Things to Do in Rhodes
Take an imaginary journey through the history of the island through a visit to the most important attractions of Rhodes. Here you will observe closely the mark left of each epoch in all aspects of the cultural heritage. Indulge in the picturesque scenes spread out before you and, why not, live for a while in your own fairy tale! Do not forget that you are on an island where myths and legends of Knights come to life in most parts of it! Do you want more reasons to discover Rhodes Island? Below, we have round up the main sights to visit on Rhodes.
This is the best-preserved, grandest, most picturesque, and charming medieval city in Europe, and you will not want to leave before you have explored every last cobblestone – almost impossible because there are countless of them. A good place to start is the mystifying street of the Knights, the street that once heard the galloping of the horses of the Knights of Saint John on their way to the magnificent Grand Master Palace. You will need a lot of time to explore its 160 rooms, but keep your energy because there are many more places full of history around there: the Archaeological Museum in the ex-Hospital of the Knights, the Virgin of the Castle, the Turkish baths, and the mosques with the tall minarets in the small squares. And of course, the cute cafes between houses with flowered courtyards or under arches will make you not want to leave the majestic walls. To explore the Old Town and feel its magical atmosphere, you will need far more than one visit. Undoubtedly, it is better to start your acquaintance with a guided tour, which will open up to you the rich history of this citadel.
The harbor of Mandraki in the inner city is the oldest and was intended to be the largest on the entire island. In ancient times, various ships sailed here, up to the eastern wall of the Old Town. Near the port, there is a beautiful promenade with souvenir shops and other stores. From here, you can also take a pleasure boat trip and more. There are many other attractions around the harbor, such as the Church of Evangelismos (Annunciation), the modern symbol of Rhodes – the deer statues, Freedom Square, the New Market, and the Windmills of Mandraki. Despite the fact that the Colossus of Rhodes – the statue of the Greek Sun-God Helios – was destroyed over 2000 years ago, many guests still come to Mandraki Harbor to at least look at the place where it once stood, according to one of the theories. By the way, during the City Tour, you will learn the story of the Colossus closest to the truth.
The Monte Smith Hill, also known as the Hill of Saint Stephen, is very close to the city of Rhodes and is of archaeological interest. There are traces of the ancient Acropolis of Rhodes, as well as the temple of Pythian Apollo, Zeus, and Polyada Athena. The hill also features the restored stadium of Diagoras and the marble theatre, which hosted musical and theatrical performances during antiquity and still does today. Note that the hill is ideal for stunning sunsets on Rhodes.
Rodini Park is probably the oldest park in the world, and it is located on the outskirts of Rhodes town. A walk of about ten minutes will take you to a rock-hewn tomb known as the Ptolemaic Tomb. This tomb dates from the Hellenistic period, and each side is decorated with 21 Doric semi-columns. Here you can also see a part of the Roman water supply system of the ancient city of Rhodes. Today, it is an earthly paradise, with rich vegetation through which a clean and cool stream runs. It creates an ideal refuge for the peacocks, which roam freely in the park, but also a cool and shady place for those who wish to escape from the heat of the city.
The hill of Filerimos is located in the area of Ialyssos and is known for the Monastery of the Virgin of Filerimos. In ancient times, there was an Acropolis of one of the three Dorian cities – Yalis. The mountain got its name from the name of the monk Filerim, who brought an icon of Virgin Mary painted by the Apostle Luke to this place. In our time, a copy of this icon is kept on Filerimos since the original was taken by the Knights of St. John when they left Rhodes. The monk built a chapel on the site, which was later replaced by a basilica, and then the temple of the Virgin with a bell tower, which has survived to our time. The church has Orthodox and Catholic altars. Once upon a time, two Christian denominations coexisted here, but today only the Orthodox part of the church is operational. Here you can also see the ruined temple of Athena, which was built in the 3rd century BC. Near the ruins, you can visit the church of St. George the Victorious, decorated with medieval frescoes with Byzantine influences. To the west of the hill, you can walk along the “Road to Calvary,” so named for the stone structures painted with paintings depicting the suffering of Christ. At the end of this path is a huge cross, from which you can see fascinating panoramas of the sea and nearby villages. Another feature of Filerimos is the free-roaming peacocks.
