Rhodes, the acropolis of Lindos

Discover Rhodes

Medieval history, amazing beaches, and ancient wonders

Going to Greece is not just the fulfillment of a dream vacation. Once you visit you'll realize that you belong there. It's like going back home.

Rhodes, often called the “Island of the Sun,” presents a grander, more medieval contrast to the emerald greenery of the Ionian islands like Corfu and Zakynthos, or the typical whitewashed houses of the Cycladic islands like Mykonos and Santorini. Rhodes is a monumental tapestry of Crusader knights, Ottoman minarets, and ancient Greek acropolises.

Visiting Rhodes is like traversing centuries in a single afternoon, from the sturdy fortifications of the Knights of St. John to the ancient ruins of Lindos overlooking the Aegean.

Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese islands, located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Known for its 300 days of sunshine, it earned the title of “The Island of the Sun”. The island is a masterclass in architectural diversity, featuring a UNESCO-protected Medieval Old Town, Italian-style administrative buildings, and traditional whitewashed villages. Whether you are windsurfing at the island’s southern tip, exploring the Palace of the Grand Master, or basking on the golden sands of Tsambika, Rhodes offers a grand scale adventure for every traveler.

Best time to visit Rhodes

Rhodes is one of the most reliable Greek islands for warm weather, even late into the year.

Peak Season (July – August): The island is in full swing. Temperatures often hit 32°C – 38°C, and the famous nightlife in Rhodes Town and Faliraki is at its peak. This is the best time for water sports and vibrant beach culture, though popular sites will be very busy.

Shoulder Season (May – June & September – October): These are the ideal months. The weather is perfect for swimming and sightseeing (20°C – 30°C), and the landscape is still colorful. September is particularly prized for its warm sea and thinner crowds.

Off-Season (November – April): As a major administrative hub, Rhodes Town stays active year-round. It is a fantastic time for visitor looking for culture to explore the Old Town and Lindos peacefully. While some beach resorts close, the mild winters (14°C – 17°C) are perfect for hiking and photography.

Rhodes, medieval town

Rhodes: Budget tips

Despite its popularity, Rhodes is large enough to offer excellent value for money:

Explore the Medieval Town on foot: Most of the Old Town’s charm lies in its alleys and squares, which are free to explore. Walking the moat around the city walls is also a free, spectacular experience.

Dine in “Chora”: For more affordable dining, look for “Ouzeri” and “Mezedopolei0” in the residential parts of the Old Town (away from Socrates Street) or in the surrounding mountain villages.

Use the KTEL and RODA Buses: Rhodes has two reliable bus networks. RODA serves the city and west coast, while KTEL serves the east coast and Lindos, making expensive taxis unnecessary.

Visit the “hidden” coves and beaches: While famous beaches have organized sunbeds, spots like Agathi Beach or the rocky edges of Ladiko offer plenty of space to lay down a towel for free.

Fun things to do in Rhodes

Rhodes is an island of vast scale with activities that cater to both the active and the relaxed:

Walk the Street of the Knights
Located in the Medieval Old Town, this is one of the best-preserved medieval streets in Europe. It leads up to the Palace of the Grand Master, a fortress turned museum that was the seat of the Knights of St. John.

Climb to the Acropolis of Lindos
Perched high above a car-free, whitewashed village, this ancient site offers a stunning juxtaposition of a Doric Temple to Athena Lindia and a medieval fortress, all with a view of the heart-shaped St. Paul’s Bay below.

Relax at the beaches
Anthony Quinn Bay: A picturesque rocky cove named after the actor who filmed The Guns of Navarone here.

Tsambika Beach: A long, golden sandy beach perfect for families, overlooked by a hilltop monastery.

Prasonisi: Located at the southern tip where the Aegean and Mediterranean seas meet; it’s a world-famous spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Nature and Retreats
Valley of the Butterflies (Petaloudes): A lush green valley where thousands of Jersey Tiger moths congregate from June to September.

Kallithea Springs: Famous for its Italian-era rotunda and thermal springs, now a beautifully restored spot for swimming and lounging.

Rhodes, amazing beaches and perfect weather year-round

Transportation options to and around Rhodes

Ferries to Rhodes

  • From Piraeus: A long but scenic journey (12–15 hours). Many travelers prefer taking a cabin for the overnight trip.
  • Island Hopping: Rhodes is the primary hub for the Dodecanese, with daily ferries to Symi, Kos, and Patmos, and international links to Marmaris, Turkey.

Flights to Rhodes

  • Rhodes International Airport “Diagoras” (RHO): One of the busiest in Greece, receiving domestic flights from Athens and Thessaloniki year-round, plus hundreds of international flights during the summer.

Getting Around
While the bus system is excellent, renting a car is highly recommended to explore the southern forests, the castle of Monolithos, and the remote traditional villages of the interior.

Why Rhodes should be your next Greek island adventure

Rhodes is an island that feels like a continent. It offers a rare combination of intense history, cosmopolitan luxury, and rugged natural beauty. From the clatter of horse drawn carriages in the Old Town to the silence of the ancient ruins at Kameiros, Rhodes provides a deep, multi-layered experience that satisfies both the inquisitive historian and the modern traveler seeking a sun-drenched escape.

As a premier destination for cultural tourism in the Dodecanese, Rhodes serves as a gateway to the ancient world, boasting the Acropolis of Rhodes and the legendary site of the Colossus. The island’s world-class infrastructure supports a wide range of travel styles, from all-inclusive family resorts in Faliraki to secluded boutique hotels in Lindos. With its reliable Mediterranean climate and Aegean winds, Rhodes is also a global hub for kitesurfing and windsurfing at Prasonisi. By blending modern luxury with archaeological depth, Rhodes remains a quintessential choice for travelers looking to combine a premium beach holiday with profound historical exploration.

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