What should i see in rhodes

One of the first things you should do when you visit Rhodes is to explore the island and get a taste of what you want to do during your stay. You can hire a car and go offthebeatentrack to uncover hidden coves and places where the crowds have yet to explore. You could even hop on a boat and sail to neighbouring destinations such as Marmaris in Turkey or the picturesque island of Symi. If you're a night owl, you'll feel right at home over at the Faliraki resort , which is known for its lively nightlife scene.

Hit all the best bars and clubs and dance the night away following a relaxing day soaking up the Mediterranean sunshine on the beach.

In Rhodes, things to do will depend on your personal taste. If partying isn't your thing, you'll probably prefer a quiet meal in one of the many Greek restaurants on the island or even indulge in a romantic picnic over at St Paul's Bay. Here, you can snorkel and explore the colourful marine life and practice windsurfing along the coast. Or, simply sit back, relax and marvel at the stunning views boasting rocky cliffs, turquoise waters and golden sands.

Grab your camera and prepare to snap lots of panoramic shots as you journey to the Monastery Tsambika , which offers breathtaking views over the coast of Tsambika and Kolymbia. You'll have to climb steps to reach the Byzantine church, which lies 25km south of Rhodes Town.

Some more great places to visit in Rhodes include the Archaeological Museum, which is home to ancient treasures spanning years. Explore what was once a Knight's Hospital in the 15th century and discover marble statues, historical artefacts and more during your visit.

While you're in Rhodes Town , stop by the 7th century Roloi Clock Tower and enjoy a refreshing beverage overlooking the surrounding buildings. You'll find most of the main attractions in Rhodes over at the Knights' Quarter, which is where the Knights of St John called home in the 14th century. Make your way through the Street of the Knights and head to the Palace of the Grand Master , which is a historical building established by the Knights Hospitaller.

Explore inside its mystical chambers and check out the different exhibits and artwork on display inside the castle. Another must-see attraction in Rhodes is the Colossus of Rhodes, a statue of Helios, an ancient Greek sun-god. The statue is known as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and you can view what remains during your visit.

While in Rhodes, make sure you don't miss the opportunity to climb to the top of the Acropolis of Lindos. Meander through ancient white columns and explore the historical remains of the Temple of Athena Lindia. Before you leave, spend some time exploring the cobbled streets of Lindos, which is a traditional Greek village known for its historical buildings, glorious sandy beaches, and romantic charm.

There's a lot of amazing places to see in Rhodes but one that's often overlooked is Petaloudes, a spectacular forest over on the western part of the island. It's also known as the Valley of the Butterflies, and if you visit in summer, you'll get to see hundreds of them fluttering around the forest. Take the forest path and let it guide you through tranquil streams and peaceful pools as you take in the beautiful views and enjoy the warm sunshine on your skin.

Escape the tourists over in Filerimos, a small town coated with pine and cedar trees, epic views of the Aegean Sea and home to a medieval monastery overlooking the bay. To reach the Monastery of Filerimos , take the winding road to the top of the hill.

From there, you can begin your exploration of the early Christian basilica and the smaller Byzantine church, which offers a peek into the history of the area. This may be a small town, but nightlife in Lindos has plenty to offer. Roloi Clock Tower. Originally constructed at the end of the 7th century, the Roloi Clock Tower in the medieval old town is a top sightseeing attraction in Rhodes. The Byzantine structure has undergone a few rebirths since its original creation — it was damaged by an explosion and rebuilt with Baroque touches afterwards.

But the best thing to do is climb to the top of the tower and take in the panoramic views of Rhodes below. Visit either early in the morning or in the late afternoon. Elli Beach. This is the main town beach, and in summer, it can get very crowded, although the clear blue water here remains warm enough to swim through October. The beach is mostly pebbles, so it can be a bit rocky to walk or lay out on, but there are plenty of sun-loungers and umbrellas for rent in the season.

Note the water here gets deep quickly, so it isn't the best option for young children. There is even a diving platform set up to leap off just offshore. There is also good snorkeling in the vicinity. Nicholas on its northern tip. Flanking the entrance to the harbor are two stone columns topped by bronze figures of a stag and a doe. Deer are the heraldic symbol of Rhodes and are still depicted on local ceramics such as plates, ashtrays, and tiles sold as souvenirs.

In times gone by, the mythical Colossus of Rhodes a giant third-century-BC statue of Helios, a handsome Greek god and personification of the sun is said to have straddled the entrance to the harbor where the deer now stand.

Outside the fortifications, the so-called new town was first settled by local Greeks after the Ottoman Turks banished them from the medieval center in However, it gained its present appearance in the s, when the Italians, under Mussolini, added the elegant Art Deco administrative buildings overlooking the Mandraki Harbor, including the town hall, post office, covered market, theater, and aquarium.

