DanckTravel

My friends and I ended up going to Rhodes due to an American Express quiz. We knew we wanted to visit a Greek island, but due to the sheer number of places you can go, we were having trouble picking which one. 

In my inbox sat a quiz with the promise of selecting the right Greek island for me. I took it and landed on Rhodes. After some more investigating, my friends and I agreed that this island did indeed seem perfect, so we packed our bags. Below is our guide to the island and what to do while there.

Rhodes Location and How to Get There

If you are wondering where Rhodes is on a map, it’s actually pretty close to Turkey. The easiest way to get here is via plane. Rhodes is the second largest Greek island, so they have a fairly large airport, making it easy to get here from many other European cities.

What to See and Do in Rhodes

Below are our recommendations for what to see and do while visiting Rhodes:

1. Get Lost in Rhodes Town 

Rhodes Town is full of history and was actually the site for the famous seventh wonder of the world, the Colossus. This wonder was created to celebrate the defeat of Demetrius, King of Macedonia, who tried to overtake the island. This statue is long gone, but you can still see historical sites and artifacts in the main city, including at the Archaeological Museum. 

Today, Rhodes Town is a UNESCO heritage site. The old town is surrounded by large castle walls and it feels like entering a maze. These walls were constructed in 1309, building upon existing Byzantine structures. 

Today, the downtown hosts numerous shops and restaurants within its walls. With the cobblestone streets, it feels like you’re stepping back in time.

KDancks leaning against the castle walls.

2. Walk the Castle Walls in Rhodes Town

Not only can you enter the castle walls to explore the downtown, but you can also walk the castle’s walls themselves. I’d recommend doing this, as the neighboring harbor is beautiful with crystal clear waters and beaches.

You can get tickets to walk at the Palace of the Grand Master and costs about 3 Euros. However, there are sections of the wall you can climb for free closer to the entrance (Please note: These only provide views and aren’t a full walk). For more information, here is a Tripadvisor link.

Exploring outside of the main city.

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3. Explore Lindos

If you are looking for Santorini vibes, but fewer tourists, Lindos is the perfect spot for you. The entire downtown is pedestrian-only, with beautiful white buildings overlooking beautiful beaches. Towering overhead is a fort, which you can also explore.

Downtown Lindos

View of Lindos

Lindos at night

4. Go to the Beach

The beaches in Rhodes are beautiful and the water at many of these places is clear. We went to the beach near Rhodes Town and Lindos, which were both within walking distance of where we were staying.

Look at that water!

5. Visit the Valley of the Butterflies

While we didn’t make it here during our trip, I’d be remiss if I didn’t include it on this list. The Valley of the Butterflies is a national park, filled with butterflies. If you go here, we recommend coming between June and September.

6. Take a Sunset Cruise

This is a pretty consistent recommendation if you have read our other guides on other Greek islands, such as Paros and Corfu. A boat ride is simply a beautiful way to see the island and enjoy the beautiful views.

7. Take a Boat to Symi

Symi is another nearby island, and it’s very easy to take a boat from Rhodes Town. The island is absolutely beautiful, with crystal clear waters. It’s much, much smaller than Rhodes, so we recommend either spending one night here or allocating a day to go.

Water in Symi

Symi

Boat Ride

8. Try the Local Spirits & Wine

Rhodes is well known for its wine and local spirits. Local wine variations include Athiri and Mandilaria. If you’re not feeling as adventurous, you can still sample a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay made locally.

You should also consider sampling Ouzo and Souma, while here. Ouzo is more common throughout mainland Greece and tastes a lot like licorice to me (I’d recommend adding some water to it to weaken the flavor). Souma is more of a local Rhodes drink, which is similar to ouzo or raki, but is derived of grape marc and wine.

Cocktail in Rhodes

9. Drink the Coffee

Greeks make great coffee, and it’s one of the few countries in Europe that I’ve explored that will add ice (which is honestly needed on a hot day). While it’s a little out of style with the Greeks, I recommend trying the frappe (not to be confused with a frappuccino). They are so good and perfect on a hot day.

Final Thoughts

We loved Rhodes and it truly is a perfect getaway. Have you been? Leave your recommendations in the comments below.