Rhodes Greece: The Complete Travel Guide
Rhodes is a beautiful island located in southern Aegean and is the largest of the Dodecanese islands. Rhodes is known for being home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: the famous Colossus of Rhodes. This can give you an idea of the rich history and interesting background of the island.
This pretty island is very popular among the Greek islands, and it is a well-known destination for many travelers around the world. Rhodes is also known for its medieval architecture, interesting nightlife, fantastic culinary experience, wineries, and beautiful beaches.
If you are looking for a place to relax and enjoy your vacation in Greece, then check out this travel guide to Rhodes!
Where is Rhodes located and how do you get there?
Rhodes is located in Greece and is part of the Dodecanese islands, near Turkey. It is located northeast of Crete, southeast of Athens.
To get to Rhodes, direct flights leave regularly from Athens and Thessaloniki. Some other European cities are also connected with Rhodes by air. It's possible to get to Rhodes via ferry or cruise from some of the nearby Greek islands, and you will be dropped off about a five-minute walk from the Old Town of Rhodes.
From Athens, the ferry ride will take about 13 hours, so if you want to reach Rhodes quickly, we recommend flying to another nearby island or taking a flight to the Rhodes International Airport, just north of the village of Paradeisi, about 14 km southwest of the capital city, Rodos, which offers many seasonal connections to other cities in Europe and the Mediterranean.
Where to stay in Rhodes?
Most travelers prefer to stay in the Old Town of Rhodes, as it is the top tourist destination in the area, filled with coffee shops, boutiques, and restaurants. Other people consider Lindos the most beautiful village on the island, so take it as an option as well.
If you want to be near the beach, the villages of Lardos, Kiotari, Ixia, and Ialyssos are perfect for you to stay in.
What to do in Rhodes?
If you are not sure if Rhodes is your perfect destination, check out the list of options the island has to offer you. The interesting thing about Rhodes is that it is a place full of history and culture, and the locals are very proud of this.
Rhodes Old Town is a medieval and picturesque town full of buildings, mosques, fountains, and coffee shops. This citadel is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe, which in 1988 was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, walking there will make you feel like you are back in time to another era, so take your time and explore the area very well, you will love it!
Rhodes' Old Town is full of restaurants and tavernas that attract both tourists and locals. This is a place where you can enjoy the best of Greek gastronomy and the most delicious wines in the area. You can also explore around the town and find typical restaurants that offer different plates for a lower price.
Visit the beautiful fishing village of Lindos, an archeological site founded by the Dorians and known for being a meeting place between the Greeks and the Phoenicians. Don’t miss out on the archeological sites such as the Acropolis of Lindos, the Staircase of the Propylaea, the Doric temple of Athena Lindia, the Church of St. John, and the Ancient Greek Theatre of Lindos.
Also explore the interesting town, where you can find the Byzantine Panagia church and its belltower, the Greek Orthodox church of St. Peter, St. Paul Bay and swim on the beaches of Lindos and Vliha Bay.
For nature lovers, the Kallithea Thermal Springs is the place to go. The crystal-clear waters and the architecture of the renovated natural spa are a must-see when visiting Rhodes. It was built by Italians in 1928 and destroyed during WWII; it is a popular tourist attraction but is also visited by locals, especially during the summer.
Rhodes is also known for its knights, and the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights is a stop on the island. There you will appreciate the gothic architecture, and it is the perfect place to walk and observe the beauty of the area. Historically, it started as a hospital and a hotel for pilgrims, but after the Holy Wars, it became a palace.
This palace, also known as Kastello, is the place where the wonder of the Colossus of Rhodes, a statue of the Greek sun-god Helios, was supposed to have stood. From the castle, you will have stunning views of the medieval town, and you will also appreciate the interesting mosaics and unique Gothic architecture rarely found in Greece.
Another place to visit is the Monolithos castle, which was built in 1480 by the Knights of Saint John to protect the island from attacks, and nowadays you can appreciate some of the remains of the castle. What crowns the place is a small church, but the most spectacular thing about it is that the castle is located meters from the abyss that falls into the sea, offering stunning views of the area, with a picturesque road to get there, making it worth it to stay and enjoy the sunset.
If you enjoy history, the Archeological Museum of Rhodes was the hospital of the Knights of Saint John and was built in 1440, offering a collection of diverse artifacts, including the Statue of the Crouching Aphrodite.
Rhodesian beaches
Many people decide to visit the Greek islands for the magnificent beaches, and that is totally understandable. Rhodes is not far behind the rest, offering crystal clear waters and white sand beaches.
There are many options to choose from, but it is worth mentioning the Anthony Quinn beach, named after the actor who was filming a movie there, and he literally fell in love with its turquoise waters and intimate environment. In Lindos, you will find St. Paul’s beach, which offers stunning views of the Acropolis, as well as a bar and a restaurant. Another place to go is Tsampika, a sandy beach full of taverns to have a drink while enjoying the best of the sun and the beach.
Are you excited to visit Rhodes? Don’t miss out on these Travel Packages to Rhodes we've got for you and get ready to discover the wonders of the island!