It is the most popular natural attraction in Rhodes. Every year, from June to September, butterflies gather here to mate, creating a spectacular sight. Following the distinctive scent of the resin of the Oriental Sweetgum trees – also an endemic species of the local flora and a unique species in all of Europe – these fascinating nocturnal insects fly into the Valley of the Butterflies by the thousands, seeking refuge from the high temperatures next to river banks and wet paths, on broad-leaved leaves and tree trunks, or even on rocks to rest and breed. Wander through the thick vegetation where small ponds are filled with water lilies, and waterfalls whisper to your attention. Rest on wooden benches, cross picturesque bridges, or climb to the top, reaching the end of the route at the Kalopetra Monastery, built in 1784. Complete your tour of the lower part of Butterfly Valley by visiting the Natural History Museum, where, among other features, there is a hatchery. A few steps down, there is an alpine-style restaurant where you can spend some time with your family relaxing under the abundant greenery. There are some parking areas on this spot, so you can easily reach this place by rented car.
Rhodes Ostrich Farm welcomes every guest of the island to see the wonderful world of the Animal Kingdom. Escape to nature and walk around a beautiful natural landscape seeing countless rare animals and birds up close, including the wonderful display of ostrich products and accessories. In the local restaurant, you can try ostrich meat in various flavors such as fillet, burger, and ostrich egg omelet.
Excavations in 1929 revealed the ruins of Ancient Kamiros, located 30 km southwest of the Medieval City of Rhodes. It is one of the three ancient cities of Rhodes – the other two being Lindos and Ialyssos – which were important commercial centers of the island during the Archaic and Hellenistic periods. In the archaeological site, parts of houses and buildings, the main street of the city, traces of the temple of Athena, the ancient Agora, the Hellenistic mosque, the Doric temple, and some arches, as well as the ruins of the aqueduct, are still preserved. Kamiros Skala is a fishing shelter near the mountain village of Kritinia, in the center of Rhodes Island. Boats depart from there for the island of Chalki. Tourists usually stop here for lunch at the fish restaurants.
It is simply impossible to be in Rhodes and not see the majestic Lindos, where the second largest and most important Acropolis of Greece is located! Walking through the narrow streets, going up to the Acropolis, walking along the walls of the Knight’s castle, from here you can have an amazing view of St. Paul’s Bay, where, according to legend, the apostle Paul stopped. You will definitely need a whole day to see everything that will enchant you in Lindos: its archaeological site and churches, shops and restaurants, picturesque bays and beaches, most of which can be seen from the temple dedicated to Lindian Athena. Don’t forget that a characteristic of this village is that it gives you a different aura every hour of the day. And in the evening, which comes with the most magical light, it is the perfect time to enjoy a rooftop romantic dinner under the ancient Acropolis.
One of the most popular attractions of Rhodes Island, which is about 30 kilometers from its capital, is the Seven Springs. It is one of the best places to experience nature, with a beautiful and deep forest and amazing flowing waters that eventually lead to a small lake. This place is named after seven different freshwater springs that provide cool, fresh water year-round. The seven springs join together to form the Lutani River, which flows through a dark, narrow tunnel that is 180 meters long. While some of the springs are natural, the lake is man-made. The history of the lake dates back to the years when the Italians owned the island and created a dam and a lake to supply water to the surrounding area of Kolymbia for drinking and irrigation. Today, the Seven Springs are one of the most popular tourist destinations, simply because of the curiosity created by the idea of walking through a dark aqueduct tunnel. What could be more exciting than walking through a dark, narrow tunnel in the forest? The water in the tunnel is about ankle-deep, and tourists have to walk in a single line, not too far apart. Once you are done walking, you can enjoy a meal or a cup of Greek coffee at the local restaurant or continue exploring Rhodes.
