Town of Rhodes

Rhodes City is essentially a living museum, balancing a heavy-hitting medieval core with ancient ruins and a vibrant harbor. It is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site.

Medieval Heritage

  • Palace of the Grand Master: An imposing 14th-century fortress that feels like a movie set. Its mosaic floors were actually brought over from Kos, and the interior is as grand as the name suggests.
  • The Street of the Knights: One of the best-preserved medieval streets in the world. Walk up this cobblestone hill to see where the different “tongues” (nationalities) of the Knights of St. John lived.
  • Archaeological Museum of Rhodes: Housed in the former Hospital of the Knights. Even if you aren’t a “museum person,” the vaulted ceilings and the statue of Aphrodite of Rhodes are worth the entry.
  • The Medieval Walls: You can actually walk along sections of the massive fortifications. It’s the best way to see the city’s scale and the dry moat below, which is now a lush park.
  • Hippocrates Square: The bustling center of the Old Town. It’s perfect for people-watching by the fountain, though it’s also the “tourist pulse,” so expect it to be lively.
  • If you want to avoid the crowds, take a stroll after 9:00 PM. The lighting is incredibly atmospheric, and the day-trip crowds from the cruise ships will have vanished.

The Harbor & Waterfront

  • Mandraki Harbour: Traditionally the site of the Colossus of Rhodes. Today, you’ll find the two bronze deer (Elefos and Elafina) standing on columns where the Colossus’ feet supposedly rested.  The Colossus Site: Though the giant statue fell in an earthquake in 226 BC, the Mandraki Harbor is traditionally cited as its location. Today, two bronze deer statues stand where the Colossus’s feet were once imagined to be.
  • The Three Windmills of Rhodes: Located on the pier of Mandraki Harbour, these medieval windmills are the most photographed landmark in the city.
  • Nicholas Fortress: A lighthouse and fortress at the very end of the harbor pier, offering a great vantage point of the incoming ferries and yachts.
  • Elli Beach: Located right at the tip of Rhodes Town. It’s a pebble beach, but it’s incredibly popular for its multi-level diving platform in the middle of the sea and the vibrant beach bars lining the shore. 

Ottoman & Jewish Heritage

  • The Roloi Clock Tower: Climb the steep wooden stairs for the highest 360-degree view of the Old Town. Your ticket usually includes a free drink at the café at the bottom.
  • Suleymaniye Mosque: Easily recognized by its bright pink walls and tall minaret, it marks the Ottoman influence on the city’s history.
  • The Jewish Quarter (La Juderia): A quieter, atmospheric part of the Old Town. Visit the Kahal Kadosh Shalom Synagogue (the oldest in Greece) and the Square of the Jewish Martyrs.

Ancient Rhodes

  • The Acropolis of Rhodes (Monte Smith): Located on the hill overlooking the city. Unlike many other acropolises, it isn’t walled. You can see the Temple of Apollo, the Ancient Stadium, and a small marble theater—all for free.

Rest of Rhodes Island

Beyond the medieval walls of the capital, Rhodes opens up into a mix of ancient acropolises, thermal springs, and rugged coastal cliffs.

Landscape & Nature

Rhodes is the fourth largest island in Greece, characterized by a mountainous interior and over 125 miles of coastline. The island is shaped like a spearhead and offers diverse geography.

  • The Green Interior: Unlike many barren Greek islands, Rhodes is quite lush. The Valley of the Butterflies (Petaloudes) is a unique nature park where thousands of Jersey Tiger moths congregate during the summer.
  • Highest Peak: Mount Attavyros ( appr. 4,000 ft)
  • The Valley of the Butterflies (Petaloudes): A lush, shaded canyon that becomes home to thousands of Jersey Tiger moths from June to August. Even without the moths, the wooden bridges and waterfalls make for a cool retreat.
  • Seven Springs (Epta Piges): A woodland oasis where seven natural springs flow into a lake. For the brave, there is a narrow 186m dark tunnel you can walk through (in ankle-deep water) to reach the reservoir.
  • Prasonisi: The southernmost tip of the island where the Aegean and Mediterranean seas meet. Depending on the tide, a sandbar connects it to a small island, creating a spectacular “two-seas” visual.

Historical & Cultural Landmarks

  • Lindos & the Acropolis: Often called the “Jewel of Rhodes.” It’s a whitewashed labyrinth of captain’s houses leading up to a massive ancient citadel overlooking the turquoise Paul’s Bay.
  • Monolithos Castle: A dramatic 15th-century Venetian fortress perched on a 236m high isolated rock. It offers arguably the best sunset view on the island with a small, white chapel at its peak.
  • Ancient Kamiros: Known as the “Pompeii of Greece,” this is an incredibly well-preserved Hellenistic city where you can walk through the original street layouts and housing blocks.
  • Filerimos Hill: Home to a unique Gothic-style monastery and a giant concrete cross. The “Way of the Cross” path is lined with cypress trees and dozens of wild peacocks.
  • Tsambika Monastery: You’ll have to climb 300 steps to reach this tiny chapel, but the panoramic view of the golden Tsambika Beach below is one of the most photographed spots on the island.

  • The East Coast: Known for its calm, turquoise waters and golden sandy beaches like Tsambika and the famous Anthony Quinn Bay.

  • The West Coast: Grassy and windier, making it a paradise for windsurfers and kitesurfers. It features rugged cliffs and sunset views over the Aegean.

  • Beaches: The east coast (Faliraki, Tsambika, Anthony Quinn Bay) is known for calm, sandy shores, while the west coast is windier and more rugged.

Rhodes Beaches

Rhodes is an island of two halves: 

  • The East Coast: Known for its calm, turquoise waters and golden sandy beaches like Faliraki, Tsambika and the famous Anthony Quinn Bay.

