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Rhodes packs 2,400 years of history into a compact island, anchored by one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. The UNESCO-listed Old Town alone could fill two days of exploring, while the rest of the island offers ancient Greek ruins, hidden coves, and dramatic castle-topped cliffs. Here are the essential sights and experiences, organized by category. For more on Rhodes weather by month, see our Rhodes weather by month.
Things to Do in Rhodes: The Medieval Old Town
Palace of the Grand Master
The Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes dominates the western end of the Street of the Knights. Built in the 14th century by the Knights Hospitaller, it was rebuilt by the Italians in the 1930s after an ammunition explosion in 1856. The interior houses mosaic floors from Kos (2nd-5th century AD) and exhibits on ancient and medieval Rhodes. Entry costs EUR 8 (reduced EUR 4 in winter). Opening hours: daily 8 AM to 8 PM (April-October), 8 AM to 3 PM (November-March). Plan 60-90 minutes inside. The courtyard is free to enter and offers good photo angles of the towers. For more on best time to visit guide, see our best time to visit guide.
Street of the Knights (Odos Ippoton)
This 200-metre cobblestone lane is the most intact medieval street in Europe. Each of the seven inns along it belonged to a different “tongue” (nationality) of the Knights Hospitaller: France, Italy, England, Germany, Provence, Auvergne, and Aragon. Look for the carved coats of arms above the doorways. The street is free to walk at any hour and is especially atmospheric in early morning (before 9 AM) or after sunset when the crowds thin and the stone glows under streetlamps. For more on events and festivals, see our events and festivals.
Archaeological Museum (Hospital of the Knights)
Housed in the 15th-century Hospital of the Knights, this museum displays sculpture and pottery from the Archaic through Roman periods. The standout piece is the marble Aphrodite of Rhodes (2nd century BC), a life-size bathing figure. The building itself, with its double-arcaded courtyard and stone cannonballs stacked in the corners, is as interesting as the collection. Entry: EUR 6. Open 8 AM to 8 PM in summer, 8 AM to 3 PM in winter. Allow 60-90 minutes. For more on neighborhoods guide, see our neighborhoods guide.
Things to Do in Rhodes: Ancient Sites Outside the Old Town
Lindos Acropolis
The acropolis of Lindos sits on a 116-metre cliff overlooking two turquoise bays, 50km south of Rhodes Town. The site combines a Doric Temple of Athena Lindia (4th century BC), a Hellenistic stoa, and a medieval Knights’ castle built on the foundations. The climb takes about 15-20 minutes up a stepped path, or you can hire a donkey at the base for EUR 8 (controversial among animal welfare groups). Entry costs EUR 12. Open daily 8 AM to 8 PM in summer, 8 AM to 3 PM in winter. Go early (before 10 AM) or late (after 4 PM) to avoid tour bus crowds and the midday sun. The village of Lindos below has whitewashed cubic houses, rooftop restaurants, and a sandy beach. Bus from Rhodes Town: EUR 5.50 each way, roughly hourly, 1 hour 15 minutes. For more on where to stay, see our where to stay.
Ancient Kamiros
Kamiros, on the northwest coast 35km from Rhodes Town, was one of the island’s three ancient city-states alongside Lindos and Ialysos. Unlike Lindos, there is no medieval overlay: what you see is a pure Hellenistic grid-plan city (3rd-2nd century BC) with a main street, residential blocks, an agora, and a temple terrace. The site is less crowded than Lindos. Entry: EUR 6. Open 8 AM to 3 PM daily. Bring water and a hat as there is no shade. Combine with a visit to Kritinia Castle 15km south for coastal views. For more on travel tips, see our travel tips.
Things to Do in Rhodes: Natural Attractions and Outdoor Activities
Valley of the Butterflies (Petaloudes)
From June through September, thousands of Jersey Tiger moths (Callimorpha quadripunctaria) cover the trunks and rocks of this shaded valley 25km south of Rhodes Town near the village of Theologos. The moths gather here for the humidity near the stream. The walking trail is a 1km loop through plane trees and wooden bridges, with a small museum at the entrance. Entry: EUR 5. Open 8:30 AM to 6 PM. Best visited in August when moth numbers peak. Do not clap or make loud noises as this stresses the moths. The valley is quiet from October to May when the moths are absent.
Seven Springs (Epta Piges)
A shaded oasis 30km southeast of Rhodes Town near the village of Archangelos. Seven natural springs feed a small lake through a 186-metre tunnel that you can walk through (bring waterproof shoes; the water runs ankle-deep). The area has a taverna and peacocks wandering the grounds. Free entry, open year-round. Best visited in spring when water flow is strongest or summer for escape from the heat. Parking costs EUR 2. Pair with a visit to Tsambika Beach 4km away.
Prasonisi Beach
At Rhodes’ southern tip 92km from Rhodes Town, Prasonisi is a double-sided sand spit connecting the mainland to a tidal island. In summer when water levels are low, you walk across. The west side catches strong Meltemi wind (ideal for windsurfing and kitesurfing, with rental shops on site), while the east side is calm and sheltered. Several surf schools offer lessons from EUR 40/hour. The beach is sandy and undeveloped with one seasonal taverna. Best for experienced windsurfers June-September; swimming is better on the east side. No shade: bring an umbrella. Bus service is limited; a rental car is recommended for the 90-minute drive.
Things to Do in Rhodes: Best Beaches
Tsambika Beach
A 400-metre stretch of fine golden sand backed by a rocky headland with a small monastery on top. The water is shallow and calm, making it suitable for families with children. Two beach bars rent sunbeds (EUR 10-15 per set in peak season). Located 26km south of Rhodes Town on the east coast, accessible by car or bus (get off at Tsambika stop on the Rhodes-Lindos route, then walk 1.5km downhill). Parking is free and plentiful. Arrive before 10 AM in July/August.
Anthony Quinn Bay
A small, photogenic cove 20km south of Rhodes Town near Faliraki, named after the actor who bought land here while filming The Guns of Navarone (1961). The bay is sheltered by pine-covered cliffs with clear turquoise water. The beach is pebbly, so water shoes help. A small canteen operates in summer. Sunbeds: EUR 15/day. Parking is limited to about 30 cars on the roadside; arrive by 9 AM in peak season or take a taxi from Faliraki (EUR 10). Good for snorkelling around the rocks on either side.
Elli Beach
Rhodes Town’s main city beach, a 400-metre strip of sand-and-pebble at the northern tip, walking distance from the Old Town (10 minutes from the Marine Gate). Sunbeds cost EUR 8-12 per set. The water is clean and there is a diving platform at the northern end. The beach is backed by the Ronda Beach Bar and several cafes. Gets very crowded by 11 AM in summer due to cruise ship day-trippers. The beach is free to access; you pay only for sunbeds and umbrellas. For a quieter alternative, walk 15 minutes south to Zephyros Beach near the Aquarium.
