The Ultimate Rhodes Travel Guide 2026: Ancient Wonders and Secret Beaches

The Greek island of Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese Islands and is located in the southern Aegean Sea, a few miles off the coast of Turkey. It's home to pristine sandy beaches, turquoise waters, Unesco World Heritage sites, and friendly locals, making it one of the most popular Greek islands for holidaymakers.

Explore the ancient ruins of Rodos Old Town and the Acropolis of Lindos, relax on beautiful Mediterranean beaches and enjoy fabulous Greek food and great hospitality. Rhodes has it all.

In this travel guide, I will help you uncover all the best things to do in Rhodes to make your holiday perfect.

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Is Rhodes worth visiting?

Yes! Rhodes is a fantastic place to visit if you are looking for a Greek island with a good mix of historical landmarks and beautiful beaches with crystal-clear water.

Rhodes is not a party island like other Greek destinations such as Corfu, Kefalonia, and Mykonos, nor is it as popular as the travellers' favourite, Santorini. Still, a holiday in Rhodes is perfect if you want a restful Greek beach vacation rich in culture, blue skies, and sunshine.

Do you need to hire a car in Rhodes?

The answer is a tricky yes-and-no.

Rhodes Town is walkable, so you won't need a car to get around the historic old town and harbour. A good public bus service in Rhodes will take you to Lindos, Faliraki, and some popular beach areas.

The time to rent a car is if you plan to explore hidden coves and hard-to-reach Greek mountain villages, or, like us, are at the southern end of the island and want to visit the old town of Rhodes but don't want to sit on a bus for 90 minutes!

If you don't want to drive yourself, here are some guided tours of Rhodes to explore the island:

Recommended Rhodes Tours

Lindos Bus Tour With Free Time To Explore.

Rhodes 6-Hour Day Trip With Lunch And Drinks.

Butterfly Valley And Seven Springs Day Trip.

All-Inclusive Catamaran Cruise With Lunch And Drinks.

What Is Rhodes Known For?

• Beaches
• Unesco-Listed Lindos Acropolis
• Rhodes Old Town Castle and Historic Harbour
• Boat Trips
• Hillside Villages
• Great Weather
• Friendly Locals
• Luxury Resorts

Beaches in Rhodes

The beach will play a big part in your Rhodes holiday, from relaxing on golden sands to swimming, snorkelling, and enjoying water activities like jet skiing, parasailing, and boat rides.

Greece ranks second in the world for Blue Flag beaches (Spain is first), meaning the water has passed tests for cleanliness and is safe to swim in. Rhodes has 57 Blue Flag beaches, so if that's not a reason to visit, then what is?

St Paul's Bay

The most famous coastal area in Rhodes is St Paul's Bay. The heart-shaped bay and blue waters are visible from the Acropolis of Lindos, making it a magnet for visitors arriving by sea or land.

If you take a boat trip in Rhodes, you will undoubtedly be brought to St Paul's Bay. It has a sandy beach, a couple of restaurants, cabanas for rent and mooring for boats.

If arriving by boat, call ahead, and they will bring a tender out to meet you and take you to the restaurant. Now, that's what I call service!

We arrived in St. Paul's Bay by boat and swam in the warm sea before heading to Lindos Port. Our boat was hired from the beach in Kiotari outside our hotel, Mayia Resort and Spa.

Lindos Beach

Lindos Beach is in the Bay of Lindos, on the other side of the headland from St. Paul's Bay. It is the first thing to catch your eye as you enter Lindos Town. The bird's-eye view of blue waters, large yachts, and golden sand is highly inviting.

We arrived at Lindos Bay by boat and enjoyed some time in the water. It is a beautiful spot, overlooked by the Acropolis of Rhodes.

We tried snorkelling, but there was little to see, so we relaxed aboard the boat, had some snacks, and took in our surroundings.

The beach was sandy, with plenty of beds and parasols for rent.

Navarone Bay

If you've visited the Maldives, you will have seen turquoise waters similar to those of Navarone Bay.

We arrived by boat and were blown away by the colour of the water. It didn't take us long to dive in and enjoy the warm Mediterranean Sea.

Once again, we tried snorkelling, but there was nothing to see because the seabed was sandy, with no rocks to attract fish. Even so, Navarone Bay is a beautiful place to swim.

Agathi Beach

Another fabulous place to visit is Agathi Beach, which was recommended to us when we hired a car for the day. When we mentioned to the car hire lady that we were after a quiet sandy beach, she immediately told us her favourite was Agathi Beach. It is shallow and sandy, so there is no clambering over stones and rocks to get into the water, as with some of the beaches in Rhodes.

There is a lovely beach restaurant with a large seating area, and toilets are available at the beach's entrance.

Cabanas line the beachfront and can be paid for at the restaurant.

