We came to enjoy the rocky coast of the largest Greek island of Rhodes in the Dodecanese. The fourth largest island in Greece with an area of 1401m² is the most frequently chosen among tourists right after Crete. Rhodes attractions such as the Acropolis of Lindos or the Butterfly Valley make the island an ideal place for vacation.
Until now, we have been able to visit several Greek islands including Zakynthos and Kefalonia. However, thanks to staying at Rhodes we discovered small and picturesque islands such as Symi and Chalki, which I will mention later in the article.
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Things to do in Rhodes – Visit the city of Rhodes
The capital of the island of the same name – Rhodes, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is the most beautiful example of a fortified city in Europe. In fact, well-preserved defensive walls with a length of 2,5 miles make an amazing impression, and the city offers many unforgettable attractions.
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Saint Nicholas Fortress
Saint Nicholas Fortress is a medieval castle located in Rhodes. The fortress was built in the 15th century and served as a defensive structure against Ottoman attacks. Greece has been to their regime for over 400 years.
The Osman had 6 synagogues in Rhodes, and one of them is Kahal Shalom – the oldest survivor synagogue in Greece. In turn, the Saint Nicholas Fortress is one of the best preserved medieval castles in Greece that is worth seeing.
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Paralia Enidriou
This is a beautiful beach located in the northern part of the island of Rhodes. It’s a popular location for parasailing, swimming, and other water sports. The beach is around 20 km from Turkey’s coast, so you can see the stunning mountainous landscapes of the neighbouring country.
Things to do in Rhodes – Visit Lindos
However, historical monuments and beautiful beaches do not end in Rhodes. The Acropolis at Lindos, which is perched on a cliff and offers sweeping views of picturesque bays and Rhodes’ rugged terrain, is considered the jewel of the island.
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Things to do in Rhodes – Explore the Acropolis of Lindos
Acropolis of Lindos – the former place of worship is one of the most interesting archaeological places on the island of Rhodes. This area was inhabited during the Neolithic and Bronze Age, and the Lindo’s rocks on which the Acropolis stands were a fortress and safety refuge for many years.
Moreover, the remains of the Temple of Athena Lindia are an amazing cultural heritage located at the highest point of the Acropolis. The most breathtaking views of the island of Rhodes may also be seen here.
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Paralia Agios Pavlos
When going to Acropolis of Lindos, it is also worth visiting nearby beaches, and the most interesting of them is Paralia agios Pavlos. It is an intimate, sandy beach surrounded by rocks and beautiful vegetation. The descent from the Acropolis to the beach takes only 15 minutes, and there are also a lot of parking spaces nearby, facilitating visiting Rhodes on their own.
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Lindos Flowers
Greece is famous for over 6000 thousand varieties of flowers, of which 600 are endemic. Walking along the narrow cobbled streets of Lindos, you will be captivated by the vibrant colors of Bougainvillea flowers contrasting with white washed buildings. This picturesque village located on the beautiful island of Rhodes is famous for its charm and ancient history.
Lindos Beach
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After a sightseeing of the Acropolis, you may cool off at the beach, which is close to the hill. When it is extremely hot, taking a cooling dip in azure water surrounded by such a stunning landscape is an incredible experience.
💧 Stay hydrated during holiday and always travel with an Eco-friendly Water Bottle.
Things to do in Rhodes – Explore White Town of Lindos
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Wandering around the maze of narrow, cobbled streets with traditional white houses you will discover the rich history of the fishing village. There you will also find a contemporary culture in local taverns and numerous souvenir shops for tourists.
Taverns and Roof Gardens
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Stop in one of the taverns in Lindos and admire beautiful pebble mosaics. In Lindos, you can’t pass by indifferently, because each corner has its own charm. The spaces filled with vegetation will make you want to relax on a hot Greek day in one of the charming Lindos taverns.
