A Week In Rhodes, Greece: 10+ Best Things To Do

You want to embrace the European summer in Greece and are thinking about Rhodes?
Beaches with clear blue waters, medieval landmarks, and delicious Greek cuisine make this island the perfect destination you don’t want to skip. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure, this ultimate Rhodes travel guide will show you what makes the island so enchanting. Read on to learn how to spend a week in Rhodes, the best things to do, and tips on where to stay & eat (vegan).

Wondering about other things Rhodes has to offer?
Check out Pictures to inspire you to travel to Rhodes!

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Why to Travel to Rhodes

You’re not fully sold on Rhodes just yet? No problem! With so many Greek islands, it can be hard to make a choice. However, no matter which one you go for, one thing is guaranteed: Mediterranean summer vibes, great beaches, and unique architecture.
What makes Rhodes so special though, is the unmatched contrast of medieval sights and whitewashed houses on just one island nestled in the Aegean Sea. And as Greece’s largest Dodecanese island, you won’t run out of things to do. Quite the contrary, you can enjoy beaches, learn about ancient history, visit spas, and stroll around towns. Especially Lindos town will impress you with its charm and memorable activities & views. The best part? Traveling to Rhodes is more affordable than places like Santorini or Mykonos. This makes Rhodes almost like a hidden gem due to the popularity of its neighboring islands. Nonetheless, it presents itself as a wonderful destination for a summer vacation in Europe.

In this Rhodes travel guide, you’ll get the question of “What to do in Rhodes” answered and will discover some of the best tips on where to stay and unmissable things to do to save for later.

How to Get There

The island of Rhodes is located in the Southern Aegean Sea near Turkey, northeast of Crete and southeast of Athens. Thus, the easiest way to get here is by flying. Several European cities offer direct flights, making it super convenient with a relatively short travel time. Alternatively, you can take a ferry or cruise from other Greek islands or Athens (13 hours). This option is especially interesting for anyone interested in island hopping around Greece. If you’re heading to Rhodes as the final destination though, hopping on a plane will be your best choice.

How to Get Around:

As important as getting to Rhodes is, you also need to know how to get around. Since Greece is widely known for its resorts and relaxed holiday vibes, choosing the right place to stay will do you a huge favor. Most travelers going to Rhodes stay at their hotel the whole trip and only head to the city occasionally. Therefore, a place in Old Town Rhodes or Lindos is great for those who prefer having everything within walking distance.
TIP: Some bigger resorts farther away from the city offer shuttles, so make sure you know what’s included. Alternatively, taxis are a good choice too – yet, like any other place, they tend to be expensive, especially if you travel greater distances.

Nonetheless, you should plan a minimum of one day to explore the island – this way, you can step outside the touristy spots and discover Rhodes’ unique & unseen charm. For this, the best way to get around Rhodes is by hitting the road. My recommendation is to rent a car/motorbike for at least one day. Depending on what you want to see, it’s totally possible to check some of the best spots in Rhodes off the list within 1-2 days. And if you stay at a resort, chances are they offer a car rental onsite, making it super convenient.

As we get into the best things to do in Rhodes later, you’ll notice that many places are close to one another. Hence, it’s vital to plan your itinerary accordingly.

Where to Stay

The right place to stay can make or break your vacation. Even though Rhodes is a relatively small island, you can get different things out of your trip depending on the location you choose. Overall, Rhodes has two main cities: Old Town Rhodes & Lindos. Yet, you can find many resorts settled anywhere on the east side of the island. Consider what’s important to you and choose from there. For the most part, hotels/resorts are the popular choice amongst tourists for having a relaxed and carefree vacation.

Down below, you can read more about each area in Rhodes to find the perfect place to stay for you…

Faliraki

A mix of beach & party sounds like the ideal holiday? Consider staying in one of the many resorts lining the coast of Faliraki. The village is generally known for its beautiful hotels and lively nightlife (e.g. bars, clubs, pubs). Also, the proximity to Old Town Rhodes makes it easy to experience the historical side of the island and great shopping during your trip.
We stayed at the trendy hotel of Elissa Lifestyle Resort, which had a wonderful stretch of private pebble beach and lots of amenities.

