Rhodes
From the medieval streets of Rhodes Town to the white lanes of Lindos, the knights' castles of the interior and the wild southern tip — a complete circuit of the island.
The largest of the Dodecanese, Rhodes packs an extraordinary range into one island: a UNESCO-listed medieval city, the cliff-top Acropolis of Lindos, castle ruins at dramatic viewpoints, mountain villages making wine and honey, and some of the finest beaches in Greece along its sheltered east coast. More than 300 days of sunshine a year make it the sunniest place in the country.
Getting there
Largest Dodecanese airport — Aegean, Sky Express, Ryanair, charters. Ferries from Piraeus dock at Rhodes Town port — Blue Star overnight, daily, €55–95 deck or €100–180 cabin.
Read full route
Direct flights are usually faster and similar cost to a cabin.
Tip: Daily summer hydrofoil to Marmaris (Turkey) takes ~1h — easy add-on.
When to Visit
Rhodes has two seasons inverted: the medieval Old Town is best off-season (October-April) when you can walk it without bumping into a cruise group; the beaches and Lindos are best May-October. June and September are when both work. August is German-package peak and Old Town becomes a queue. The Knights' Palace deserves an early-morning visit.
5-day itinerary for Rhodes
Day 1: Rhodes Old Town & the North
- 09:00 · Mandraki Harbour
The ancient harbour where the Colossus of Rhodes once stood. Start your day with coffee watching the sailboats. - 10:00 · Palace of the Grand Master
The finest example of Gothic architecture in Greece. Former seat of the Knights of St John. Impressive mosaics inside. - 11:30 · Street of the Knights
The best-preserved medieval street in Europe. Each section was occupied by a different langue of the Knights Hospitaller. - 13:30 · Lunch — Nireas Restaurant
One of the best seafood restaurants in the Old Town. Try the grilled octopus and local wine in the courtyard. - 16:00 · Kallithea Springs
Stunning Italian-built thermal spa complex from the 1920s on the coast. Beautiful architecture and a clear swimming cove. - 18:30 · Elli Beach
Town beach just north of the Old Town. Evening swim, then dinner in the old town.
Day 2: West Side — Kamiros, Butterflies & Kritinia
- 09:00 · Kritinia Castle
Ruined Knights' castle on a hilltop with panoramic sea views toward Turkey. Free entry. Small cafe at the base with wine and honey tastings. - 10:30 · Valley of the Butterflies
Unique valley where thousands of Jersey tiger moths gather in summer on the sweet storax trees. Shaded walks beside streams. - 12:30 · Ancient Kamiros
Ruins of one of the three ancient city-states of Rhodes — temples, stoas and a Hellenistic reservoir. Far less visited than Lindos but equally impressive. - 14:00 · Lunch — Kamiros Beach Taverna
Simple fish taverna below the ancient site on the west coast. Fresh catch, house wine, sea views. - 17:00 · Rhodes Town
Return to Rhodes Town for the night. Dinner in the Old Town.
Day 3: The South — Monolithos & Siana
- 08:30 · Rhodes Town
Early departure heading south down the west coast — the longest driving day of the trip. - 10:00 · Glystra Beach
Sheltered sandy cove in the south with shallow, warm water. One of the least crowded excellent beaches on the island. Add 80 km round-trip if you want to push on to Prasonisi at the southern tip — a dramatic sandbar where the Aegean and Mediterranean meet, world-class for windsurfing. - 15:00 · Siana Village
Mountain village famous for souma (local spirit) and thyme honey. Stop at a local shop for tastings — both are exceptional. - 16:30 · Monolithos Castle
15th century Knights' castle perched on a 240-metre rock pinnacle with sheer drop views to the sea. The finest sunset viewpoint on Rhodes. - 19:30 · Dinner — Christos Corner
Legendary family taverna in Monolithos. Ask the owner to show you the kitchen. Slow-cooked lamb and local wine before the drive back to Rhodes Town — about 80 km, take it slow on the mountain road. - 21:30 · Return to Rhodes Town
Long drive back from the southwest to Rhodes Town (about 1.5 hours). The journey itself is part of the day — through the mountain villages and back along the coast as evening falls.