Things to do in Rhodes – Visit Faliraki
Faliraki Harbour
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You can find a beautifully set white church with blue accents in the Faliraki Harbour. The religious significance of blue colour in Greece can be deeply felt throughout the country. The Greeks are very religious, but also superstitious and believe that the blue colour protects against evil spirits.
Astronomy Cafe
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Visitors to Astronomy Cafe can enjoy an amazing night sky, sipping delicious cocktails and relaxing in a quiet place. The cafe, which is located at higher level was created with great passion and is a unique outdoor museum.
You will see here lava rocks from the island of Santorini, information boards about asteroids and many other interesting elements of the decor. Everything in Cafe astronomy has been properly refined, and this is evidenced by such details as the constellations of Zodiak signs decorating the pavement.
Saint Nectarios Church
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The Saint Nectarios church is a beautiful Greek Orthodox church in Faliraki, located just a 10 -minute walk from the beach. The name of the church comes from Saint Nectarios, who was an important figure in Greece.
Kathara Beach
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Kathara Beach, located between the Faliraki Harbour and a small hill, on which the Greek flag flutters is an ideal place to relax among guests residing in nearby hotels such as:
Tsambikos Apartments
Moscha Hotel
Alexander Studios & suites – Adults Only
Kouros Home & Suites
It will take only a few minutes walk from the hotel to the beach. In turn, nearby restaurants and cafes such as Kathara Beach Café add charm to this location. Thatched umbrellas, banana plants growing in pots on the banks of the beach and great food are the perfect combination of a successful vacation.
Pavo Cafe
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Peacocks on Rhodes can be seen wandering the streets or visiting hotels and cafes. Set on a hill, Pavo Cafe is an ideal place to admire these beautiful birds from close up and try great drinks, while enjoying a panoramic view of nearby Faliraki.
Restaurants, Bars and Ice Creams Shops
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Ice cream is a must have frozen dessert in the summer, and Hans & Gretel in Faliraki is a unique place to taste delicious ice cream. Faliraki also has many other unusual ice cream shops and restaurants that are worth visiting during your stay at Rhodes.
Colossus from Rhodes
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On the island of Rhodes, you can easily discover many replicas of the giant dowry of the Sun God – Helios. One of them can be found, among others, in Faliraki. The Rodian colossus is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, which was destroyed in 227/226 BC during the earthquake.
History of the Colossus from Rhodes
Greek sculptor Charles from Lindos supervised the construction of a Colossus from Rhodes between 294-280 BC. The statue made of bronze with a height of 30-32 meters stood proudly on a pedestal at the port of Rhodes. A similar statue can be seen in the Game of Thrones on the island of Bravos. In turn, other contemporary huge statues are, for example, the Statue of Liberty or the monument of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro.
Despite the fact that Colossus from Rhodes was the largest masterpiece on the island, information about its exact location and form is completely unknown. According to some, the huge statue stood above the entrance to the port in Rhodes, and ships could flow under it. Another possible location is the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes.
Colossus from Rhodes – legend
After the earthquake, the inhabitants of Rhodes did not rebuild the Colossus in a fear of the curse. However, many years later, the Arabs attacked Rhodes. According to legend, 900 camels were used to transport the ruins of the Colossus from Rhodes. As a result, the inhabitants of Rhodes were called Colossus for a long time.
Will be the Colossus from Rhodes rebuilt? The reconstruction of one of the seven wonders of the ancient world is a massive cost that Greece cannot afford. However, a huge Colossus from Rhodes would certainly attract crowds of tourists from around the world.
Things to do in Rhodes – Admire Natural Attractions
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Butterfly Valley
One of the most unique attractions on the island is a visit to the Butterfly Valley. During the breeding season between June and the end of September, you can see thousands of butterflies of a rare species – Panaxia Quadripunctaria.
Panaxia Quadripunctaria butterflies sit on the rocks and trees, and at first glance you might not notice them at all. They are lured by the smell of the resin from the tree Liquidibar orientalis (Zitia in Greek).
