15 Things to Do in Rhodes, Greece in 2024
The Greek island of Rhodes sits off the Turkish coast in the sunny Dodecanese island chain. Known as the island of the knights for its crusader history, Rhodes charms visitors with its medieval old town, ancient ruins, beautiful beaches, and cosmopolitan energy.
No. | Activity/Attraction | Description |
---|---|---|
1 | Acropolis of Lindos | Explore ancient ruins with scenic views |
2 | Old Town | Wander through historical streets |
3 | Elli Beach | Relax and enjoy beach activities |
4 | Symi Island Day Trip | Discover a picturesque nearby island |
5 | East Coast Wine Tasting | Experience local wineries and tastings |
6 | Rhodes Jewish Quarter | Explore the cultural and historic area |
7 | Anthony Quinn Beach | Enjoy a scenic and popular beach |
8 | Attaviros Gorge | Hike through a natural gorge |
9 | Ancient Kamiros | Visit archaeological sites |
10 | Ouzeries in Old Town | Dine in traditional Greek tavernas |
11 | Kitesurfing at Theologos | Engage in water sports at Theologos Beach |
12 | Folk Music in Old Town | Listen to traditional Greek music |
13 | Paradisi Thermal Springs | Relax in natural hot springs |
14 | Boat Chartering | Explore the coast and nearby islets |
From watersports to wine tasting, Rhodes provides diverse adventures against a backdrop of azure seas. For an unforgettable Greek island getaway in 2024, here are 15 can’t miss attractions in Rhodes.
Marvel at the Acropolis of Lindos
Name and Location: The Acropolis of Lindos is located on a hilltop overlooking Lindos village on the east coast of Rhodes.
History and Significance: A famous ancient archaeological site with remains dating back to the 6th century BC including the Temple of Athena Lindia.
What to Expect: Climb up to explore the ancient ruins, admire sweeping views of the coastline, and see Byzantine architecture.
Visitor Information: Open daily from 8AM-7PM in summer. Admission fee of €12. Wear shoes suitable for hiking.
One of Rhodes’ most spectacular sights is the Acropolis of Lindos that towers over the whitewashed village of Lindos on the island’s southeast coast.
Climb up to this ancient citadel via the monumental staircase to see remains of a 4th century BC temple, Byzantine church frescoes, and intricately decorated medieval relief carvings along the staircase. The sweeping Aegean Sea views from the top are incredible.
Go Back in Time at the Old Town
Name and Location: Rhodes Old Town is located within the medieval city walls in Rhodes Town on the north coast.
History and Significance: A UNESCO site with Byzantine, Ottoman and Crusader history. Home to many historic attractions.
What to Expect: Cobblestone alleys lined with medieval buildings, boutiques, restaurants, historic churches and architectural ruins.
Visitor Information: Free to stroll around. Allow at least half a day to explore. Avoid midday heat in summer.
Strolling through Rhodes’ Old Town feels like stepping into the pages of a history book. This well-preserved medieval city has imposing walls, grand palaces, soaring churches, and the Street of the Knights showcasing the inns of crusader orders.
Wandering the cobblestone lanes while admiring the medieval, Byzantine, and Turkish architecture makes for an atmospheric glimpse into the island’s multilayered past.
Soak up the Sun at Elli Beach
Name and Location: Elli Beach is located right next to Rhodes Old Town along the northern coast.
History and Significance: One of Rhodes’ most popular and beautiful beaches with sparkling blue waters.
What to Expect: Soft golden sand, beach chairs and umbrellas for rent, surfing waves and beachfront dining nearby.
Visitor Information: Free public beach access. Lifeguards on duty during summer. Gets crowded in high season.
Elli Beach, located just outside the Old Town walls, is one of Rhodes’ most beloved beaches thanks to its soft golden sand, turquoise waters, and ample amenities.
Rent lounge chairs and umbrellas, then spend a day swimming or watching the children entertain themselves at the play area. Beachside restaurants and ice cream shops line the boardwalk when you need a break from the sun.
Take a Day Trip to Symi Island
Name and Location: Symi is a small Greek island located about 17 km northwest of Rhodes.
History and Significance: Known for its charming harbor, pastel-colored houses and monasteries. A tranquil getaway.
What to Expect: Take a ferry to explore Symi’s quaint villages, historic sites, beaches and seafood tavernas.
Visitor Information: Daily 45-minute ferry trips from Rhodes available. Purchase round-trip ticket in advance.
