The island of Rhodes is the largest of the Greek Dodecanese Islands. Located just 25 nautical miles off the Turkish coast, the island has had a complex and turbulent history. The result of these years of conquest and upheaval is a fascinating destination with a unique mixture of buildings, cultures, and psyches. Rhodes is home to swathes of incredible historical and archaeological sites detailing its history over 3000 years. Add to this rich history some spectacular beaches, plenty of natural beauty, and nightlife to suit all tastes, and you’re onto a real winner. With so much on offer, we’ll take a closer look at what the best things are to see and do for families on the incredible island of Rhodes.
Rhodes is a Greek Island within the Dodecanese Island chain in the Mediterranean Sea. The island is actually situated far closer to the Turkish mainland than the Greek mainland. A ferry service from Marmaris in Turkey only takes 1 hour to reach the island, highlighting just how close to Turkey it is.
Tsambika Beach on Rhodes’ east coast is one of the finest beaches on the island. The beach is 25 kilometers south of Rhodes Town, halfway along Road 95, which runs to Lindos. Its clear waters, soft sands, and beachside tavernas attract plenty of visitors during the summer months. However, the size of the beach means that it never gets too busy. The beach lies in the shadow of the Tsambika Monastery, which sits atop the headland to the north of the beach. It’s possible to scale the 340 meters to the monastery if you’ve got the proper footwear and determination. Most choose to stay on the beach or to participate in some of the numerous water sports that are on offer.
Rhodes Town Old Town is a stunning mix of Byzantine era and Turkish architecture, reflecting the island’s history. The old town is categorized into three specific areas: the Knights Quarter, Hora, and Jewish Quarter. The Knights Quarter is by far and away the most significant and is home to most of the impressive historic buildings and sights of Rhodes Town. Perhaps the most evocative is the Avenue of the Knights, a long cobble-stoned route leading up the hill and once home to the knights that inhabited Rhodes. Elsewhere in the Knights Quarter, you’ll find numerous museums dedicated to decorative arts, modern art, modern Greek art, and archaeology. In the Hora or Turkish Quarter, you’ll find the Mosque of Suleyman and the Municipal Hammam or Turkish Baths. This quarter is also the main commercial center with countless shops and cafes catering to all tastes and budgets.
Set atop the hill that overlooks the quaint village of Lindos is the Acropolis of Lindos. Dating back to the 4th century BC, you’ll find well-preserved remains of a staircase, stoa, and columns, as well as the remains of a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. There are also more recent additions in the form of Crusader fortifications and a Byzantine church from the 13th century. Standing at an elevation of 116 meters, the Acropolis provides fantastic views over Lindos and the nearby St. Paul’s Bay.
It’s not the most straightforward hike up the hill, particularly during the day’s heat, but the views are certainly reward enough for the effort. As the site is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., try to get in early or later in the day. Admission costs €6 for concessions and €12 for non-concessions.
The beautiful island of Symi is a short 50-minute ferry ride from Rhodes. It’s a perfect destination for a day trip (or longer if time permits) with a daily return sailing. Arriving at the harbor of Gialos, you’ll immediately be struck by the colorful neo-classical buildings. It’s a beautiful place to explore, with the views and the buildings becoming increasingly attractive as you scale the hillside. Highlights include an area known as Horio, which is a warren of narrow cobbled streets. There’s also the Knights of St John Castle, the Church of Megali Panagia, and Chatziagapitos House. Gialos is also home to some fine tavernas’ where you can enjoy a well-deserved drink and lunch. If you stay longer, you’ll find many quiet and fine coves and beaches across the island.
Just to the south of Lindos is the small but spectacular St. Paul’s Bay. The bay is almost completely enclosed from the sea, creating lagoon-like calm waters. Featuring a small beach, azure waters, a picture-perfect small Greek church, and a local taverna, it’s hard to imagine a more perfect location. The taverna named Tambakio receives rave reviews and specializes in seafood, with the octopus dish especially highly regarded. If you visit during the evening, you’ll find the beach lit with candles, making it a perfect romantic location for couples.
Petaloudes is better known as the Valley of the Butterflies and is a great place to visit during the summer months. Situated in a central northern area of Rhodes, the gorge is located relatively close to the village of Psinthos. It’s home to forests, streams, and waterfalls, and, of course, the butterflies that make this destination famous. Drawn to the gorge by the forest, the butterflies emerge during late June, July, August, and September, creating a colorful and impressive spectacle. It’s a popular destination during the summer months, so try to arrive early to avoid the crowds and the heat of the day. The walk isn’t the easiest, and there are a lot of steps, so be mindful before bringing young children with you. Admission to the park is just €3.
This beautiful monastery is set atop a large hill at the northern end of Tsambika Beach. Reached via a somewhat grueling 300 steps, you’ll be rewarded with glorious 360° views of the surrounding areas. Entry to the monastery is free, and it has a quaint interior, although the coastline views are the real attraction here. It’s a hot and humid walk, so be sure to bring water, although there is also a small shop at the foot of the stairs. To get here, head along Road 95 and turn off when you see the sign for Holy Monastery Santa Maria Tsampika.
The Colossus of Rhodes was one of the original Ancient Wonders of the World. Completed in 280 BC, the statue is believed to have been 33 meters in height, which would have made it the largest statue in the world at the time. Built as a tribute to the Greek sun god Helios, the statue collapsed during the earthquake of 226 BC. It’s believed the statue’s remains were destroyed by the invading Arab armies in 653 AD. While there are no remains to be seen today, the statue’s location at the mouth of the harbor remains and allows you to picture how it must have once looked. There are also plenty of other attractions in the area to keep you interested, including the 15th-century AD Saint Nicholas Fortress.
