Rhodes Holidays

Rhodes Old Town – This UNESCO World Heritage site is a well-preserved Medieval city, filled with cobbled streets, stone walls and historic landmarks like the Palace of the Grand Master. It’s not just about history, though – you’ll also find busy markets, cosy cafés and independent shops tucked into its ancient corners.

Acropolis of Lindos – Sitting on a cliff above the Aegean Sea, this temple dates to Greece’s ancient era. It’s home to ruins like the Temple of Athena and a Hellenistic stoa. The climb up through Lindos village is just as pretty, with its whitewashed houses and winding alleys.

Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights – Built in the 14th century by the Knights of St John, this Gothic palace served as a fortress, residence and administrative headquarters. Discover its impressive architecture, ornate mosaics and exhibits about the island’s history.

Epta Piges – Known as the Seven Springs, these natural streams are hidden in a forest and flow into a freshwater lake with mini waterfalls. Hike here on shady paths that take you through tunnels and over bridges, then cool off with a swim at the end.

Fourni Beach and Caves – A peaceful bay on the west coast, surrounded by tall cliffs and pine-covered hills. It feels undiscovered, so it’s ideal for a secluded swim, topping up your tan on the sand and exploring the sea caves.

Kallithea Springs – Walk past white-domed buildings, classical columns and olive-filled gardens before you reach the clear blue bay. The thermal springs here were first discovered in ancient times, and people have been bathing in the waters for centuries.

Sokratous Street – In Rhodes Old Town, this area is a good option for traditional Greek shopping. You’ll find classic souvenirs like handcrafted jewellery, painted ceramics and detailed lacework. It’s also a good spot to pick up local olive oil and wine.

Nea Agora – Set just next to Mandraki Harbour, this marketplace has a classic Greek feel, with whitewashed walls and a distinctive domed roof. You can buy everything from fresh herbs, honey and seafood to seasonal fruit and vegetables here, as well as authentic crafts like woven baskets, pottery and worry beads.

Rhodes Aquarium – Built back in 1936, this Art Deco research centre right on the seafront is dedicated to marine biology in the Aegean. Learn all about local sea life and conservation in the museum.

Faliraki Waterpark – One of Europe’s largest waterparks with a mix of slides, wave pools and lazy rivers. If you’re feeling adventurous, there’s the steep Kamikaze and a free-fall slide.

Valley of the Butterflies – This nature reserve is a protected eco-system for butterflies and moths, so you’ll see lots of colourful wings flapping around, especially during summer. Stroll along its shady trails, over wooden bridges and past gentle streams.

Symi Island – Catch a quick ferry over to this nearby island, famous for its colourful waterfront houses and pretty harbour. Highlights here are the Panormitis Monastery and the shops selling natural sea sponges.

Kamiros – Step back in time at one of the three ancient cities of Rhodes. On the island’s northwest coast, this archaeological site features the ruins of houses, temples and a crumbling marketplace with a beautiful sea backdrop.

Marmaris, Turkey – Leave Greece for a day and catch a ferry over to Marmaris, a lively beach resort on Turkey’s Dalaman Coast. It’s only an hour away, and offers a different experience – visit Ottoman sites, go to a Turkish bath and try some traditional cuisine. You’ll need your passport for this daytrip.

Faliraki Beach – A family-friendly beach with golden sand and calm waters. Located on the island’s east coast, it’s got everything you need like sunloungers and parasols for hire, plus a range of restaurants and cafés nearby.

Lindos Beach – This bay is sat just below the village. It’s protected by rock formations, so the water is shallow and clear, and it gives you an amazing Acropolis backdrop. Plus, comfy sunloungers and nearby tavernas mean you have everything you need close by.

Tsambika Beach – Surrounded by cliffs, this long sweep has a natural look. It’s less touristy than some of the other beaches, but you can still hire a lounger and a parasol, and there are beach bars along the sands.

Prasonisi Beach – This beach has two different seas – its unique geography makes it a hotspot for windsurfers and kiteboarders, thanks to strong winds on one side and calm waters on the other.

Ixia Beach – Famous for its strong winds and open waters, this beach on the northwest coast is another favourite for windsurfers and kitesurfers. There are some high-quality rental shops for picking up equipment.

Afandou Beach – This beach might be peaceful, but it’s known for its great watersports, including jet-skiing and banana boat rides. It’s also a good option if you prefer a pebbly beach over sand.

Anthony Quinn Bay – Perfectly placed between rocky cliffs, this cove’s name comes from the man who starred in The Guns of Navarone in Rhodes. The clear blue water is ideal for snorkelling.

St Paul’s Bay – A small, secluded bay in a beautiful setting near Lindos. Enclosed by cliffs and overlooked by the Acropolis, you can take in the scenery without the crowds.

Moussaka – Often described as Greece’s answer to lasagne. It’s made with layers of aubergine, minced meat and a smooth béchamel sauce, baked until golden. You’ll also see meat-free versions on most menus.

Souvlaki – The meat is marinated, grilled on skewers and cooked in chunks rather than shaved strips. It usually comes wrapped in a soft pitta bread with salad and tzatziki.

Feta cheese – A staple of Greek cuisine – this crumbly, slightly salty cheese is seen in salads, rice dishes and wraps, and often costs very little when you are eating out. It’s especially good sprinkled over chips with oregano.

Dolmades – Vine leaves filled with rice, herbs and seasoning. They’re usually served as a small plate or starter and are great if you like to order a few dishes to share.

Pitaroudia – These island staples are chickpea fritters, lightly crisp on the outside and soft in the middle, mixed with onion, tomato and mint. Usually served with tzatziki.

Barbounia – Fresh fish plays a big role in local cooking, and red mullet is one of the most popular. Known locally as barbounia, it’s caught in the waters around Rhodes and nearby Symi. You’ll often see it grilled, barbecued or fried.

Rhodian grapes – Rhodes produces some of the best wines in Greece. Athiri grapes are used to make a sweet white wine, while Mandilaria grapes produce a fuller red. Both are commonly served in local restaurants.

Souma – This is Rhodes’ traditional grape spirit. It’s strong and made using local grapes, distilled in the village of Siana using methods that have been passed down for generations.

Faliraki – This is the centre of the island’s party scene, with dedicated areas like Bar Street and Club Street that are packed with lively bars and clubs. Bedrock Inn is a longstanding favourite for its themed decor and cheap drinks, while Liquid Club is the place to go for DJ sets that carry on into the early hours.

Lindos – Nights out in Lindos are calmer and more scenic, with rooftop bars such as Rainbird Bar and Lindos Ice Bar offering views over the Acropolis and the Aegean Sea.

Rhodes Town – While Faliraki gets most of the attention, Rhodes Town has plenty going on in the evenings. Orfanidou Street – or Bar Street – is the main strip where you’ll find bars, pubs and clubs.