Things to Do on Rhodes Island: Best Places to Visit & See in Rhodes, Greece

Rhodes is one of the most diverse Greek islands for a holiday, combining medieval history, ancient ruins, beautiful beaches, traditional villages, and scenic coastal landscapes. Whether you are visiting for a weekend or planning a longer island getaway, there are plenty of things to do on Rhodes Island beyond spending time by the sea. From exploring the UNESCO-listed Medieval City of Rhodes to visiting Lindos, swimming at picturesque beaches and taking a boat trip to Symi, the island offers experiences for history lovers, families, couples and outdoor enthusiasts. This guide covers the best things to do in Rhodes, what to see in Rhodes, worthwhile day trips and practical ideas for planning your visit.

Key Takeaways

• Rhodes Old Town is one of the island’s essential historical attractions.
• Lindos and the Acropolis of Lindos combine ancient history, village streets and spectacular coastal views.
• Rhodes has beaches for swimming, relaxing, snorkelling and water sports.
• Kallithea Springs, Valley of the Butterflies and Seven Springs add variety beyond the coast.
• History enthusiasts can explore ancient sites such as Kamiros and the Acropolis of Rhodes.
• Symi is one of the most popular island day trips from Rhodes.
• A 3-day itinerary gives first-time visitors a good balance of history, beaches and sightseeing.
• Spring and autumn can be particularly appealing for sightseeing, while summer is popular for beach holidays.

Best Things to Do on Rhodes Island at a Glance

Experience	Best For	Suggested Time
Medieval City of Rhodes	History and first-time visitors	Half to full day
Palace of the Grand Master	History and architecture	1–2 hours
Lindos & Acropolis	History, views and photography	Half to full day
Anthony Quinn Bay	Swimming and scenery	2–4 hours
Tsambika Beach	Beach days and families	Half day
Kallithea Springs	Architecture and relaxation	2–3 hours
Valley of the Butterflies	Nature	2–3 hours
Ancient Kamiros	Archaeology	1–2 hours
Seven Springs	Nature and walking	1–2 hours
Symi	Island day trip	Full day

Explore the Medieval City of Rhodes

For many visitors, exploring the Medieval City is one of the best things to do in Rhodes. Surrounded by imposing walls, the Old Town is a remarkable mix of medieval architecture, historic streets, museums, shops, restaurants and atmospheric squares. The city was shaped significantly by the Knights of St John and remains one of the most important historical areas on the island. You can spend several hours simply walking through the old streets, but several landmarks deserve particular attention.

Walk Along the Street of the Knights

The Street of the Knights is one of the most recognizable historic streets in Rhodes Old Town. Its stone buildings and medieval character make it one of the best places to experience the island’s past. Take your time rather than treating it as a quick photo stop. The surrounding streets contain additional architectural details and historic buildings worth discovering.

Visit the Palace of the Grand Master

The Palace of the Grand Master is another major landmark in the Medieval City. Its imposing exterior and historical importance make it a natural addition to a first visit to Rhodes. It is particularly worthwhile for travellers interested in medieval history, architecture and the Knights of St John.

Explore the Archaeological Museum

The Archaeological Museum of Rhodes provides another way to understand the island’s long history. It is housed in a historic building in the Old Town and contains archaeological material from Rhodes and the surrounding Dodecanese. If you enjoy visiting historical sites, combining the museum with the medieval streets gives you a broader picture of Rhodes across different periods.

Allow Time to Wander

One of the easiest mistakes is trying to rush through Rhodes Old Town by visiting only its headline attractions. Leave some time to wander without a strict schedule. Small lanes, courtyards, traditional buildings, and lively public spaces are part of the experience.

Visit Lindos and the Acropolis of Lindos

If you are deciding what to see in Rhodes, Lindos should be near the top of the list. The village is famous for its whitewashed buildings, narrow streets, beaches and the ancient Acropolis overlooking the coast. It combines several of the experiences travellers usually want from Rhodes in one destination. If you are looking for a warmer European escape outside the main summer season, Rhodes can also be considered alongside other winter sun destinations. The island’s mild climate and combination of sightseeing, coastal scenery and outdoor attractions make it particularly appealing when you want to explore rather than spend every day on the beach.

