Rhodes is a top destination full of culture, beaches, and excursions. From boat trips to Symi to day tours through island villages and historic city walks, there’s something for everyone. Book your tickets in advance, discover local highlights with expert guides, and enjoy Rhodes’s most beautiful sights without the stress. Below, you’ll find our six favourite activities.
6 best things to do in Rhodes
1. Explore Rhodes' Old Town
This Unesco World Heritage site is a genuine open-air museum. Enclosed within 14th-century walls built by the Knights of Rhodes, the Old Town will captivate you with its narrow streets and medieval architecture. Don't miss the Grand Master's Palace, which was almost completely rebuilt in the 20th century, and the Knights' Street, the most famous and atmospheric street in the Old Town. If you have time, take a walk up to Agios Stéfanos Mountain, on which stands an ancient acropolis and from which you can enjoy unparalleled panoramic views.
2. Visit the archaeological site of Camiro (Kamiros)
Kamiros was one of the three ancient city-states of Rhodes and remains a remarkably impressive archaeological site. The ruins are less than an hour’s drive from Rhodes Town and, despite mostly dating back to the 3rd century BC, are still beautifully preserved. From the Acropolis at the top of the hill, you can enjoy stunning views over the west coast of Rhodes.
3. Take an excursion to Butterfly Valley If you’re visiting Rhodes in the summer, don’t miss an excursion to the Butterfly Valley. During the warmer months, the area comes alive with a variety of butterfly species. The valley is lush and unspoiled, a peaceful place to stroll among waterfalls and streams, breathe in the fresh air, and admire its colourful inhabitants. Spanning around 60 hectares, it’s just a short distance from the town centre and is one of the most captivating attractions in the northern part of the island.
4. Admire the Acropolis of Lindos
Moving further south, on Rhodes' east coast, lies one of the island's most famous attractions: the Acropolis of Lindos. Perched on a hilltop, a visit to the site offers beautiful panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and St Paul's Bay. Admire the ancient ruins, which include a Doric temple dedicated to Athena a Byzantine church, and the medieval castle, built by the Knights of St John.
5. Take a day trip to the island of Simi
Spend a day exploring the nearby island of Simi, north of Rhodes, which can be reached in a couple of hours by ferry. Here you'll find wild pebble beaches, crystal-clear waters, and the port town of Simi, famous for its neoclassical buildings and pastel-coloured houses. The Monastery of Panormitis, in the homonymous bay, is the highlight of the island, famous for its Baroque bell tower.
6. Taste the local cuisine
No visit to Rhodes is complete without trying its delightful cuisine. Dine in a traditional Greek taverna and try 'lacan', made with goat and chickpeas, or go to a seafood restaurant to sample the fresh catch of the day, accompanied by ouzo or retsina, an aromatic wine. Don't forget to try 'mezedes', small dishes similar to Spanish tapas designed for sharing, a great way to try many different local specialities.