Pefki

Lastly, a place perfect for a beach getaway with a laid-back atmosphere is Pefki. It’s located on the very south of the island near Lindos and offers breathtaking golden beaches with clear waters. If you prefer Lindos over Old Town but don’t want to pay the more expensive hotel rates, Pefki is a good solution. Aside, the village is known for its friendly people and relaxed vibes. Thus, this is a great choice for couples and families alike.

Where to Eat vegan

Aside from being a charming holiday destination, Rhodes impresses with delicious Mediterranean & Greek cuisine. Particularly in Lindos and Old Town, you can expect many restaurants with traditional foods and amazing vibes. As a little heads up if you’re vegetarian or vegan, Rhodes offers a decent selection of dishes that are either accidentally vegan or made to be plant-based. Conclusively, Greece has tasty food for everyone!

Here are some of my favorite vegan food spots in Rhodes…

T Veg:
Are you looking for traditional Greek food in Lindos? Go to this fully vegan restaurant and enjoy the beautiful views from the rooftop terrace. An unmissable spot for plant-based foodies.

ONO & Marouli:
A fully vegetarian restaurant in the heart of Old Town with lots of labeled vegan dishes. Come here if you’re looking for a cozy outdoor seating area combined with a great culinary experience.

Royo Frozen Yogurt:
Though this is only a desert place, the vegan bubble waffle with ice cream is the perfect treat after a long day in the sun. So it’s totally worth putting on this list!

Curious about more? Check this out:
Vegan Food Guide to Rhodes

Best Things to Do in Rhodes

The island offers many enchanting sights to fill a week in Greece. So without further ado, let’s get into the best things to do in this Rhodes travel guide.

Enjoy the Beaches

First things first, like on other Greek islands, beaches are abundant – it’s an island after all. What makes Rhodes so unique though, is that beaches range from having golden sand to pebbles. Depending on the side of the island, you’ll find a slightly different scenery waiting to be explored. Nonetheless, crystal-clear turquoise waters are guaranteed. Particularly bays are what draw in most tourists: the calm and shallow waters make the perfect spot for snorkeling or swimming. This is definitely the best thing to do in Rhodes.

Rhodes’ Best Beaches:

• St. Paul’s Bay – sandy beach with views of the Acropolis of Lindos
• Anthony Quinn Bay – “hidden” bay that’s perfect for snorkeling or relaxing
• Tsambika Beach – beautiful golden beach, ideal for families
• Prasonisi Beach – connecting to a peninsula, this beach is super picturesque & great for windsurfing
• Traounou Beach – a long stretch of pebble beach with mesmerizing caves & clear waters
• Lindos Beach – one of the most popular sandy beaches

Discover Old Town Rhodes

As the main city on Rhodes, the Old Town is extremely impressive with its medieval architecture: cobblestone streets, ancient fortifications, and castles. You will literally feel transported back in time when walking through the alleys, discovering the palace moat, and heading to the harbor. Further, it’s a great place to try traditional Greek cuisine and go shopping. Overall, the blend of ancient medieval landmarks and today’s modernity makes Old Town a must-visit while in Rhodes.

Best Things to do in Old Town:

• Enter the Old Town through the Sea Gate
• Palace of Grandmasters (moat)
• Fortifications of Rhodes
• Street of Knights
• Three Windmills of Rhodes (see below)

Three Windmills of Rhodes

Being the most popular sight in Rhodes, the Three Windmills had to make this list of the best things to see. Not only are these medieval structures extremely instagrammable & picturesque, but you can also find lots of stray cats in the area. So if you love cute kitties, this is a little bonus! Since the windmills are by the harbor, it’s perfect to fit in for an afternoon walk. The views of the ocean from the sidewalk are absolutely majestic & romantic.

Acropolis of Rhodes

Another great activity in Rhodes is visiting the Acropolis of Rhodes (not to be confused with the Acropolis of Lindos!). This is a staple if you’re into ancient Greek history. Here, you’ll be overlooking the west side of the island while viewing key monuments like the Temple of Athena Polias and Zeus Polieus. Seeing the ruins of these sacred and once so important places is truly imposing.

