Are you looking for the best Rhodes itinerary? Then you have come to the right place. If you want to step back to a time when knights proudly roamed the streets and grand majestic castles were a common sight, Rhodes Island may just be the fairytale you’re seeking. Stone-paved alleys, an atmospheric old town, a charming medieval castle and elegant mansions are just a few of the characteristics that have (rightly so) earned Rhodes its nickname of the “Knight’s Island”.
Rhodes is one of the largest and more cosmopolitan islands of the Dodecanese island groups, located in the shimmering azure waters of the Aegean Sea. Its rich history, ancient archaeological sites and sun-drenched bays will leave you wondering why you haven’t put this Rhodes itinerary earlier.
Due to its strategic position, Rhodes has been an important destination long before maps or planes existed. During ancient times the island was conquered by a myriad of important civilizations and has had its fair share of moments of glory.
Construction of the city of Rhodes began as far back as 407 BC, and through the years has had an influence from the Romans, the Byzantine Empire and the Ottoman Turks, who erected important buildings such as the Palace of the Grand Masters of the Knights of Rhodes. Its most notable influence, however, was from the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem, which built fortifications to protect the island and transformed it into a flourishing multicultural medieval city.
Nowadays the beauty of the medieval treasure of Rhodes town has not remained unnoticed amongst modern eyes, and it currently stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, bringing thousands of travellers to the island every year to soak in the mysteries enclaved within its walls. Holiday-makers also often venture down south of the island, where they can find the postcard-perfect town of Lindos, sandwiched between a clifftop acropolis above and a turquoise bay below.
During this Rhodes itinerary, it’s not impossible to find an inch of the island that doesn’t have a story to tell, some striking nature to trod on or a hidden past to discover. Whether you come for the verdant hilly landscapes, become enamoured by the cobblestoned Street of the Nights or end up staying for the long uninterrupted line of sandy beaches, Rhodes is the ideal Greek destination for all tastes of travel.
Post Contents
- When to Visit Rhodes: Weather and Seasons
- Unique Experiences to Have and the Best Places to Visit in Rhodes
- Catch a Glimpse of Medieval Life in the Enthralling Rhodes Old Town
- Immerse Yourself in Greek History at Lindos Acropolis
- Experience Colourful Flutters at Rhodes’ Butterfly Valley
- Set Sail on a Boat Trip from Rhodes to Symi Island
- Lay Down Your Towel at One of Rhodes’ Many Dazzling Beaches
- Step into a Real Life Fairytale in Monolithos Castle
- Rhodes Itinerary: How to Get Around
- Where to Stay in Rhodes
- Best Places to Eat in Rhodes
- The Cost of a Trip to Rhodes
- Cultural Festivities and Local Events in Rhodes
- Medieval Mystery and Sun-soaked Days Await in Rhodes!
When to Visit Rhodes: Weather and Seasons
Thanks to its positioning in the heart of the Aegean Sea, Rhodes benefits from a balmy Mediterranean climate all year round. With that being said, the best time to visit Rhodes entirely depends on what kind of experience you are in search of. In this Rhodes itinerary, we will discuss different seasons as well as tips on which region to visit when.
Renowned for its majestic coastline and transparent waters, the summer months are the first choice for many travellers looking to spend their holiday on an idyllic Mediterranean island. High season here can be longer than on other islands in Greece and spans from April to November. Temperatures tend to shoot up during July and August, however, this is combated by a cooling sea breeze especially near the coast or in the evenings. Although the summer is a popular time to visit, Rhodes doesn’t get overcrowded, and there is usually never a shortage of accommodation even during the high season.