There is plenty of parking, and it is free. While on the beach, you may hear a church bell ringing. At the beach's end is a 700-800-year-old cave chapel with a white-painted front. 

If you enjoy hiking, the trail to the Medieval Castle of Feraclos is on the road leading to the beach. We didn't want to climb it, but many others were clambering up the rocky path to see the ruins and the sunset from the top.

So, if you are looking for a lovely beach with shallow turquoise water, Agathi Beach will be perfect for you.

Follow the signs to Haraki; the beach is about 10 minutes after you turn off the main road.

Charaki Beach

Charaki Beach is a 5-minute drive from Agathi Beach, so we decided to take a look. We arrived at the back end, near Argo Seafood Restaurant, and were struck by the impressive jagged rock formations. We just had to pull over and take a few photographs as the sun was setting.

Charaki Beach is a dark pebble beach that differs from its neighbour, Agathi Beach. It has several restaurants and plenty of beach loungers to rent.

Angie's Top Tip: Visit the “secret” beaches in Rhodes of Stegna (Grande Bleu) and Kopria – both are more frequented by locals than visitors (especially the latter), and both have low-key, friendly restaurants for a bite between beachcombing.

Prasonisi Beach

If kite surfing is your thing, you will want to visit Prasonisi, where the Aegean waters meet the Mediterranean. A large expanse of sand separates the two bodies of water, resulting in large waves on one side that are perfect for advanced kite surfers and calmer waters on the other side. It's a great place to visit at sunset.

What to do in Rhodes Old Town

If you are visiting Rhodes Old Town by car, there is a huge free parking area by the ferry port.

Once parked, a free tourist shuttle bus will drop you off at the city wall entrance to Rhodes Old Town.

Alternatively, you can stroll into town along the coastal boardwalk and take in the sights. To walk from the harbour to the city walls takes 10-15 minutes, depending on your pace.

The Rhodes tourist bus departs every 30 minutes and takes 5 minutes to get from the harbour to the city walls. Look out for this sign and wait beside it. There is also a smaller buggy that will take you around the medieval city.

Visit the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes

This medieval castle was built as a Byzantine citadel in the late 7th century. After the Grand Masters of the Knights Hospitaller took over Rhodes in 1309, it became the administrative centre and residence of the Knights Hospitaller. The Knights were a religious/military order that ensured pilgrims passed through the Eastern Mediterranean without being attacked. They protected Rhodes for 200 years.

The palace is notable for its Gothic architecture, with thick walls, a large courtyard, and imposing towers. After suffering significant damage from an explosion in 1856, the Italians restored it in the early 20th century.

Today, it serves as a museum and a major tourist attraction. It showcases medieval artefacts and the history of the Knights of Rhodes. The mosaic floors are quite spectacular, so be sure to look down as you walk around the castle.

Buy Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights tickets online to avoid the long queues.

Walk the Street of Knights

This historic cobblestone street dates back to the 14th and 15th centuries and served as the main thoroughfare for the Knights Hospitaller. The street is lined with buildings featuring distinct Gothic and medieval architectural styles and leads to the Palace of the Grand Master.

Step inside the Byzantine Panagia Tou Kastrou Church

Panagia Tou Kastrou Church is an example of Gothic Byzantine architecture. It was converted to a mosque during Ottoman rule in Greece. It is now the home to a permanent exhibition of iconography and medieval sculptures. There is a small fee to enter.

Wander the backstreets of Rhodes

To fully experience Rhodes's heritage, walk the cobbled streets away from the main tourist sights. Pass by stone houses covered in trailing plants and local shops and lose yourself in the deserted backstreets.

Find a rooftop bar with a view

When you're looking for a refreshing drink, head to one of Rhodes's more out-of-the-way rooftop bars. I recommend Minos Roof Garden Restaurant, which offers superb views of the old town and coast. However, I can't recommend eating here, so check out the TripAdvisor reviews yourself.

Eat a Gyro in the town square

In Greece, the humble gyro is a food staple loved by locals and tourists, and there are plenty of places to buy them in Rhodes's old town.

Not familiar with a gyro?

A Greek gyro is a popular and delicious street food made from meat, typically pork or chicken, seasoned and stacked on a vertical rotisserie. As the meat cooks, it is shaved into thin slices and usually served on warm pita.

Gyros are typically garnished with tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki sauce, a creamy mixture of yoghurt, cucumber, garlic, and herbs. Sometimes, they also include lettuce, fries, and other condiments.

Stroll around Rhodes Harbour

Rhodes Harbour is a historic and vibrant port area known for its scenic beauty and historical significance. It comprises three main parts: Mandraki Harbour, once the military port of ancient Rhodes; the Commercial Harbour, used for larger vessels and cargo; and the Kolona Harbour, mainly for yachts and smaller boats.

