Should You Visit Rhodes?

Is Rhodes worth visiting?

Rhodes is worth visiting for three to five days so that you can explore everything that the island has to offer. We first visited in 2011 and have returned several times. During our time here, we fell in love with the beautiful beaches and blue water. Rhodes is loved by visitors for many reasons, and is routinely on national "best of" lists, including Conde Nast's Best Islands of Europe. Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese islands, and it's a popular destination for its diverse activities and stunning natural beauty. The island has many historic villages as well as resort areas where you can enjoy a relaxing holiday. The beaches are beautiful with many watersports available. There are also archaeological sites throughout the island, kid-friendly activities, and romantic hotels that are perfect for honeymoons. Hiking is very popular on the island as well.

The castle walls of Rhodes, Greece

Reasons to Visit Rhodes

Museums
Many of the villages feel like outdoor museums, with churches and archaeological sites throughout. Some of the most well known sites include the Palace of the Grand Masters, the Hospital of the Knights, Süleyman Mosque, and Roloi Clock Tower.

Food
The island offers Greek classics with a local flair. Common ingredients include wheat, olives, legumes, wine, and cheese. Many dishes are flavored with cumin, which is more heavily used here than elsewhere in Greece. Popular local dishes include matsi (a pasta cooked in meat broth and prepared with cheese, butter, and legumes), tsouka (a veal and pasta casserole), and lakani (veal, goat, or lamb meat that is slow-cooked in tomato sauce).

Resorts
It is a large and diverse island with a variety of resorts and towns to choose from. There are quiet areas like those around Kallithea Beach, Kolymbia, and Kalathos, as well as more lively areas like Faliraki. There are a number of all-inclusive resorts around the island but there are also boutique hotels and apartments if that's more your style.

Beaches
The island has spectacular beaches with crystal blue waters. Many of the beaches are sandy with swimming or snorkeling opportunities. The island is also known for its watersports and several beaches are great windsurfing or kite surfing locations. There are countless beaches to choose from but some of the favorites are Tsambika, Saint Paul's Bay, Ladiko, and Kallithea.

Hiking
The breathtaking landscapes, sweeping views, and beautiful waters make this an amazing hiking island. There are a wide range of trails to choose from with easy, moderate, and challenging options available. The many quaint villages and unique archaeological sites all make this a fantastic place to hike.

Shopping
For a unique shopping experience head to Nea Agora (The New Market), which has a mix of shops and restaurants. You can also pick up fresh produce or pastries there. Sprinkled around the island you'll find many local artisan shops where you can buy ceramics, jewelry, soaps, leather goods, and more.

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
The island has many snorkeling and dive spots where you can enjoy the underwater world. There are plenty of snorkeling or scuba diving trips that you can organize in advance as well. Because of the island's large size, there's a diversity of vendors and areas to pick between.

Nightlife
It's not the most party-oriented island, but you'll find plenty to do at night. Most of the clubs are found in Rhodes Town near Hippocrates Square, along Menekleous Street, or near Orfanidou Street. Faliraki has long been a popular nightlife area that brings in the British crowd, but it's not as lively as it once was. Some resorts offer more of a nightlife scene than others so if that's a priority, do your research before you book.

Related

What is Rhodes most famous for?

Rhodes is most famous for its beautiful beaches, rich cultural setting, and long running history. The island is very popular for its museums, food, resorts, beaches, hiking, and shopping. It's also known for scuba diving & snorkeling. And many travelers come for the nightlife, as well. It is often described as ancient, beautiful, diverse, active, and world famous.

What is the most famous sight in Rhodes?

The most popular sight in Rhodes is Rhodes Old Town. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Rhodes on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Rhodes Old Town and other attractions here.

How touristy is Rhodes? Is it a popular island to visit?

Rhodes is a popular island for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

• Sea Kayaking Tour - Red Sand Beach (South Pirates Route): $93
• Bay to Bay Cruise in Lindos: $71
• The Trikke Experience - See the Sights of the Rhodes City in 1 hour: $36
• Rhodes sea cruises (6 hours pleasure cruise): $44
• Sunrise Sea Kayaking Experience with Breakfast: $98
• Rhodes:Kamiros,Kritinia,Embona,Mt Profitis Ilias & Kallithea tour: $55
• Sunset Cruise in Rhodes with unlimited drinks & snacks: $38
• 90 min Sunset Cruise to Anthony Quinn Bay with Unlimited Drinks!: $33

How long should I spend in Rhodes?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Rhodes is at least three or as many as five days. Since Rhodes has a variety of activities such as hiking, shopping, museums, and dining, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Rhodes?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Rhodes?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Rhodes?.