Designer Journeys’ network of in-destination Local Designers will use their expert knowledge, local insight and travel planning skills to design your ultimate Greece experience. Begin designing your journey today! Winds characterize the island all year round, and if in the summer they cool down those gasp-inducing heat waves, in the winter months they make the climate milder too. You may experience some mild rain from December to March, however, the island is large enough that you certainly won’t miss out on its most interesting sights during this time. There is still a variety of cafes, restaurants, and of course, castles to visit all year round, although the sea may be a little too cold during the winter to take a dip in. Pretty shorelines aren’t Rhodes’ only asset though, and as long as you’re not coming solely to party until the midnight hours, you’ll find plenty of things to do in the low-season months. You can ramble through the exquisite Valley of the Butterflies, take a trip to the striking acropolis of Rhodes or hike up the monastery of Tsambika. Keep in mind that during winter the seas can be rougher, so if you’re island-hopping to Rhodes from nearby destinations such as Kos or Karpathos, consider the option of flying into Rhodes airport rather than taking the ferry (unless of course, you have a stomach as strong as a knight). To plan your perfect Rhodes itinerary, you can use our “Design Your Trip” function to visit the island, rain or shine. As the largest island of the Dodecanese complex, Rhodes is brimming with history, medieval castles, and unspoiled beaches. Whether you want to step back in time or simply kick back and unwind in a slice of Grecian paradise, activities and destinations in Rhodes are plentiful. For the ultimate travel inspiration, local insight straight from our expert Local Designers and exclusive offers you won’t find anywhere else from Designer Journeys, sign up today! Don’t miss out.
If you’re a fan of charming narrow streets, ancient churches and medieval architecture (and let’s face it, what traveller isn’t) then Rhodes’s old town should be at the top of your list of things to do in Rhodes. As the largest medieval city in Europe, Rhodes’ city walls span over 4 kilometres and hold a number of strongholds, towers and plenty of nooks and crannies to explore. In fact, as there are over 200 nameless streets and lanes in the old town so getting lost in Rhodes city centre is pretty much guaranteed – in the best sense of the word. For the history buffs out there, experiencing a tour of Rhodes Old Town may be a great way to step back in time and learn about the stories that once played out within Rhodes’ city walls. Don’t miss out on the jewel of the Old City’s crown: The Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes, also known as Rhodes Castle. Built in the 14th century, this palace is decked out with magnificent mosaic floors, towering sculptures and exquisite art that are well and truly fit for a king. Standing proudly on a hill within one of Rhodes’ most beautiful villages lies the awe-striking Lindos Acropolis. In the Middle Ages, the site was one of the island’s strongholds and is surrounded by fortified walls built by the Knights of Rhodes. Positioned on a large rock 116 metres above the sea, not only is the acropolis an incredible archaeological site, the views from the top are almost as breathtaking as the ruins themselves. Inside the walls, you’ll find the remains of an ancient theatre, battlements, and the last vestiges of a temple dedicated to Athena Lindia. Lindos is easily reachable by car from Rhodes City, or if you’re in no hurry and prefer a more scenic route, take a boat trip from Rhodes Town to Lindos. Immerse yourself in the archaeological beauty of Lindos on this 14-day aphrodite honeymoon trip to Rhodes, where you can spend a day strolling around this pretty village soaking up its tumultuous history in every corner. A unique sanctuary found inland on Rhodes, this natural forest is home to a plethora of trees, waterfalls, and in the spring and autumn months, hundreds of butterflies. Often flying to areas of high humidity to reproduce, during this time the verdant butterfly valley becomes flooded with these magnificent creatures, much to the delight of the park’s visitors. This peaceful nature reserve is the perfect activity for families with children that are seeking to experience a little bit of magic within nature. If you have the time, a day on Symi Island is well worth a visit, and the great news is it is only a short boat trip from Rhodes. You’ll find no fancy resorts or large hotels here – this is