Rhodes is one of the top four biggest islands in Greece, filled with cities, beaches, forests, and miles of land to explore. It is also a great destination to visit in the Aegean Sea to get away from the crowds of the Cyclades Islands. It takes about five hours to drive around the whole island, but there are countless beach bars to choose from, each with its own unique ambiance. I was pleasantly surprised by how Rhodes managed to maintain its Greek charm despite the commercialization of its establishments. I spent five days on the beautiful island for my god-daughter’s baptism with my family and tried to explore as much of the island as I could, but I definitely need to revisit the island. From the lively in the old town to the leisurely days at Ammades Beach Bar, Rhodes has many experiences that should not be missed.
Number of Days to Stay: 4-5 Days
Expenses: $-$$$
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Where to Stay:
Most of the accommodations in Rhodes are commercialized and are set up much like hotels located on beaches in the United States. Some of the hotels include all-inclusive resorts, boutique hotels, chain hotels or updated landmarks. Below I recommend the best villages to stay in while visiting the island.
Rhodos Town – This is a fantastic central location for a vacation on the island as it had a majority of the nightlife, shopping and restaurants. There is also a lot of history and once was one of the Sever Wonders of The World! If you are on a budget and need public transportation or taxi services, this area an excellent choice for finding an accommodation while staying in Rhodes.
Faliraki: This village offers another exciting option if you are looking for nightlife and a central location to popular destinations across the island. My family and I stayed here as it was close to many of the beaches we wanted to travel to and was less crowded than Rhodos Town. The four of us stayed in an Airbnb within walking distance of restaurants, bars and grocery stores. It is conveniently located close to Rhodos Town, making it easy to arrange taxi transportation. Below are Airbnb and Hotel recommendations for staying in the lively village, Faliraki.
Lindos: This city tends to be a bit more expensive than other parts of Rhodes, as it is conserved the upscaled part of the island. It is renowned for its Acropolis, situated at the top of the mountain, with the breathtaking views of the town, the ocean and St. Paul’s Bay. Hotels. While hotels and rentals are relatively affordable compared to other Greek Islands, and there are endless five-star restaurants for dining. Check out the accommodations below in the picturesque, historic town of Lindos.
Archangelos: This is another bustling in Rhodes, ideal if you prefer to escape the crowds and save some money. There are an array of shops, stores and attractions to explore. The village is located in the east central part of the island making it an advantage to those who want to explore a lot of the island. Below you’ll find accommodations for the charming village of Archangelos.
Where to Eat:
Rhodos Town:
- Nomad ($$-$$$) – Sunset dinners
- Catina ($) – best take out, food truck in Rhodes!
- Baia Beach Bar ($$)
- Ronda ($$$) – Sunset views
- Nor Beach House Project ($$)
- Elli World ($$)
- Marco Polo Restaurant
- Kerasma ($$)
Faliraki:
- Tσιπουρόμεζες του Κώστα ($$) – one of the only restaurants I can remember going to while visiting Rhodes, but it was absolutely fantastic. They made the meal very special for us since it was our friend’s birthday and the staff was incredible. A must go to in Faliraki.
- Kounna Beach & Resto Bar ($$)
- Naya Beach Bar ($$)
- Acropolis Taverna ($$)
Lindos: After a lot of research this village has so many restaurants with great reviews that you may have to come here twice to check them out, especially if you want to escape the crowd of Rhodos Town.
- Odyssia ($$)
- Tambakiko ($$)
- Mavrikos ($$)
- Ktima ($$)
- Broccolino ($$)
- Cezar Meze bar ($$-$$$)
- Stefanys ($$)
- Dionysos ($$)
- Aqua Terra ($$$)
Other Recommendations:
- ·Ramal Beach Bar and Restaurant, Archangelos ($$) – One of the best restaurants near Archangelos
- ·Seafood Limanaki Restaurant, Kolympia ($$) – great restaurant with beautiful view of the ocean
- To Nosaki, Kolympia ($$) – If you want a delicious restaurant with a great ambiance while avoiding the Old Town crowds this is a great restaurant to make a reservation
- ·Althemenis Fish Restaurant, Kamiros ($$) – Another great seafood restaurant, make a reservation if you are going there on the weekend
- Santa Marina ($$$) – Kallithea
- Sissitio ($$$) – Rhodos Town
- Hellas Restaurant ($$) – Pefki
- Il Borgo ($$) – Rhodos Town
- Rustico ($$)- Rhodos Town
- Amalfi Coast ($$) – Kritika
- Mea Terra ($$)- Lachina
- Kalami Beach Bar ($$) – Kallithea
- La Ricetta Pizzeria ($) – Rhodos Town
Vegetarian/Vegan Recommendations:
- To Marouli ($$) – Rhodos Town
- Mama Sofia ($$) – Rhodos Town
- Dromos Street Food ($) – Rhodos Town
- Orexi Rustic Cuisine ($$) – Rhodos Town
- Avocado ($$) – Rhodos Town
- T Veg ($$) – Lindos
- 3 Pigs ($$) – Pefki
- Ta Mezeklikia ($) – Rhodos Town
- Royo Gelato ($) – Rhodes Town
- Annie’s Vegan Food Bar ($) – Rhodos Town
What to Do:
Beaches
- Oasis Beach – This was my favorite beach during the entire trip. There is so much to do at this beach and the atmosphere is fantastic. From comfortable beach chairs to cabanas, using the diving board, exploring the cave formations, to the music, Oasis is definitely a must-visit beach!
