Rhodes, Greece: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

Ever thought about what makes Rhodes Island in Greece so special? It's not just the amazing beaches and clear waters. This place is packed with history, culture, and great food. Exploring Rhodes ancient ruins and historic sites and trying out culinary delights and local cuisine are must-dos here. So, what's on the list of the best things to do in Rhodes that you'll love?

Key Takeaways

• Rhodes is a beloved Greek island that combines a rich history, stunning natural beauty, and tantalizing local cuisine.
• Explore the well-preserved medieval Rhodes Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site with its famous Street of the Knights and iconic landmarks.
• Indulge in the island's culinary delights, from seafood risottos to traditional baked goat dishes and decadent honey-drizzled pancakes.
• Marvel at the natural wonder of the Valley of the Butterflies, where millions of butterflies gather each August.
• Discover ancient ruins and historic sites, such as the spectacular clifftop Acropolis of Lindos.

Explore Rhodes Old Town: A Living Museum

Rhodes Town's old city is a grand world heritage site. It's known for its strong, ancient fortress that's seen many battles. Walking through its palace, buildings, battlements, and narrow streets gives you a taste of the past conflicts.

The Street of the Knights

The famous Street of the Knights is a reminder of Rhodes Old Town's storied medieval past. This cobbled street was home to the Knights of Rhodes. They used to take breaks and eat at its inns. You can still see emblems showing which nations the knights belonged to above the inns' doors.

Iconic Landmarks: Palace of the Grand Master and Gothic Hospital

Two must-see places in Rhodes' attractions are the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes and the Gothic Hospital. The hospital is now a fantastic museum with a beautiful courtyard full of gothic arches.

Wander the Labyrinth of Medieval Streets

Strolling through the medieval streets of Rhodes Old Town feels like a journey back in time. You get lost in the rich history and stunning architecture. Each turn reveals something that feels straight out of history.

Tantalize Your Taste Buds: Culinary Delights of Rhodes

As the medieval Knights of Rhodes knew well, good food is key for any adventure. For us, the visitors, finding the right place to eat is important. Rhodes has lots of great spots with interesting food, besides the typical Greek meals. If you love seafood, try 'soupiorizo', a tasty squid risotto. Meat fans should try 'kapamas' (oven-baked goat with chickpeas) or 'rifiki' (lamb or goat, stuffed with rice and slow-roasted). Cheese lovers can enjoy 'salamogia', myzithra cheese with peppercorns in brine. And dessert fans must try 'talagoutes', which is a heavenly pancake with honey, walnuts, sesame seeds, and cinnamon.

Soupiorizo: Squid Risotto

For those who love seafood, 'soupiorizo' is a must-have. This squid risotto mixes the best of Rhodes' sea with tradition.

Kapamas: Oven-Baked Goat with Chickpeas

Meat lovers can't miss the 'kapamas'. It's a rich dish of oven-baked goat and chickpeas. This meal truly brings the Greek flavors to life.

Talagoutes: Heavenly Pancakes with Honey and Nuts

Don't leave Rhodes without trying 'talagoutes'. These pancakes with honey, walnuts, sesame seeds, and a bit of cinnamon are unforgettable. It's a delight you must experience.

The Valley of the Butterflies: A Natural Wonder

The Valley of the Butterflies is most visited from May to September. In August, though, millions of Panaxia moths (also known as Jersey Tiger) burst into view. They make this green valley paradise their perfect breeding place.

Seeing countless butterflies cover every tree and leaf is unforgettable. This happens in a place filled with streams, small bridges, and shady paths. Because these butterflies live in a fragile ecology, visitors should be quiet.

Witness Millions of Butterflies in August

At the Valley of the Butterflies' peak stands Panagia Kalopetra monastery. It’s a great place for quiet and reflection.

Serene Trails and Wooden Bridges

Walking paths and wooden bridges make Petaloudhes peaceful and beautiful. They let visitors enjoy the area's butterfly migration in a calm way.

Ancient Ruins and Historic Sites

Learn about Rhodes by visiting ancient ruins and historic places. Discover Ialysos, one of Rhodes' ancient cities. It has old homes and burial grounds from the Mycenaean-Minoan era and around 3,000 years ago.

Most of these structures stand on Filerimos hill. This area was named during the Byzantine times. It's exciting to see these ancient buildings still standing.

Filerimos and the Acropolis of Ialysos

Walk through Filerimos hill and find old Ialysos remains. When Italy ruled Rhodes (1912-1945), they built 'Golgotha'. It has shrines with stories of Jesus' journey to the cross.

Lindos: The Iconic Clifftop Acropolis

The charming village of Lindos attracts many. Its white houses, gorgeous beaches, and bay are hard to resist. Above it all sits an ancient fortress. This acropolis has the Propylaia gateway from 407 BC. You can also see the Temple of Athena from 348 BC.

Rhodes, Greece: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

Stay at the Sheraton Rhodes Resort for a taste of Rhodes. Dive into Rhodes Old Town, a UNESCO world heritage. It's a living part of Rhodes's wild past. See the crusade history at the grand Palace of the Grand Master and its Archaeological Museum, once a Knights of St. John hospital. Walk the old paths and discover the Harbour Gates leading to Mandraki Harbour.

Walk the Street of the Knights in Rhodes Old Town like the crusaders did. Grab some of Greece's best gelati at Palladion by Ippokratous Square. Discover the best things to do to enjoy your time on this mesmerizing Greek island with a Rhodes island travel guide.