Notable landmarks include the St. Nicholas Fortress, the windmills of Mandraki, and the deer statues believed to mark the location of the Colossus of Rhodes. Today, Rhodes Harbour is a bustling area with cafes, shops, and excellent views, making it a popular spot for tourists exploring the old town.

Things to do in Lindos

Explore Lindos Acropolis

The Lindos Acropolis is a major tourist attraction on Rhodes, known for its historical significance, scenic beauty, and well-preserved ancient structures. Its location on a cliff overlooking the village of Lindos to one side and the heart-shaped St Paul's Bay to the other makes it even more magical.

The ancient citadel has significant archaeological and historical importance. Dating back to the 6th century BC, it features the ruins of the Temple of Athena Lindia, a classic example of Greek architecture.

Try to get there early, as it gets busy. Remember, this is an ancient ruin, so wear sensible shoes, as there are many uneven surfaces to navigate. Wear a hat and sunscreen; there is no shade at the Acropolis, so the sun will be on you throughout your visit.

How to get to Lindos Acropolis

Local buses stop at the top of the main road to Lindos, and there is a large car park if you are driving.

Once on foot, you can walk from the main road to Lindos Village (10 minutes downhill) or jump on the shuttle bus, which takes you to the start of the village. After that, it's an uphill walk through winding and cobbled streets to the Acropolis.

Part of the ascent involves narrow steps, so stay safe and let others pass before you continue. On the way to the Acropolis, look out for the many cats that have made it their home.

If you would rather visit Lindos Acropolis as part of a tour, these are some of the best options:

Day Trip to Lindos from Rhodes Town, Ixia, and Ialyssos.

Lindos Acropolis Guided Tour from Rhodes Old Town.

From Rhodes Town: Boat Trip to Lindos.

Guided bus trip to Lindos and Seven Springs from Rhodes Town.

Buying tickets for Lindos Acropolis

If you are visiting the Acropolis independently and don't want to join the ticket queue, which can be extremely long and tiresome on a hot day, buying your Lindos Acropolis entry tickets online is the best option.

Buying tickets in advance will allow you to smile smugly at the people queuing as you walk straight to the barriers, have your online ticket scanned, and go in. This ticket includes an optional downloadable audio guide to help you identify what you are looking at.

What else is there to do in Lindos apart from the Acropolis

Lindos is a stunning example of a traditional Greek village, and as such, you will find shops, restaurants, bars, and churches dotted all along its maze of cobbled lanes. Stop for freshly squeezed orange juice, enjoy souvlaki for lunch or pop inside one of the small artisan shops for a souvenir.

One place not to miss is the oldest house in Lindos. It dates to the 18th century and remains in the same family. Part museum, part shop, it features photographs of the original occupants and artefacts from their lives in the house.

Things to do in Asklipio

Asklipio is a tiny village near Kiotari with several noteworthy attractions. It is at the less-frequented southern end of the island and quite remote, so a car is needed to reach it.

Asklipio Castle: The ruins of a medieval fortress offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary: An 11th-century Byzantine church with impressive frescoes.

Asklipio Folklore Museum: Showcasing traditional Rhodian life with exhibits of local crafts, tools, and household items.

Things to do in Kiotari

Kiotari is a modern and upmarket seaside resort village on the southeastern coast. Known for its beautiful, clear waters, Kiotari offers a range of accommodations, from luxury hotels to all-inclusive resorts.

Visitors can enjoy a range of water sports and beachside tavernas. The village is also a convenient base for exploring nearby attractions, such as the historic villages of Asklipio (7 mins by car) and Lindos (24 mins by car or bus).

Take to the water

Along the beach by Mayia Resort and Spa, a watersport concession called Beach Bums rents out boats and jet skis. We booked a boat for four hours at a cost of 100 euros. It was a lot of fun cruising along the coast.

If you stay in Kiotari during the summer, you can hop aboard a high-speed boat to Rhodes Town. However, this service is not available during the autumn months.

Another day trip from Kiotari is to the nearby island of Symi by speedboat.

You will recognise Symi by its colourful sugar-cube houses scattered across the mountainside. It is a small but beautiful island, so if visiting for the day isn't enough for you, why not spend the night on Symi and return to Rhodes by ferry the next day?

Go sightseeing on an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV)

If you aren't a fan of water, why not book an ATV tour of Southern Rhodes? See the local sights on four wheels.

The best time to visit Rhodes

Spring and autumn will see more manageable temperatures and fewer visitors, making for a more enjoyable visit if you plan to sightsee. Be aware that many resorts close after October for the winter and reopen only in April, around Easter. Rhodes in April is still warm during the day but is cool in the evenings.

In summer, Greece can reach temperatures of 45 degrees, so be aware that the heat may prevent you from enjoying planned sightseeing, especially in places like Lindos, where there is no shade.

Ultimately, whatever time of year you visit Rhodes, you will have an amazing time. Happy Travels!

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