What are the best things to do in Rhodes? Visiting Rhodes means combining a fortified medieval old town, one of the best preserved in Europe, beaches on two seas and white villages such as Lindos, below its acropolis. The largest island in the Dodecanese, a few kilometres off the Turkish coast, Rhodes enjoys a long sunny season. This guide helps you choose what to see, where to stay, when to go and how to plan a week on the island. For another Greek island with a long summer, on the Ionian side, our guide to things to do in Zakynthos covers beaches, coves and the best time to go.
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Rhodes at a glance
- Airport DiagorasOn the west coast, about 15 km (9 mi) from Rhodes Town
- Flights seasonal international flightsVia Athens the rest of the year
- Ideal length 7 to 10 days
- Best time May-June and September-October
- Time zone UTC+2, UTC+3 in summer: 2 hours ahead of London, 7 hours ahead of New York · detailsLocal time now: –:–
- Entry Schengen area: no visa for up to 90 days for US citizens (tourism or business) and UK citizens (in any 180-day period) · US: travel.state.gov · UK: GOV.UK
- Currency the euro · currencies
- Electricity 230 V / 50 Hz, type F plugs (Visit Greece); US and UK travellers need an adapter, and US devices must accept 230 V · plugs
- Budget see our budget section
Things to do in Rhodes: the highlights
Rhodes Old Town
A Unesco World Heritage Site, the medieval city was fortified by the Knights of the Order of St John, who held the island from the 14th to the 16th century. The cobbled Street of the Knights, lined with the « inns » of each nation, leads to the Palace of the Grand Master, rebuilt in the 20th century. The archaeological museum occupies the knights’ former hospital. Mosques, baths and fountains recall the Ottoman period, and the old Jewish quarter preserves the Kahal Shalom synagogue. Also walk around the ramparts, through the dry moats.
Mandraki harbour and the new town
Mandraki harbour, where legend places the Colossus, is guarded by two columns topped by a stag and a doe. Windmills and St Nicholas fort line the jetty. To the north, the new town has hotels, shops and the town beach of Elli. At the tip of the island, the Aquarium occupies a building from the Italian period.
Lindos and its acropolis
About 50 km (31 mi) south of town, Lindos tiers its white houses at the foot of a rock crowned by an ancient acropolis, with the Temple of Athena Lindia and a knights’ fortress. The climb takes about twenty minutes: set off early, as the site is exposed and very busy with excursions in summer. Below, the almost enclosed St Paul’s Bay is one of the most photographed swimming spots on the island.
The east coast beaches
The east coast, sheltered from the prevailing wind, has the calmest beaches: Tsambika, a long sandy beach below a hilltop monastery; Anthony Quinn Bay, a small rocky cove with clear water; Kallithea and its former Italian-style spa; lively Faliraki; and quieter Stegna and Haraki. The windier west coast attracts windsurfers, especially at Ixia and Ialyssos.
Prasonisi, at the southern tip
At the southern end of the island, a strip of sand links Rhodes with the islet of Prasonisi. On one side, the Aegean, rough and known for kitesurfing and windsurfing; on the other, the Mediterranean, often calmer. In summer you can cross the sandbar on foot; in spring it may be covered depending on the water level.
Butterfly Valley and the interior
In the wooded Petaloudes valley, a shady path follows a stream where thousands of « butterflies », actually Jersey tiger moths, gather in summer. Do not disturb them: noise exhausts them. The mountainous interior, around Mount Attavyros and villages such as Embonas, known for its wine, shows another side of the island. Filerimos monastery, on a hill above Ialyssos, offers a fine view and an avenue of Stations of the Cross.
Kamiros and Monolithos castle
On the west coast, the ancient site of Kamiros reveals the ruins of a Hellenistic city terraced on a hill facing the sea. Further south, Monolithos castle, built by the knights on a rocky pinnacle, overlooks the sea; sunset there is very popular. These sites can be combined in a day by car.
Boat trips: Symi and the Turkish coast
From Rhodes harbour, boats go to Symi, a small island of colourful neoclassical houses, often with a stop at Panormitis monastery. Ferries also link Rhodes with Marmaris, in Turkey: check Turkey’s entry requirements for your nationality before you go (see our Turkey travel guide). Other services reach Kos, Patmos and the Dodecanese islands. If you extend your trip along the Turkish coast, see the best time to visit Turkey.
Where to stay in Rhodes
- Old Town: small hotels in old houses, a unique atmosphere in the evening; cobbled lanes, no cars
- New town and Mandraki: practical without a car, buses to the whole island, town beach
- Lindos: charm and a beautiful setting, but high prices and daytime crowds
- East coast (Faliraki, Kolymbia, Kiotari): large hotels and resorts, sheltered beaches
- West coast (Ixia, Ialyssos): close to the airport and town, windy, for board sports
- South of the island: wilder and quieter, car essential
For a week, a good formula is two or three nights in the Old Town and the rest on the east coast. Book early for July-August; many hotels close in winter.