a true taste of authentic Dodecanese island living! Curiously, Symi was once one of the world’s greatest sponge-diving centres, and you’ll find local stalls selling sponges all over the island. Other than its unique product, the island is well-known for its colourful houses, dramatic scenery, quaint harbour and exceptional seafood. Designer Journeys’ network of in-destination Local Designers will use their expert knowledge, local insight and travel planning skills to design your ultimate Greece experience. Begin designing your journey today! A visit to a Greek island without going for a dip at the beach would be akin to a cardinal sin. As Rhodes is an island, it is packed with spectacular beaches all around its coasts, so the biggest problem you’ll have is deciding which one to pick from this Rhodes itinerary! Spend some sun-soaked days lounging about at Elli Beach, a stretch of sand as lively as the town of Rhodes itself, which also features a five-metre diving platform from where divers leap into the azure-coloured waters below. Other notable beaches to include in your Rhodes itinerary are the relaxed Agios Pavlos beach, the more popular Lindos beach, or the exceptionally secluded Tsambika beach. Although Rhodes is chockablock with whimsical and nostalgic castles, Monolithos is arguably its most impressive. Originally intended to protect the area from pirates and enemies, its crumbling ruins and magnificent two churches still stand the test of time in all their glorious splendour. Located on a steep 236-metre-high hill, the arduous climb amongst the lush greenery may be strenuous, but it is compensated generously. At the top, you’ll be met with one of the most impressive viewpoints Rhodes has to offer: a breathtaking view of Akramytis mountain, the island of Halki in the distance and of course the far-spanning Aegean sea below. Reaching Rhodes is an easy feat: if you happen to be island hopping then reaching Rhodes port by ferry makes perfect sense, as the island is well connected to the major neighbouring ports such as Kos, Patmos or Kalymnos. However, if you are on a budget, there are plenty of flights that run daily from Athens that are inexpensive and also save you the long (and often nauseating) hours that come with travelling on a ferry. Once you reach Rhodes, you’ll quickly realise it is not an island to explore entirely by foot, due to its size and higher temperatures, especially during the summer months. Excluding the narrow streets of the Old Town which are mostly pedestrianized, the rest of the island is best navigated by public bus, taxi or car. The bus system in Rhodes is decent, and most local buses leave within Rhodes town at the bus stop in Mandraki harbour. Most routes run often during weekdays, but you’ll find it a little more difficult to catch regular buses throughout the weekend. If you want more freedom in getting around the island, a taxi is a good option. You’ll find the majority of taxis lingering in Rhodes city, on the harborfront in Plateia Rimini. Many offer trips to most destinations around the island for an agreed price beforehand. However, due to the increasing amounts of tourists, the prices of local taxis can often become inflated. For this reason, booking a tour that includes a private driver such as our 7-Day Majestic Rhodes Luxury And Discovery, can easily save you the hassles of negotiating a fair price well in advance. Most of our tours to the Greek islands include private transport or have the option of renting a car so you can explore an island like Rhodes at your own pace. Whether you are a couple looking for a romantic getaway, a family wanting to have some sun-filled fun, or a group of friends that want both history and a modern atmosphere, the best place to stay in Rhodes entirely depends on your personal preferences. Fortunately for you, in this Rhodes itinerary, we will present multiple options. Much of the island is catered towards tourists so finding a hotel in Rhodes that suits you will be a breeze. That being said, there are also plenty of corners of Rhodes that are unspoiled and developing into quiet resorts. For seekers of ancient history base yourself in Rhodes’s old town. If you’re looking for watersports, beach bars and lively nightlife, head to Faliraki or Ialysos. If a more tranquil holiday is more your style, the laid-back feel of Kiotari and Pefkos is ideal for couples wanting to enjoy a more romantic retreat. For the ultimate travel inspiration, local insight straight from our expert Local Designers and exclusive offers you won’t find anywhere else from Designer Journeys, sign up today! Don’t miss out.
