Things To Do
in Ródos
Ródos (Rhodes) is a sun-drenched Greek island in the Dodecanese known for its richly preserved medieval Old Town, ancient sites and lively seaside resorts. The island combines well-preserved Crusader-era architecture, whitewashed traditional villages like Lindos, and long sandy beaches with clear Aegean waters. Visitors enjoy a mix of culture and outdoor activities — from exploring the Palace of the Grand Master and Kamiros ruins to windsurfing at Prasonisi and hiking in the island's hills.
Rhodes is a year-round destination with peak crowds and heat in summer and calmer, greener conditions in spring and autumn.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a stroll through the cobbled streets of the Old Town of Ródos, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Palace of the Grand Master, where you can marvel at the intricate architecture and learn about the Knights of St. John. Don’t forget to stop by the local bakeries to enjoy a traditional Greek pastry for breakfast.
After lunch at a charming taverna, continue your exploration by visiting the Archaeological Museum of Ródos, housed in a medieval hospital. Here, you can view an impressive collection of artifacts from the ancient city of Ialysos and other archaeological sites. Spend the rest of the afternoon browsing the artisanal shops and galleries that line the streets, picking up unique souvenirs.
As the sun sets, head to the waterfront for a relaxing dinner at a seaside restaurant, savoring fresh seafood while enjoying the view of the harbor. After your meal, take a leisurely walk along the promenade and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the Old Town at night. Conclude your evening with a drink at a local bar, listening to live music and mingling with locals.
Kick off your day with a visit to Tsambika Beach, known for its golden sands and crystal-clear waters. Rent a sunbed and umbrella, and enjoy a morning of relaxation by the sea. If you're feeling adventurous, consider trying out water sports like jet skiing or paddleboarding available at the beach.
After a refreshing swim, head to a beachside café for lunch, indulging in a traditional Greek salad and grilled octopus. Spend the afternoon sunbathing or explore the nearby Tsambika Monastery, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline. For those interested in diving, book a guided session to explore the underwater beauty of the Aegean Sea.
Return to your accommodation to freshen up before heading out for dinner at a local taverna in Lindos. Experience the charm of this picturesque village while enjoying traditional Greek dishes, such as moussaka or souvlaki. Cap off your evening by wandering the illuminated streets of Lindos, admiring the ancient Acropolis that looms above.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $40-70 |
| ☕Coffee (espresso or cappuccino) | $2.50-4 |
| 🚕Taxi starting fare / short ride | $3-8 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $70-150 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich historical sites and a beautifully preserved medieval Old Town
- Varied coastline with sandy beaches, sheltered bays and windsurfing spots
- Good year-round weather with excellent shoulder-season conditions
- Strong local food culture and fresh seafood
- Very crowded and hot in July–August, with higher prices
- Some tourist areas can feel overcrowded and commercialized
- Public transport is decent but limited in remote parts of the island, so a car may be necessary to explore fully
- "Kalimera" - Good morning
- "Ef̱charistó" - Thank you
- "Parakaló" - Please / You’re welcome
- "Pou einai…?" - Where is…?
- "Posá kostízei?" - How much does it cost?
- "Yassas / Ya sou" - Hello (formal/informal)
Places to Visit in Ródos
Visit one of these nice places.
Medieval walls, narrow cobbled lanes and atmospheric alleys provide stunning architectural and street photography, especially at golden hour.
The marina with yachts, the two deer statues, and the windmills make for classic seaside shots; sunrise and sunset are particularly photogenic.
Perched above Lindos bay, the white village and ancient ruins against the azure sea create dramatic panoramas.
Restored neoclassical spa architecture and tiled pools framed by the sea and palm trees offer beautiful detail and landscape compositions.
Lush greenery and seasonal butterflies create intimate nature photography opportunities in summer months.
Long golden beach and the hilltop monastery above offer sweeping coastal vistas and sunrise shots.
A wild, windswept sandbar at the island’s south tip with kite surfers and dramatic tidal shapes — great for action and landscape photos.
Food in Ródos
Ródos Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Small plates including grilled octopus, calamari, shrimp saganaki and fresh fish offered at seaside tavernas, best found in Mandraki, Lindos and coastal villages.
Must-Try!