  • The West Coast: Grassy and windier, making it a paradise for windsurfers and kitesurfers. It features rugged cliffs and sunset views over the Aegean.

  • Beaches: The east coast (Faliraki, Tsambika, Anthony Quinn Bay) is known for calm, sandy shores, while the west coast is windier and more rugged.

Iconic Beaches & Scenic Bays

These are the postcard-perfect spots that define the island’s coastline.

  • Anthony Quinn Bay: Named after the actor who starred in The Guns of Navarone, this is arguably the most beautiful cove on the island. It features emerald-green water and rugged rock formations. It’s tight and gets crowded, so arrive early if you want a sunbed.
  • Paul’s Bay (Lindos): A nearly circular natural harbor with crystal-clear turquoise water, sitting right beneath the Acropolis of Lindos. There are two small beaches here; both offer incredible views, but the “small” side is often a bit quieter.
  • Kallithea Springs beach: While technically a thermal spa site, the small bay here is breathtaking. You swim in a cove surrounded by Italian architecture and palm trees. The water is exceptionally still and clear, making it perfect for snorkeling.

Sandy Beaches

If you want soft sand and shallow water where you can actually relax without climbing over rocks, these are your best bets.

  • Tsambika Beach: A long, broad stretch of golden sand with shallow waters. It’s perfect for families and has plenty of water sports. For a great view, hike up to the Tsambika Monastery on the hill above before heading down for a swim.
  • Agia Agathi (Golden Sand): Often cited by locals as the best sandy beach on the island. It’s tucked away near Haraki and has a very laid-back, “old school” Greek vibe with clear, warm water.
  • Lindos Main Beach: Situated right below the village, this beach has fine sand and very shallow water. It’s busy, but the convenience of being able to walk into town for a gyro or a cold frappe is unbeatable.

 

Unique Spots

  • Prasonisi: Located at the southernmost tip of the island where the Aegean and Mediterranean seas meet. It’s a spectacular sight: a long sandbar that is sometimes underwater, creating two distinct seas. One side is flat (perfect for windsurfing), and the other has waves.
  • Fourni Beach: On the wilder West coast near Monolithos. This is a rugged, pebbly beach with sea caves and dramatic cliffs. It’s much quieter than the East coast and perfect for watching the sunset.
  • Glystra Beach: A small, sheltered sandy bay south of Lardos. It’s a “hidden gem” that stays relatively quiet even in peak season, offering a peaceful atmosphere and shallow, calm water.

Rhodes Villages

Rhodes is far more than just its medieval capital. Once you head out of Rhodes City, the island opens up into a mix of whitewashed coastal gems, rugged mountain retreats, and colorful traditional settlements. Here is a curated list of the must-see villages and towns on Rhodes.

Coastal & Historical

Lindos:

Framed by the golden sands of Lindos Beach and the stunning, heart-shaped turquoise waters of St. Paul’s Bay below, this charming village is characterized by a cascading labyrinth of whitewashed houses and narrow, pedestrian-only cobblestone alleys draped in vibrant pink bougainvillea. Rising above this picturesque town is the Lindos Acropolis, a formidable natural citadel situated on a 380 ft high cliff that houses the ancient Doric Temple of Athena Lindia, all enclosed by a medieval fortress built by the Knights of St. John. South of the sitadel is Paul’s Bay, a heart-shaped bay with turquoise water, perfect for a swim after exploring the village.

Koskinou:

Located just a short drive from the main city, this village is a photographer’s dream. Famous for its traditional houses with brightly painted doors and windows (reds, blues, and yellows). It feels like a living museum, yet remains a quiet, authentic residential area where you can see the local hoklakia (pebble mosaic) courtyards.

Wine & Mountains

Embonas:

Nestled at the foot of Mount Attavyros (the island’s highest peak), Embonas is the wine capital of Rhodes. The village is surrounded by vineyards. Many family-run wineries offer free tastings of local varieties like Athiri and Amorgiano. This is the place to eat grilled meat (especially lamb and goat) and try Souma, a potent local spirit similar to Grappa.

Siana:

A charming mountain village built on the slopes of Mount Akramitis. Siana is famous for its high-quality honey and extra virgin olive oil. You’ll see local vendors lining the road offering samples. In the heart of the village St. Panteleimon Church dominates with impressive frescoes.

Medieval Fortresses & Dramatic Views

Monolithos:

While the village itself is quiet and traditional, the main draw is just outside its center. One of the most impressive sites on the island. The ruins of the 15th-century castle sit atop a massive, solitary rock. It is widely considered the best place on the island to watch the sunset over the Aegean Sea and the nearby islands.

Kritinia:

A picturesque village that maintains a very traditional Greek character. A well-preserved fortress built by the Knights of St. John. It offers panoramic views of the sea and the islands of Halki and Alimia. The Folk Museum is small but insightful look into the rural history of the island.

Hidden Gems & Southern Quiet

Lachania:

Found in the deep south, this is arguably the most beautiful village on the island. It has been largely restored by artists and expats, maintaining its classic white-and-blue Aegean aesthetic without the crowds of Lindos.

The Platanos: Sit under the massive plane tree in the central square for a coffee or a traditional meal.

Asklipio:

An inland village that feels like stepping back in time. In the square dominates the church Dormition of the Virgin, An 11th-century Byzantine church with incredible, intact frescoes. A short hike leads to a medieval castle ruins with a 360-degree view of the coastline and the rolling hills.

Eleousa:

Unlike the typical Greek villages, Eleousa has a unique Italian architectural history. Built during the Italian occupation, it features large, grand buildings and a giant circular fountain (home to the rare Gizani fish). Located in a forested area, it’s a cool refuge from the summer heat.