One of Rhodes’ most popular day trips is the nearby island of Symi, known for its picture-perfect harbor full of pastel-hued neoclassical mansions. The island is only 2.5 hours by ferry from Rhodes.
Once there, climb up to the Horio district’s viewpoint overlooking the harbor, visit the ornate Clock Tower, and stop for fresh seafood at the waterfront tavernas before returning to Rhodes in the evening.
Go Wine Tasting on the East Coast
Name and Location: Wineries located near Rhodes’ east coast villages like Archangelos.
History and Significance: Rhodes produces distinguished Greek wines including the indigenous Rhoditis grape.
What to Expect: Tours and tastings showcasing local winemaking traditions. Learn about wine history and production.
Visitor Information: Many wineries open for tours and tasting. Book directly or via wine tourism agencies.
The fertile Rhodes countryside is ideal for grape growing and produces some top Greek wines. Sample them by visiting wineries clustered on the island’s east coast near Rhodes Town. Ktima Bellair estate focuses on indigenous varietals like Athiri and Mandelaria.
Emery Winery produces organic wines and offers tours showcasing its sustainable practices. Enjoy learning about local vintages while sipping them with sea views.
Wander the Rhodes Jewish Quarter
Name and Location: The Jewish Quarter is located within Rhodes Old Town, near the Street of the Knights.
History and Significance: Once home to a thriving Sephardic Jewish community with a rich cultural history.
What to Expect: Explore the historic narrow streets seeing sites like the Kahal Shalom Synagogue and Holocaust Memorial.
Visitor Information: Self-guided walking tours available. Respect customs if visiting religious sites.
Prior to World War II, the island had a thriving Jewish community that left its mark on the Jewish Quarter in Rhodes Town.
Here you’ll find a 15th century synagogue, the oldest in Greece, along with a Holocaust museum and traces of Jewish heritage like Stars of David etched into buildings. This area provides poignant insight into a lost era of Rhodes’ history.
Relax at Anthony Quinn Beach
Name and Location: Anthony Quinn Beach is located on the east coast of Rhodes near Faliraki.
History and Significance: Named after the actor who fell in love with Rhodes. A wide sandy beach popular with locals.
What to Expect: Clear shallow waters perfect for swimming and watersports. Beach chairs, lifeguards, and beachfront restaurants.
Visitor Information: Free public beach access. Gets busy in summer. Limited parking.
This pristine beach on the island’s east side hums with activity by day with sunbathers, snack bars, and water sports. By late afternoon, the crowds thin out so you can enjoy strolls along the shoreline before drinks and dinner at one of the beachside tavernas.
Kids will love playing at the sea-themed playground. Pack a book and unwind under the umbrellas at Anthony Quinn Bay all day.
Explore Attaviros Gorge
Name and Location: Attaviros Gorge is located inland on the west side of Rhodes near the village of Embonas.
History and Significance: A UNESCO-listed natural site with a hiking trail running through a beautiful rocky gorge.
What to Expect: Trekking along wooden bridges and staircases following a stream. Pools ideal for swimming. Abundant nature.
Visitor Information: Open daily. Takes 4-5 hours to complete the trail. Wear hiking shoes and bring plenty of water.
Get a jaw-dropping landscape experience hiking through Attaviros Gorge in Rhodes’ rugged interior mountains. Following a stream and surrounded by soaring rock walls, the trail showcases the wilder side of Rhodes beyond just its pretty coastline.
The full hike is around 8km and takes half a day to complete. Wear sturdy shoes and bring snacks to refuel along the route.
See Ancient History Come Alive at Kamiros
Name and Location: Kamiros is an important ancient archaeological site on the northwest coast of Rhodes.
History and Significance: A well-preserved ancient city reflecting life in ancient Greece, inhabited from the 7th century BC to the 2nd century AD.
What to Expect: Explore excavated ruins including temples, houses, baths and an acropolis with sweeping sea views.
Visitor Information: Open Tuesday-Sunday 8:30AM-3PM. Small entrance fee. Get a guide to maximize learning.
One of Rhodes’ three ancient city-states was Kamiros, where extensive ruins can still be explored just north of Kalithea Beach. Walk among the remains of temples, markets, bathhouses, pottery kilns, and grand colonnaded streets from the 6th century BC city.
Stand in the ancient amphitheater and take in the sweeping views. A small museum displays artifacts found during excavations too.
Dine at the Old Town’s Ouzeries
Name and Location: Numerous ouzeris located within Rhodes Old Town.
History and Significance: Ouzeris offer the chance to sample mezedes dishes and opt for Greek wines or ouzo.
What to Expect: Relaxed indoor and outdoor dining sampling small plates like grilled octopus, meatballs, cheeses, seafood and dips.
Visitor Information: Ouzeris open evenings until late. Arrive hungry and share several plates family-style.
For traditional Greek cuisine, dine at one of the Old Town’s ouzeries specializing in sharing plates and ouzo liquor. Koutouki Cave Restaurant is set right inside ancient catacombs for true ambience.
Hatzikelis serves mouthwatering seafood mezedes like grilled calamari and octopus salad. Order several small dishes like tzatziki, dolmades, or keftedes to delight your tastebuds over leisurely, lingering dinners.
Get Active kitesurfing at Theologos Beach
Name and Location: Theologos Beach is located on the northeast coast of Rhodes.
History and Significance: With constant winds, Theologos is considered one of the top kitesurfing spots in Europe.
What to Expect: Rent equipment or take lessons to kitesurf, windsurf and sail in ideal conditions for all skill levels.
Visitor Information: Kitesurfing stations open daily during summer season. Book lessons and rentals online in advance.
Surrounded by cedar forest, Theologos Beach on Rhodes’ northeast coast boasts ideal wind conditions for kitesurfing. Kiters congregate here drawn by winds averaging 18-25 knots.
Visitors can arrange kitesurfing lessons and rentals through the Meltemi Center. Or simply spread out on the sandy stretch and watch in awe as the colorful kites soar and flip above the sparkling Mediterranean.
Listen to Greek Folk Music at the Old Town’s Platia Ippokratous
Name and Location: Platia Ippokratous is a square located right in Rhodes Old Town.
History and Significance: Local musicians and bands often play lively Greek folk music in the square, creating a festive atmosphere.
What to Expect: Outdoor concerts in the evenings. Listen to traditional instruments and dancing music while dining al fresco.
Visitor Information: Shows typically occur on weekends. Grab a table and order some drinks to enjoy the free entertainment.
After dinner, head to the atmospheric Platia Ippokratous square tucked into a corner of the Old Town. Outdoor restaurants host live folk music and dancing here nightly during the summer months.
Sip local Mastika anise liqueur while listening to traditional Greek instruments like the bouzouki lute and watching twirling dancers. It makes for a magical night out in Old Town.
Relax at Paradisi Natural Thermal Springs
Name and Location: Located at Paradisi Beach on the west coast of Rhodes.
History and Significance: Discovered ancient natural springs with healing mineral waters ideal for therapeutic soaking.
What to Expect: Pools of varying temperatures to soak in. Enjoy the tranquil setting, sea views and sunsets.
Visitor Information: Facilities open daily during summer season. Entrance fee of a few Euros. Come at sunset.
The mineral-rich natural hot springs near Paradisi village offer a relaxing escape on Rhodes’ west coast. Choose from multiple thermal pools of varying temperatures along with jacuzzis, steam baths, and saunas.
Unwind completely with a massage or beauty treatment at the spa. Spend an afternoon soaking in the thermal waters surrounded by lush garden greenery – the perfect way to de-stress on vacation.
Charter a Boat to Explore Small Bays and Islets
Name and Location: Boat charters depart from Rhodes Old Town harbor and other locations.
History and Significance: With over 20 small islets dotting its coastline, chartering a boat allows you to access secluded areas.
What to Expect: Cruise along the coastline, stop to swim and snorkel, enjoy lunch onboard, and dock at small ports.
Visitor Information: Book a private or group charter through local companies. Prices vary based on boat size and duration.
With over 20 smaller islets dotting the seas around Rhodes, chartering a private boat provides the best way to access quiet coves and less crowded beaches.
Visit uninhabited islets like Seskli for ideal swimming and snorkeling in crystal clear waters. Have a barbecue lunch aboard while anchored in a tranquil bay. Charter boats can also take you fishing or on sunset cruises for magical days at sea.
Conclusion
From honey-hued medieval villages to pristine beaches with ancient ruins, Rhodes encapsulates rich Greek island charm. Get lost wandering the UNESCO-listed Old Town before venturing out to vineyards, thermal baths, and neighboring islands like Symi.
With endless history and culture alongside natural beauty, Rhodes is sure to dazzle in 2024. Use this list to experience Rhodes’ very best attractions.