Between the Mandraki Harbor and the northern tip of the island, are a string of narrow sandy beaches , with sunbeds and umbrellas for hire. Rhodes is just one of some 6, islands that are a part of Greece. If you are planning to explore the islands, be sure to read our article on the Top Greek Islands.

Athens: For many visitors arriving by air, Athens is the entry point to Greece. If you're a history buff or even if you aren't you should plan on spending at least some time in Athens, which is the heart of ancient Greece. Greece Travel Guide. See also: Where to Stay in Rhodes Town Note: Some businesses may be temporarily closed due to recent global health and safety issues.

Then you are in luck — there are plenty of secluded stretches of sand to choose from on this untouched island, with unbelievably blue sea to swim in. Float past dramatic sea cliffs and discover hidden coves on a relaxing SUP tour in Rhodes. One of the joys of paddleboarding is being able to access secret spots along the coast where few other visitors get to go. Feeling hot? Then just jump off your board for swimming, snorkeling, or even cliff jumping for those brave enough.

Paddling is really easy to pick up, and you will have a blast learning the ropes. Kamiros was an ancient agricultural settlement in north-west Rhodes, famed for its production of olive oil, figs, and wine. One of three powerful Doric cities on the island, Kamiros was eventually abandoned as its residents moved to live in Rhodes Town. Head up to the acropolis to see where the very first temple to Athena once stood, and enjoy the glimmering sea views as you walk around this excavated hilltop site.

Get hands-on at the Farma of Rhodes , where a menagerie of unusual inhabitants is waiting to greet you. Have a go at feeding the ostriches and kangaroos or try taking a selfie with a llama. Fancy hanging out with the camels? You can do that too.

This is one of the best things to do in Rhodes for families. Just watch out for the pesky lemurs — they are crazy. Watch your sail unfurl and brace yourself for an adrenaline-filled ride over the waves as you master a kitesurfing session at Prassonissi Beach. The waters of these twin coves are warm and the north winds are strong, making ideal conditions for fun-fuelled sports.

Windsurfing is popular here too, with classes for first-timers and experts alike. Onlookers can enjoy a swim in the clear water and climb the hill for stunning views. One of the most thrilling ways to discover Rhodes is on a sailing trip. Relax on deck as your skipper expertly maneuvers the boat into all the best spots, from sweeping bays to secret sea caves. Cut through the blue ocean and voyage to outlying islands like Symi or even across to the Turkish Riviera. Soak up the sun, splash about with a snorkel, or explore white-washed villages that cling to lush green hillsides.

Of all the historical sites in Rhodes, this is one of the most unusual. Standing proud on a wide plateau above Ialyssos town, the 15 th -century Filerimos Monastery was designed in a Gothic style. It is quite unlike other buildings on the island. Once you have explored this charming stone haven, wander through the avenue of cypress trees and pink bougainvillea to the cloisters.

Then take a stroll uphill for fabulous views out over the turquoise Aegean. Walk in the footsteps of Romans in one of the first landscaped parks in the world. Follow well-marked trails along a babbling natural stream, and see if you can spy the resident peacocks as they strut through the trees. Make sure you visit the tomb of the Ptolemies — an ancient funerary monument carved into a huge rock. Take a picnic and make the most of the cooling shade during the heat of the afternoon.

Rhodes is famous for its idyllic beaches, so how do you choose which to visit? For something a bit different, head to the gorgeous Tsambika Beach and soar over the romantic Grecian coastline on a parasailing flight.

Windsurfers should head to the dreamy double beach at Prasonisi, while those wanting to escape the crowds love swimming in the clear waters of Traganou. Finally, for sugar-soft sand, Pefkos is the place to be.

After your cup of coffee and tasty sandwich, explore the grounds to discover a solar clock and mysterious astronomical artefacts. Peer through the observatory telescope and spot planets, moons, and far away galaxies. Curious amateurs can learn how a sundial works too. Find out what lives under the sea all around Greece at AquaWorld in Faliraki. Perfect for younger explorers, this small aquarium is home to hundreds of unique fish from around the island shores. Enjoy encounters with moray eels and sea urchins, and watch mesmerizing displays of vibrant fish performing their best moves in giant tanks.

You will all be experts on Mediterranean species by the time you leave. Pretend to be knights of the realm as you stride around the ruins of Kritinia Castle in western Rhodes. Strategically positioned on a hill overlooking the Aegean, the castle enjoys some of the best views on the island.

Knights used this stronghold to ward off attacks by pirates and Ottoman Turks, and the site has seen many bloody battles through the years. As you wander through the ruins, admire the incredible 16 th -century wall paintings.

If you were trapped inside a room with only your wits to help you escape, would you succeed? Solve complex riddles, search for hidden objects, and figure out mysterious clues as you battle to unlock the door.