For first-time visitors, the best things to do in Rhodes, Greece, include exploring the medieval Old Town, walking around Mandraki Harbor, visiting the Acropolis of Lindos, and relaxing on beaches such as Elli and Tsambika.
Rhodes was my first stop on an island-hopping adventure through Greece. Over five days, I wandered medieval streets, visited golden beaches, and rented a car with hostelmates to explore more of the island while finding ways to stretch my budget.
This guide covers the Rhodes attractions I experienced firsthand, along with several significant places I missed, including the Acropolis of Rhodes and the Valley of the Butterflies. The map below also marks Stay Rhodes Hostel, where I slept.
If you'd prefer to avoid hostels, Travelmyth offers a unique hotel search tool with 60 categories, making it easy to find accommodations tailored to your preferences. I was particularly impressed with the option to filter hotels for adults only in Rhodes.
Best Things To Do in Rhodes, Greece
Wander the Medieval City of Rhodes
The Medieval City of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Europe's best-preserved medieval towns, with towering stone walls and labyrinthine alleys.
The Old Town walls 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 across Europe stayed.
The Archaeological Museum of Rhodes, housed in a former Knights' hospital, 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 stood on the harbor side and served as a key defensive point against naval invasions.
On the west side of the Old Town, the imposing gate visible 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 an earthquake destroyed it in 226 B.C. However, its believed location is marked by two stone pillars topped with deer statues. Visitors can approach 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 features rocky beaches, including Elli Beach on the east coast and Spiaggia Akti Miaouli on the west coast. While other beaches on Rhodes are prettier, these northern beaches are easily reached 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 for 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, the 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 hostel suite.
Pro Tip: If you're renting a car to explore Rhodes, reliable internet is essential for navigation and on-the-go research. Using one of the best eSIMs for Greece makes it easy to stay connected without the hassle of swapping physical SIM cards.
We drove about 30 miles south on Highway 95 to 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 from my car-mates), we didn't take the time to hike up to the ancient ruins of the Lindos Acropolis, which is also home to the Temple of Athena. At least I could 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'd have liked, we still had time to enjoy the golden sands of Tsambika Beach, about 15 miles to the north.
Aside from a few vendors renting beach umbrellas and chairs by the hour, there weren't many 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 islands in Europe). 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.
Rhodes also reminded me how much there is to see beyond a single Greek island. Travelers planning a longer trip through Greece may want to combine island hopping with time on the mainland.
For added flexibility, renting a campervan in Greece can make it easier to connect ferry ports, coastal routes, historic towns, and beach destinations at your own pace.
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.
