The 10 best things to do in Rhodes

Find things to do by area, Rhodes Town , Old Town, Experience the medieval town with an expert , Throne of Helios, See gods and myths come to life, Northeast Coast, Farm-to-fork cooking classes, Sample local ingredients and dishes, Panagia Tsambika, Pay respects to a miraculous icon , Archangelos Folk Museum, Uncover village traditions, North Rhodes, Valley of the Butterflies, Spot a butterfly-like moth, Natural springs, Drink from natural springs, Estate Anastasia Triantafyllou, Taste some refined island wine, Apollona Women's Agritourism Cooperative, Sample traditional Rhodian sweets , Profitis Ilias, Picnic in the mountains, Southeast Coast, Acropolis of Lindos, Witness an ancient wonder, West Coast , Monolithos Castle, Catch a sunset atop castle ruins, Rhode Trip, Conquer the wild west of the island , How we choose, About our expert

The Acropolis of Lindos is one of the best things to do in Rhodes - Starcevic/Starcevic

With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, Rhodes, fittingly, gives praise to Greek sun god Helios. Beyond the myriad beaches, there lies historical drawcards such as the ancient Acropolis of Lindos and Europe's best preserved and liveliest medieval city. On the north-east coast, a trek to a hilltop monastery rewards you with a phenomenal beachscape. Inland offerings are plentiful: from a remote traditional village whose women's cooperative remains faithful to age-old recipes, to a young vintner quietly spreading the word on wine produced with the island's little-known grape varieties. Meanwhile, the untouched wind-lashed west coast is a hiker's dream.

Find things to do by area

  • Rhodes Town
  • Northeast Coast
  • North Rhodes
  • Southeast Coast
  • West Coast

Rhodes Town

Old Town

Experience the medieval town with an expert

Devour all the guidebooks you like but consider hiring a resident licensed guide to introduce you to the living, breathing Unesco World Heritage-listed medieval old town. Archaeologist-guide Portokalenia Vratsali will passionately regale you with the finer details of key attractions such as the Palace of the Grand Master, the 11th-century Church of Our Lady of the Castle and the Rhodes Jewish Museum.

Insider tip: The Archaeological Museum of Rhodes, the artefacts of which Portokalenia painstakingly documented, is a must-visit. Walking with her down the Street of the Knights to the museum, you'll catch yourself turning around, expecting a cavalier on horseback to clip across the cobblestones any minute. 

Price: £-££

Find things to do by area, Rhodes Town , Old Town, Experience the medieval town with an expert , Throne of Helios, See gods and myths come to life, Northeast Coast, Farm-to-fork cooking classes, Sample local ingredients and dishes, Panagia Tsambika, Pay respects to a miraculous icon , Archangelos Folk Museum, Uncover village traditions, North Rhodes, Valley of the Butterflies, Spot a butterfly-like moth, Natural springs, Drink from natural springs, Estate Anastasia Triantafyllou, Taste some refined island wine, Apollona Women's Agritourism Cooperative, Sample traditional Rhodian sweets , Profitis Ilias, Picnic in the mountains, Southeast Coast, Acropolis of Lindos, Witness an ancient wonder, West Coast , Monolithos Castle, Catch a sunset atop castle ruins, Rhode Trip, Conquer the wild west of the island , How we choose, About our expert

Walk down the old town's Street of the Knights with an archaeologist guide - Starcevic/Starcevic

Throne of Helios

See gods and myths come to life

With a name inspired by the ancient god of the sun, this 9D cinema offers an entertaining way for youngsters to learn about Greek myths and legends, Rhodes and its long history. When it’s sizzling hot outdoors or in the rare event of rain, Throne of Helios is an enjoyable way to spend time with the kids. 

Insider tip: AI-powered seats provide an even more interactive experience of the big screen action, which entails two movies shown in 30 minutes. Factor in time for a tour of the museum, where touchscreens reveal more on Helios and the island.

Prices: £

Northeast Coast

Farm-to-fork cooking classes

Sample local ingredients and dishes

Gather your tribe for a fun-filled al fresco cooking class and lunch focused on classic Greek dishes at a 1950s farmstead in Archangelos village. Tour the farm, collect vegetables from the organic garden and savour the aroma of wild herbs. Youngsters can get to know the farm animals and collect freshly-laid eggs. Among the Rhodes specialities you might expect to prepare are giaprakia (rice-stuffed vine leaves).