- Ammades – This was our second favorite beach bar, and we visited several times due to the great music, delicious food, and lively atmosphere. It’s affiliated with the Ammades hotel, so make sure to arrive early or make a reservation in advance, as hotel guests have priority. They offer a wide range of food options, from Greek to Japanese and Chinese. It provided a nice change from Greek cuisine, making it an excellent choice for lunch, especially for those who may not be too fond of Greek food. (My sister and I had been in Greece for almost two months by the time we got to Rhodes, so it was a refreshing change of pace in terms of food.)
- In Faliraki, there’s also a Water Playground that you can access for €20. We spent at least three hours there, bouncing around and swimming, trying to conquer the obstacles. It was a welcome diversion from spending the entire day lounging in the sun.
- Prasonisi Beach – This is truly unique beach in Rhodes and a most-visit destination. It resembles the Coco Beach track in Mario Kart (you know, the one on the island where you drive through the sand with the crabs.) The beach formation gives the illusion that both sides of the vibrant blue ocean are about to touch, but they’re separated by a small channel of sand. To access the beach, you must drive there. It is not an organized beach so be sure to bring beach essentials like a towel, sun block and snacks!
- Saint Paul’s Bay/Beach – This beach is part of Lindos and ranks as one of the most beautiful beaches in Rhodes. There are plenty of beach chairs and umbrella available for rent and numerous tavernas to choose from for lunch. It is wonderful to spend the beach here and then hike up to the Acropolis once the sun sets to get a breathtaking view of the city (and the bay itself!)
- Lindos Beach – This was one of my favorite beaches on the island mainly because of the stunning views of the castle (perfect for pictures) and the rewarding hike to the castle afterward. The organized beach provided ample beach chairs and plenty of space for swimming and relaxation. It turned out to be one of my favorite days on the island as there are so many activities in Lindos!
- Elli Beach – This is one of the most unique beaches in Rhodes, situated near Rhodos Town. It features a large diving board in the middle of the water for swimmers to jump off of! The sandy beaches extend numerous beach bars, which are home to restaurants and beach rentals.
- Affandou Beach – Vammos Beach Bar is another fanastic spot where there are miles of sand and excellent beach bars. If you are seeking a luxurious beach bar experience, this is the perfect place to go. If you’d prefer to not spend money on beach rentals but still want to dine at the restaurant, there are many other surrounding beach bars to choose from a more affordable price.
- Agia Agathi Beach – Also known as the golden beach, Agia Agatha is also a great beach to explore and a safe swimming spot for families. When you need a break from swimming and are feeling adventurous, make sure to check out the cave that is said to be an old troglodyte house and the Agia Agathi Chapel.
- Stegna Beach – This beach is secluded and known by only locals. If you are staying in Archaneglos this is the closest beach nearby! It has arranged beach rentals and beach bars for food.
- Anthony Quinn Bay – named after the actor Anthony Quinn and is a great diving and cliff jumping spot. There are organized beach chairs to relax and swim. There is also a snack bar and restaurant in you are hungry.
Activities
- Visit Lindos Acropolis – If you want a beautiful view of St. Paul’s Bay and Lindos Beach, and to visit some historical architecture, hiking up the hill to the Acropolis is definitely worth it! We captured some amazing pictures here and enjoyed some quiet moments after a long beach day.
- Take a donkey up to the Lindos Acropolis – The ASPCA might raise an eyebrow at this, but the donkeys were well cared for, and their experience was truly remarkable for getting up close to the Acropolis. Our group, consisting of eight to ten people, took part in this adventure, and it did not disappoint. When you start to make your way up to the Acropolis, you’ll encounter the donkeys and their guides who facilitate your journey up the hill.
