What to do in Rhodes
What activities to do in Rhodes and what did we do here?
Are you going to other islands? Check out our other guides to find out what to see in Greece.
Beaches and swimming
Rhodes is one of the most popular destinations for seaside holidays in Europe. The island offers both huge resorts with luxury resorts and secluded small beaches under cliffs far from civilisation.
- The north-east coast has large resorts with huge hotel complexes - Faliraki, Kolymbia, Lindos - as well as the famous beaches of Anthony Quinn or Kallithea Springs
- the east and southeast coasts have less busy resorts such as Pefki, Lardos, Kiotari or Gennadi
- the western part is popular with kitesurfers, windsurfers and those who like waves - Ialysos and Ixia
The calmer sea is the Mediterranean on the eastern side, the Aegean on the western side is often windy and choppy.
Beaches on Rhodes are usually pebbly or made of coarser sand and with small pebbles, but you'll also find pure sandy beaches on Rhodes.
Sandy beaches
Most of the beaches on Rhodes are covered in pebbles, but if you're looking for comfortable , clean sandy beaches, there are great places for you on the island too!
- Kolymbia - The beaches in this popular resort are gorgeous with fine golden sand, the south beach in particular is one of the best in Rhodes in this respect
- Pefki - the beaches in this small, quiet resort with many great resorts are largely pure sand
- Tsambika - considered by many to be the nicest and one of the largest beaches in Rhodes outside the big resorts
- Prasonisi - an iconic beach in the orphaned south of the island
The most beautiful beaches
It's always very subjective to pick a few of the most beautiful beaches. We visited absolutely every beach on Rhodes and we liked these top 5 beaches the most:
- Fourni Beach below Monolithos Castle
- Kolymbia in a quiet resort
- Anthony Quinn Beach
- Prasonisi at the southernmost tip with a beautiful walk to the lighthouse
- Windy Beach right in Rhodes town
Which beaches in Rhodes did you like the most? Let us know in the comments below.
Ideal beaches for children
If you're looking for beaches with sand and a very gradual entry into the sea, then check out these places in the "What to see" section:
Prices of sunbeds and umbrellas
How much does it cost to rent a sunbed and parasol in Rhodes? Prices vary from beach to beach, but in general you can say that you will pay for a set of 2 sunbeds and a parasol in one day from 15 eur to 30 eur.
We found the highest prices on Anthony Quinn beach and the lowest prices in the more remote southern parts, where we exceptionally came across 12 eur for a set of 2 sunbeds and a parasol.
Water attractions
All the major resorts on the island offer a variety of water attractions for children and adults on the beaches.
You can enjoy classic banana boat rides, parasailing (paragliding behind a boat), jet ski rentals, jet ski rides or just simple pedal boat rentals. What are the approximate prices?
- Parasailing - 60 eur
- Banana boating - 40 eur
- Pedal boat rental by the hour - from 20 eur
- Water skiing - 60 eur
Near Faliraki you will also find the largest water park in Greece.
Sights and culture
Rhodes is a great place to combine a beach holiday with sightseeing.
We're still in Greece and so even here we can come across many traces of antiquity and ancient monuments, as well as the remains of the 14th century Johannite order and a castle from the Venetian Republic (15th century).
Medieval towns
Rhodes' largest city has a magnificent UNESCO-listed Old Town, which we rank among the top 5 most beautiful cities in all of Greece.
Not to be forgotten is Lindos, a town with typical white houses and a monumental Acropolis standing on a high rock promontory.
Ancient monuments
Perhaps every Greek island boasts ancient monuments, and this is no different for Rhodes.
The most well-preserved archaeological sites can be found in the following places:
- Kamiros
- Acropolis of Rhodes
- Acropolis of Lindos (there are fewer ancient remains here, as they were significantly rebuilt during the construction of the fortress in the 14th century)
Castles and fortresses
The coast of Rhodes was dotted with fortresses dating back to Byzantine times, but most of the ruins date back to the 14th or 16th century.
We have visited these castles and describe them in more detail:
- The Palace of the Grand Masters - a completely preserved castle and seat of the Knights of Malta (Johanites) who ruled the island from the 14th century.
- The Acropolis of Lindos - a monumental 14th century fortress built on the site of an ancient city from the 4th century BC.
