Rhodes Travel Guide: Beaches, Bars and Greek Gems
With sun-kissed sandy beaches lapped by azure-blue waters, ancient temples and a buzzing nightlife, Rhodes offers plenty for families, couples and party-seekers. Read our guide to Rhodes’ attractions, beaches and food.
With an uninterrupted ribbon of sand edging its coast, it’s little wonder that Rhodes' beaches are the chief reason people visit. Coupled with the effervescent nightlife, they’ve made the island a big hit with the 18-30 age group.
But sipping cocktails on the sand and enjoying after-dark shenanigans aren’t the only reasons for visiting. The island's temples, churches and museums document three thousand years of history, dating back to the Trojan War. History buffs can easily sidestep the chaotic nightlife in favour of ruin-hopping, while those seeking tranquillity can explore some of the lesser-visited beaches.
If you're seeking a blend of beach relaxation, absorbing history and affordable prices, Rhodes could be your perfect getaway destination.
Here's your guide to Rhodes activities, attractions, food and hotels.
Do I need to rent a car in Rhodes?
Rhodes is served by a good bus system, meaning it's possible to reach out-of-the-way villages without a rental car. However, it will be much quicker and easier to enjoy the wilder, quieter beaches with your own set of wheels.
Rhodes Beaches
Among all Rhodes activities, hitting the beach is the most popular. Whatever kind of beach you have in mind, Rhodes has one to suit. Here's a selection of sandy strips to consider.
Lindos Beach (Megali Paralia)
With its shallow waters and epic views, one might think Lindos Beach gets overcrowded - but visitors often have plenty of space to themselves.
Sun loungers cost 20 euros to rent and the Dolphin Restaurant offers a good range of reasonably priced food.
One of the prettiest Rhodes beaches and well worth a visit.
Location: 48km south of Rhodes Town.
Ladiko Beach
Because it’s located near Faliraki, Ladiko can get busy in summer months. But this small cove is family-friendly and well-organised, boasting wild, rugged views.
Nearby is the stunning Anthony Quinn Beach, so-called for the actor who loved it so much.
Location: Ladiko beach lies 20km south of Rhodes Town.
Tsambika Beach
With its shallow turquoise waters and golden sand, Tsambika Beach is perfect for families who wish to avoid the tourist throngs.
Location: 25km south of Rhodes Town.
Main Towns of Rhodes
Rhodes Town
It's a good idea to choose a hotel near Rhodes Town since there's so much to do here. The Old Town, with its maze of cobbled streets, could keep you busy for several days.
Other highlights include The Acropolis of Rhodes, with its stadium and theatre; the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes; the charming Medieval City; and the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes (Hospital of the Knights).
You can also see the spot where the Colossus of Rhodes once stood: the 100ft bronze statue overlooked the harbour and was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World - before an earthquake toppled it.
After a long day of sightseeing around town, you'll have ample choices for where to eat: the Old Town's pretty, shaded streets offer an abundant range of cuisine.
The nightlife gives Faliraki a run for its money, with an array of bars, pubs and extravagant nightclubs. ‘The Strip’ is the main evening entertainment focal point.
Lindos
Overlooked by a stunning clifftop acropolis dating back to 280 BC, Lindos is a mecca for ancient history buffs. It offers incredible views over the town's two natural harbours, and the glittering blue sea beyond. This is arguably the most famous of all Rhodes attractions.
A little lower down the hill, you'll find the 14th-century Castle of the Knights of St. John. It's one of the few examples of Gothic architecture in all of Greece.
Several beautiful Rhodes beaches are located by Lindos, so there's plenty of options for soaking up some sunshine after you've ticked off the sightseeing must-dos.
Faliraki
Once notorious for its uber-bawdy nightlife, Faliraki has simmered down a little - in part due to the insistence of the Greek government. But it remains a very lively place with a host of pulsating bars and nightclubs on offer.
It's a popular place to celebrate post-A-Level exams, so the crowd is still fairly young.
Aside from the nightlife, which remains a key pillar of Rhodes tourism, there are several fabulous beaches nearby, including Anthony Quinn Beach, and a vast waterpark with excellent sea views.
Add a good choice of restaurants and lots of accommodation options, and it's easy to see why both families and couples enjoy Faliraki, almost as much as the 18-30 set!
Traditional Villages of Rhodes Island
For a more authentic sense of Greece, head away from the coast and explore the many traditional villages that dot the island’s interior. It’s an aspect of Rhodes tourism that many visitors never get to experience.
Highlights include Archangelos, which is spread along a valley and overlooked by a striking Venetian castle. A number of picturesque monasteries are located around the village.
Fetching Ialyssos Village is also worth spending an afternoon in, built on the slopes of Filerimos Hill. The ancient Lalyssos archaeological site is located nearby.
Afandou Village, meanwhile, features classic whitewashed Greek houses and lots of interesting churches.
If you find Rhodes activities to be a little touristy at times, exploring the local villages could be the perfect antidote.
Rhodes Food and Drink
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are a joy in Rhodes. Must-try local dishes include pitaroudia (fried chickpea-balls with chopped mint, tomato, and onions); goat meat with lopia (a dry bean or chickpea accompaniment); and spetzofai (baked sausages with onions and peppers).
Plus, you'll find all the famous Greek meals, from gyros (a wrap of lamb and fries) to moussaka (try a 'deconstructed' one if you're feeling edgy).
For dessert, you can rely on the Greeks. Opt for a traditional treat such as mantinades - a thin slice of dough soaking in honey and covered in almonds; or tachinopita - a type of cinnamon and clove pie.
Then there's the more familiar treats like ice cream. Pop into the delectably Instagrammable Dream Cream in Rhodes Town for an ice cream pancake.
Credit: Alex - stock.adobe.com
Accommodation Options on Rhodes Island
The package holiday is alive and well on Rhodes. In the shoulder season (September-October), you can find all-inclusive 4-night deals (with flights) for as little as £500 per person, while self-catering options can be bagged for as little as £300. Naturally, avoiding the peak summer months will be cheaper.
Hotels comprise much of the accommodation on Rhodes, many of these operated by large tour operators like TUI, Jet2 and Thomas Cook.
However, it’s also possible to book Airbnbs/Booking on Rhodes, although this is likely to be more expensive than a package deal, particularly once the D-I-Y flights are factored in.
Entire villas are also available - and could be a money-saving option if you're travelling as a group.
5 Quick Tips for Rhodes
- Don’t flush toilet paper - it blocks up the ancient plumbing.
- Don’t drink the tap water - only use it for showering and cleaning.
- Beware the cruise ship day-trippers - they arrive around mid-morning and make Rhodes Town and Lindos very crowded.
- There aren’t many bins - so be prepared to take your litter with you.
- Beware the goats - there are lots of them, but they're harmless and rather amusing beasts, especially when spotted on a rooftop.