- Visit The Kallithea Springs (Hot Springs) – One of the most go to spots in Rhodes, the hot springs are gorgeous with crystalline waters. There are sunbeds along the shore line as well as a snack bar to grab a bite to eat
- Visit Butterfly Valley – One of the most beautiful places to observe wildlife in Rhodes is from June to September. The island has preserved the natural ecosystem for butterflies, providing an opportunity for people to enjoy and learn about the various species that inhabit it. (And don’t worry, they’re not scary like the episode in SpongeBob when they’re stuck in Sandy’s dome!)
- Visit Lake of Apolakkia – There is a half sunken chapel in the lake and an Amusement Park
- Take a Boat Cruise around the Island – Since Rhodes is a big island and there is a lot to see (especially if you are short on time) so taking a boat cruise around the island is the best choice to experience all the amazing beaches and locations
- Take a day trip to Turkey – If you have enough time and want to experience another country on your list, there is a ferry that will take you to Fethiye, Turkey where it is great to swim and explore ancient ruins
- Shop in the Rhodos Town – There are many local shops, boutiques and tourist shops to get all your shopping done while visiting Rhodes
- Visit (old) Colossus – Although not in full completion since it was taken down after a war, Rhodes used to be home to one of the Seven Wonders of The World, The Colossus of Rhodes
- Explore Jacob’s Canyon and Hike to Temple of Zeus
- Hike the mountain to Agia Tsampika
- Visit Madraki Harbor
- Gamble at the hotel Grande Albergo delle Rose casino
- Hiek to Monastery of Panagia Filerimos and see peacocks
- Watch the sunset at the castle in the village Monolithos
- Visit and walk around the village Embonas
Nightlife
- Paradise Club, Kallithea – In my opinion, this is the best club on the island, having hosted some of the most famous DJs in the world like David Guetta. When I visited, Otto Knows was performing, and even though we had an early flight at 8 am, my sister, our friend, and I stayed out until the early morning to enjoy the show. It’s an open-air club, so there’s plenty of space to dance and enjoy the night.
Faliraki – Before Mykonos, Faliraki used to be known at the “Ibiza” of Greece. There are many themed bars and clubs to visit along the bar street for all ages. If you are staying in Rhodes town it is very easy to get here by taxi!
- Bedrock Bar – Known to be the best Karaoke on the island
- Jamaica Car – great for cocktails
- Bondi Bar – great spot for house and R&B music, open until early hours
- De Club – great for dancing
- Liquid Club – Great club for house music
- Kelly’s Irish Bar
- Vicky Bar
- Captain Bar
- Ziggy Bar
- Tropicana Bar (not like the one in Mykonos, but I wish!)
Rhodos Town: If you are looking to party and bar hop, this is the spot for you. Oktovriou street is known for having bars lined up, one after the other, with loud music, dancing and a lot to drink!
- Colorado Club (Oktovriou): The club to go to in Rhodes Town. The two-floor club is great for dancing and the DJ plays great music. Warning that if you don’t get there early enough you may wait in a long line and the club will be packed even!
- Reflections Bar: great for specialty cocktails
- Socratous Garden: quiet spot for cocktails
- JJ Bar (Oktovriou)
- Rock Troll Bar (Oktovriou)
- Veto Bar (Oktovriou)
- Bar Street (Ofranidou)
- Red Lion Bar (Ofranidou)
- Dee Twee Gezusters (Ofranidou)
- Big Brother Bar (Ofranidou)
- Hakuna Matata Tiki Bar (Ofranidou)
- Sports Bar 57 (Ofranidou)
- Boomerang Sports Rub (Ofranidou)
- Pepe’s Bodega (Ofranidou)
- Thetis Cocktail Bar
Lindos: Lindos is quiet for nightlife, but has an influx of cocktail bars to relax and enjoy drinks.
- Ampitheathre Club: The only club in Lindos, which is it an open-air venue and will have some of the local DJs spin music. Sometimes popular musicians in the dance music industry will perform like Black Coffee
- Dreams Cocktail Bar: Great view of the city in the rooftop garden
- Courtyard Bar: Known for their cocktails and inside seating with a dance floor for live music, dancing and Bouzouki.
- Ice Bar: Rscape the heat and head over for chilly cocktails
Lardos
- Memories Bar
- Yamas Cocktail Bar
Pefkos
- Zig Zag Bar: One of the best bars on the island, which if you are staying in near the old town can be quite the hike but worth the trip!
