6 Things You Need To Do in Rhodes, Greece

Rhodes is an extremely popular summer destination in Greece – and for very good reason. Also named “Island of the Knights,” Rhodes is steeped in history. Boasting a medieval town, an Acropolis, innumerable beaches for all preferences (sand, pebble, deep, shallow), a vibrant nightlife, wildlife, lakes, and waterfalls, it truly has it all. You can spend weeks here and not grow tired of the island. It is, after all, the third-largest island in all of Greece. Regardless of how many days are you staying, these 6 things are a must when looking for things to do in Rhodes.

This is a guest blog written by the awesome Eva from travellingbunnies_ on Instagram and travellingbunnies on TikTok!

Stroll Through the Old Town

The Old Town of Rhodes is without a doubt the gem of the island. Its most famous asset is the “Grand Master’s Palace.” This majestic structure is complete with a giant trench that surrounds the palace in which you can walk in (this does not require a ticket!)

This medieval town is brimming with boutique shops, Greek taverns, restaurants, cafes, bars, and local merchandise. However, the best part about it is the ambiance. The cobblestone streets and ancient walls that surround the city create an atmosphere that feels magical and is bound to leave you impressed.

to do in Rhodes — View of a gate in Old Town Rhodes

Visit the Village and Acropolis of Lindos

Upon stepping foot in beautiful Lindos, you instantly feel like you are transported to the Cyclades (a group of islands in the Aegean Sea, consisting of the famous Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, etc.) Here, you will find traditional whitewashed buildings and narrow cobblestone streets, putting together an amazing scenery that feels exactly like summer. Because Lindos sits higher than ground level, you can also enjoy panoramic views of the bay and the open sea. Plan to catch an amazing sunset here!

The Acropolis of Lindos sits on a sheer rock, some 116 meters above sea level, and it is well worth a visit. It is an archaeological site complete with the temple of Athena Lindia. Tickets to the Acropolis cost 8€ and you can buy them online HERE. Beneath the village you can find the beach of Lindos. I would not recommend stopping for a swim here, as it is extremely crowded and you have to pay to sit at a beach lounge. However, there are much better options a short drive away. For example, head to the gorgeous Agathi Beach which is only a 15 minute drive.

Day Trip to the Island of Halki

Halki is a small, picturesque island, 9 km west of Rhodes. With less than five hundred residents, this untouched gem is an ideal destination for a day of unwinding. Ticket prices for the ferry can be cheap, but they vary between days and hours so be sure to check beforehand – you can book your tickets online HERE (Skala Kameirou is the departure point and Halki is the destination). For the perfect day in Halki, you need to rent a boat.

I recommend following this itinerary for your day trip to Halki!

Take the morning ferry (approximately one hour). In order to make the most of your day and secure a boat rental, take the earliest ferry avaliable at 8 or 9 am.
Upon disembarking from the ferry, go straight to a boat rental. It is crucial to arrive early, as there are not many boats available. When we were there, we got the last one for the day!
With the boat, you can explore the best of the island. Check out the crystal clear turquoise waters and rugged, barred coastline which looks like scenery from another world! Since this is Greece, you can dive into the amazing waters without the fear that something is lurking nearby.
After your time with the boat is up, proceed to choose one of the few Greek taverns positioned directly in front of the port for some traditional cuisine, accompanied by some wine or ouzo. Remember not to drink too much, as you still have one hour on the ferry later.
Do not forget to stroll through the small port and buy a souvenir or handmade jewelry before you go!

Visit Anthony Quinn Bay

Anthony Quinn Bay is a must-see in Rhodes. Anthony Quinn bought this land after falling in love with it during the filming of the movie “The Guns of Navarone.” Upon arriving, you can see why. This is a hidden bay surrounded by white cliffs and boasting blue-green waters.

If you don’t wish to pay for a beach lounge (we didn’t) you can find a spot on the far right corner of the beach between the rocks. It may not be ideal, but we spent most of our time in the water swimming and kayaking. Let’s be honest, with water this beautiful, you will prefer that too! You can rent canoes, kayaks, and water bicycles for a small fee. This is worth doing because if you go a little bit further into the sea, the waters are clearer and at a much more refreshing temperature than on the shore. Keep in mind that it can be particularly challenging to find a parking spot here, as the parking lot fills up fast. There are also some stairs you have to descend to reach the beach.

Explore the Valley of the Butterflies

If you are a butterfly lover, this is the place for you. The valley of the butterflies is a natural preserve in inland Rhodes. For a small fee, you can follow a designated path that weaves through a forest complete with a stream and waterfall. Along the path, you can spot the thousands of butterflies that call this place their home. This truly is a one-of-a-kind experience, and you should add it to your Rhodes itinerary.

Check Out the Seven Springs

One of the most romantic places on the whole island is Seven Springs. This is an area of great beauty. The springs, together with the Loutanis River, are channeled into a tunnel that ends up in a lake and a man-made waterfall. You can walk through the tunnel to get to the other side, but this would not be advisable if you are claustrophobic. The tunnel is 150 meters long and it is completely dark! Alternatively, there is the option to go around from the main road (which is what we did.) Whichever way you reach the lake, the sight is magical. It feels like fairies might appear at any moment! You have the option to also swim here if you would like. After exploring the area, come back to Seven Springs for a meal at the traditional taverna. You could not ask for a more picturesque setting: water rushing, birds chirping, and even peacocks roaming freely around! To top it off, the food is delicious. Are you convinced yet?

The list of amazing things to do in Rhodes can go on and on, but in my opinion, these are the top six experiences you should add to your list. For the best experience, try visiting Rhodes in June or September, as the tourist season is in full swing
during July and especially August when it can also get very hot. However, I think it’s safe to say that you will have an amazing time whenever you decide to visit.

Want to explore more hidden gems in Europe? Discover the gorgeous Lugano, Switzerland in Maddie’s article: “8 Great Things to Do in Lugano as a Solo Traveler.”

Key Takeaways

Explore the medieval shops, restaurants, and views in Old Town Rhodes.
Visit Lindos and explore the Acropolis.
Get up early to day trip to the Island of Halki. This trip is not complete without renting a boat!
Relax on the shores of Anthony Quinn Bay.
Explore the Valley of Butterflies to spot thousands of gorgeous butterflies.
Visit the magical sights at Seven Springs!
Visit Rhodes in June or September to avoid the tourist season and intense heat.

Maddie Around the World