Olympus Travel Stories
10 Best Things to Do in Rhodes
From ancient acropolis ruins and a walled medieval city to hidden valleys, family-run wineries and day trips to neighbouring islands — everything you need to make the most of your time on Rhodes.
Rhodes is far more than its beaches. The largest island in the Dodecanese blends over three thousand years of history with a vibrant food scene, lush mountain trails and a coastline that ranges from sheltered turquoise bays to windswept surfers’ paradises. Whether you are visiting for a long weekend or a fortnight, these ten experiences will give you a well-rounded taste of what makes Rhodes unforgettable.
We’ve gathered the activities that our guests at Olympus Hospitality ask about most — each one tried and tested, with our own tips on how to get the best out of your day.
Step Back in Time at the Medieval Old Town
A living labyrinth of cobblestone lanes, Byzantine churches and Ottoman fountains — the Old Town of Rhodes is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe.
Enclosed within four kilometres of imposing stone walls, the UNESCO-listed Old Town is a place where centuries blur together. Walk the Street of the Knights, a remarkably intact medieval avenue that leads to the Palace of the Grand Master, then lose yourself in the tangle of alleys where mosques sit alongside churches and hidden courtyards reveal quiet cafés. Evening is especially atmospheric, when the crowds thin and the warm glow of streetlamps brings the old stones to life.
Highlights
- Palace of the Grand Master
- Street of the Knights
- Suleiman Mosque
- Medieval moat walk
Stand Atop the Acropolis of Lindos
Perched high above a whitewashed village and framed by two turquoise bays, the Acropolis of Lindos delivers one of the most dramatic viewpoints in the entire Aegean.
The steep climb — or a short donkey ride — takes you past vendors and village rooftops before emerging onto the ancient citadel, where remains of the Temple of Athena Lindia stand alongside a medieval castle built by the Knights of St John. From the top, the panorama stretches across the village below, the main beach to the north and the almost-enclosed St Paul’s Bay to the south. Allow time to explore the narrow streets of Lindos itself, lined with seafood tavernas and family-run shops.
Highlights
- Temple of Athena Lindia
- Panoramic bay views
- Village of Lindos
- Donkey trail experience
Hike the Island’s Scenic Trails
Beyond the coastline, Rhodes reveals a surprisingly green and mountainous interior crisscrossed by footpaths and ancient mule tracks.
The island’s interior holds landscapes that many visitors never expect: pine-clad ridges with views to the Turkish coast, stone-walled terraces planted with vines and olives, and secluded chapels at the end of dirt tracks. Popular routes include the trail from Profitis Ilias down through cedar forest, the coastal path from Lindos to St Paul’s Bay, and the dramatic walk along the cliffs at Monolithos. Spring wildflowers and mild temperatures make March to May the ideal hiking season, though autumn is equally rewarding.
Highlights
- Profitis Ilias forest trails
- Monolithos cliff walk
- Coastal path to Lindos
- Spring wildflower season
Taste Authentic Rhodian Cuisine
Rhodian cooking is rooted in the land and sea — fresh fish, hand-rolled pasta, fragrant thyme honey and olive oil that has been pressed on the island for millennia.
Start with pitaroudia (chickpea fritters spiced with mint), move on to freshly grilled swordfish or octopus, and finish with melekouni, a sesame-and-honey bar traditionally served at weddings. The village of Embona is a must for sampling local meat dishes cooked over charcoal, while Lindos and the Old Town offer refined takes on island classics. Don’t leave without visiting one of the local apiaries — Rhodes’ thyme honey is among the finest in Greece.
Highlights
- Pitaroudia & melekouni
- Grilled seafood tavernas
- Thyme honey tasting
- Embona village feasts
Wander Through the Traditional Villages
Dotted across the hilly interior, Rhodes’ villages offer an unhurried glimpse of island life — handmade pottery, courtyard gardens and kafeneia where time moves at its own pace.
Rent a car or scooter and spend a day hopping between villages that feel a world away from the resort coast. Archangelos is known for its leather workshops and the ruins of a crusader castle; Siana produces outstanding honey and souma, a fiery grape spirit; Embona sits among the island’s highest vineyards; and Apollona charms with its stone-paved squares and welcoming tavernas. Each village has its own festival calendar, so ask locally — you may stumble into a celebration with live music, spit-roasted lamb and freely flowing wine.
