Rhodes Greece Travel Guide - Beaches, Old Town, Lindos and Nearby Islands

Rhodes is the largest island of the Dodecanese archipelago in Greece and one of the most fascinating destinations in the Mediterranean.

Known for its long history, medieval architecture, crystal clear beaches and traditional Greek villages, Rhodes offers something for every type of traveller.

Visitors come to Rhodes to explore the famous medieval Old Town, relax on spectacular beaches, visit ancient archaeological sites such as the Acropolis of Lindos, and enjoy authentic Greek cuisine in traditional tavernas.

The island is also an excellent base for exploring nearby islands including Chalki, Symi and Tilos, which can easily be reached by ferry or boat excursion.

The Medieval Old Town of Rhodes

The Old Town of Rhodes is one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Walking through its narrow cobbled streets feels like stepping back in time.

The Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Saint John
The historic Street of the Knights
The Archaeological Museum of Rhodes
The impressive medieval walls surrounding the city

Today the Old Town is also full of restaurants, cafés, traditional tavernas and small boutiques.

The Colossus of Rhodes

Rhodes was once home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: the legendary Colossus of Rhodes.

This giant statue of the sun god Helios once stood near the harbour entrance. Although it was destroyed by an earthquake in 226 BC, the legend of the Colossus remains one of the island's most famous historical stories.

Lindos and the Acropolis

The picturesque village of Lindos is one of the most beautiful places in Rhodes.

The village is famous for its whitewashed houses, narrow streets and the impressive Acropolis of Lindos which sits on a hill overlooking the sea. Experience Rhodes Seven Springs & Lindos full day exploration.

From the top visitors can enjoy spectacular views over the Aegean Sea and the beautiful St Paul's Bay.

You can also experience a Faliraki sunset cruise with drinks.

Best Beaches in Rhodes

Faliraki Beach - A long sandy beach with many beach clubs and water sports.
Anthony Quinn Bay - A spectacular bay with crystal clear turquoise waters.
Tsambika Beach - A beautiful golden sandy beach beneath the Tsambika Monastery.
Prasonisi Beach - Located at the southern tip of Rhodes and famous for windsurfing.
St Pauls Bay Beach - Where Lindo's history meets Aegean beauty.

Explore the Magic of St Paul’s Bay in Lindos, Rhodes

Faliraki - Beaches, Water Sports, Nightlife & Things to Do

Faliraki is one of the most popular holiday resorts on Rhodes and is located on the island's east coast, approximately 14 kilometres south of Rhodes Town. It is particularly well known for its long sandy beach, crystal-clear Mediterranean waters, water sports, restaurants, bars and lively nightlife.

Although Faliraki is famous for its summer nightlife, there is much more to the resort than bars and clubs. During the day visitors can enjoy a wide range of beaches, boat trips, water activities and excursions, making Faliraki a convenient base for exploring the east coast of Rhodes.

Faliraki Beach

The main Faliraki Beach stretches for several kilometres and offers golden sand, clear shallow water and a wide choice of facilities. Sun loungers, umbrellas, beach bars and restaurants make it particularly convenient for visitors looking for an easy beach holiday.

The beach is also popular for water sports, with activities including jet skis, parasailing, inflatable rides and other water-based experiences available during the main summer season.

Anthony Quinn Bay

One of the most spectacular places to visit near Faliraki is Anthony Quinn Bay. Surrounded by rocky hills and pine trees, this small sheltered bay is famous for its intense turquoise water and dramatic scenery.

The bay is particularly attractive for swimming and snorkelling, although its popularity means that it can become busy during the peak summer months.

Water Sports and Boat Trips

Faliraki is an excellent starting point for enjoying activities on the Aegean Sea. Visitors can find boat excursions, swimming trips, snorkelling experiences and other water activities departing from the resort or nearby coastline.

Boat trips are also a great way to discover beaches and secluded bays that are difficult to reach by road.

Faliraki for Families

Faliraki can also be a good choice for families, particularly around the main beach where the shallow water and extensive facilities make spending a full day by the sea convenient.

The area offers a wide range of accommodation, restaurants and activities, while attractions such as water parks provide additional entertainment for families travelling with children.

Faliraki Nightlife

After sunset, Faliraki changes character and becomes one of the liveliest resorts on Rhodes. The resort has a large selection of bars, pubs, clubs and restaurants, particularly around the central entertainment area.

Visitors looking for a quieter evening can also choose restaurants and waterfront venues away from the main nightlife streets.

Why Stay in Faliraki?

Long sandy beach with clear Mediterranean water.
Excellent choice of water sports and activities.
Easy access to Anthony Quinn Bay and nearby beaches.
Large selection of hotels, apartments and holiday accommodation.
Many restaurants, cafés and bars.
Good choice for families, couples and groups of friends.
Lively nightlife during the summer.
Convenient location for exploring the east coast of Rhodes.