The high humidity of this area with a lot of waterfalls creates an ideal environment to increase the population of these beautiful insects. When visiting the butterfly valley, you should behave quietly and do not distract them.
Walking around this area requires good physical fitness level due to the need to overcome a large number of steps. When visiting the butterfly valley with a tour, free time is very limited. Only exploring at a fast pace will also allow you to see the Kalopetra Monastery located on the hill, from where there is a panoramic view of the Rhodes island.
TIP: Go towards the waterfalls, where the largest cluster of butterflies is and do not waste too much time at the beginning of the route. This is a very popular attraction at Rhodes, so there are always a lot of tourists, and passing them on narrow paths can slow you down.
Things to do in Rhodes – Visit Kallithea
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Kallithea Springs
You can easily get to Kallithea Springs by bus or by Fun Train, which departure near the ASDA market in Faliraki. We used both of these options and we personally recommend a bus that is a cheaper way of transport and allows you to spend a much longer time in Kallithea Springs and nearby beaches.
The Kallithea Springs are known for healing powers, and the Greeks appreciated the benefits of bathing in these healing waters during ancient times. However, before you decide to take a bath on one of the nearby beaches, admire the beautiful architecture that blends perfectly with the surrounding landscape.
The rotunda in Kallithea is an oval building with many arches, through which you can admire the rocky coast of Rhodes. A partly open roof on which lush vegetation is growing, adds charm to this place. In addition, a beautiful, stone mosaic will make you fall in love with this location.
Near the beach, there is also a smaller, oval building in white colour with blue accents on the vault. The whole area was renovated and opened to the public on July 1, 2007. This is definitely one of the best places worth seeing at Rhodes.
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Kallithea Beach
On a hot day there is nothing better than a refreshing bath in a charming place such as Kallithea beach. A small bay surrounded by rocks and pine trees is an idyllic place to relax on the island of Rhodes. At the beach there is also a Pane Di Capo restaurant and a beach bar serving cold drinks.
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Oasis Beach Kallithea
It is worth going to Kalithea for the whole day, because the coast in this part of Rhodes is extremely beautiful and you will find a lot of hidden gems there. If you like to walk, start your adventure with Kallithea Springs, getting off at bus stop number 448 (if you travel from Faliraki) or 416 (in the case of tourists from Rhodes). Then, wander the coast towards the Elysium Hotel, visiting beautiful beaches such as Oasis Beach Kallithea.
There you will find a unique beach bar, which is partly hidden in the rocks. Decorated with colorful pillows and sea shells, it is a nice place to stop for a drink. In turn, the rocky coast with tidal pools will make you want to swim there too.
However, before going to swim, it is worth checking out the chapel hidden in the rocks at the beach. Oasis Beach Kallithea is undoubtedly a unique beach on Rhodes. It offers many interesting attractions that we have not heard about before in any travel guides.
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Tasos beach
The rocky coast of Rhodes makes that there is something magical about every beach on the island. At Tassos Beach, blue umbrellas with tables and sunbeds are placed in shallow water pools surrounded by rocks. There is also a large restaurant by the beach, where you can try delicious seafood.
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Nikolas Beach Kallithea
Opposite Tasos beach, you will find an equally interesting beach – Nikolas Beach Kallithea. You will get there in just 12 minutes from the Kallithe Spings. Therefore, if you like remote locations, this beach will be the perfect choice to relax far away from the crowds of tourists.
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Kokkini Beach Kallithea
If you do not want to walk on a hot day, the Kokkini Beach Kallithea, located by the Kallithea Spring’s parking lot, is also a nice option to spend a day in Rhodes. Due to the rocky beach, it is worth buying good swimming shoes that will make it easier for you to enter the water.
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Poseidon Beach Kallithea
A beach with a panoramic view of the Rhodes island and 5-star hotels such as Elysium Resort & Spa, Mitsis Alila Resort & Spa or Rodos Palladium Leisure & Wellness is the perfect place for taking holiday photo. However, the best viewpoint can be found on the by the road Leof. Kallitheas, and getting there from the beach will take you just a few minutes.
