Epic Things To Do In Rhodes, Greece
Despite being one of the largest Greek Islands, and famed for its 300 days of sunshine, Rhodes does not feel like a “tourist city” and has a far more relaxed atmosphere compared to Santorini. It really is a place that will bring out the island girl in you. Here, you can interact with the locals and immerse yourself in authentic Greek culture without feeling like an outsider or being surrounded by busloads of holidaymakers. As a result, my time in Rhodes was laid-back and I decided not to endure in a lot of sight-seeing. Instead, I decided to enjoy the calm island life for as long as I could. It was all about choosing the sea and sand over the sun and streets.
Nevertheless, Rhodes has an abundance of things to do and historical sites to admire, and the ones on this list are those that you should not miss out on, even if you are looking to limit the number of attractions you visit while you are here.
Travel and Accommodation In Rhodes
There are direct international flights into Rhodes, but if this is not possible based off where you are flying out from, you can arrive in Athens and catch a domestic flight.
There are several beautiful resorts along the beaches, but you can also find great hotels farther away, which would naturally be cheaper. I stayed at Villa Di Mare Seaside Suites, a beachfront resort and the first ever built in Rhodes. It was perfect because it was well connected but also secluded enough that I could lay by the waves and ignore the sounds of the city. There is also a wide range of family-owned restaurants around the resort that made some of the most delicious food I have ever tasted.
Seven Beautiful Things To Do In Rhodes
Rhodes Old Town
The Old Town in Rhodes is the the largest medieval city in Europe, and is a beautiful attraction along the waterways that was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988. It was once home to the Colossus of Rhodes which is one the “seven wonders of the Ancient World”, and this is enough to make it top any list of the most important things to do in Rhodes. As you explore the town today, you will be met by narrow streets, towering walls, churches and stunning medieval architecture that take you out of the modern world. You can also walk the city walls to gain a new perceptive – this one of my favourite things to in Rhodes!
Palace of the Grand Master is the crown jewel of the Old Town. Walking through this magnificent 14th-century structure and admiring the sculptures and mosaics, provides a glimpse into Medieval Greek life. Street of Knights also remains as a distinct part of the Old Town and is an interesting place to wander around and learn a little history about one of the highest groups in the medieval social hierarchy.
The Windmills of Mandraki
The grand Medieval features are located on the wave breaker of Mandraki Harbour, just outside the Old Town. These medieval windmills were used to ground the grain that came from the commercial ships docking in the harbour. It is believed that there were once 14 windmills along the port, but most of them have disintegrated over time, and today only three of these beautiful structures stand as majestic reminders of the past.
The Acropolis of Rhodes (Lindon Acropolis)
Unlike the Acropolis in Athens, the Acropolis of Rhodes is a lesser-known Greek treasure that blends harmoniously into its surrounding environment and receives far fewer visitors. When I was exploring this Rhodes landmark, there were only about ten other people around, and the lack of crowds made the experience far more enjoyable.
Lindos Ocean Caves
There are quite a few gorgeous caves that surround the island, and the ones in Lindos are no exception. This romantic village near Pallas Beach, brings you face to face with the majestic cliffs that highlight the vibrant blue waters and call out to you for an epic swimming experience.
Prasonisi Beach
Prasonisi Beach is considered to be one of a kind for this is where the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea meet. It is truly an environmental marvel. Besides this, the beach is the perfect place to catch a sunset over Turkey, whose faded coastal outline can be seen on any clear day.
Kritinia Castle
Rhodes has an insane amount of castles, and this Venetian-style, 16th-century castle is definitely not one to miss! The structure is positioned high over the town, strategically placed for the Knights of St. John as they looked out for pirates and other potential threats from afar. You can even see the nearby island of Halki from here.
Eat Your Heart Out
Rhodes has a street simply dedicated to inexpensive restaurants and cafes, and the ones scattered along the seafront have the best food and the best views. Other than swimming in the cold waters, I think I spent most of my time eating, and I have never been happier.
Average Cost For Three Days In Rhodes Per Person
Transport (flights from London + local travel): £120
Accommodation: £120 (£240 per double)
Attractions: £30
Food and amenities: £100
Keep In Mind
People often rent bicycles to explore Rhodes Old Town and its surroundings environments, such as Faliraki. I wouldn’t recommend doing this if you are not a comfortable rider because the roads are not built to accommodate cyclists.
Practical Information About Rhodes
Location: Greece, South-eastern Europe
National Languages: Greek
Currency: Euro
Neighbouring Countries: Albania, Bulgaria, Turkey and Macedonia
One Comment
Khilna
A nice simple read which literally carried this reader back into Rhodes.