Faliraki is particularly suitable for travellers who want a combination of beach time, activities, restaurants and entertainment, while still being within easy reach of some of Rhodes' most beautiful coastal attractions.

Nature and Traditional Villages

Beyond the beaches, Rhodes also offers beautiful countryside and traditional villages.

Visitors can explore villages such as Monolithos, Apollona and Embona, where you can taste local wine, olive oil and honey.

Another natural attraction is the Valley of the Butterflies, a shaded nature reserve where thousands of butterflies gather during the summer months.

Day Trips From Rhodes

Symi Island - famous for its colourful harbour houses.
Tilos Island - a peaceful island ideal for nature lovers.
Chalki Island - a quiet island known for its pastel coloured harbour.
Marmaris Turkey - a day trip with bazaar shopping and free time.

Recommended Excursions, Tours & Experiences in Rhodes

Rhodes is much more than beaches and historical monuments. The island offers a fantastic choice of boat trips, guided tours, cultural experiences, day trips and outdoor activities that can help you discover more of the island and the surrounding Dodecanese.

Below you can find some of the experiences worth considering when planning your Rhodes holiday. I recommend checking the details, availability, meeting points and cancellation conditions before booking.

Boat Trips & Island Cruises

Exploring Rhodes from the sea is one of the best ways to discover hidden beaches, secluded bays and beautiful coastal scenery. Depending on the excursion, boat trips may include swimming stops, snorkelling opportunities, lunch and time to relax on board.

Explore Rhodes boat trips and cruises

Lindos Tours & Acropolis Experiences

Lindos is one of the most popular places to visit on Rhodes. A guided excursion can be a convenient way to combine the whitewashed village, the famous Acropolis and the beautiful coastline around St Paul's Bay without having to organise everything independently.

Explore Lindos tours and experiences

Seven Springs & Lindos Full-Day Experiences

Combining Seven Springs and Lindos makes an excellent full-day excursion for visitors who want to experience both the natural landscape of Rhodes and one of the island's most famous historical destinations.

Rhodes Seven Springs & Lindos full day exploration

Symi Island Day Trips

A day trip to Symi is one of the most popular island-hopping experiences from Rhodes. The colourful harbour, neoclassical houses and relaxed atmosphere make Symi very different from Rhodes and well worth visiting.

Explore Symi Island experiences

Chalki Island Excursions

For travellers looking for a quieter island experience, Chalki (Halki) offers a peaceful alternative to the busier tourist destinations. Its colourful harbour, crystal-clear water and traditional atmosphere make it an excellent day trip from Rhodes.

Explore boat tours and excursions

Sunset Cruises

A Rhodes sunset cruise is a memorable way to finish a day on the island. Depending on the experience, cruises can include drinks, music, swimming stops and views of the coastline as the sun sets over the Aegean Sea.

Explore Rhodes sunset cruises and experiences

Water Sports & Beach Activities

Visitors staying around Faliraki and the east coast can choose from a wide range of water-based activities. Depending on the season, these can include snorkelling, boat rides, parasailing, jet skiing and other experiences on the Mediterranean.

Explore water sports and activities in Rhodes

Historical & Cultural Experiences

Rhodes has a fascinating history stretching from ancient Greece through the Byzantine period and the era of the Knights of Saint John. Guided walking tours and historical experiences can provide a deeper understanding of the Old Town, medieval walls, ancient sites and local culture.

Explore historical tours and cultural experiences

Travel tip: Popular excursions can sell out during July and August, particularly boat trips and organised day tours. If you already know the dates of your holiday, it is worth checking availability and booking your preferred experiences in advance.

Discover Chalki Island

Just a short ferry ride from Rhodes you will find the charming island of Chalki (Halki), known for its peaceful atmosphere and colourful harbour.

Watch this fantastic video about Chalki island near Rhodes

Where to Stay in Rhodes

Rhodes offers accommodation for every type of traveller including resorts, hotels, apartments and guesthouses.

Rhodes Town - perfect for history lovers.
Faliraki - ideal for beach holidays and nightlife.
Lindos - a romantic village with spectacular views.

Best Time to Visit Rhodes

May – June: warm weather and fewer tourists.
July – August: peak summer season.
September – October: warm sea temperatures and ideal sightseeing weather.

Travel Tips for Rhodes

To explore the island easily many visitors choose to rent a car or scooter.

Boat trips depart from Rhodes harbour allowing visitors to explore nearby islands and hidden beaches.

Rhodes is also famous for its delicious Greek cuisine including souvlaki, moussaka, grilled seafood and traditional Greek salads.

Plan Your Trip to Rhodes

Flights to Rhodes International Airport, find the best deal using our trusted partner flight search tool
Hotels and holiday apartments
Car rental
Boat tours and excursions
Ferry tickets to nearby islands
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