Insider tip: If cooking isn’t your thing, opt for a sommelier-led Greek wine-tasting experience where you can sample local cheese, cold cuts and olives. It’s the perfect way for wedding party guests to relax and socialise informally ahead of the big day.

Prices: ££

Panagia Tsambika

Pay respects to a miraculous icon

Rhodians hold the local Virgin Mary, Panagia Tsambika, in great reverence. Orthodox faithful hike 300 steps to reach Panagia Tsambika monastery and its chapel atop a lofty peak. At a newer monastery nearby, women hang votives around an icon of the Virgin, believing it possesses a miracle-working power to grant them fertility. Tsambika or Tsambikos is a common first name on Rhodes. 

Insider tip: Capture staggeringly beautiful views of expansive Tsambika beach and its ultramarine waters from the original monastery; on a clear day, Lindos is visible. Bring water for the trek, which is easier than it sounds as the stairs are fairly flat.

Opening times: Original monastery, all day; new monastery, daily, 8am-8pm

Price: Free

Find things to do by area, Rhodes Town , Old Town, Experience the medieval town with an expert , Throne of Helios, See gods and myths come to life, Northeast Coast, Farm-to-fork cooking classes, Sample local ingredients and dishes, Panagia Tsambika, Pay respects to a miraculous icon , Archangelos Folk Museum, Uncover village traditions, North Rhodes, Valley of the Butterflies, Spot a butterfly-like moth, Natural springs, Drink from natural springs, Estate Anastasia Triantafyllou, Taste some refined island wine, Apollona Women's Agritourism Cooperative, Sample traditional Rhodian sweets , Profitis Ilias, Picnic in the mountains, Southeast Coast, Acropolis of Lindos, Witness an ancient wonder, West Coast , Monolithos Castle, Catch a sunset atop castle ruins, Rhode Trip, Conquer the wild west of the island , How we choose, About our expert

Orthodox faithful hike 300 steps to reach Panagia Tsambika monastery - Lubos Kovalik

Archangelos Folk Museum

Uncover village traditions

Take a peek into the island’s past at the Archangelos Folk Museum, housed in an early 19th-century home. Founded by Vasilis Anastopoulos, it houses traditional island costumes, hand-painted ceramics and embroidered pillows from the 18th to 20th centuries, among other all-original exhibits. Among the highlights are intricately-woven bridal wear from the wider Dodecanese island region, including a dress from Kalymnos dating to 1880. 

Insider’s tip: Young locals like Vasilis are involved in the museum’s day-to-day workings, so don’t be shy to strike up a conversation and ask them to tell you about the village’s history, specific exhibits and how they’re assisting to keep traditions alive. 

Opening times: Fridays, 9am-3pm

Prices: £

North Rhodes

Valley of the Butterflies

Spot a butterfly-like moth

Youngsters find the Valley of the Butterflies intriguing. Walk the mile-long pathway through forest alongside a creek up to Kalopetra Monastery. Keep your eyes peeled for the well-camouflaged Panaxia Quadripunctaria, actually a species of jersey tiger moth. Silence is golden, particularly during the May to September breeding season, the only period you may catch sight of the elusive creature. 

Insider tip: It's still worth visiting at other times of the year, particularly on a warm day. Start from the bottom of the trail and walk up to the on-site Museum of Natural History, where children can pore over a moth hatchery. 

Price: £

Find things to do by area, Rhodes Town , Old Town, Experience the medieval town with an expert , Throne of Helios, See gods and myths come to life, Northeast Coast, Farm-to-fork cooking classes, Sample local ingredients and dishes, Panagia Tsambika, Pay respects to a miraculous icon , Archangelos Folk Museum, Uncover village traditions, North Rhodes, Valley of the Butterflies, Spot a butterfly-like moth, Natural springs, Drink from natural springs, Estate Anastasia Triantafyllou, Taste some refined island wine, Apollona Women's Agritourism Cooperative, Sample traditional Rhodian sweets , Profitis Ilias, Picnic in the mountains, Southeast Coast, Acropolis of Lindos, Witness an ancient wonder, West Coast , Monolithos Castle, Catch a sunset atop castle ruins, Rhode Trip, Conquer the wild west of the island , How we choose, About our expert

At the Valley of the Butterflies, keep your eyes peeled for the well-camouflaged Panaxia Quadripunctaria

Natural springs

Drink from natural springs

Epta Piges makes for a diversion that children, especially, will find fun. The name refers to seven springs that flow from the Loutani River through thick woodlands down a creek and feed a man-made lake, originally created to provide water to nearby Kolymbia. Take off your shoes and walk through the narrow tunnel along which the water runs. 