Situated along Rhodes’ west coast, Ancient Kamiros is an excellent archaeological site. The city dates back to the 9th century BC, rising to prominence during its heyday of the 6th and 7th centuries BC. During this time, it became one of the largest and most powerful Doric cities. The city declined following the establishment of Rhodes Town, and its ultimate downfall was the earthquake of 226 BC, which also felled the Colossus of Rhodes. What you’ll find today is the well-preserved footprint of the city, including the Stoa, Doric Temple, and Temple of Athena. It occupies a spectacular location overlooking the sea. It’s also a little-visited site, meaning you can enjoy its splendor without the crowds you’ll sometimes find at other sites.
Once famous for its thermal baths, this splendid former spa is a much-loved attraction and beachside retreat. A popular destination due to its exquisite gardens, spectacular architecture, and fine restaurants, it’s a wonderful place to visit, enjoy lunch, and spend good quality time at the beach. The views across the bay are sensational, and there’s plenty of history to explore.
Another of the spectacular historical sights on Rhodes’ west coast is Monolithes Castle. This 15th-century castle is perched on a 240-meter-high rocky outcrop. Built by the Knights of St. John as part of the fortification of Rhodes, you’ll wonder how construction was ever possible. You can access the site via a somewhat degraded staircase cut into the rock. It’s a challenging ascent, but the views from the summit are sensational, particularly at sunset. The castle is situated in one of the most beautiful regions of Rhodes, and the drive to the castle is particularly scenic.
Lindos village is your quintessential Greek village. Home to pretty white-washed stone houses adorned with colorful flowers and set along cobbled streets, it’s the Greece of your dreams. The town features many pretty little squares and churches, which are open to visitors. There’s also a host of independent boutique shops in town, selling everything from locally produced leather goods and embroidery to jewelry and local produce. There are many cafes in Lindos, with spectacular views over the bay or Acropolis.
Just below the village are a couple of spectacular beaches sharing the same bay. The larger Lindos Beach stretches out from the village for around 500 meters. There are plenty of sun loungers and amenities on the beach, and the shallow waters are popular with families. The other smaller beach is Pallas Beach, home to several small local tavernas offering a range of fine food and drinks. Check out our best things to do in Lindos guide if you plan to explore the area further.
This superb medieval castle in Rhodes Town dates back to the 14th century AD in its current form. Occupied and modified by the Knights Hospitaller during the Crusades, it was previously a Byzantine Citadel, which dated back to the 7th century AD. Subsequently, it has remained mainly in the style of the Knights Hospitaller despite earthquakes and nearly 500 years of Ottoman ownership. What you’ll discover today when you visit is a hugely impressive building with close to 150 rooms. There’s also a huge amount of sculptures and impressive mosaics throughout the site. Admission is well priced at €8, and you can spend anywhere from a few hours to a full day exploring this spectacular sight.
The beautiful Anthony Quinn Bay is another of Rhodes’ coastal highlights. Located just south of the resort town of Faliraki, the inlet is named after the actor Antony Quinn, who starred in the movie The Guns of Navarone, which was filmed in the area. The crystal clear waters of this bay are certainly Hollywood-esque, and it’s a popular destination during the summer months. There are plenty of sun loungers and umbrellas for hire along the beach. You’ll also find the nearby Kounna Beach & Resto Bar in the area, which has glorious views across the bay.
Situated between Kaithea and Faliraki is WaterPark Rhodes. While neither this nor any other adrenaline-inducing waterpark in the Greek isles is likely to win any cultural awards, it’s an excellent place for a day away from Rhodes’ countless historical sights and beaches. Home to a vast swimming pool, wave pool, lazy river, kids splash zone, and numerous water slides, there’s something here for all ages. You’ll also find a café and bar on-site, meaning you’re well-catered for. Admission to the park costs €25 for adults and €17 for children.
Faliraki is Rhodes’ liveliest resort and has long been established as a party holiday destination. While the resort and the strip certainly aren’t to everyone’s taste, it’s a fun and lively location for a night out. Over the past ten years, the resort has diversified and now offers a good range of bars to cater to many different tastes. You’ll find shisha bars, cocktail bars, Irish bars, and everything else in-between in town. If you’re looking for somewhere to eat, you’ll also find many restaurants offering Greek, Mediterranean, Italian, and seafood dishes.
Another of the local gems near Rhodes is the exquisite island of Halki. Once famous for its sponges and sponge divers, it’s better known in tourism circles now, particularly for its neo-classical harbor at Emborios. Set around a turquoise bay, the town is a picture-perfect example of Italian-influenced homes and mansions. While there are no standout sights, Emborios is much more than the sum of its parts. Featuring a host of relaxed and charming tavernas, it’s a great place to while away hours, if not days.
Elsewhere around the island you’ll find the usual mixture of sandy and stone beaches along with some tantalising coves. It’s a much quieter island than many of it’s better known neighbours, making it an excellent place to get away from everything. The daily connection to Rhodes ensures it remains accessible but without being overrun by visitors.
The long pebbled Traganou Beach is another of Rhodes’ coastal delights. Situated around 4 km south of Faliraki, this beach is an excellent destination for couples and adults. The combination of pebbles and deep water makes it largely unsuitable for children but a delight for grown-ups. The deep, clear water and sea cave make it hugely enjoyable for swimmers and snorkelers. There are also some good local facilities with beach tavernas, showers, and toilets on the beach. Despite its location close to Faliraki, it’s rarely busy, making this an excellent spot to escape the crowds during the height of summer.
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