Chickpea fritters seasoned with herbs, a local Rhodes snack often sold in markets and traditional tavernas.
Local cured cheeses preserved in olive oil; try at markets and meze spreads in family-run tavernas.
Local thyme and flower honey used in pastries and served with spoon sweets; available in markets and specialty shops.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Fresh produce, cheeses, olives and spices; ideal for tasting local products and buying picnic supplies. Street vendors and small souvlaki stands offer quick bites and gyros.
Smaller markets and stalls with local sweets, snacks and takeaway seafood — great for a casual lunch on the go.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use polite greetings like Kalimera (good morning) and Ef̱charistó (thank you). Greeks value warmth and friendly conversation; a simple greeting goes a long way.
Dress modestly when visiting churches and monasteries; remove hats and avoid overly revealing clothing out of respect.
Meals are social and often long; sharing dishes is common. Accepting hospitality or an offer of a small meze or drink is polite.
Greeks can be expressive and animated; however, be mindful of noise in residential areas and late at night in villages.
Safety
Tipping in Ródos
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants leave 5–10% if service is good; for cafés round up small bills. Tip porters, taxi drivers (round up or add a small amount) and hotel housekeeping a few euros for good service.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops in tourist areas; smaller vendors and some rural businesses may be cash-only. ATMs are available in Rhodes Town and larger villages. Notify your bank about travel to avoid card blocks.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and dry with temperatures often 30–35°C (86–95°F). Expect large crowds, busy beaches and high prices in July–August; book accommodation and tours early. Bring sun protection, hydrate and plan outdoor activities early or late in the day.
Mild, green and fragrant with wildflowers; ideal for sightseeing, hiking and photography. Weather is pleasant and crowds are lighter than summer, though some tourist services may not be fully running in early spring.
Warm sea and comfortable temperatures make September and October excellent for swimming and exploring; crowds taper off and prices drop. Occasional rain starts later in the season.
Mild but wetter and windier with cooler evenings; many tourist businesses close or operate reduced hours. Good time for quiet cultural visits, local festivals and lower prices if you don't need beach services.
Ródos at Night
Hiking in Ródos
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Highest peak on Rhodes with trails through pine forests, offering panoramic views and a rewarding day hike; routes vary in difficulty.
Shaded, well-marked paths through a green valley popular in summer for butterfly sightings and an easy nature walk.
Short but steep climb to the Tsambika Monastery above the beach with panoramic coastal views and photo opportunities.
Scenic seaside paths and cliff-side trails connecting bays and beaches with modest elevation changes and great coastal vistas.
Combine a visit to the archaeological site with nearby coastal trails for a blend of history and landscape walking.
Airports
How to reach Ródos by plane.
Main airport serving Rhodes with domestic flights to Athens and seasonal international connections across Europe; located about 14 km southwest of Rhodes Town with bus, taxi and car hire links.
On nearby Kos island — useful if combining islands; reachable by short flight or ferry connections from Rhodes and other islands in the Dodecanese.
Greece’s primary international hub for connections to Rhodes by frequent domestic flights or ferry services from Piraeus and Rafina ports.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Ethnic Greek majority living in Rhodes Town, villages and rural areas, with a culture rooted in island traditions, fishing and farming.
Large influx of European tourists (UK, Germany, Scandinavia, Italy, Israel and others) during the summer, including families, couples and young travelers.
Small expat population and some long-term foreign residents attracted by the climate and island lifestyle.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Strong winds at spots like Prasonisi attract windsurfers and kitesurfers; sailing is popular for island-hopping and day trips.
Local amateur and semi-professional football is widely followed, with community clubs and youth leagues across the island.
Beach volleyball and recreational water sports are common at busy beaches during summer months.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ródos.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarians will find many options among meze dishes: grilled vegetables, Greek salad, dolmades, pitaroudia, fava and cheese-based dishes. Ask staff about stock and cooking oil when needed.
Vegans can manage with salads, vegetable stews, legume dishes and many vegetable meze, though cross-contamination with cheese or butter is possible in traditional kitchens.
Fresh grilled fish and salads are naturally gluten-free, but watch out for sauces, breaded items and some processed sauces. Communicate needs in Greek (‘‘ei̱nai xōrís gloútin’’) and choose plainly grilled options.