At a distance of 9 km from the city of Rhodes you will find the famous Springs of Kallithea. It is a monument of incomparable beauty and special architecture. The Springs of Kallithea are known to all, since ancient times, for the beneficial properties of the water that came out of the rocks. In fact, they attracted people both from the surrounding islands and the coasts of Asia Minor as well as from the depths of the East. A tour here is enough to transport you to another era just by observing the magnificence of the space, the impressive mosaics, the Rotonda Hall with its 14m high dome and the elaborate decoration. Painting and photography exhibitions are hosted in its closed circular space, while concerts, dance and theatre performances, wedding ceremonies, etc. take place in its open-air part. We suggest visiting Kalithea on your own by rented car, as after the walking along you might stay for swimming in the deep blue waters of Kalithea Bay.
Castles: Grand Master Demily’s castle in Archangelos; The castle of Monolithos on the towering rock from where the Ioanninite Knights gazed at the endless blue; The medieval castle Kritinia, also known as Kastellos, which marries the Byzantine with the medieval style; The castle of the knights of Asclepius with the cisterns and the great wall. All of them built in the 15th century, all of them with free entrance, all of them majestic witnesses of the Island’s History.
You haven’t experienced the authentic Rhodes if you haven’t seen the villages. Spend a day starting from Embona, a village famous for its grapes, on the slopes of the Attaviros Mountain. For a breath-taking sunset, we suggest driving past Monolithos, with its stone houses and medieval castle on top of the hill. Siana – a small village on the slopes of Akramytis Mountain offers various traditional goodies such as local honey, sweets and olive oil. The village Salakos with the most beautiful spot is the paved square with the wonderful ornate stone fountain, the really huge fig tree and the mulberry trees that provide shade to cafeterias and taverns around. Eleousa – the greenest village on the island. During the Italian occupation, the village was shaped by the conquerors to the standards of the villages of the Italian Alps, however, all that has actually remained is the school which functioned, after their departure until 1970, as a sanatorium. Archangelos is the largest village of Rhodes and was built in the medieval years in such a position that it was protected from pirates. Archangelos combines humble old whitewashed houses and those with coloured arches and blue shutters with newly built residences as well as narrow quiet streets with main streets with modern cafes and tourist shops.
In the “heart” of the Island, with a dense forest of pines, cypresses and oaks, with a peak at 798 m. is the third highest Mountain of Profitis Ilias. 115 plant species have been counted here, with the rarest being the Rhodes peony, a flower that grows only in Rhodes. There live foxes, ferrets, hawks and several deer belonging to the Dama Dama species, which the Italians had originally brought, to be hunted by the official visitors and officers who attended the two hotels of the Prophet Elias. The hotels are called “Elafos” and “Elafina” and are built in imitation of Swiss chalets. The King of Italy Vittorio Emmanuelle III and later the King of Greece Paulus stayed here. Here you can also see the Villa de Vecchi, intended as a summer retirement home for the Italian dictator Benito Mussolini, which is now abandoned. Nowadays, this place is a popular walking and cycling destination.
The list of sights of Rhodes worth seeing, of course, includes the monastery of Panagia Tsambika with the icon of the Virgin Mary. Thanks to this relic, the monastery is known throughout Greece and beyond. The shrine is the patroness of all married couples; first of all, childless families turn to her for help. The monastery consists of two parts – lower and upper, with the distance of several kilometres from each other. The icon is kept in the contemporary church, where the pilgrims from all over the world gather to touch the relic. The second, the older church is smaller, and it is necessary to overcome approximately 2 km and 300 steps to see it.
As you see, Rhodes is just strewn with a huge number of attractions and interesting places. The above top 15 places for visit in Rhodes are just some of what you can see on the island. More than sure, in one of your trips you will not be able to fully explore this sunny island, and you will return here again and again.