Coastal Gems and Beach Escapes

The air smells of pine, with old bridges and small rivers nearby at 'Epta Piges' (Seven Springs). It's about 30 km away from Rhodes Town. You can hike on the many paths to find where seven springs start. At the famous site, there's a green lake with clear blue water, surrounded by trees.

Seven Springs: A Picturesque Oasis

Rhodes is famous for its beaches, but it also has secret spots like quiet bays and hidden coves. These unknown places let visitors enjoy the beautiful coast away from crowds. They're ideal for anyone looking for peace and quiet.

Tranquil Bays and Secluded Coves

Rhodes offers many types of beaches and coastal spots, including the stunning Seven Springs and quiet areas. These places are a dream for beach fans and people who love nature. Here, you can relax by the clear seas or find some of the island's lesser-known wonders.

Outdoor Adventures and Activities

The island of Rhodes has beautiful landscapes and stunning views by the coast. This makes it a great place for hiking and trekking. You can rent bikes easily on the island, letting you explore as you like and engage in some healthy activity.

Hiking and Trekking in Nature

Take a trip through the island's scenic paths to see some truly beautiful sights. You'll find hidden spots and get to walk through green forests. This journey will also test your energy as you move across the varied land.

Scuba Diving and Underwater Exploration

Diving tourism is a great way to have fun while caring for the planet. The waters around Rhodes are ideal for diving, with clear waters, good temperatures, and organized shores. Divers will be amazed by the different sea life, unique rocks, and old shipwrecks under the waves.

Island Hopping and Day Trips

Rhodes is a great base to visit nearby islands of the Dodecanese. Every day, ferries take off to them, some just a few hours away, perfect for a day out.

Symi: The Picture-Perfect Harbor

Symi is known for its beautiful harbor filled with classic houses and churches. Don't miss the famous monastery of the Archangel Michael Panormitis. It's a stunning place to include in your island hopping trips in the Dodecanese.

Boat Excursions to Nearby Islands

There are many boat trips waiting for you. You can pick from sailing yachts, catamarans, or motorboats for a private or shared tour. Explore reachings of Rhodes and gems like Halki or Symi. See the perfect beaches and unique beauty of the Dodecanese.

Family-Friendly Fun and Attractions

When you visit Rhodes, make sure to check out two great places for the whole family. Explore the Marine Aquarium of Rhodes and the fun interactive Throne of Helios experience.

The Marine Aquarium of Rhodes

The Marine Aquarium is in Rhodes' north and started in 1937. It was built between 1934-1396. This place is both a museum and a lab, which began in 1963. Here, you can see amazing sea creatures from the Aegean Sea, like colorful fish and stunning turtles.

The Aquarium is perfect for learning about marine life and having fun. It's a great way to enjoy the sea without getting wet. Everyone in the family will be amazed by the underwater world.

Interactive Experiences: Throne of Helios

The Throne of Helios takes you on an awesome learning adventure in Rhodes. This unique trip mixes old stories with modern tech. It's set in the first cinema of Rhodes, which the Italians made in 1927.

Get ready to learn all about Helios, the sun god, through fun tech displays. It's a cool way to discover Rhodes’ history and myths together.

Nightlife and Entertainment

Imagine this: a dreamy beach with the endless Aegean sea before you. In your hand, a cold cocktail. It's life at its simplest and best. Choose a spot at one of the island's beach bars.

You might sit right in the crystal blue sea or relax on a soft lounger. That's the vibe at beach bars on Rhodes – everywhere you go.

Beach Bars and Cocktails by the Sea

In Rhodes, you can pick from vibrant clubs to cozy tavernas for night fun. Want to dance or just chill? There's something here for you, no doubt.

Vibrant Clubs and Tavernas

Ready for a night to remember? From stylish cocktail spots by the sea to lively nightclubs, Rhodes has it all. Dive into the island's culture and enjoy a range of entertainment everywhere.

Shopping and Souvenirs

Stroll through the narrow streets of Lindos. You'll come across shops with a variety of items. These include clothes, handmade leather goods, and ceramics. Lindos is truly a shopper's paradise.

There are many shops selling local handicrafts and souvenirs. Rhodes also boasts shops with traditional Greek ceramics. These places help visitors to find a perfect memory from their trip.

Local Handicrafts and Ceramics

Enjoy Lindos' lively Lindos shopping setting. It's full of unique handicrafts and ceramics. You can find anything from handwoven textiles to detailed leather goods.

This is the chance to take a piece of Rhodes' cultural heritage. You can choose from various ceramic items. These may include vases, plates, or figurines.

Lindos Village: A Shopper's Paradise

Get lost in the charming streets of Lindos where shopping is key. This small village is packed with shops, galleries, and more. Each holds special souvenirs and local handicrafts.

Looking for Greek textiles, unique jewelry, or ceramics? Lindos is the place. It's a true shopper's paradise. There are many treasures to be found.

Conclusion

The island of Rhodes, Greece is a place full of stories and beauty. It has a lot of history, nature, and tasty food for everyone to enjoy. You can visit the Old Town or see the beautiful Valley of the Butterflies. All this in the Aegean Sea.

Are you looking for a beach vacation that's calm? Or maybe you want to learn about culture? You might also love to hike and see beautiful landscapes. Rhodes is the perfect place. You can try the yummy cuisine, have fun outside, and see great top attractions.

Rhodes, Greece is known for its amazing past, stunning sights, and friendly people. It's welcoming you to have a unique travel experience. You'll fall in love with its charm and remember it forever. Begin your journey today and find stories that will never leave you.