- Archangelos - a small Johannite castle towering over a beautiful inland town full of white houses
- Feraklos - formerly a huge Johannite castle, now a beautiful ruin right above the sea at the resort of Charaki
- Asklipeio - a Johannite castle in an inland village with breathtaking views over the valley
- Monolithos - a famous castle in the beautiful wooded landscape of western Rhodes dating back to the Venetian Republic
- Kritinia - a well-preserved ruin with sea views dating back to the Venetian Republic
Snorkelling and diving
Although the Mediterranean or Aegean Sea is not one of the world's extraterrestrials when it comes to snorkelling or diving spots, for recreational fun the waters of Rhodes are sure to provide plenty of attractions.
Absolutely ideal for snorkelling are the bays on the east coast with calm waters and a very rugged bottom, where you will see dozens of species of mainly smaller fish, but with a bit of luck you will also see morays, octopuses and other interesting species of underwater creatures.
Best snorkeling spots:
- Agathi Beach
- St. Paul's Bay in Lindos
- The bays and beaches of Kallithea Springs
- Traganou Beach
Anthony Quinn and Ladiko bays are also often recommended for snorkeling, but due to heavy boat traffic and crowds, snorkeling conditions here are very poor.
You won't usually find snorkel gear rentals directly at these sites, but you can buy a simple snorkel with fins at any local gift shop or supermarket until 10 eur.
Perhaps in all resorts you will also find cruise options that have several snorkeling stops.
Free diving is forbidden in the waters around the island, but you can go diving with one of the certified agencies that will teach even beginners. Example prices are roughly as follows:
- Scuba Diving lessons for beginners with a dive - approx. 60 eur
- Each additional dive - approx. 30 eur
- Full Scuba Diving course - approx. 280 to 300 eur
Example of PADI centers in Rhodes:
- Lepia Dive Pefkos (near Lindos)
- Waterhopper Rhodes town
- Trident Rhodes Town
- H2O Diving Center Faliraki
- Big Fish Dive Faliraki
- DiveMed Plimmiri
Boat trips
Especially in the seaside resorts of the east coast, there are a huge number of small boat cruises on offer.
There is always a large variety of cruises to choose from. Prices vary from company to company and here are just indicative amounts to give you a better idea:
- Sightseeing cruise with stops for snorkelling or swimming (3-5 hours) - from 45 eur
- evening sunset cruise (2-3 hours) - from 25 eur
- cruise from point A to point B (most often to Lindos) - from 20 eur
Nature and treks
Rhodes is perfect for hiking and nature trips.
You can go to well-known tourist spots, but also to places where you're likely to be alone. Although the most famous places can be reached by bus, we definitely recommend renting a car for nature trips.
We discovered these treks and natural beauty in Rhodes.
Tourist spots accessible by bus
Click on the links below for detailed info:
- Valley of the Butterflies - easy walks through a wooded valley with millions of butterflies
- bus 2 times a day from Rhodes, Ialysos, Ixia and Kremasti
- Seven Springs - easy walks along forest rivers, dams with the possibility to go through a narrow tunnel built for a water channel
- bus 2 times a day from Rhodes, Faliraki, Kolymbia, Lindos, Pefki, Lardos, Kiotari, Gennadi, Archangelos
- Prasonisi - a wonderful trek through the deserted landscape from the beach to the lighthouse
- bus 2 times a day from Rhodes, Faliraki, Kolymbia, Lindos, Pefki, Lardos, Kiotari, Gennadi, Archangelos
More remote places without tourists
For hiking you can also go to places of deep pine forests and mountain surroundings.
We visited 3 places that charmed us.
- The highest mountain Atavyros - a challenging day trek with very high altitude
- 12 km circuit from the village of Empona
- total length of the route approx. 5 hours
- find a hotel in Empona
- Jacobs's Canyon - a beautiful forgotten trek through a deep canyon and pine forests
- 5 km circuit
- total route length approx. 2 hours
- Profitis Elias - a popular mountain pass with a hotel and several short treks through mountain meadows and pine forests
- the most popular trek is the 2.5 km long route to the village of Salakos (5 km in total in both directions)
- book your stay at Elafos Mountain Hotel
Surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing
The windy west coast of the Aegean Sea creates ideal conditions for water sports. Big waves don't form much on Rhodes, so classic surfing is more of a beginner's level. On the other hand, the mostly milder seas, wide bays and open beaches and steady winds are absolutely ideal for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Rhodes is definitely one of the best Greek spots for these water sports.