- The Medieval City of Rhodes
- Mandraki Harbor
- Monte Smith
- Rodini Park
- Filerimos
- Butterfly Valley
- Ostrich Farm
- Kamiros
- Lindos
- Seven Springs
- Kallithea Springs
- Castles
- Traditional Villages
- Profitis Ilias Mountain
- Tsambika Monastery
1. The Medieval City of Rhodes – Old Town
This is the best-preserved, grandest, most picturesque, and charming medieval city in Europe, and you will not want to leave before you have explored every last cobblestone – almost impossible because there are countless of them. A good place to start is the mystifying street of the Knights, the street that once heard the galloping of the horses of the Knights of Saint John on their way to the magnificent Grand Master Palace. You will need a lot of time to explore its 160 rooms, but keep your energy because there are many more places full of history around there: the Archaeological Museum in the ex-Hospital of the Knights, the Virgin of the Castle, the Turkish baths, and the mosques with the tall minarets in the small squares. And of course, the cute cafes between houses with flowered courtyards or under arches will make you not want to leave the majestic walls. To explore the Old Town and feel its magical atmosphere, you will need far more than one visit. Undoubtedly, it is better to start your acquaintance with a guided tour, which will open up to you the rich history of this citadel.
2. Mandraki Harbor
The harbor of Mandraki in the inner city is the oldest and was intended to be the largest on the entire island. In ancient times, various ships sailed here, up to the eastern wall of the Old Town. Near the port, there is a beautiful promenade with souvenir shops and other stores. From here, you can also take a pleasure boat trip and more. There are many other attractions around the harbor, such as the Church of Evangelismos (Annunciation), the modern symbol of Rhodes – the deer statues, Freedom Square, the New Market, and the Windmills of Mandraki. Despite the fact that the Colossus of Rhodes – the statue of the Greek Sun-God Helios – was destroyed over 2000 years ago, many guests still come to Mandraki Harbor to at least look at the place where it once stood, according to one of the theories. By the way, during the City Tour, you will learn the story of the Colossus closest to the truth.
3. Monte Smith
The Monte Smith Hill, also known as the Hill of Saint Stephen, is very close to the city of Rhodes and is of archaeological interest. There are traces of the ancient Acropolis of Rhodes, as well as the temple of Pythian Apollo, Zeus, and Polyada Athena. The hill also features the restored stadium of Diagoras and the marble theatre, which hosted musical and theatrical performances during antiquity and still does today. Note that the hill is ideal for stunning sunsets on Rhodes.
4. Rodini Park
Rodini Park is probably the oldest park in the world, and it is located on the outskirts of Rhodes town. A walk of about ten minutes will take you to a rock-hewn tomb known as the Ptolemaic Tomb. This tomb dates from the Hellenistic period, and each side is decorated with 21 Doric semi-columns. Here you can also see a part of the Roman water supply system of the ancient city of Rhodes. Today, it is an earthly paradise, with rich vegetation through which a clean and cool stream runs. It creates an ideal refuge for the peacocks, which roam freely in the park, but also a cool and shady place for those who wish to escape from the heat of the city.
5. Filerimos
The hill of Filerimos is located in the area of Ialyssos and is known for the Monastery of the Virgin of Filerimos. In ancient times, there was an Acropolis of one of the three Dorian cities – Yalis. The mountain got its name from the name of the monk Filerim, who brought an icon of Virgin Mary painted by the Apostle Luke to this place. In our time, a copy of this icon is kept on Filerimos since the original was taken by the Knights of St. John when they left Rhodes. The monk built a chapel on the site, which was later replaced by a basilica, and then the temple of the Virgin with a bell tower, which has survived to our time. The church has Orthodox and Catholic altars. Once upon a time, two Christian denominations coexisted here, but today only the Orthodox part of the church is operational. Here you can also see the ruined temple of Athena, which was built in the 3rd century BC. Near the ruins, you can visit the church of St. George the Victorious, decorated with medieval frescoes with Byzantine influences. To the west of the hill, you can walk along the “Road to Calvary,” so named for the stone structures painted with paintings depicting the suffering of Christ. At the end of this path is a huge cross, from which you can see fascinating panoramas of the sea and nearby villages. Another feature of Filerimos is the free-roaming peacocks.
