Rhodes was my first stop on an island-hopping adventure through Greece, setting the stage for what I could expect. Over five days, I wandered through medieval streets, lounged on golden beaches, and found plenty of ways to stretch my budget.
From cheap eats in the Old Town to renting a car with hostelmates, Rhodes proved you don't need to splurge to experience its history, charm, and beautiful coastline.
In this article, I'll share the highlights from my sweaty days exploring Rhodes in July, plus any significant points of interest and beaches I didn't have the time or means to visit. Below is a map of the places I'll introduce you to, including the Stay Rhodes Hostel, where I slept.
If you'd prefer to avoid hostels, Travelmyth offers a unique hotel search tool with 60 different categories, making it easy to find accommodations tailored to your preferences. I was particularly impressed with the option to filter for hotels for adults only in Rhodes.
Table of Contents
Rhodes Attractions
Wander the Medieval City of Rhodes
The Medieval City of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe, with towering stone walls and labyrinthine alleys.
The walls of the Old Town are visible from Rhodes Central Port and were among the first things I saw after disembarking the ferry from Bodrum, Turkey. Seeing luxury yachts anchored in front of them was a pretty striking contrast.
In the heart of the Medieval City stands the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes, a 14th-century fortress that once served as the knights' headquarters and later as a residence for Italian rulers.
Walking down the Street of the Knights of Rhodes, visitors can see the preserved inns where knights from different regions of Europe stayed.
The Archaeological Museum of Rhodes, housed in a former hospital of the Knights, displays ancient artifacts, including mosaics and statues from Rhodes' classical past.
The Old Town is accessed through massive gates built into the walls. Saint Paul's Gate is one of the most impressive entrances. Built by the Knights of Saint John in the 15th century, it was positioned on the harbor side and was a key defensive point protecting against naval invasions.
On the west side of the Old Town, the imposing gate that can be viewed from Parko Platanakia is also worth checking out.
Imagine the Colossus of Rhodes
The Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was a massive bronze statue of Helios, the sun god, standing about 108 feet tall at the entrance to Mandraki Harbor.
No trace of the statue remains as it was destroyed by an earthquake in 226 B.C. However, its believed location is marked by two stone pillars topped with deer statues. Visitors can walk up to the columns from both sides of the harbor.
The Rhodes Windmills, once used to grind grain for ships in Greece, run along a road on the eastern side of the harbor. Just beyond them, Saint Nicholas Fortress, built in the 15th century, symbolizes Rhodes' medieval maritime defense.
Sunbathe at Elli Beach
The northern tip of Rhodes offers rocky beaches, including Elli Beach on the east coast and Spiaggia Akti Miaouli on the western side. While there are prettier beaches elsewhere on Rhodes, these northern beaches are easily accessible on foot from the many hostels, hotels, and vacation rentals north of the Old Town.
In addition to sunbathing and swimming, several outfitters offer parasailing to give you a bird's-eye view. Restaurants on the west side provide easy access to stunning sunsets over the Mediterranean Sea.
The Acropolis of Rhodes
I regret not reaching the Acropolis of Rhodes, about two miles southwest of the Old Town. The Acropolis, dating back to the Hellenistic period (3rd–2nd century B.C.), was a major religious and cultural center.
Perched on Monte Smith Hill, the complex featured grand temples, an Olympic stadium, and the Odeon Theater. Today, ruins of the Temple of Apollo and other structures highlight Rhodes' ancient Greek heritage.
Visit Lindos Acropolis
After learning about Rhodes on foot for the first few days, I rented a car with a few women from my suite at Stay Rhodes HoStel. We drove about 30 miles south on Highway 95 to reach the town of Lindos, famous for its clifftop acropolis. We parked the rental car and briefly walked around the whitewashed village.
The Lindos Acropolis, perched on a cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea, is one of Rhodes' most important archaeological sites. Dating back to Classical Greece, it features the Temple of Athena Lindia.
For reasons I cannot recall (perhaps a lack of interest by my car-mates), we did not take the time to hike up to see the ancient ruins of the Lindos Acropolis, which is also home to the Temple of Athena. At least I was able to see it from afar.
Visitors can combine a trip to the ruins with a swim on Lindos Beach. From above, its azure waters looked incredible.
Hang Out on Tsambika Beach
While our time in Lindos was shorter than I would've liked, we had more time to enjoy the golden sands of Tsambika Beach, about 15 miles to the north.
Aside from some vendors renting beach umbrellas and chairs by the hour, there wasn't much in terms of amenities. But with views like the ones you see in my photos, who cares?
Rhodes is Greece's fifth-largest island (and one of the largest European Islands). With that much coastline, I couldn't cover it all in a single day. After enjoying the car rental, I returned to exploring northern Rhodes on foot.
Valley of the Butterflies
Before I wrap up, though, I'd like to mention the Valley of the Butterflies, another widely recommended place to see on Rhodes. This 600-acre nature park is about 16 miles south of the Old Town.
Every summer, thousands of Jersey tiger moths gather here. Shaded by cypress and plane trees, the valley features wooden bridges, waterfalls, and peaceful trails.