Other things to see at the Acropolis of Rhodes:

Nymphaea | Odeon | Temple of Pythian Apollo | Stoa building | Artemision | Ancient Stadium of Rhodes | Gymnasium | Library

Day Trip to Symi Island

If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous like a day trip, consider heading to Symi Island. Only a one-hour boat ride away from Rhodes, you’ll land at the grand & serene St. George Bay. It’s such an idyllic place that you don’t want to miss out on! Plus, the capital of the island has a lot to offer as well – Gialos is a colorful city that almost resembles the Amalfi coast a little. Heading here for a day will give you a lovely change of scenery and is one of the best things to do in Rhodes.

Stroll through Lindos

Next up, we have Lindow Town; this place is the most picturesque village on Rhodes. Also known as the Santorini of Rhodes, Lindos captivates with whitewashed houses and bright (pink) flowers everywhere. That combination makes for the most beautiful photos and is a must-visit in Greece. Since it’s the second most popular destination on the island, expect to find plenty of local shops & restaurants here. The best things to do here in one day are to walk up to the Acropolis, cool down in the bay, and go shopping in the afternoon.

Best Things to do in Lindos:

• Church of Panagia
• St. Paul’s Bay (see above)
• Lindos Beach (see above)
• Acropolis of Lindos (see below)

Acropolis of Lindos

One of the most significant historical sights of Rhodes is Lindos Acropolis. Its location directly in Lindos Town makes it easy & convenient to reach. To get up the hill to the acropolis you have two options: either walking on foot or riding a donkey (though I wouldn’t recommend supporting those businesses due to the animals’ terrible working conditions). It’s a relatively short walk though, especially since it leads through picturesque alleys of the town. Once you arrive at the top, you can see temples from the 10th century BC, as well as the Propylaea, the huge Hellenistic Stoa, and the Byzantine church of Saint John. Overall, the highlight is the Temple of Athena Lindia, which is located on the edge of the hill overlooking the blue Aegean Sea. This has to be on your list of best things to do in Rhodes!

Take a Boat out

Now, if you’re still wondering what to do in Rhodes & you want the Mediterranean summer flair, you have to go on a boat. In comparison to the trip to Symi Island, you don’t necessarily have to spend the whole day. Instead, going on a sunset catamaran or a morning snorkel adventure are fantastic ways to spend a few hours and experience something new. Many tour operators on Rhodes can be booked either online or even via some hotels. It’s worth checking out!

Relax at Kallithea Springs

All those things to do are making you seek a place to relax? Think about heading to Kallithea Springs for a peaceful retreat. This renovated natural spa is not only aesthetic but also offers plenty of things to do. The beach at Kallithea has crystal-clear waters that are perfect for taking a dip, and the amenities make sunbathing or getting a cocktail during sunset an unforgettable experience. Check out their website.

Butterfly Valley

Last but not least, the Butterfly Valley in Rhodes can’t be left out. Like the name already suggests, it’s a butterfly sanctuary and nature reserve with breathtaking mini waterfalls, green waters, and of course, butterflies. The lush green jungle-like garden makes for a great change while in Greece and radiates tranquility. Overall, it’s a lovely activity for couples and families alike. Quite frankly, it’s a very underrated place to visit in Rhodes. Check out their website.

Rhodes Travel Essentials

Knowing about all the best things to do in Rhodes, all that’s left is the perfect wardrobe for Greece.
Get inspired by these ultimate travel essentials for an iconic European summer vacation!

This completes the ultimate Rhodes travel guide with the best things to do & see.
Whether it’s beach activities or something more historical, Rhodes has something for everyone and doesn’t get boring. With this guide, you should be equipped for the ideal week in Rhodes, Greece.

Leave your suggestions and must-dos in the comments. 🙂

Wondering what’s next in Rhodes? Check out these:
Vegan Food Guide to Rhodes || Best Instagram Spots in Rhodes

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