Discover Rhodes | What To Do In Rhodes, Greece

Published On : 03 Sep 2024

Rhodes Island is one of the largest islands of Dodecanese in Greece, situated in the sea off the southwest coast of Turkey. This incredible island has long been a tourist magnet, predominantly because of the historic attractions, gorgeous sand coastlines, picturesque towns, and other activities on offer. Below is a brief list of things to see and do in Rhodes to assist you with the planning of your dream vacation on the Greek island.

Discover the charm of Rhodes Old Town.

The major interest of the island is the visit to the old town of Rhodes, or the Medieval Town of Rhodes which is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This is an ancient town that has been preserved to the greatest detail and is enclosed with four kilometers of powerful thick stone walls; Byzantine-Ottoman-Jewish-Italian architectural styles can be traced here. Stroll through the old town and explore the Mediterranean architecture at its best, unearth archeological attractions such as the Palace of the Grand Master, the Street of the Knights, the Old Market, the Mosque of Suleiman, and the location of the Colossus of Rhodes. There is a temptation to sit in one of the cafes or tavernas located in the open air, so do not miss the opportunity to observe people!

Sunbathe On The White Sandy Beach

When it comes to the attractive Blue Flag awarded beaches, Rhodes cannot count the number because there are as many as the grain of sand on the shore. To the east, one is Afandou, which holds the longest sandy beach of five kilometers, or Kiotari which gives a slight touch of watersports and beach bars. While the western side of Crete features the serene Ialyssos beach, which is perfect for families, the Ixia beach is preferred by windsurfing enthusiasts. For a more adventurous resort, hop in your car and drive down the east coast to exotic Glystra Beach which is surrounded by white pebbles and palm trees. And if you want to enjoy the plain grey sandy beaches, head to Lindos Beach which is located at the base of an Acropolis.

Explore Picturesque Lindos

The village is whitewashed and perched on the hill with an Acropolis towering above it – a perfect picture postcard of the Greece that most people imagine. First, commence to ascend either by foot or by donkey to the top of the Acropolis where one can have a view of the sea before proceeding to view the ruins of the ancient buildings, structures, and walls some of which were constructed even before the birth of Christ. Later on, we’ll explore the cobblestone-paved streets lined with artwork and craft stores and enjoy seafood in the open-air restaurants located on the rooftop while watching the magnificent view of the bay. When visiting Lindos, be sure to spare half a day to get a glimpse of the scenic location.

Go Sailing & Snorkeling

As to the most popular sightseeing options, it is crucial to mention that it is essential to go sailing to get some insights into what the famous coastline of the island and the turquoise sea look like. Numerous companies provide sailing trips for various durations ranging from full day to half day in wooden boats or catamarans. You will also get the opportunity to practice water activities such as surfing, paddle boarding, snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing at superb and rather seclusive beaches. On some tours, you can also spend a day on the next-door Island of Symi. If you go sailing with dolphins and sea turtles in sight, then it is one of the most exciting experiences to look forward to.

Go to the Valley of Butterflies

Indeed, it is quite astounding to learn that one of Europe’s most bizarre natural landmarks is located in Rhodes – the Valley of the Butterflies. During August, numerous amounts of butterflies (Jersey Tiger Moths) come out to mate around streams in this greenery-inclined canyon at Kalavarda village. It generates a colorful light show, which nature enthusiasts will undertake a long journey across the island to see. But even if your stay is not during the high travel season, the beautiful strolls through the pine and plane trees’ landscape are something to look forward to.

Go Wine Tasting

Rhodes is a part of the Aegean Region and do you know that wine that is manufactured in this region is among the best? Winemaking on the island has a very rich history starting with the Roman times at least a few thousand years ago. Today, head to the scenic village of Embonas perched on Mount Attaviros for a wine tour of some local winemakers who offer white rose, and red wines. Visit the wine cellars and production facilities; then, get a taste of the island and indulge in a long tasting with meze and other dishes that demonstrate the freshness of the produce in Rhodes. It is a must for anyone who has a passion for wine!

Taste the Culture in the Mountain Villages

Thus, most of the true-to-life culture and customs of the people of Rhode Island are still evident in some of the remote areas of the island which are fairly surrounded by beautiful terrains. Embonas and Salakos provide scenes view of how wines are produced in the area while Eleousa reveals the richness of the island’s agricultural products such as olive trees and orange groves. And truly, no visitor should leave without visiting Petaloudes or the Valley of the Butterflies. This is a scenic drive through the mountainous regions of Rhodes where the island’s unspoiled villages are to be found, taste traditional Greek food cooked by grandparents and recipes, and the friendly people of the island.

Explore Ancient Kamiros

As much as Lindos and Rhodes town take all the limelight, there is another site of immense archaeological importance, although less grand than the other two, which is Kamiros and it is advisable to spend about half a day exploring the site. Easily accessible from Monastir or Sousse, this ancient city was built on a hillside in the 4th century BC and is now in ruins with beautiful sea views over the west coast. Take around two hours on site to roam around and visit the Northern Quarter, Central Town, Southern House, Temple, Cisterns, and other archeological sites that can give the visitors a feel about the lifestyle of the inhabitants of this ancient city. Just as well, for those of us who prefer a more laid-back approach to traveling, the fact that there are not as many tourists coming through can only be a bonus.

Therefore, you should simply go hiking in the interior.

If you wish to explore Rhodes strictly off the beaten track and rugged wilderness, then pack your hiking shoes! Hiking through the mountain roads, walking on the paths going through the pine and cypress trees beside the streams, and ending up at the cliffs observing the views of the coast and the sea. For a less challenging hike with waterfall sights, tourists can go to Seven Springs, while for ascending Zeus’s mountain, tourists can engage in a tough hike up Attavyros mountain. On the way, you may see such animals as horned ibex, mouflon sheep, or birds including species of Portuguese native birds. Several trails commence right from beautiful villages and one can refill the energy later on with a Greek coffee or Mythos beer in the village square.

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