Explore Lindos Village

Lindos is best explored on foot. Its narrow streets lead between whitewashed buildings, small shops, cafés and restaurants. Because the village and Acropolis involve walking and some uphill sections, comfortable footwear is useful.

See the Acropolis of Lindos

The Acropolis rises above Lindos and provides views over the surrounding coastline. The ancient sanctuary of Athena Lindia is the site’s defining attraction. Beyond the archaeological importance, the setting itself is a major reason to visit. Looking down toward the blue water from the elevated site gives you one of the most memorable viewpoints on the island.

Relax at Lindos Beach and St Paul’s Bay

After exploring the village and Acropolis, you can spend time by the sea. Lindos Beach is close to the village, while St Paul’s Bay provides another scenic coastal setting nearby. Combining sightseeing with a swim can make Lindos an excellent full-day excursion.

Discover the Best Beaches in Rhodes

Rhodes is particularly attractive to travellers who want to combine sightseeing with beach time. The island has a wide range of coastal areas, from developed resort beaches to smaller bays surrounded by rocky scenery.

Anthony Quinn Bay

Anthony Quinn Bay is known for its clear water and dramatic surroundings. Its sheltered setting makes it one of the island’s most recognizable coastal spots. It is a good choice if you want scenery as well as swimming.

Tsambika Beach

Tsambika is a broad sandy beach backed by hills and is a popular choice for a traditional beach day. Its spacious setting makes it useful for travellers who want more room to relax rather than spending the entire day sightseeing.

St Paul’s Bay

Located beside Lindos, St Paul’s Bay is particularly convenient if you are already exploring the village and Acropolis. Its scenic shape and surrounding landscape make it one of the most photographed coastal areas around Lindos.

Agathi Beach

Agathi is another option for travellers looking for a relaxed beach experience. Its calmer character can make it appealing for visitors who want to dedicate several hours to swimming and sunbathing.

Prasonisi

At the southern end of Rhodes, Prasonisi is particularly associated with wind and water sports.

The landscape is also unusual because of the meeting of two bodies of water around the sandy area. It is worth considering if you want to see a different side of Rhodes beyond the historic towns and popular eastern beaches.

Visit Kallithea Springs

Kallithea Springs is one of the island’s most distinctive coastal attractions. The site combines historic architecture, landscaped surroundings and a seaside setting. Rather than being only a place to swim, Kallithea offers a mixture of architecture and relaxation. It can work particularly well as part of a route along the east coast. If you are staying around Rhodes Town, it can also be easier to fit into an itinerary than some of the island’s more distant attractions.

Explore Rhodes’ Natural Attractions

Rhodes is not only about beaches and historical monuments. Several natural attractions provide opportunities to experience the island’s landscapes and countryside.

Valley of the Butterflies

The Valley of the Butterflies is one of the island’s best-known nature attractions. It is especially associated with the seasonal presence of butterflies and provides a shaded environment with walking paths and vegetation. The attraction is most relevant to travellers interested in nature and wildlife rather than simply sightseeing from a vehicle.

Seven Springs

Seven Springs, or Epta Piges, is another green escape from the island’s more developed coastal areas. The area combines water, vegetation and walking routes, making it a useful stop for travellers who want a break from beaches and archaeological attractions.

Filerimos

Filerimos offers a combination of historical and scenic interest. Located above the surrounding landscape, the area provides opportunities for walking and sightseeing while also connecting visitors with Rhodes’ religious and historical heritage. It can be a worthwhile addition to an itinerary focused on the western side of the island.

Discover Ancient Rhodes Beyond Lindos

Rhodes has a long history extending far beyond the medieval period. If your idea of a Greek island holiday includes ancient ruins and archaeology, there are several places to add to your list.

Ancient Kamiros

Ancient Kamiros is one of the most important archaeological sites on Rhodes. The remains provide an insight into an ancient city and its urban organization, offering a very different experience from the medieval architecture of Rhodes Town. For history-focused travellers, visiting Kamiros alongside Lindos creates a useful comparison between different periods of Rhodes’ past.

Ancient Ialysos

Ialysos is another historically significant area associated with ancient Rhodes. It forms part of the island’s broader archaeological landscape and is particularly relevant if you want to explore beyond the most famous attractions.