Rhodes offers accommodation for all types of travellers: from larger resorts for a younger crowd seeking some fun to quiet beachside accommodation and everything in between. Rhodes Town possibly has the most choice of different places to stay on the island, both on the more luxurious side or the more budget-friendly scale. If you head towards the east coast, you’ll find more upmarket accommodation especially in the pretty town of Lindos. Long stretches of shingle beach with larger hotels dominate the north-west of the island, whereas the south of Rhodes is more wild and remote, and has plenty of quieter resorts and villas which are perfect for watersport lovers and families or couples. Encasing the medieval city that Rhodes is so renowned for, it’s no wonder most visitors of Rhodes choose to base themselves in Rhodes Town. Although there is a modern area named New Town, it’s Rhodes’ Old Town that gets all the attention. Here you can find all types of accommodation, from upscale boutique hotels set in medieval buildings to more affordable guesthouses, you will wake up every morning surrounded by history. In the old town you’ll be a stone’s throw away from the Roman ruins and the gothic Palace of the Grand Master, whereas if you stay in the new town, you’ll be closer to the beachside bars, backstreets cafes, and some of the best sunsets on the island. Rhodes by night also comes alive in both the old and new town. Much of Rhodes’ charming beauty can be found in the lovely town of Lindos, on the east of the island. Its white-washed houses and winding streets are towered over by the iconic Lindos Acropolis above, and it is one of the dreamiest places to stay in Rhodes. A whole gamut of accommodation is on offer here, from studios to hotels for all types of budgets. Lindos is an excellent place to stay for golden sands, inviting turquoise waters and archaeological digs. If you’ve had your fill of historic facts, there’s plenty of sun, sea and fun to go around in Faliraki. This seaside destination is often visited by groups of budget travellers looking for a more animated atmosphere. There is no shortage of cheap places to stay in the centre of town, where the bar scene and general nightlife are booming. The southern ends of Faliraki tend to be a lot quieter, and there’s also plenty to do here for families too. There is a multitude of beachside accommodations, plenty of places to eat and drink, and even a waterpark for those with little ones. Accommodation options range from studios or beachside guesthouses to stylish hotels, so you’ll be spoilt for choice when choosing where to stay. On the east coast of Rhodes just south of Lindos, you’ll find the little town of Pefkos. Pefkos has a distinct small village feel to it, but despite its size, there is still plenty going on here. There is a south-west facing beach that is ideal for basking in the heat and a handful of cafes and restaurants that dot the streets here. As tourism hasn’t developed massively yet in Pefkos, it’s great for a quieter retreat. Choose anything from a larger resort further away from the town or a self-catering apartment in the centre. If you love to experience a country’s culture through its food, Rhodes is undoubtedly a gastronomic paradise. Due to its positioning in the Aegean Sea, Rhodes offers its visitors ample opportunities to experience the richness of the Mediterranean diet combined with the finest of traditional Greek bites. Rhodian food is olive oil, swirling local wines, fragrant herbs and spices, and heavenly fresh fish. A culinary staple on Rhodes, mezethes are small plates of mini dishes that you often order in abundance along with a group of other people, where everyone shares, nibbles and indulges to their heart’s content. If you’re still hungry by the end of it, you simply order more! Common mezethes are aubergine slices, small cheese or spinach pies and octopus salad. One of the highlights of any trip to Greece is the seemingly unending reserve of mouthwatering seafood. Head to any coastal town and you will be, quite literally, swimming with options of fresh fish to try. Whether you prefer your seafood, grilled, fried or fresh, there is something here for everyone. Try mussels marinated with tomato and garlic or the quintessential “psarosoupa” (fish soup) for a true taste of Rhodes. It would be blasphemy during your Rhodes itinerary to not accompany your Greek bites with a drink in hand. Luckily, restaurant tables in Rhodes are rarely spotted without a glass of wine, beer or ouzo to accompany any meal. Rhodes boasts of a multitude of vineyards and most tavernas feature their own house wines on the menu. Of course, a trip to Greece wouldn’t be complete without knocking back some Ouzo, the famed anise-flavoured Greek liqueur. Residents of Rhodes tend to eat later on island time. Think 9 pm dinners and long and extended late lunches – a blissful routine to fall into when holidaying. On the island, there is no shortage of local haunts to fill your rumbling belly at any hour of the day. Greek tavernas are one of your best bets to taste some authentic delicacies, but don’t miss out on the many beachfront bars or harbour-side restaurants that offer anything from zucchini fried to perfection, some tzatziki dip or the catch of the day. When planning your Rhodes itinerary, there is a multitude of factors that can affect how much your trip costs: That’s a lot of things to take