📖 Read More About the Best Travel Cameras
After discovering Kallithea’s beaches, head to Hotel Elysium, where you will find bus stops. If you are going to Rhodes, wait at the bus stop number 447. In turn, tourists traveling to Faliraki must catch the bus on the other side of the road with the number 417.
Traveling by public transport in Rhodes is really simple, and a well-developed transport network allows exploring island on budget and reaching to many places at your own pace.
Things to do in Rhodes – Relax at the most beautiful beaches
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Traganou Beach
Not only to Kallithea, but also to the Traganou Beach you can get by public transport. However, a 10-minute walk awaits you, which will surely reward you with beautiful caves on the beach. If you like to travel comfortably on the beach there is also a parking lot.
It is worth going to the Traganou Beach in the morning if you want to take beautiful photos, because during the day tourists seeking shelter from the sun put beach towels in caves. Many tours that want to see beautiful caves in Greece come to visit this beach.
🌊 If you are a fan of natural rock formations, also check what the Greek island of Zakynthos offers. Swimming in blue caves is an unforgettable experience.
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Anthony Quinn Bay
The most beautiful bay in the eastern part of Rhodes is called from the famous Mexican-American actor, which was Anthony Quinn. During the filming of the movie “The Guns of Navarone”, the actor fell in lovewith this beautiful Greek landscape and decided to buy part of this area. Unfortunately, he was not a Greek citizen, so buying this paradise did never happened.
He was not the only person who fell in love with this place, because thousands of tourists come to visit the most popular beach in Rhodes every year, which is the Anthony Quinn Bay. Personally, we also consider it as the most interesting beach on the island due to its beautiful location and good place for snorkelling.
Are there lionfish in Rhodes?
Under water you will see many colorful fish, but you need to watch out for sea urchins. During a visit to Anthony Quinn Bay, we also saw the Lionfish, which is a beautiful fish, but unfortunately venomous. This is one of an invasive species, and its long fins can even cause death in people.
Lionfish is also often called a butterfly or a sea dragon and can attack if you get too close. We recommend to be very careful while snorkelling during the holidays.
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Before you reach Anthony Quinn, you will see a small bay with two beaches. On the one hand, the beach with a gentle descent into the water, perfect for families with children, and on the other, ladder to the deep water. Paralia Ladiko offers something for everyone and it’s worth relaxing there on the beach.
You can also go to the viewpoint, which is located just a few minutes walk from the beach. From there, there is a panoramic view of Erimokastro, which is famous for rock climbing among tourists looking for attractions with a bit of adrenaline.
Things to do in Rhodes – Enotourism
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Wine tasting
During our stay in Greece, we always try local wines and, a visit to the winery on the island of Zakynthos and Rhodes was an amazing experience. It is worth to spend a quality of time at the Kounaki Wines to taste the unique Greek wine.
The wines produced by Kounaki Wines are made with great care and attention to detail to ensure that each bottle is of the highest quality. Bottle labels are drawings made by one of the members of the family company Kounaki Wines, which is operating since 1928.
Animals in Rhodes
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Peacock
Although peacocks do not come from Greece, they are an important element of the island of Rhodes. Vibrant colors and long feathers make these birds a symbol of beauty, and the opportunity to see them in the natural environment is a unique attraction.
Peacocks on Rhodes likes, among others, areas around Evita Resort Hotel, which is located by the hill. At dawn, peacocks visit the hotel grounds, and relax on trees in the evening.
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Goats
Greece is famous for charming goats, and their quantity exceeds all other European Union countries. Their presence is particularly visible in mountainous regions. You can see them, among others, by going to the Anthony Quin Bay viewpoint.
Things to do in Rhodes – Visit Churches
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Saint Nikolaos Fountoukli Holy Orthodox Church
The church from the 15th century with an interior filled with impressive Byzantine frescoes is one of the most important medieval buildings at Rhodes. In addition, one of the oldest olive trees on the island is growing in front of the church, which is really impressive.
