Things to do in Rhodes: Attractions and places to visit

1. Old Town Rhodes: Grand Master Palace & City Walls

The absolute cultural highlight on Rhodes is the UNESCO World Heritage Site Old Town with the impressive Grand Master Palace and the surrounding massive city walls, which are over 4 kilometers long and in some places up to 12 meters wide. Even today there are numerous mosques in the enclosed old town centre, such as the Suleman Pasha Mosque and the Turkish library. Built in the 14th century, the Grand Master’s Palace is enthroned on the highest level within the city grounds and was considered the main residence of the Grand Master of the Joannites.

Later, the historic building was conquered by the Ottomans and restored and extended by the Italians in 1922. Nowadays, visitors can visit not only the impressive building, but also the Archaeological Museum of the Sun Island, which is housed in the building. The seahorse fountain on Platia Ippokratou square is a special meeting place for locals and tourists.

2. The Knight’s Road of Rhodes

A very special highlight is a walk along the Ritterstraße in the old town, which leads to the Großmeisterpalast. The Knights of the Order of St. John, most of whom came from France, lived in the simply furnished hostels built to the right and left of the paved road of the Knights. Even today, visitors can admire the coat of arms of the order on the knight’s houses built in the late Gothic style.

An overwhelming medieval flair prevails, which is omnipresent on the entire Ritterstraße. For this reason alone the Ritterstraße is one of the most important sightseeings on Rhodes and deserves its very own place in our list of recommendations next to the neighbouring palace. Today, consulates and upscale law firms can be found in the street.

3. The fortress of Monolithos

About 70 km southwest of Rhodes city is the Venetian fortress Monolithos, which is one of the most fascinating sights of the island. The imposing building, completed in 1480, was erected on the plateau of a 300 m high rock. The fortress with castle walls and cistern, which served as a protective castle against enemy attacks and pirates, towers over the village of Monolithos of the same name. From here the 3 km long path leads to the Monolithos fortress.

The route can be covered comfortably on foot or with an off-road vehicle and is climbed uphill. The small chapel of St. Panteleimon is also located in the inner courtyard of the fortifications. The ruins of the fortress built by the Johannites are definitely worth a visit. Finally, this historic place offers a spectacular view over the beautiful coastal landscape and the small offshore islands.

4. Ostrich farm near Petaloudes

Near the Butterfly Valley is the largest ostrich farm in Greece. Here visitors of all ages have the opportunity to explore the beautifully landscaped Farma Nature Park, observe the animals as they are cared for and fed, have themselves photographed with them and take active care of them themselves. Cuddling, stroking or feeding the little ostrich babies is definitely a highlight, especially for younger guests.

The complex around Farma is a worthwhile excursion destination for families, especially in good weather. The large outdoor enclosure offers other exciting animals such as deer, camels, ponies, donkeys or goats. By the way, the farm is home to more than 100 ostriches. The children, however, should perhaps not be told that the snack bar also offers fresh Straußenburgers.

5. Acropolis of Lindos

The ancient city of Lindos is located on the southeastern coast of the island and is one of the most important sights on Rhodes. Tourists flock in droves to Lindos to admire the temple complex in the formerly most important city of the island, which was partly fabulously reconstructed from the ruins of the Acropolis and the temple of Athina Lindia from the Hellenistic epoch.

Later the castle was purposefully redesigned by the knights of the Order of St. John. The fortress is located on a 116 m high hill in the centre of Lindos. The hill can be climbed on paths and footbridges specially made for visiting the Acropolis of Lindos. Alternatively, donkey guides offer their services for climbing the Acropolis Hill.

6. Valley of Butterflies

Visitors may walk carefully and quietly through the valley on wooden footbridges, steps and paths along the course of the stream in order to disturb the butterflies as little as possible. The exciting hike leads through a well wooded, shady area, past waterfalls ends at the Kalopetra monastery.

7. Panagia Tsambika

The Panagia Tsambika pilgrimage church was built on the Tsambika hill and is part of a monastery complex that is currently uninhabited. The beautiful church can be reached via a gradually ascending, easily accessible path with wide steps. The panoramic view from the monastery over the sensationally blue sea and the fantastic Tsambika beach is simply breathtaking!

The church Panagia Tsambika impresses with its beautiful icons, murals, rich decorations and lavish decorations. At the foot of the Tsambika hill, one of the most beautiful beaches of the Aegean, the magical Tsambika Beach, spreads out along the fine sandy 2.5 kilometre coastline, which is a true sun paradise with its crystal clear, turquoise sea water and gently sloping golden sand beach.

8. Epta Piges – Seven Sources

The Valley of the Seven Springs – Epta Piges is an insider tip and is one of the most beautiful natural features that the diverse island landscape on Rhodes has to offer. The area of the Seven Springs is located between the towns of Archipolis and Kolymbia, about 25 km southeast of Rhodes City, and is a small natural paradise that is pleasant to walk through even in the summer months. On shady paths and footbridges nature lovers can explore the refreshingly cool, wooded area and discover the seven springs.

They unite to a small river and lead to a pond. The Unteridische Weg through a 200 m long tunnel, through which fresh spring water also flows, is particularly exciting. The forest paths are easy to walk and offer many opportunities to admire the fabulous fauna and flora. A contemplative walk through this wild Rhodian forest beauty is an unforgettably beautiful and special experience on Rhodes.

9. Waterpark Faliraki

The Waterpark in Faliraki near the northeast coast of the island is definitely one of the highlights among the sights on Rhodes and is especially for young people and families with children an absolute must during their island visit. The water park is one of the largest of its kind in Europe and has great theme areas that will make every child’s heart beat faster.

Whether with exciting speed and rafting slides, relaxing wave baths, aquagym pools, a great children’s pool or the obligatory Lazy River, water sports enthusiasts of all ages can enjoy fantastic experiences and lots of fun. The Waterpark has numerous restaurants and cafés and organises a free transfer by bus or boat from Rhodes City.

10. Spa of Kallithea

Approximately nine kilometres from Rhodes City are the former medical springs in the thermal baths of Kallithea. Here on the east coast of the island, however, the natural springs dried up a long time ago.

1920, an impressive thermal spa was built and, after extensive renovation projects, has been a popular tourist highlight since 2007.

Especially the bright white dome roof, the stylish, round arcades and colonnades, the fabulously designed rotunda in the inner atrium with fountain as well as the impressive variety of plants fascinate visitors who can combine the admirable excursion destination with a visit to the beach at the picturesque bay directly in front of the Kallithea springs.

Best time to visit Rhodes

We recommend the following months as best time to travel for exploring the attractions and acivities of Rhodes:

May, June, July, August, September, and October

You can find more information about the weather, including all climate data, on our climate page for Rhodes.