into account! Planning your Rhodes itinerary can get a little overwhelming sometimes, so using a website like Designer Journeys to help take out the stress of planning makes the process a whole lot easier. You can get in touch with any of the in-house Local Designers who have ample experience of arranging trips to Rhodes so you don’t have to sweat the small stuff. Alternatively, you can design your own trip to Greece, so you have complete control of where you will be going and what you will be doing. Simply type in the duration of your trip, what type of activities you want to do, what class of accommodation you want and your preferred mode of transport and we’ll do the rest. Planning a trip to Rhodes has never been easier! If you want to travel to Rhodes in style, a luxury trip like 7-Day Majestic Rhodes Luxury And Discovery could be an excellent option. The overall cost is eur 1995 and features: Alternatively, if you’re looking to cover more Greek islands without missing out on any of the important sights, this 14-Day Athens, Santorini, Crete & Rhodes trip would be ideal for you. Costing eur 4773, it includes: Changing a few variables such as cheaper types of accommodation, the number of activities and how you travel can bring down the cost of your trip considerably. So no matter what your budget or style of travel is, Designer Journeys makes it easy to modify and tweak your trip to perfection. Travelling is a truly personal thing, and planning a trip to the Greek islands, or anywhere in the world for that matter, can be a tricky thing to get right. Browse Designer Journey’s fully customizable Greece tours to get some inspiration for your ideal trip to Greece, where you have the option of tailoring it to your own travel preferences. Better yet, make your very own trip to Rhodes using the ‘Design your Own Trip’ feature, and a Local Designer will happily help you in creating your ideal Greek holiday. Festivities and events on Rhodes Island are a great way for visitors to interact with the local traditions and get a glimpse into what life is like here. With such a rich history, tradition and beauty, the island comes alive on many different occasions. Most events are cultural or religious, but whether it be a gastronomical festivity or a medieval celebration, there is plenty to celebrate here all year round. During the summer, a Medieval Rose Festival takes place, where a plethora of concerts, plays and performances will take you back on a journey back in time. If you want to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere on Rhodes, head there in August for the “Dormition of the Virgin Mary”, a traditional folk festival. Between May and October, one of the island highlights is the Sound and Light Show, which takes place in the impressive old fortress of Rhodes Town. The show transports you back to a time when knights existed in Europe, and deals with the fight of the citizens of Rhodes with the Turkish army. The summer months tend to be when most of the festivities occur, such as the film festival in August, the music festival in September and even a watermelon festival in July. With so much on offer on this spectacular island, you’d be hard-pressed not to find something enjoyable to partake in. Reclining on a lounger on long stretches of glittering golden sand or immersing yourself in rich ancient history in Rhodes doesn’t have to be a far-fetched idea. Start planning your trip to Rhodes with Designer Journeys’ Local Designers that will cater to your every travel need: from the activities you want to do to the places you want to stay in, they’ll take care of it all. Designer Journeys’ network of in-destination Local Designers will use their expert knowledge, local insight and travel planning skills to design your ultimate Greece experience. Begin designing your journey today!Planning to Visit Greece?
Unique Experiences to Have and the Best Places to Visit in Rhodes
Don’t Miss Our Exclusive Offers! Subscribe Today!
Catch a Glimpse of Medieval Life in the Enthralling Rhodes Old Town
Immerse Yourself in Greek History at Lindos Acropolis
Experience Colourful Flutters at Rhodes’ Butterfly Valley
Set Sail on a Boat Trip from Rhodes to Symi Island
Planning to Visit Greece?
Lay Down Your Towel at One of Rhodes’ Many Dazzling Beaches
Step into a Real Life Fairytale in Monolithos Castle
Rhodes Itinerary: How to Get Around
Where to Stay in Rhodes
Don’t Miss Our Exclusive Offers! Subscribe Today!
Type of Accommodation in Rhodes
Accommodation in Rhodes Town
Accommodation in Lindos
Accommodation in Faliraki
Accommodation in Ialysos
Almost akin to a suburb of Rhodes Town, on the northern coast of Rhodes you’ll find Ialysos, a fantastic all-round destination on the island. If you want beaches, an abundance of eateries, as well as a good serving of history culture – this is the place to go. Accommodation in Pefkos
Best Places to Eat in Rhodes
Blissful Bites of Mezethes
Island Caught Seafood
Local Greek Wines and Ouzo
Slow Down and Indulge
The Cost of a Trip to Rhodes
Cultural Festivities and Local Events in Rhodes
Medieval Mystery and Sun-soaked Days Await in Rhodes!
Take some inspiration from our tours that stop in Rhodes or other Greek islands from the Designer Journeys destination gallery, or try your hand at planning your very own trip to Rhodes to get in contact with a Local Designer that will plan your perfect trip for you.Planning to Visit Greece?