Itinerary: one week in Rhodes
- Days 1 and 2: Old Town, Palace of the Grand Master, archaeological museum, ramparts, Mandraki
- Day 3: east coast, Kallithea, Anthony Quinn Bay, Tsambika
- Day 4: Lindos early in the morning, the acropolis, St Paul’s Bay
- Day 5: the south of the island to Prasonisi, back via Monolithos
- Day 6: Kamiros, Filerimos, Butterfly Valley (in summer)
- Day 7: boat trip to Symi
With 10 to 14 days, add one or two other Dodecanese islands by ferry, such as Kos or Patmos: see our guide to the Greek islands.
When to go to Rhodes
The best time to go to Rhodes is May to June and September to October: 24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F) in the afternoon, a pleasant sea from June through October and fewer people than in high summer. July and August are hot (31 °C / 88 °F), dry and very busy. Rhodes, in the southeast Aegean, is one of the sunniest Greek islands. Its winter is mild but distinctly wet from November to February, and many hotels close then.
The table uses the normals of the Rhodes airport station, published by the Hellenic National Meteorological Service.
| Month | High °C (°F) | Low °C (°F) | Rain mm (in) | Crowds | Prices | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 15.1 (59) | 9.2 (49) | 152 (6.0) | Very low | Low | ❌ The wettest month, island in slow mode |
| February | 15.2 (59) | 9.1 (48) | 102 (4.0) | Very low | Low | ❌ Wet, many hotels closed |
| March | 17.0 (63) | 10.5 (51) | 69 (2.7) | Low | Low | ⚠️ Early spring, cold sea |
| April | 20.0 (68) | 13.0 (55) | 29 (1.1) | Low to medium (Easter) | Medium | ⚠️ Mild for sightseeing, cool swimming |
| May | 24.1 (75) | 16.3 (61) | 16 (0.6) | Medium | Medium | ✅ Ideal for sightseeing, first swims |
| June | 28.3 (83) | 20.4 (69) | 2 (0.1) | High | High | ✅ Hot, dry, pleasant sea |
| July | 30.4 (87) | 22.7 (73) | 0.3 (0.0) | Very high | Very high | ⚠️ Very hot, crowds at Lindos |
| August | 30.7 (87) | 23.2 (74) | 0.2 (0.0) | Very high | Very high | ⚠️ The hottest, peak prices |
| September | 28.1 (83) | 21.0 (70) | 6 (0.2) | High | High | ✅ Warm sea, fewer people |
| October | 24.5 (76) | 17.4 (63) | 57 (2.2) | Medium | Medium | ✅ Still mild, first rains |
| November | 20.2 (68) | 13.7 (57) | 90 (3.5) | Low | Low | ⚠️ Frequent rain, season over |
| December | 16.7 (62) | 10.8 (51) | 153 (6.0) | Very low | Low | ❌ Wet, limited services |
- Spring (April-May): 20 to 24 °C (68 to 75 °F), countryside in flower, ideal for the Old Town, Lindos and hiking. The sea is still cool in April. Orthodox Easter, on a variable date, is widely celebrated.
- Summer (June-August): 28 to 31 °C (82 to 88 °F), almost no rain, warm sea. The north wind (meltemi) mainly cools the west coast. GOV.UK warns of a high wildfire risk in summer: set your phone to receive emergency alerts.
- Autumn (September-October): the sea keeps its summer warmth and crowds thin out. October brings the first rains and end-of-season closures.
- Winter (November-March): mild (15 to 17 °C / 59 to 63 °F) but very wet from December to February. Many seaside hotels and restaurants close; the Old Town stays lively.
| Plan | Best time |
|---|---|
| Beach and swimming | June to September |
| Sightseeing (Old Town, Lindos, Kamiros) | April-May, October |
| Kitesurfing and windsurfing | July-August, when the meltemi blows |
| Butterfly Valley | Summer |
| Tight budget | May, October |
To compare with the rest of the country, see our page on when to go to Greece, or where to go in June and where to go in September.
Budget for a stay in Rhodes
Rhodes is a classic beach-holiday destination: prices vary widely between May and August. Indicative amounts per person per day, excluding flights:
| Item | Budget | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (based on a shared double room) | roughly €25 to €50 | roughly €70 to €130 |
| Meals | roughly €20 to €30 | roughly €40 to €65 |
| Transport (bus, boat) | roughly €5 to €10 | roughly €10 to €20 |
| Sights and sunbeds | roughly €10 to €15 | roughly €15 to €30 |
| Total per day | roughly €60 to €100 | roughly €130 to €230 |
Getting around Rhodes
- From the airport: public buses link the airport with Rhodes Town; taxis wait outside. Many hotels offer transfers.
- Buses: public buses leave Rhodes Town for both coasts (Lindos, Faliraki, Kamiros). They are handy for the main resorts, less so for the south.
- Car or scooter: the best way to see the south, Prasonisi, Monolithos and the interior. GOV.UK advises keeping valuables out of sight, locking your vehicle and parking in a well-lit area or secure car park.
- Boat: excursions to Symi, Lindos and the east coast coves from Mandraki harbour; ferries to the rest of the Dodecanese and to Piraeus, a long crossing.
Entry requirements, health and safety
- US citizens: Greece is in the Schengen area: you may enter without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism or business. Greek law requires three months of passport validity beyond your departure date, but the State Department recommends at least six months; you may be asked for proof of sufficient funds and a return ticket (U.S. Department of State, travel.state.gov, last updated February 19, 2026).
- UK citizens: no visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period as a tourist. Your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before the day you arrive and be valid at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area. Under the EU Entry/Exit System, the Greek authorities have indicated that they will not collect fingerprints and photos from UK travellers: follow the advice of officials on the ground (UK FCDO, GOV.UK, updated 11 August 2026).
- Health: UK travellers can use a GHIC or EHIC for state healthcare; GOV.UK notes that treatment may be limited on the islands and that there are serious shortages of ambulances on some of them. Whatever your nationality, take out travel insurance covering medical costs, including evacuation from the island.
- Sea: according to GOV.UK, people drown in the sea in Greece every year; follow the beach flag system (a red flag means you must not enter the water).
- Wildfires and earthquakes: causing a wildfire is a criminal offence in Greece, even if unintentional; set your phone to receive emergency alerts and follow @112Greece for official updates. There is also a risk of earthquakes (GOV.UK). Emergency number: 112.
- Theft: keep valuables out of sight and be alert to car crime (GOV.UK).
- Day trip to Turkey: the rules are different; check Turkey’s entry requirements for your nationality (travel.state.gov or GOV.UK) before you go.
- Heat: avoid hiking in the hottest hours in summer.
Before you go, see our travel insurance guide.
Practical tips for Rhodes
- Money: cards are accepted almost everywhere; keep cash for village tavernas and sunbeds.
- Lindos: arrive before 9 am or late in the day to avoid the excursion groups.
- Dress: cover shoulders and knees in churches and monasteries.
- Sun: shade is rare on ancient sites: hat, water and sunscreen.
- Mobile data: check your home carrier’s roaming charges; near the Turkish coast, make sure your phone does not switch to a Turkish network, which may be billed differently.
Rhodes: who is it for?
Our verdict by traveller type, based on the information in this guide:
- Couples: yes: the medieval Old Town in the evening, Lindos early in the morning, sunset at Monolithos.
- Families: yes, on the east coast sheltered from the wind (Kolymbia, Kiotari, Tsambika), with large hotels and calm beaches.
- Budget travellers: fairly, in May or October: roughly €60 to €100 per person per day; hotel prices often double between May and August.
- Culture: yes: the Unesco-listed Old Town, the Palace of the Grand Master, the acropolis of Lindos, the site of Kamiros.
- Board sports: yes: the west coast (Ixia, Ialyssos) and Prasonisi for kitesurfing and windsurfing, especially in July-August.
- Beach lovers: yes, from June to September, on two seas.
See also
To compare Rhodes with the other islands, our page on when to go to Greece presents the climate of each region. Rhodes is well suited to shoulder-season trips: read Greece in April and Greece in October. See also the time in Greece.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Rhodes?
A week lets you see the Old Town, Lindos, the east coast beaches and the south of the island, and take a boat trip to Symi. With 10 days, add another Dodecanese island. If you are hesitating with the largest Greek island, our Crete or Rhodes comparison helps you choose.
When is the best time to go to Rhodes?
May-June and September-October, with 24 to 28 °C (75 to 82 °F) in the afternoon according to the Greek weather service normals, a pleasant sea and fewer people than in July-August.
Can you swim in Rhodes in October?
Generally yes: highs are about 24.5 °C (76 °F) and the sea keeps its summer warmth. The first rains return and some places start to close at the end of the month.
Do you need to rent a car in Rhodes?
Not if you stay in town or in a resort served by buses. For the south of the island, Prasonisi, Monolithos or the interior, a car is much more practical.
Are there direct flights to Rhodes?
Yes, in season: Rhodes airport has seasonal international flights. The rest of the year, you need to connect via Athens or another hub.
Is Rhodes safe?
The main risks noted by GOV.UK and the U.S. State Department for Greece are wildfires in summer, the sea, earthquakes and theft, including from cars. Follow the local authorities’ instructions and call 112 in an emergency.
Our sources
- Hellenic National Meteorological Service (HNMS): 1955-2010 normals, Rhodes airport station
- Entry requirements, health and safety checked on 26 October 2026: U.S. Department of State, Greece country information (last updated February 19, 2026) and UK FCDO, GOV.UK foreign travel advice for Greece (updated 11 August 2026)
- Electricity: Visit Greece (Greek National Tourism Organisation), travel tips, checked 26 October 2026
- Our methodology
Updated October 2026.
To extend your trip, see our Greece travel guide, our guide to the Greek islands, as well as those for Crete, Santorini and Corfu, and our other destinations in Europe.