Insider tip: Cool off below the artificial waterfall then head up to the springs, where a wooden bridge links the banks of a gully, to quench your thirst. While there, stop by the taverna (run by the Petas family since 1945) for chargrilled goat chops.

Price: Free

Find things to do by area, Rhodes Town , Old Town, Experience the medieval town with an expert , Throne of Helios, See gods and myths come to life, Northeast Coast, Farm-to-fork cooking classes, Sample local ingredients and dishes, Panagia Tsambika, Pay respects to a miraculous icon , Archangelos Folk Museum, Uncover village traditions, North Rhodes, Valley of the Butterflies, Spot a butterfly-like moth, Natural springs, Drink from natural springs, Estate Anastasia Triantafyllou, Taste some refined island wine, Apollona Women's Agritourism Cooperative, Sample traditional Rhodian sweets , Profitis Ilias, Picnic in the mountains, Southeast Coast, Acropolis of Lindos, Witness an ancient wonder, West Coast , Monolithos Castle, Catch a sunset atop castle ruins, Rhode Trip, Conquer the wild west of the island , How we choose, About our expert

Epta Piges makes for a diversion that children, especially, will find fun - ian woolcock/ianwool

Estate Anastasia Triantafyllou

Taste some refined island wine

Young vintner Jason Zafeirakopoulos brings a soft-spoken enthusiasm for the delicate white, red and semi-sweet wines his family produces at small-scale Estate Anastasia Triantafyllou, located near the Valley of the Butterflies. A Rhodian representative of Greece’s highly-dedicated new generation of winemakers, he deftly orchestrates wine tastings for small groups on a breezy patio looking out over sun-kissed rows of vines. 

Insider tip: Pick up a bottle of Mandilari, an intense, tannin-rich red produced with indigenous local grape Mandilaria, which tastes of sour cherry and black currant and ages sweetly. You won't find Triantafyllou wines anywhere else, so they make an excellent gift. 

Opening times: Wine tastings must be booked in advance

Price: £-££

Find things to do by area, Rhodes Town , Old Town, Experience the medieval town with an expert , Throne of Helios, See gods and myths come to life, Northeast Coast, Farm-to-fork cooking classes, Sample local ingredients and dishes, Panagia Tsambika, Pay respects to a miraculous icon , Archangelos Folk Museum, Uncover village traditions, North Rhodes, Valley of the Butterflies, Spot a butterfly-like moth, Natural springs, Drink from natural springs, Estate Anastasia Triantafyllou, Taste some refined island wine, Apollona Women's Agritourism Cooperative, Sample traditional Rhodian sweets , Profitis Ilias, Picnic in the mountains, Southeast Coast, Acropolis of Lindos, Witness an ancient wonder, West Coast , Monolithos Castle, Catch a sunset atop castle ruins, Rhode Trip, Conquer the wild west of the island , How we choose, About our expert

Enjoy wine tastings on a breezy patio looking out over sun-kissed rows of vines at Estate Anastasia Triantafyllou

Apollona Women's Agritourism Cooperative

Sample traditional Rhodian sweets

Make your way to traditional Apollona village, thought to be named after Apollo, the mythological god of light. At the Apollona Women's Agritourism Cooperative you’ll find melekouni (a Rhodian sesame and honey sweet originally reserved for weddings), and other treats. Lunch on farm-to-fork fare at Paraga then pop into Piperis winery for a bottle of ruby red Athlos; it's a revelation. 

Insider tip: You might happen upon the lovely ladies at the cooperative making a batch of melekouni or loaves of holy bread, known as prosforo, for the church. Grab a bag of crisp carrot- or orange-flavoured koulourakia (cookies), best savoured with coffee. You can also pick up goods from the cooperative at the Apolloniatisses store in Rhodes Town (68 Apostolou Pavlou Steet).

