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From €980 · We organize daily cruises,along the easten coast of Rhodes Island. Our trip is one of the most relaxing and adventurous tours on the island. We h…
Planning an itinerary across the Aegean requires prioritizing the finest highlights, and searching for the top things to do in Greece often leads straight to the sun-drenched island of Rhodes. Situated at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, this Dodecanese stronghold pairs thousands of years of layered history with remarkable coastal geography. It is an ideal spot for culture lovers, outdoor adventurers, and travelers looking to combine ancient ruins with relaxed Mediterranean sailing.
What sets Rhodes apart from other Greek destinations is its preserved medieval architecture alongside ancient acropolises and secluded coves. Walking through the stone gates of Rhodes Old Town feels like entering another era, while the eastern coast offers sheltered bays perfect for full-day boat trips. Whether you spend your morning exploring crusader castles or your afternoon swimming in Aegean inlets, the island delivers a distinctively rich experience.
Setting sail along the coastline gives you a completely different perspective of the island. Joining the Nikolaos Sailing Yacht Daily Cruises-All inclusive allows you to spend seven hours navigating past dramatic sea cliffs, hidden sea caves, and quiet bays accessible primarily by boat. This full-day maritime experience includes swimming stops in crystal-clear water, snorkeling opportunities, and a freshly prepared Greek lunch served on deck alongside complimentary drinks. It is one of the best ways to soak in the Mediterranean climate without the shoreline crowds. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a towel, and dry clothes for the return leg.
Dominating the highest point of the Old Town, this massive 14th-century Gothic fortress served as the administrative headquarters for the Knights Hospitaller. Originally constructed on the foundations of an ancient temple to the sun god Helios, the palace features towering stone walls, defensive turrets, and expansive inner courtyards. Inside, visitors can walk through grand halls paved with detailed Hellenistic and Roman mosaic floors brought from the neighboring island of Kos. Arrive right at opening time in the morning to enjoy the chambers before larger tour groups arrive. Allow roughly 90 minutes to explore the interior exhibits.
Perched on a steep cliff 116 meters above the sea, the Acropolis of Lindos presents a dramatic site where ancient Greek ruins stand enclosed by medieval fortifications. The compound includes the 4th-century BC Temple of Athena Lindia, classical propylaea columns, and a relief carving of a ancient warship carved directly into the rock face. Panoramic views from the summit overlook St. Paul's Bay and the whitewashed village below. Wear sturdy walking shoes with good traction, as the stone steps leading up can be slick. Visiting in the late afternoon offers cooler temperatures and golden lighting for photography.
As one of the oldest continuously inhabited medieval cities in Europe, this UNESCO World Heritage site is surrounded by four kilometers of massive defensive walls. Walking through its stone gateways leads into a maze of narrow cobbled alleys, Gothic archways, Ottoman fountains, and historic residential squares. The famous Street of the Knights preserves the stone inns where crusader knights from different European nations once lived and gathered. Explore the side streets away from the main commercial thoroughfares like Sokratous Street to discover quiet courtyards and authentic local workshops. Dedicate at least half a day to wander freely without a rigid schedule.
Located on the eastern coast near Faliraki, this small, sheltered cove earned its name after the actor filmed scenes here for The Guns of Navarone. The bay is famed for its deep emerald-green waters, framed by pine trees that stretch down to the rocky shore. The calm conditions make it one of the premier spots on the island for swimming and snorkeling around natural rock formations teeming with marine life. Space on the small pebble beach and stone platforms fills up rapidly during high summer, so plan to arrive before 10:00 AM to secure a spot.
Situated along the quieter northwestern coast, Ancient Kamiros offers a fascinating glimpse into daily life during classical antiquity. Unlike Rhodes Town or Lindos, Kamiros was an agricultural city state that was never fortified, leaving behind extensive structural foundations. Visitors can trace the layout of an ancient Greek community, including a residential district, public market, temple foundations, and a complex water reservoir system dating back to the 6th century BC. Bring plenty of drinking water and a sun hat, as shadow coverage across the site is sparse. Plan for a 60-minute self-guided walk.
Housed within the medieval Great Hospital of the Knights, this museum stores an impressive collection of artifacts excavated from sites across the Dodecanese. Highlights include Hellenistic marble statues, delicate ancient jewelry, grave stelae, and geometric pottery. The standout exhibit is the famous statue of Aphrodite of Rhodes, carved from Parian marble. The building itself is equally compelling, featuring a serene central courtyard lined with vaulted stone arcades and manicured gardens. The upper galleries remain comfortably cool during midday heat, making it an ideal indoor afternoon stop. Plan on spending one to two hours inside.
Sitting atop a steep cliff overlooking the eastern coast, the small chapel of Panagia Tsambika requires climbing roughly 300 concrete steps through pine woods to reach the top. The effort is rewarded with wide views extending along kilometers of coastline. Down below lies Tsambika Beach, a broad stretch of golden sand with shallow waters ideal for swimming. Combine the two by hiking to the chapel early in the morning when temperatures are cool, then heading down to the shore for a relaxing afternoon by the sea. Parking is available at the base of the hill path.
Mandraki Harbour has served as the main port of Rhodes since ancient times and is widely believed to be the site where the Colossus of Rhodes once stood over the harbour entrance. Today, twin bronze deer statues mounted on stone pillars guard the inlet. A stone breakwater features three historic windmills that once ground grain delivered by merchant ships, culminating at the Fort of Saint Nicholas at the harbor entrance. It is a pleasant location for an evening stroll as fishing boats and luxury yachts come and go. Sunset offers clear light along the defensive walls.
Rhodes enjoys a Mediterranean climate characterized by mild winters and hot, sunny summers. Choosing when to visit depends on your preference for sea temperatures, sightseeing weather, and crowd levels.
Reaching your accommodation quickly and comfortably sets the tone for your stay. Arranging a private airport transfer ensures direct transport from your arrival terminal to your hotel or vacation rental, eliminating long taxi queues or complicated public bus connections after your flight.
Once established on the island, several transport options exist depending on your plans: