Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. While clicking these links won't cost you anything, they will help us keep this site running and free for everyone.
Rhodes is one of the most beautiful and diverse islands in Greece, with a unique mix of adventure activities, stunning beaches and ancient buildings.
I recently spent a week exploring the island and the best activities it has to offer and I’ve rounded up the 20 best things to do in Rhodes to help you plan your own unforgettable trip.
1. Explore Rhodes Old Town
Rhodes Old Town is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe so it's a must-visit spot when you're in Rhodes. Enclosed by stone walls, the area is filled with cobbled alleys, ancient buildings, cafes and shops.
Don't miss Saint Paul’s Gate and the Street of the Knights, all within walking distance. There's hundreds of market stalls, shops and cafes, so you won't run out of things to do!
I loved wandering into the local jewellery stores, trying delicious gelato and having a refreshing drink at one of the many quaint cafes. If you want to learn about the history of Rhodes, take a guided walking tour!
2. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes
Located in the former Hospital of the Knights, the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes is full of beautifully preserved artifacts from ancient Rhodes and nearby islands.
It features statues, pottery and mosaics that date back to the Hellenistic and Roman periods and has a peaceful courtyard that is worth a photo or two.
3. Tour the Palace of the Grand Master
One of the most iconic landmarks in Rhodes, the Palace of the Grand Master is a medieval fortress that once served as the headquarters of the Knights of St. John.
Inside, you’ll find grand arches, intricate mosaic floors and beautiful views from the towers. It’s a fascinating place to learn about the island’s past and one of the top photo spots in Rhodes Old Town.
4. Take a Day Trip to Lindos Village
Lindos is one of the most picturesque villages in Rhodes and was one of my favourite places to visit. The village sits above a beautiful turqoise bay, with whitewashed buildings and narrow alleys filled with cafes and shops.
Chloe Butcher
We spent a few hours wandering around the photogenic streets and eating some delicious greek food at one of the many cafes. After exploring white village, head down to St. Paul’s Bay for a swim or a drink by the sea.
If you're not renting a car or staying near Lindos, i'd highly recommend booking a bus transfer, we found it super easy and straightforward!
Top rated tours to Lindos
5. Climb to the Lindos Acropolis
Sitting high on a cliff above the whitewashed village of Lindos, the Acropolis of Lindos offers some of the most impressive views on the island.
The walk up winds through narrow alleys and past charming homes before turning into a steeper climb lined with ancient ruins and stone steps.
At the top, you’re rewarded with panoramic views over St. Paul’s Bay and the impressive remains of ancient temples in the Acropolis itself.
6. Explore Mandraki Harbour
Mandraki Harbour is where ancient and modern Rhodes meet, it's a histroic port lined with yachts, cafes, and the famous landmarks.
It’s a great place for a scenic walk, especially at sunset when the light hits the old windmills and medieval fortress at the end of the pier.
7. Visit Kallithea Springs
Kallithea Springs is another one of my favourite spots and is a place i'd highly recommend visiting. Originally built in the 1920s for its therapeutic waters, it’s now one of the most photogenic places on the island.
It's a beautiful spa complex known for it's white archways, mosaic-tiled floors and beach area. There are endless photo opportunities here, especially with the blue sea as a backdrop.
Make sure to bring a swimsuit (i forgot), theres a small beach with crystal-clear water and sunbeads.
8. Take a Boat Tour
Cruising around Rhodes is one of the best ways to explore the island’s coastline while soaking up the sun and enjoying the sea.There are plenty of options to choose from, from half-day and full-day trips, catamaran cruises with food and drinks or romantic evening sails along the coast.
Many boat tours stop at spots like Anthony Quinn Bay or Tsambika Beach for swimming and snorkelling.
9. Take a Boat Trip to Symi Island
A boat trip to Symi Island is one of the best day trips from Rhodes. Its just a short ferry ride away and is easily one of the prettiest islands in Greece, with colourful buildings lining the hillside and harbour.
When you reach the island, you can explore the quaint streets filled with pastel buildings, cafes and shops. Make sure to bring a camera because there are photo opportunities everywhere on the island!