Acropolis of Rhodes

The Acropolis of Rhodes overlooks the modern city and contains remains associated with the ancient city. It is a useful stop for travellers who want to understand how the ancient settlement fits into the modern landscape.

Take a Day Trip to Symi from Rhodes

One of the most popular answers to what to see in Rhodes actually involves leaving Rhodes for the day. Symi, Greece, is a small Dodecanese island known for its picturesque harbour, colourful neoclassical buildings and steep hillsides. Boat connections make it possible to visit Symi as a day trip from Rhodes.

Why Visit Symi?

Symi offers a noticeably different atmosphere from Rhodes. Instead of the large archaeological sites and expansive beaches found on Rhodes, the main appeal is the harbour scenery, traditional architecture, narrow streets, and relaxed island atmosphere. The approach to Symi by boat is itself part of the experience, with the buildings around Gialos creating a striking coastal panorama.

What to See in Symi

A day trip can focus on several experiences:

• Gialos Harbour – the main waterfront and one of the island’s defining sights.
• Neoclassical houses – colourful buildings climb the hills around the harbour.
• Kali Strata – historic steps connecting the harbour area with higher parts of the settlement.
• Ano Symi – the upper settlement offers additional views and traditional character.
• Local churches and historic buildings – useful stops while exploring on foot.

How to Get from Rhodes to Symi

The most practical option for a day visit is travelling by boat from Rhodes. Services and schedules can vary depending on the season and operator, so check current departure times before planning your day. Because a Symi visit takes up a substantial part of the day, it is usually better treated as a dedicated excursion rather than something to squeeze between Rhodes attractions.

Is Symi Worth Visiting?

Yes, particularly if you have enough time in Rhodes and enjoy scenic villages, island architecture and boat trips. If you only have one day in Rhodes, however, staying on Rhodes itself may make more sense. Visitors with three or more days have more flexibility to dedicate a full day to Symi.

Explore Traditional Villages and Local Rhodes

Travellers who want to experience more than the island’s main tourist attractions can explore some of Rhodes’ traditional villages.

Embonas

Embonas is associated with the island’s mountainous interior and local agricultural traditions. It can be an interesting destination for visitors who want to see a different side of Rhodes away from the coast.

Archangelos

Archangelos is one of the larger traditional settlements on the island and offers a more local atmosphere than the major resort areas. Exploring villages such as these can add variety to an itinerary, particularly if you have rented a car and want to see more of the island’s interior.

What to See in Rhodes for Different Types of Travellers

Not every traveller wants the same Rhodes experience. Use this quick guide to prioritize your time.

Traveller Type	Best Experiences
First-time visitor	Rhodes Old Town, Lindos, one major beach
History lover	Medieval City, Palace, Lindos, Kamiros
Beach lover	Tsambika, Anthony Quinn Bay, Lindos
Nature lover	Valley of the Butterflies, Seven Springs, Filerimos
Family	Beaches, Lindos, nature attractions
Couple	Lindos, Kallithea Springs, scenic beaches
Adventure seeker	Prasonisi and water sports
Island-hopping traveller	Symi
Photography enthusiast	Lindos, Rhodes Old Town, Anthony Quinn Bay, Symi

If you enjoy Mediterranean destinations that combine historic sights, beaches and outdoor attractions, you may also want to explore our guide to the things to do in Malaga.

Best Things to Do and See in Rhodes, Greece in 1 Day

If you have only one day, avoid trying to cover the entire island. A practical itinerary is:

Morning: Start in Rhodes Old Town and explore the Medieval City, Street of the Knights and Palace area.

Afternoon: Choose either a nearby coastal attraction or continue exploring Rhodes Town rather than spending hours travelling across the island.

Evening: Return to the Old Town for dinner and another walk through the historic streets.

A one-day trip is not enough to see everything, so concentrate on Rhodes Town and save Lindos or Symi for another visit if possible.

Best 3, Day Rhodes Itinerary

Three days give you considerably more flexibility.

Day 1: Medieval Rhodes

Spend the first day exploring:

• Medieval City
• Street of the Knights
• Palace of the Grand Master
• Archaeological Museum
• Rhodes Town waterfront

This creates a strong introduction to the island’s history.