6. Butterfly Valley
It is the most popular natural attraction in Rhodes. Every year, from June to September, butterflies gather here to mate, creating a spectacular sight. Following the distinctive scent of the resin of the Oriental Sweetgum trees – also an endemic species of the local flora and a unique species in all of Europe – these fascinating nocturnal insects fly into the Valley of the Butterflies by the thousands, seeking refuge from the high temperatures next to river banks and wet paths, on broad-leaved leaves and tree trunks, or even on rocks to rest and breed. Wander through the thick vegetation where small ponds are filled with water lilies, and waterfalls whisper to your attention. Rest on wooden benches, cross picturesque bridges, or climb to the top, reaching the end of the route at the Kalopetra Monastery, built in 1784. Complete your tour of the lower part of Butterfly Valley by visiting the Natural History Museum, where, among other features, there is a hatchery. A few steps down, there is an alpine-style restaurant where you can spend some time with your family relaxing under the abundant greenery. There are some parking areas on this spot, so you can easily reach this place by rented car.
7. Ostrich Farm
Rhodes Ostrich Farm welcomes every guest of the island to see the wonderful world of the Animal Kingdom. Escape to nature and walk around a beautiful natural landscape seeing countless rare animals and birds up close, including the wonderful display of ostrich products and accessories. In the local restaurant, you can try ostrich meat in various flavors such as fillet, burger, and ostrich egg omelet.
8. Kamiros
Excavations in 1929 revealed the ruins of Ancient Kamiros, located 30 km southwest of the Medieval City of Rhodes. It is one of the three ancient cities of Rhodes – the other two being Lindos and Ialyssos – which were important commercial centers of the island during the Archaic and Hellenistic periods. In the archaeological site, parts of houses and buildings, the main street of the city, traces of the temple of Athena, the ancient Agora, the Hellenistic mosque, the Doric temple, and some arches, as well as the ruins of the aqueduct, are still preserved. Kamiros Skala is a fishing shelter near the mountain village of Kritinia, in the center of Rhodes Island. Boats depart from there for the island of Chalki. Tourists usually stop here for lunch at the fish restaurants.
9. Lindos
It is simply impossible to be in Rhodes and not see the majestic Lindos, where the second largest and most important Acropolis of Greece is located! Walking through the narrow streets, going up to the Acropolis, walking along the walls of the Knight’s castle, from here you can have an amazing view of St. Paul’s Bay, where, according to legend, the apostle Paul stopped. You will definitely need a whole day to see everything that will enchant you in Lindos: its archaeological site and churches, shops and restaurants, picturesque bays and beaches, most of which can be seen from the temple dedicated to Lindian Athena. Don’t forget that a characteristic of this village is that it gives you a different aura every hour of the day. And in the evening, which comes with the most magical light, it is the perfect time to enjoy a rooftop romantic dinner under the ancient Acropolis.
10. Seven Springs
One of the most popular attractions of Rhodes Island, which is about 30 kilometers from its capital, is the Seven Springs. It is one of the best places to experience nature, with a beautiful and deep forest and amazing flowing waters that eventually lead to a small lake. This place is named after seven different freshwater springs that provide cool, fresh water year-round. The seven springs join together to form the Lutani River, which flows through a dark, narrow tunnel that is 180 meters long. While some of the springs are natural, the lake is man-made. The history of the lake dates back to the years when the Italians owned the island and created a dam and a lake to supply water to the surrounding area of Kolymbia for drinking and irrigation. Today, the Seven Springs are one of the most popular tourist destinations, simply because of the curiosity created by the idea of walking through a dark aqueduct tunnel. What could be more exciting than walking through a dark, narrow tunnel in the forest? The water in the tunnel is about ankle-deep, and tourists have to walk in a single line, not too far apart. Once you are done walking, you can enjoy a meal or a cup of Greek coffee at the local restaurant or continue exploring Rhodes.