Chloe Butcher
10. Visit the Acropolis of Rhodes
Sitting above the modern city, the Acropolis of Rhodes offers both fascinating historic ruins and panoramic views. This ancient site was once the heart of classical Rhodes and includes remnants of temples, a stadium and a small theatre.
Although it’s not as well preserved as other ancient sites in Greece, the scale and setting make it well worth a visit. Plus, it’s free to enter and much quieter than the Old Town.
11. Explore Seven Springs (Epta Piges)
Seven Springs is a beautiful nature spot that features seven natural springs that flow into a small lake. One of the most popular (and slightly adventurous) things to do here is walk through a dark, narrow tunnel that leads to it!
Surrounded by pine forest, the area is perfect for a relaxed walk or picnic and there's even a small café on-site. It’s more green, tranquil and cool than most of Rhodes, so it's perfect for a hot day.
If you're not hiring a car, you can take a guided day trip here. This tour also includes a visit to the Butterfly Valley, which is next in this list!
12. Wander Through the Valley of the Butterflies
One of the most popular places to visit in Rhodes is the Valley of the Butterflies, especially if you're travelling between June and September. During these months, thousands of colourful butterflies fill the shaded forest.
Its a calm and scenic spot to visit even outside of butterfly season, with wooden bridges, waterfalls and streams inside the green nature park.
13. Go Snorkelling
Rhodes is a great island for snorkelling becasue of it's calm and clear water. You'll find vibrant marine life, underwater rock formations and plenty of shallow coves.
Some of the best snorkelling spots are Anthony Quinn Bay, St. Paul’s Bay in Lindos and the rocky areas around Kallithea Springs.
14. Quad Biking
If you’re looking for a fun and adventurous way to see more of Rhodes, renting a quad bike (ATV) or doing a quad bike tour is a great option. It gives you the freedom to explore the island’s lesser-known beaches, mountain villages and scenic backroads at your own pace.
15. Scuba Diving
Rhodes is a great spot for scuba diving, with clear waters, underwater caves and rocky reefs full of marine life. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced diver, there are plenty of dive centres across the island offering lessons, guided dives and PADI certification courses.
Some popular dive sites include Kallithea Reef, known for its impressive rock formations and visibility and Ladiko Bay, where you might spot octopuses, groupers and colourful fish; some centres even offer wreck dives!
If it’s your first time, try a discovery dive. You don't need a certification, it's just an intro to the underwater world with an instructor by your side.
16. Take a Greek Cooking Class
One of the best things to do in a new country is learning about the local culture through food, so taking a cooking class is a must, especially in greece!
You'll get hands-on experience making traditional dishes like dolmades (stuffed vine leaves), tzatziki, gemista (stuffed vegetables) or fresh baklava, all using local ingredients and age-old family recipes.
17. Relax at a Beach
A trip to Rhodes wouldn’t be complete without spending time on one of its many beautiful beaches.
Two of the most popular beaches are Tsambika Beach, known for its long stretch of golden sand and shallow turquoise waters and St. Paul’s Bay, a picture-perfect spot below the Lindos Acropolis.
18. Wine Tasting
Rhodes has a long history of winemaking dating back to ancient times and today, the island is home to several family-run wineries that you can experience for yourself.
Joining a wine tasting tour is a great way to experience the island’s local culture. You’ll get to visit vineyards, learn about traditional winemaking methods and of course, sample a variety of local wines, often paired with local cheeses, olives and breads.
19. Paddleboarding or Kayaking
One of the best adventourus activities to do on the water is paddleboarding or kayaking, you can discover hidden coves, sea caves and beautiful bays that you can't reach by foot or car.
There are several guided tours available that take you along the east coast, often departing from beaches like Faliraki, Anthony Quinn Bay or Kallithea.
20. Falariki Waterpark
For a break from sightseeing, head to Faliraki Waterpark, one of the largest waterparks in Europe, offering a wide range of slides, wave pools and lazy rivers.
It’s a great way to cool off on a hot day and add some excitement to your trip, there's also plenty of cafes and sun loungers to relax between rides.
👋 We hope that you found this guide helpful! Before you go - don't forget to read our other Greece travel guides for more tips, suggestions & advice.