Transportation:
Getting To Rhodes
Airport – Rhodes has a big airport with numerous flights arriving from various European countries and even the Middle East. Travelers within Greece, however, can only fly to Rhodes from specific cities or islands: Athens, Thessaloniki, Crete, Lemnos, Mytilini, Samos, Kos, Astypalaia, Kasos, and Kastellorizo (unfortunately, none of these locations are in the Cyclades, which can be a bit disappointing). When my family traveled to the island, we opted for a flight from Athens, which took just about an hour and proved to be the quickest way to get there. The airport offers a website with useful information about its facilities, the countries you can depart too or arrive from, and the various airlines serving it. If you’re traveling from Athens or an island without a ferry option to Rhodes, taking to the skies is the easiest mode of transportation.
Ferry – Arriving in Rhodes by ferry is a budget-friendly option, but it may take quite amount of time depending on your starting point, as it is distant from the mainland and the Cyclades islands in Greece. For instance, the ferry ride to Athens is an overnight journey and can take up to 22 hours (yikes!), and from Santorini, it’s a 14-hour trip. Unless you’re traveling from nearby islands like Kos, Karpathos, or Symi, expect a longer travel time. Below, I’ve listed some islands you can hop to and from.
Popular islands to hop around to and from Rhodes: Kos, Symi, Samos, Milos, Santorini, Syros, Heraklion, Patmos
Different Ferry companies to book from (via ferryhopper.com) : Saos Ferries, Blue Star Ferries, Dodekanisos Seaways, Seajets, Alko Ferries, Nissos Chalki, Sea Dreams, and Sebeco Lines.
While in Rhodes
Public Transportation – There is a Rhodes Public Transportation app you can download on your android or iPhone that gives helpful information on transportation, real time traffic, accidents, different routes to take either walking, biking, driving, or by bus. to find all information. Taking the bus is the cheapest way of transportation around Rhodes.
- The bus “RODA” operates in Rodos city, drives throughout the suburban areas: Koskinou, Faliraki, Ixia, Filermios Ialissos, Kremasti, Pastida, Mariitsa, and the urban area sof the west side of the island: Damatria, Theologos, Soroni, Dimilia, Eleusa, Archipoli, Fanes, Kalavarda, Ancient Kamiros, Mantriko, Kritrina, Salakos, Embona, Agios Isidoros, Sianna, Monolithos. Click here for the bus timetable for this route.
- The bus “KTEL” drives long distances on the east slide of the island making the follow stops at each village: Falaraki, Kalitheas, Psinthos, Afandou, Kolymbia, Archagelos, Karaki, Malona, Massari, Lalthos, Pilona, Lindos, Pefkoi, Lardos, Larema, Kiotari, Asklipio, Gennadi, Vati, Profilia, Istrios, Apollakia, Arnitha, Lachania, Mesanagros, Kattavia, Prasonisi. Click here for the bus timetable for this route.
- There is also a road train that you can take to see some spectacular views along the Medieval City, the Temple of Apollo, the Ancient Stadium, and the New Town Center. The train departs from Mandraki Marina in front of safe “Aktaion” every hour between 9:00am-7:00pm (9:00-19:00)
Taxi/Uber/Private Car Service– Taxis can be relatively pricey in Rhodes, but they offer the second quickest mode of transportation around the island if you choose not to rent a car. Taxis are available in and around villages, at the airport, near the port, and other central locations across the island. You also have the option to book a taxi online in advance or call to reserve one. Click here to find estimated taxi prices to specific locations.
Renting ATVs / Cars / Scooters – Renting a car and driving around the island is an excellent way to experience Rhodes, given its vast size and the distance between many of the top attractions. This is what my family and I decided on, as we had a lot to cover in a short time (not to mention everything for the baptism). If you’re constrained by time and prefer not to rely on taxis for transportation to and from your destinations, this is unquestionably the best way to explore the island!
Water Taxis – Similar to Mykonos, there’s a water taxi service located in the old port of Rhodes that will take you up and down the coastline.
Rhodes, being one of the largest islands in Greece and one of the most budget-friendly places to travel, is an ideal destination if you want to settle in one place and experience all of its wonders. I only wish I had more time to visit, given the different beaches to relax on, mountains to climb, and beautiful villages to explore. From the captivating old town with its amazing shopping and nightlife to the stunning Acropolis of Lindos, there are so many villages to wander, party, and rest in, making Rhodes the perfect island for families, couples, groups, or solo travelers. I can’t wait to return to the island and uncover what else awaits on the picturesque island of Rhodes
Respectfully Yours,
Rhodes