Contact: Cooperative, 00 30 22460 91284; Store, 00 30 22410 64322

Opening times: Cooperative, Mon-Sat, 8.30am-6pm. Store, Mon-Fri, 8.30am-2pm; Tue, Thu & Fri, 5pm-8pm; Sat, 9am-2pm

Find things to do by area, Rhodes Town , Old Town, Experience the medieval town with an expert , Throne of Helios, See gods and myths come to life, Northeast Coast, Farm-to-fork cooking classes, Sample local ingredients and dishes, Panagia Tsambika, Pay respects to a miraculous icon , Archangelos Folk Museum, Uncover village traditions, North Rhodes, Valley of the Butterflies, Spot a butterfly-like moth, Natural springs, Drink from natural springs, Estate Anastasia Triantafyllou, Taste some refined island wine, Apollona Women's Agritourism Cooperative, Sample traditional Rhodian sweets , Profitis Ilias, Picnic in the mountains, Southeast Coast, Acropolis of Lindos, Witness an ancient wonder, West Coast , Monolithos Castle, Catch a sunset atop castle ruins, Rhode Trip, Conquer the wild west of the island , How we choose, About our expert

Make your way to traditional Apollona village and lunch on farm-to-fork fare at Paraga - © V.Hatzikelis Photography/Evangelos Hatzikelis

Profitis Ilias

Picnic in the mountains

Take a refreshing drive inland through pine and fir forests toward Profitis Ilias, Rhodes' third tallest mountain. Stop first at a fountain where you can see gizani, a tiny, rare species of fish found only in Rhodes. On Eleousa village square, walk carefully through an abandoned Italian occupation-era building. Drive a little further to marvel at fading Byzantine frescoes in minuscule 15th-century Agios Nikolaos Foundoukli chapel.

Insider tip: The temperature can be a good five degrees lower here. Pack a picnic and spread it out on one of the tables opposite the church below centuries-old plane trees. The hinterland views are restorative for the soul. There’s even a playground.

Find things to do by area, Rhodes Town , Old Town, Experience the medieval town with an expert , Throne of Helios, See gods and myths come to life, Northeast Coast, Farm-to-fork cooking classes, Sample local ingredients and dishes, Panagia Tsambika, Pay respects to a miraculous icon , Archangelos Folk Museum, Uncover village traditions, North Rhodes, Valley of the Butterflies, Spot a butterfly-like moth, Natural springs, Drink from natural springs, Estate Anastasia Triantafyllou, Taste some refined island wine, Apollona Women's Agritourism Cooperative, Sample traditional Rhodian sweets , Profitis Ilias, Picnic in the mountains, Southeast Coast, Acropolis of Lindos, Witness an ancient wonder, West Coast , Monolithos Castle, Catch a sunset atop castle ruins, Rhode Trip, Conquer the wild west of the island , How we choose, About our expert

Marvel at fading Byzantine frescoes in the minuscule 15th-century Agios Nikolaos Foundoukli chapel at Profitis Ilias - Jochen Schlenker / robertharding

Southeast Coast

Acropolis of Lindos

Witness an ancient wonder

Situated atop 116-metre tall cliffs above Lindos town, the Acropolis of Lindos is Rhodes' most significant archaeological site. The presence of the ancients is palpable as you walk about the 4th-century Temple of Athena Lindia, the Propylaea and a Hellenistic Stoa. The dramatic spectacle of two natural harbours from above reveals why the Knights converted the sanctuary into a stronghold. 

Insider tip: In summer, visit after 2pm once cruise ship passengers have departed from the site. It’s a substantial walk but better to forgo a donkey ride to the entrance. Afterwards, pop into Gelo Blu for artisanal gelato made with fresh fruit.

Price: £

Find things to do by area, Rhodes Town , Old Town, Experience the medieval town with an expert , Throne of Helios, See gods and myths come to life, Northeast Coast, Farm-to-fork cooking classes, Sample local ingredients and dishes, Panagia Tsambika, Pay respects to a miraculous icon , Archangelos Folk Museum, Uncover village traditions, North Rhodes, Valley of the Butterflies, Spot a butterfly-like moth, Natural springs, Drink from natural springs, Estate Anastasia Triantafyllou, Taste some refined island wine, Apollona Women's Agritourism Cooperative, Sample traditional Rhodian sweets , Profitis Ilias, Picnic in the mountains, Southeast Coast, Acropolis of Lindos, Witness an ancient wonder, West Coast , Monolithos Castle, Catch a sunset atop castle ruins, Rhode Trip, Conquer the wild west of the island , How we choose, About our expert

The Acropolis of Lindos is situated atop 116-metre tall cliffs above Lindos town - frantic00

West Coast

Monolithos Castle

Catch a sunset atop castle ruins

Clamber about the wind-sculpted rocks and scarce remains of Monolithos Castle, a once-mighty outpost erected by Grand Master d'Aubusson in 1476. Only part of the external walls of the fortifications are still standing yet it's worth the trek for the remarkable views of the Aegean, Halki island and Mount Akramytis. There's a small white chapel dedicated to Saint Panteleimon.