11. Kallithea Springs
At a distance of 9 km from the city of Rhodes you will find the famous Springs of Kallithea. It is a monument of incomparable beauty and special architecture. The Springs of Kallithea are known to all, since ancient times, for the beneficial properties of the water that came out of the rocks. In fact, they attracted people both from the surrounding islands and the coasts of Asia Minor as well as from the depths of the East. A tour here is enough to transport you to another era just by observing the magnificence of the space, the impressive mosaics, the Rotonda Hall with its 14m high dome and the elaborate decoration. Painting and photography exhibitions are hosted in its closed circular space, while concerts, dance and theatre performances, wedding ceremonies, etc. take place in its open-air part. We suggest visiting Kalithea on your own by rented car, as after the walking along you might stay for swimming in the deep blue waters of Kalithea Bay.
12. Castles
Castles: Grand Master Demily’s castle in Archangelos; The castle of Monolithos on the towering rock from where the Ioanninite Knights gazed at the endless blue; The medieval castle Kritinia, also known as Kastellos, which marries the Byzantine with the medieval style; The castle of the knights of Asclepius with the cisterns and the great wall. All of them built in the 15th century, all of them with free entrance, all of them majestic witnesses of the Island’s History.
13. Traditional Villages
You haven’t experienced the authentic Rhodes if you haven’t seen the villages. Spend a day starting from Embona, a village famous for its grapes, on the slopes of the Attaviros Mountain. For a breath-taking sunset, we suggest driving past Monolithos, with its stone houses and medieval castle on top of the hill. Siana – a small village on the slopes of Akramytis Mountain offers various traditional goodies such as local honey, sweets and olive oil. The village Salakos with the most beautiful spot is the paved square with the wonderful ornate stone fountain, the really huge fig tree and the mulberry trees that provide shade to cafeterias and taverns around. Eleousa – the greenest village on the island. During the Italian occupation, the village was shaped by the conquerors to the standards of the villages of the Italian Alps, however, all that has actually remained is the school which functioned, after their departure until 1970, as a sanatorium. Archangelos is the largest village of Rhodes and was built in the medieval years in such a position that it was protected from pirates. Archangelos combines humble old whitewashed houses and those with coloured arches and blue shutters with newly built residences as well as narrow quiet streets with main streets with modern cafes and tourist shops.
14. Profitis Ilias Mountain
In the “heart” of the Island, with a dense forest of pines, cypresses and oaks, with a peak at 798 m. is the third highest Mountain of Profitis Ilias. 115 plant species have been counted here, with the rarest being the Rhodes peony, a flower that grows only in Rhodes. There live foxes, ferrets, hawks and several deer belonging to the Dama Dama species, which the Italians had originally brought, to be hunted by the official visitors and officers who attended the two hotels of the Prophet Elias. The hotels are called “Elafos” and “Elafina” and are built in imitation of Swiss chalets. The King of Italy Vittorio Emmanuelle III and later the King of Greece Paulus stayed here. Here you can also see the Villa de Vecchi, intended as a summer retirement home for the Italian dictator Benito Mussolini, which is now abandoned. Nowadays, this place is a popular walking and cycling destination.
15. Tsambika Monastery
The list of sights of Rhodes worth seeing, of course, includes the monastery of Panagia Tsambika with the icon of the Virgin Mary. Thanks to this relic, the monastery is known throughout Greece and beyond. The shrine is the patroness of all married couples; first of all, childless families turn to her for help. The monastery consists of two parts – lower and upper, with the distance of several kilometres from each other. The icon is kept in the contemporary church, where the pilgrims from all over the world gather to touch the relic. The second, the older church is smaller, and it is necessary to overcome approximately 2 km and 300 steps to see it.
As you see, Rhodes is just strewn with a huge number of attractions and interesting places. The above top 15 places for visit in Rhodes are just some of what you can see on the island. More than sure, in one of your trips you will not be able to fully explore this sunny island, and you will return here again and again.
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