Day 2: Lindos and the East Coast

Head toward Lindos and spend time exploring the village and Acropolis. Depending on your pace, add time at St Paul’s Bay or another nearby beach.

Day 3: Choose Your Experience

Use your third day according to your interests.

Option 1 — Symi: Take a full-day island trip.

Option 2 — Beaches: Spend the day at Tsambika, Anthony Quinn Bay or another coastal destination.

Option 3 — Nature: Combine attractions such as the Valley of the Butterflies and Seven Springs where practical.

Option 4 — History: Explore Ancient Kamiros and other historical locations.

This flexible approach is better than following a rigid itinerary that requires excessive driving.

Best Time to Visit Rhodes

The best time depends on what you want from your trip.

Spring

Spring can be excellent for sightseeing because temperatures are generally more comfortable than during the hottest part of summer, and the island’s landscapes can be especially appealing.

Early Summer

June offers a strong combination of warm weather and opportunities for swimming, while visitor numbers can be more manageable than during the busiest summer weeks.

July and August

These are popular months for beach holidays and typically bring high visitor numbers. If you visit during peak summer, start sightseeing early in the day, especially at major attractions such as Lindos.

September and October

Early autumn can be an attractive period for travellers who want warm conditions while avoiding some of the peak-season crowds. For a trip focused heavily on sightseeing, the shoulder seasons can be particularly appealing.

Practical Tips for Visiting Rhodes

How Many Days Do You Need in Rhodes?

For a first visit, three to five days gives you enough time to experience the main historical attractions, visit Lindos, and enjoy some beach time without rushing constantly. A longer stay is better if you want to explore villages, archaeological sites, nature attractions, and nearby islands such as Symi.

Should You Rent a Car?

A rental car can be useful if you want to explore beyond Rhodes Town and the main resort areas. It gives you more flexibility for combining beaches, archaeological sites, villages, and nature attractions in one day. However, you do not necessarily need a car if your trip focuses mainly on Rhodes Town, organized excursions and selected major attractions.

Plan Around Travel Time

Rhodes is larger than it may appear when looking at an island map. Avoid filling every day with attractions on opposite sides of the island. Group destinations geographically to spend more time exploring and less time travelling.

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Historic streets, archaeological sites and villages often involve uneven surfaces, stairs or uphill walking. Comfortable footwear is one of the simplest ways to make your sightseeing days easier.

Start Popular Attractions Early

Lindos and Rhodes Old Town can become busy during the high season. Starting earlier gives you more comfortable conditions for walking and sightseeing and leaves more time for a relaxed afternoon.

Keep Beach and Sightseeing Days Flexible

Trying to visit several archaeological sites and fit in a long beach session on the same day can make an itinerary unnecessarily rushed. A better approach is to combine nearby attractions and leave some time unplanned.

Pros and Cons of Visiting Rhodes

Pros

• Excellent combination of history and beaches
• Strong medieval and ancient heritage
• Beautiful coastal scenery
• Wide range of attractions
• Good choice for families and couples
• Traditional villages and countryside
• Nearby islands such as Symi can be visited by boat
• Suitable for both short breaks and longer holidays

Cons

• Popular attractions can become crowded in peak summer
• Some historical sites require considerable walking
• Driving between distant attractions can take time
• Trying to cover the entire island in a short stay can feel rushed

FAQs

Conclusion

Rhodes offers far more than a conventional beach holiday. Its greatest strength is the variety of experiences available within one island: medieval streets in Rhodes Town, ancient monuments at Lindos and Kamiros, scenic beaches along the coast, natural attractions inland and traditional villages away from the busiest resort areas. For first-time visitors, a combination of Rhodes Old Town, Lindos and beach time provides an excellent introduction. With more days available, you can add Kallithea Springs, nature attractions, Ancient Kamiros or a full-day trip to Symi, Rhodes’ nearby island neighbour.

The key is not to try to see everything at once. Group nearby attractions, allow enough time for each experience, and leave some flexibility in your schedule. That way, you can enjoy the history, scenery and relaxed island atmosphere that make Rhodes such a memorable destination.