails, and it is not accessible for limited mobility. Visitors can hire a donkey at their own expense for part of the way.
These places share what it's known for.