Day 4: East Coast → Lindos
- 09:00 · Rhodes Town
Depart south along the scenic east coast road. - 10:00 · Anthony Quinn Bay
Iconic emerald cove named after the actor who filmed The Guns of Navarone here. Extraordinary clarity — bring a snorkel. - 11:30 · Ladiko Beach
Secluded pebble bay just 5 minutes walk from Anthony Quinn. Rocky seabed excellent for snorkelling, fewer crowds. - 13:30 · Tsambika Beach
The best family beach on Rhodes — long golden sand, shallow water, excellent facilities. Lunch at one of the beach tavernas. - 15:30 · Tsambika Monastery
Climb the 300 steps to the hilltop Byzantine monastery for sweeping views over the coast and beach below. - 17:00 · Agathi Beach
Golden sand and crystal clear water beneath Feraklos Castle. One of the finest beaches on the island. Morning swim before the crowds arrive. - 18:30 · Lindos
Arrive in Lindos in the late afternoon. Check in, then walk down to the village for dinner with the Acropolis lit up above.
Day 5: Lindos & Departure
- 11:00 · Lindos Acropolis
3rd century BC acropolis with a Doric temple of Athena Lindia perched above a sheer 116-metre cliff. One of the most dramatic ancient sites in Greece. - 12:30 · Lindos Village
Dazzling white cubist houses in maze-like lanes. Browse the galleries and craftshops before lunch. - 13:30 · Lunch — Mavrikios Restaurant
Regarded as the best restaurant on Rhodes. Family-run since 1933. Book ahead for the terrace table with Acropolis views. - 16:00 · St Paul's Bay
Heart-shaped bay just south of Lindos with crystal water and the Acropolis looming above. One of the most beautiful spots in Greece. - 17:00 · Rhodes Town — Departure
Drive back to Rhodes Town for ferry or flight departure. Final coffee at Mandraki harbour.
Top beaches of Rhodes
Tsambika Beach
The finest beach on Rhodes — a sweeping arc of golden sand framed by mountains, with the hilltop monastery above. Exceptionally shallow and calm water making it ideal for families. The best all-round beach on the island.
- Type
- Fine golden sand
- Length
- 1.2 km
- Depth
- Shallow — very gradual entry, safe for children
- Wind protection
- East-facing — mostly sheltered from the meltemi (the summer N/NE wind); can be choppy on the strongest NE days
- Facilities
- Fully organised: sunbeds, umbrellas, water sports, beach bars, tavernas, showers, parking
Anthony Quinn Bay
The most iconic cove on Rhodes, named after the actor who filmed The Guns of Navarone here and briefly owned the bay. The water is an otherworldly emerald-green colour. Best for snorkelling — the rocky seabed teems with fish. Arrive early; it fills up quickly.
- Type
- Pebble and rock
- Length
- 150 m
- Depth
- Medium to deep — rocky seabed, exceptional water clarity
- Wind protection
- East-facing — mostly sheltered from the meltemi (the summer N/NE wind); can be choppy on the strongest NE days
- Facilities
- Basic: one beach bar, sunbeds. No parking on beach — park above and walk down.
St Paul's Bay (Agios Pavlos)
A near-perfectly enclosed bay just south of Lindos with the Acropolis visible on the cliff above. Described by many visitors as the most beautiful beach setting in Greece. The combination of crystal water, white rock and the ancient ruins overhead is unforgettable.
- Type
- Sand and fine pebble
- Length
- 300 m
- Depth
- Shallow to medium — calm, clear water
- Wind protection
- Northeast-facing — exposed to the meltemi (the dominant summer N/NE wind); often windy on meltemi days
- Facilities
- Organised: sunbeds and umbrellas (pricey), beach bar, water taxi from Lindos
Agathi Beach
A beautiful crescent of fine golden sand in the shadow of the ruined Feraklos Castle near Haraki. Clear, shallow water and fewer crowds than the main tourist beaches. One of the best-kept secrets on the east coast.
- Type
- Fine golden sand
- Length
- 600 m
- Depth
- Shallow — sandy bottom, ideal for families
- Wind protection
- East-facing — mostly sheltered from the meltemi (the summer N/NE wind); can be choppy on the strongest NE days
- Facilities
- Good: sunbeds, umbrellas, beach bar, taverna. Feraklos Castle visible above.
Glystra Beach
A sheltered sandy cove in the relatively undeveloped south of Rhodes near Kiotari. Crystal clear, warm, shallow water and a relaxed family atmosphere. Far fewer tourists than the northern beaches. A superb half-day stop on the southern loop.
- Type
- Fine sand
- Length
- 400 m
- Depth
- Shallow — very safe, calm water
- Wind protection
- East-facing — mostly sheltered from the meltemi (the summer N/NE wind); can be choppy on the strongest NE days
- Facilities
- Basic: small family beach cafe, some sunbeds. Quiet and unspoiled.