Highlights
- Archangelos leather craft
- Siana honey & souma
- Embona mountain wineries
- Apollona village square
Escape to the Valley of the Butterflies & Seven Springs
Two of the island’s most enchanting natural attractions lie hidden in lush, shaded valleys where the air is cool even on the hottest summer days.
The Valley of the Butterflies (Petaloudes) draws thousands of Jersey tiger moths each summer to its stream-fed, oriental sweetgum forest — follow the wooden walkways uphill and you’ll see them clustered on rocks and tree trunks in stunning numbers. A short drive away, Seven Springs (Epta Piges) offers a different kind of magic: crystal-clear streams, a short tunnel walk that leads to a hidden lake, and a shaded taverna under enormous plane trees. Both sites make a refreshing half-day escape from the beach.
Highlights
- Jersey tiger moths
- Forest boardwalks
- Tunnel walk to hidden lake
- Shaded streamside taverna
Visit the Ancient Acropolis of Rhodes City
Often overlooked in favour of Lindos, the Acropolis of Rhodes — set on the hill of Monte Smith — offers free-entry ruins and sweeping sunset views over the modern city.
The partially restored Temple of Pythian Apollo stands on the crest of the hill, flanked by the remains of a Hellenistic stadium and a small odeon (amphitheatre). Unlike many archaeological sites in Greece, there is no admission fee and no fencing, so you can stroll freely among the columns and carved stone seats. It is especially worthwhile at golden hour, when the low sun bathes the ruins in warm light and the city and coast stretch out below. A short path also connects to a quiet park popular with joggers and families.
Highlights
- Temple of Pythian Apollo
- Ancient stadium
- Free admission
- Golden-hour panorama
Discover the Wine Heritage of Rhodes
Vineyards have covered the slopes of Rhodes since antiquity, and the island’s indigenous Athiri grape produces crisp whites that pair perfectly with the local seafood.
Several family-run estates and the larger CAIR cooperative welcome visitors for tastings. Emery Winery, set near Embona at the foot of Mount Attavyros, is one of the most established and offers guided tours through its cellar. Smaller producers like Alexandris focus on organic methods and limited-batch wines that rarely leave the island. A wine-tasting afternoon pairs wonderfully with a village lunch in Embona, creating a full day of flavour and scenery in the island’s mountainous heart.
Highlights
- Athiri & Mandilaria grapes
- Emery Winery tour
- Organic boutique estates
- Embona village lunch pairing
Unwind on World-Class Beaches
From organised resort strips with every comfort to secluded coves reachable only on foot, the Rhodes coastline has a beach for every mood.
The east coast is generally calmer and more sheltered — Lindos Beach, Tsampika and Anthony Quinn Bay are standout favourites. The west coast catches more wind, attracting windsurfers and kitesurfers to spots like Prassonisi at the island’s southern tip. In between you’ll find family-friendly Afandou, cosmopolitan Elli Beach in Rhodes Town and the historic swimming coves at Kallithea Springs. Pack a snorkel wherever you go — the underwater visibility around Rhodes is outstanding.
Highlights
- Lindos & Tsampika golden sands
- Prassonisi wind sports
- Kallithea Springs heritage site
- Crystal-clear snorkelling
Sail to the Neighbouring Islands of Symi & Halki
A short ferry or catamaran hop from Rhodes brings you to two of the Dodecanese’s most photogenic small islands — each one a postcard come to life.
Symi greets you with a spectacular harbour amphitheatre of neoclassical mansions painted in ochre, terracotta and pastel blue. Spend the morning exploring the upper town (Chorio), then descend to the waterfront for fresh shrimp and a swim. Halki is quieter still — a single village of stone houses around a tiny port, with clear water and an unhurried pace that makes even one day feel like a genuine escape. Ferries and day-cruise boats run frequently in summer, making either island an easy addition to your Rhodes itinerary.
Highlights
- Symi’s colourful harbour
- Halki’s peaceful village
- Fresh seafood lunch
- Catamaran or ferry options
Make the most of your time in Rhodes
These ten experiences are just the beginning — Rhodes rewards curiosity at every turn, whether you follow a medieval wall to a hidden gate, take a wrong turn into a village festival or simply sit on a harbour wall and watch the fishing boats come in. When you stay with Olympus Hospitality, we’re always on hand with insider tips, route ideas and restaurant suggestions to help you craft the perfect island itinerary.