The 6 things to do in Rhodes

Visit Rhodes: What are the best things to do and see on this wonderful island of the Aegean this summer?

What to do on the island of Rhodes? Billet d’avion reçu par e-mail, c’est le moment d’organisation votre séjour idylique. Located southeast of the Aegean Sea and only 17.7 km from the Turkish coast, Rhodes is the largest island in the Dodecanese and is seven times less extensive than Corsica. Peupled from the Haute-Antiquité, this paradise island is today an ancient museum with open sky.

But it is also one of the most touristic of all Greek islands . If you come to visit Rhodes in the summer, there will be a world but it will be possible to find peaceful little corners and sheltered from mass tourism. Here is our selection of the six best things to do to visit Rhodes and enjoy an unforgettable stay.

1. Rhodes Old Town

With 49,541 inhabitants (2011), the city of Rhodes is the capital of the eponymous island, founded in 408 BC. Its old medieval town, enclosed in the enclosure of high ramparts built from the time of the Knights of Rhodes, has been listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Monuments list since 1988.

It is considered the largest fortified city in Europe, and best preserved. Built between 1309 and 1523, it is an old, completely pedestrianized Byzantine city, where you can contemplate a singular marriage of historical architecture styles: Gothic influences in the upper city and Ottoman style in the lower city. It is the uncontournable of a stay to visit Rhodes.

Its state of preservation is astonishing: a journey over the course of time, one would almost imagine itself in the Middle Ages, both paved streets and gothic towers have preserved their authenticity of old. In its walls, churches Agia Triada – Holy Trinity – and Agia Aikaterini – Sainte Catherine – are among the unmissable in the neighborhood.

Archaeological pearl

Rhodes is also known for hosting the famous Colosseum of Rhodes, the sixth of the Seven Wonders of the Antique World , built around 292 before our era. Don’t look for it, there is no trace of it today, since it was completely destroyed during a earthquake in the 6th century.

In the streets of the old town, walk on the main street of the Grand Masters Palace at the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes, incredibly well preserved. The archaeological museum contains most of the major ancient vestiges excavated from the soil or sea of the Dodecanese islands. The building of the museum – built in the 15th century to serve as a hospice – houses statues, pottery, urns, epitaphs, altars and sarcophages of invaluable value. Finally, climb the stairs of the clock tower to take the height and admire the city from above, a fabulous panorama from the Acropolis and Mount Smith. More information about the visits of Rhodes .

2. Tsambika

On the road between Rhodes City and Lindos, discover one of the jewels of the eastern coast of the island: the beach of Tsambika. What to do in Rhodes if we are not going to wet in the crystal clear and warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea? The beach of Tsambika has the significant advantage of being covered with sand, which is quite rare on the island of Rhodes. Sunset, swimming, nautical activities and hiking in the Panagia Tsampika Psili Dimou Archagkelou Park: this is all you can do to Tsambika Beach .

After climbing 350 steps on the hillside, you will fall to the nose with the monastery of Tsambika. It is a Byzantine church built on a rocky piton 300 meters high. The site offers a majestic point of view on the coast, including Kolymbia, the beach of Tsambika and even Lindos. The beach, below, is enclaved between two rocky promontories along a fine sandy strip: on the program, transat and parasol to bubble peacefully!

3. The village of Lindos

Located 55 kilometers south of Rhodes-ville on the east coast, Lindos is an unmistakable if you are wondering what to do on the island of Rhodes. Recognisable to its white houses, it is considered the only village to have preserved the authentic Greek charm. As such, it is classified on the list of historical monuments.

Lindos was founded in the 10th century BC by the Dorians. So much to say that his basement, 3,000 years old, has seen many things! Situated on a hill, it offers a splendid view of the bay of Saint-Paul, south of the village. Unusual: the city centre is pedestrian, but is also reserved for donkeys! Attention, the rates can be higher than elsewhere since the village attracts the wealthy classes of Rhodes, mostly artists.

Visit the Acropolis overlooking the village, with its ancient ruins and imagine daily life in the time of ancient Greece. The archaeological excavations on the hill attest to a human occupation in Neolithic (4th millennium before our era). In Lindos, visit the ruins of the Temple of Athena to punctuate your trip to Rhodes. More information on a trip to Lindos .

4. Pefkos and its beach

If Lindos is the second attraction of the visitors who come to visit Rhodes, a jewel of the island of Rhodes is a few kilometers south of Lindos: the beach of Pefkos. This is much quieter than others. It is a former fishing village, more relaxing but not less popular, precisely, tourists looking for tranquility. See if you're looking tirelessly for Rhodes.

5. Kamiros

The ancient Kamiros site is located northwest of Rhodes Island. This archaeological site allows its visitor to immerse himself in the history of ancient Greece: the city was founded by the Dorians, occupied by the Persians, then by Athens – and the League of Delos – by the Sparte warriors. Kamiros was a prosperous city and cultural life was very developed there. The remnants feature a three-level construction, the highest being the Acropolis and the Stoa, at the top of a hill. Two earthquakes in the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC reduced the city to ruins. The ancient site of Kamiros – or Camiros – is one of the impossible to see by going to visit Rhodes.

6. A boat ride to discover Rhodes and its surroundings

Visiting Rhodes is also enjoying its coastline. Indeed, very nice excursions are to be made by boat, like:

• A day trip to theisland of Symi ;
• Sail on the east coast of Rhodes, then enjoy it for kayaking and diving;
• Turn around the island of Rhodes.
• Discover the Dodecanese, which faces, and go to the Turkish border.

It would be a shame not to rent a boat in Rhodes and not to enjoy this enchanting setting. Private and organized excursions are also available.

How do I go to Rhodes?

Rhodes – Diagoras International Airport is 22 kilometres from Rhodes city centre. The Smartwings and easyJet companies offer direct flights to Rhodes from Paris Orly and Paris CDG. The flight time is 3h40 on average. Other airlines, such as British Airways, Air France, or Lufthansa, offer flights with stopover. Find cheap flights on our partner's website Ulysses .

Where to stay in Rhodes?

Among the oldest medieval cities in Europe, Rhodes will delight you with its impressive paved streets, doors and fortifications. But the old town can be a little too busy in the summer. So you'll have to choose another. place to stay in Rhodes Lindos, Faliraki, Ialyssos, Archangelos... To find a cheap hotel in Rhodes, search our Compare hotels .

How to move to Rhodes?

On the island of Rhodes there are several ways to get around, mainly by road. You can first use the local buses, which you will find in two places in the city of Rhodes:

• The first place Rimini, right next to the new market, which serves the East Coast (KTEL company);
• And another street Averof, 50 m away, which serves the whole west coast (compagnie RODA).

The schedules are displayed on a guerrilla on the port of Mandraki and at each stop, as well as at the tourist office.

A length of 85 km and a width of 35 km, the island of Rhodes is much more “ practicable” by car or scooter. If you want to move freely between beaches and coves and visit Rhodes as you wish, it is best to rent a car, bike or scooter. You can find a cheap car hire on the comparator Rentalcars .