The best conditions are in the very south of the island at the Prasonisi promontory and then on the northwest side of the island at Ixia and Ialysos beaches near the capital Rhodes.
There are several surf centres that rent equipment, as well as schools for beginners. Approximate prices:
- Windsurfing / kitesurfing school - 2x3 hours approx. 250 eur
- Private lesson - approx. 40 eur
- Windsurf / kitesurf rental - approx. 30 eur per hour
Equipment rentals and schools
Prasonisi:
Book accommodation at Prasonisi
Ixia and Ialysos:
Theologos
Day trips to nearby islands
There are several smaller islands around Rhodes that are ideal for day trips, or even multi-day excursions.
- Chalki Island - a somewhat neglected island about 45 minutes by ferry with 3 small beaches, a beautiful town and a deserted very hilly landscape. We have prepared a separate guide for this island:
- How to get to Chalki
- Top places to see on Chalki
- Tips for accommodation on the island
- Organised tours cost from 45 eur and boats usually leave from Mandraki port in Rhodes town (sailing time approx 1.5 hours)
- Regular ferries only leave from Kamrios Skala port in the west of the island (28 eur for a return trip)
- Symi Island - a beautiful very rugged and photogenic island with many coves, mountains and valleys ideal not only for day trips but also for several days
- Organised trips cost from 30 eur and boats usually leave from Mandraki port in Rhodes (sailing time approx. 1.5 hours), but also from Faliraki or Lindos
- There are usually several stops at different places on Symi Island
- Organised excursions are full day trips
- Regular ferries depart from Rhodes Town to both Symi Town and Panormitis ports (approx. 40 eur for a return trip)
- Book a hotel on Symi Island
- Book an organized trip through getyourguide.com
- Book a regular ferry ticket through directferries.com
- Kastelorizo Island - a small island off the Turkish coast seemingly far from Rhodes, but it can be a relaxing 3-4 hour trip and a multi-day trip
- The fast ferry only runs a few times a week, the sailing time is 2 hours and a one-way ticket costs 30 eur
- Olympic Air / Aegean Air flies every day, the flight takes 25 minutes and a one-way ticket costs 80 eur
- Book the ferry at directferries.com
- Book a flight at aegeanair.com
- Book accommodation on Kastelorizo Island
Trip to Turkey
Rhodes lies in the easternmost part of the Aegean Sea and as the crow flies is less than 20 km from the Turkish coast.
Regular boat services take you to three Turkish resorts twice a day. The ferries go to Marmaris (about 1 hour drive), Fethiye (1.5 hours) and Bodrum (2.5 hours).
Take a leisurely day-trip across the sea, visit Asia at a glance, enjoy the oriental atmosphere with authentic Turkish tea and shop for souvenirs in the Turkish bazaar.
Return day tickets cost from 40 to 50 eur and details, including links to timetables and online ticketing, are in the How to get to Rhodes chapter.
Of course, you can also take an organised ferry to Turkey with a travel agent. Perhaps all tour operators organising holidays to Rhodes offer a day trip to Turkey. The extra cost is usually around 90 eur.
Remember that you must have a valid passport for a trip to Turkey and an EU country ID card will not be enough!
Entertainment and nightlife
Rhodes is a place where almost everyone will find something to do. During the summer months, the fun never stops in most places, with a large number of music festivals and concerts, beach discos and bars to choose from.
Fool moon parties are also popular, i.e. huge music festivals held on town beaches in selected resorts, most often in Faliraki, Rhodes Town, Colymbia or Gennadi.
In almost every major town you can also find a golf course or go-kart rental.
A quieter type of entertainment is offered by cultural events in the capital, such as the open-air theatre or the regular rose festival in the historic part of Rhodes. August 15, the day of the Assumption, is also an important holiday. The feast is associated with evening celebrations in the form of dancing and good food and is celebrated even in the smallest villages.
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