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Profitis Ilias Church
Small, white chapels can be seen in many places on the island of Rhodes. However, it is worth going to Profitis Ilias Church because of its location, which offers beautiful views. It is not difficult to notice that many churches on the Greek hills are called Profitis Ilias and are dedicated to the prophet Elijah.
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Church of St. Panteleimon in Siana
Church of St. Panteleimon in Siana is famous for its beautiful paintings, giant chandeliers and a gilded wooden iconostasis. Opposite the temple there is also a museum and it is possible to buy local olive products in Ladomilos Olive Oil Factory.
Things to do in Rhodes – Watch Sunrise
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Anthony Quinn Viewpoint
One of the best places to admire the sunrise in Rhodes is the Anthony Quinn Bay viewpoint. The effect of the rising sun on Rhodes is really unique when the fiery, red sun initially appears in the sky.
If you do not want to miss this spectacle, be sure to go there before the first rays of sunlight paint the sky in shades of gold. If you are interested in the most beautiful sunrise in the world, Rhodes should definitely be on your list.
🌅 Are you wondering where you can see the most beautiful sunsets? Be sure to read our article about Holbox's paradise island.
Things to do in Rhodes – Island Hopping
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Symi Island
The island is famous for its picturesque buildings, natural sea sponges and the Sacred Monastery of Saint Archangel Michael the Panormitis. Every year on November 8, pilgrims from around the world ask him for a health.
The island’s coast is a protected area and there is a ban on building large hotels. On the island, you will find only boutique hotels and houses worth several million euros. This is a truly hidden gem of the Dodecanez, which Angelina Jolie probably visits every year.
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Chalki Island
Chalki is also a picturesque island that you can see during a one day trip from Rhodes. Colorful buildings are not as stunning as in the Symi, but Chalki certainly has more beautiful beaches. Crystal clear, turquoise water and stunning views allow you to relax far away from the vibrant life of Rhodes.
You can get in 10 minutes to the Pondamos Beach or in less than 20 minutes to Ftenagia Beach from the ferry terminal. We also recommend tasting fresh fish straight from the sea in Café Theodosia. Then go to a nearby ice cream shop to make your waiting time for departure more pleasant.
Where to stay in Rhodes?
Elafos Hotel
Hidden in the beautiful Rhodes mountains, Elafos Hotel stands out in the Dodecanez. The main idea was to refer to the architecture of the mountain areas of Rhodes – Profitis Ilias and the Italian region of Trentino-Alge Adige.
SunConnect Evita Resort
What convinced us to choose SunConnect Evita Resort is its location. On the one hand, a sheltered hill behind which the most beautiful beach on the island is hidden – Anthony Quinn Bay, and on the other an open space with easy access to Faliraki.
In addition, there is a bus stop by the hotel, which makes it much easier to explore Rhodes on your own. From SunConnect Evita Resort you will get by bus, among others to the city of Rhodes, Lindos, Seven Springs and to such beaches as Tsambika, Traganou and Anthony Quinn for a price of a few euros.
It is a small holiday resort, so tourists looking for luxury hotels with 5 bars and 4 restaurants should rather choose La Marquise Luxury Resort Complex or other nearby hotels.
Although, we stayed in all-inclusive hotels with a much higher standard several times, we don’t regret choosing SunConnect Evita Resort at all. It was a great location for full-day trips, and the price of the hotel is quite affordable. If you like to spend time actively like us, SunConnect Evita Resort will be an ideal accommodation base for you in Rhodes.
☀️ If you are wondering when it is worth visiting Rhodes, the milder temperatures starts from September. ✈️ The end of October and the beginning of November is the end of the tourist season, so if you want to visit Rhodes in winter, you must go to Athens first, and from there to the island of Rhodes. 💸 Finding cheaper accommodation will be easier after the high season which is between June and August. It is worth comparing accommodation offers on different websites such as: Loveholidays Hostelworld Booking
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