Insider tip: Spend the day swimming at Fourni beach, below Monolithos village, before traipsing up to the castle to behold a sublime sunset. Some say the name refers to a mysterious black monolith the Knights brought from the Holy Land and buried there.  

Find things to do by area, Rhodes Town , Old Town, Experience the medieval town with an expert , Throne of Helios, See gods and myths come to life, Northeast Coast, Farm-to-fork cooking classes, Sample local ingredients and dishes, Panagia Tsambika, Pay respects to a miraculous icon , Archangelos Folk Museum, Uncover village traditions, North Rhodes, Valley of the Butterflies, Spot a butterfly-like moth, Natural springs, Drink from natural springs, Estate Anastasia Triantafyllou, Taste some refined island wine, Apollona Women's Agritourism Cooperative, Sample traditional Rhodian sweets , Profitis Ilias, Picnic in the mountains, Southeast Coast, Acropolis of Lindos, Witness an ancient wonder, West Coast , Monolithos Castle, Catch a sunset atop castle ruins, Rhode Trip, Conquer the wild west of the island , How we choose, About our expert

Clamber about the wind-sculpted rocks and scarce remains of Monolithos Castle - Starcevic/Starcevic

Rhode Trip

Conquer the wild west of the island

Few venture to the rugged western coast. Rhode Trip specialises in hiking trips and offers an easy-going full-day guided tour from traditional Kritinia village through peaceful pine-studded forests down to pebbled Glyfada beach. You'll enjoy panoramic views and learn about the island’s rich flora and fauna, including the fallow deer. Lunch at a seaside taverna encompasses local chickpea dish, pitaroudia.

Insider tip: Tour guides Vasilis and Alex enthusiastically convey in-depth knowledge of their native Rhodes and are happy to arrange private, customised tours for families and groups of friends. These can range from one day to several, with varying levels of difficulty. 

Price: ££

Find things to do by area, Rhodes Town , Old Town, Experience the medieval town with an expert , Throne of Helios, See gods and myths come to life, Northeast Coast, Farm-to-fork cooking classes, Sample local ingredients and dishes, Panagia Tsambika, Pay respects to a miraculous icon , Archangelos Folk Museum, Uncover village traditions, North Rhodes, Valley of the Butterflies, Spot a butterfly-like moth, Natural springs, Drink from natural springs, Estate Anastasia Triantafyllou, Taste some refined island wine, Apollona Women's Agritourism Cooperative, Sample traditional Rhodian sweets , Profitis Ilias, Picnic in the mountains, Southeast Coast, Acropolis of Lindos, Witness an ancient wonder, West Coast , Monolithos Castle, Catch a sunset atop castle ruins, Rhode Trip, Conquer the wild west of the island , How we choose, About our expert

Take a full-day guided tour from traditional Kritinia village through peaceful pine-studded forests down to pebbled Glyfada beach - Андрей Шевченко/ShevchenkoAndrey

How we choose

Every attraction and activity in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from world-class museums to family-friendly theme parks – to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations.

About our expert

Greece expert Helen Iatrou finds Rhodes endlessly fascinating. She can spend hours peeling back the layers of history that pervade the medieval Old Town and prefers peaceful beaches such as Fourni and Kokkini Ammos.

Find things to do by area, Rhodes Town , Old Town, Experience the medieval town with an expert , Throne of Helios, See gods and myths come to life, Northeast Coast, Farm-to-fork cooking classes, Sample local ingredients and dishes, Panagia Tsambika, Pay respects to a miraculous icon , Archangelos Folk Museum, Uncover village traditions, North Rhodes, Valley of the Butterflies, Spot a butterfly-like moth, Natural springs, Drink from natural springs, Estate Anastasia Triantafyllou, Taste some refined island wine, Apollona Women's Agritourism Cooperative, Sample traditional Rhodian sweets , Profitis Ilias, Picnic in the mountains, Southeast Coast, Acropolis of Lindos, Witness an ancient wonder, West Coast , Monolithos Castle, Catch a sunset atop castle ruins, Rhode Trip, Conquer the wild west of the island , How we choose, About our expert

Expert Helen Iatrou

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