Rhodes is one of the largest and most popular Greek islands, located in the southeastern Aegean Sea near the coast of Turkey.

It’s known for a mix of:

• Medieval history

• Ancient Greek ruins

• Resort beaches

• Whitewashed villages

• Strong sunshine almost year-round

Best places to visit

Lindos

A stunning village with white houses and an acropolis overlooking the sea.

Key attraction:

• Acropolis of Lindos

Nature and scenery

• Butterfly Valley (best in summer)

• Seven Springs

• Mountain villages inland

• Dramatic rocky coastline on the east side.

• Beaches

  Rhodes has both sandy and pebbly beaches.

  Popular ones:

  • Tsambika Beach

  • Anthony Quinn Bay

  • Faliraki

  • Elli Beach

Best time to go

• May–June: warm, lively, not too crowded

• July–August: hottest and busiest

• September–October: sea still warm, fewer tourists

• Winter: mild but quieter; some resorts close

Rhodes is one of the sunniest places in Europe, often getting over 300 sunny days a year.

Getting there

Most visitors arrive via:

• * Rhodes International Airport Diagoras

• * Ferries from Athens and nearby Greek islands

• * Cruise ships docking at Rhodes Town

Why Rhodes is famous

The Medieval Old Town

The capital, Rhodes Town, contains one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Highlights include:

• Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes

• The Street of the Knights

• Massive stone walls and gates

• Ottoman-era mosques and markets

The island was ruled at different times by Ancient Greeks, Romans, Byzantine rulers, Crusader knights, Ottomans, and Italians — so the architecture is very layered.

Ancient Rhodes

Rhodes was once home to the Colossus of Rhodes, a giant bronze statue of the sun god Helios built around 280 BCE. It collapsed after an earthquake and no remains survive, but it became one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

What Rhodes feels like

Compared with other Greek islands:

• More historical than party-focused islands like Mykonos

• Larger and more varied than Santorini

• Easier for mixed holidays (history + beach + nightlife + family travel)

It works well for:

• Couples

• Families

• History lovers

• First-time Greece visitors

• Beach holidays with cultural sightseeing.

Food to try

Rhodes blends Greek and eastern Mediterranean influences.

Typical dishes:

• Fresh grilled seafood

• Moussaka

• Souvlaki

• Pitaroudia (chickpea fritters local to Rhodes)

• Honey desserts and baklava