Rhodes Travel Guide: Best Beaches, Old Town, Snorkeling, Food, and Top Hotels
Rhodes is the kind of Greek island that gives you more than one holiday in a single trip. One day you can walk under medieval stone archways in Rhodes Old Town, the next you can float above clear water on a snorkelling tour, then end the evening with grilled seafood, warm pita, and a carafe of local wine.
It is also a big enough island to suit different travel styles. Couples can find quiet adult-only hotels, families can base themselves near sandy beaches, and younger travellers can stay close to Faliraki or Rhodes Town for nightlife and easy transport. This Rhodes, Greece travel guide brings together the best beaches, historic sights, food experiences, boat trips, and places to stay, including Rodos Star Hotel, where I stayed.
Why Rhodes is worth more than a quick beach break
Rhodes is one of the largest Dodecanese islands, set close to the coast of Türkiye in the south-eastern Aegean. Its size is a real advantage. You can stay by the sea and still plan easy day trips to castles, hilltop villages, ancient ruins, harbours, and quiet coves.
The island has three main holiday moods.
Historic Rhodes centres around Rhodes Old Town, the Palace of the Grand Master, the Street of the Knights, Mandraki Harbour, and ancient sites such as Kamiros.
Beach Rhodes is all about sandy bays, pebbly coves, beach clubs, snorkelling spots, and long swims in clear blue water.
Resort Rhodes gives you hotels for almost every budget, from luxury seafront stays to simple guest houses and Airbnbs in local neighbourhoods.
For a first visit, I would avoid trying to see every corner. Pick a base, then plan two or three proper day trips. Rhodes rewards slower travel, especially when you leave time for long lunches and sunset swims.
The best things to see and do in Rhodes
Spend a day in Rhodes Old Town
Rhodes Old Town was one of my favourite parts of the trip. It feels lived-in rather than staged, with layers of history in every lane. You pass Byzantine churches, Ottoman details, medieval walls, souvenir shops, courtyard cafés, and quiet residential corners within a few minutes.
Start near one of the old gates and give yourself time to wander without a strict route. The main sights are close enough to see on foot, but the real pleasure is getting slightly lost.
Do not miss:
The Palace of the Grand Master
The Street of the Knights
The old city walls and gates
Hippocrates Square
The small streets leading away from the busiest souvenir areas
Go early if visiting in summer. By midday, the stones hold the heat and walking can feel tiring. Evening is lovely too, especially when the lamps come on and the restaurants fill up.
Walk around Mandraki Harbour
Mandraki Harbour is an easy add-on to Rhodes Old Town. It is linked with the famous Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, though the statue no longer stands. Today, you will find yachts, excursion boats, windmills, and views across the water.
This is also a good place to book boat trips, check routes, or take a relaxed walk before dinner. The harbour has a classic holiday feel without needing much planning.
Visit Lindos and climb to the Acropolis
Lindos is one of the most photogenic places in Rhodes. Whitewashed houses sit below the Acropolis, with sea views on both sides. The climb to the top is hot but worth it for the views over St Paul’s Bay and the coastline.
Wear decent shoes, bring water, and go early if you can. The lanes in Lindos are narrow and pretty, but they get crowded in peak season. After visiting the Acropolis, cool off with a swim at Lindos Beach or St Paul’s Bay.
Want to explore Lindos?
If you'd rather not organise everything yourself, there are guided tours and day trips to Lindos and the Acropolis available from different parts of the island.
Explore Lindos tours and experiences
Take a snorkelling tour around the bay
A snorkelling tour was one of the easiest “yes” decisions of the trip. Rhodes has clear water, rocky edges, and sheltered bays that suit beginners as well as confident swimmers.
Most tours include stops in calm areas where you can jump in from the boat, swim along the rocks, and look for small fish. The best part for me was the pause between swims, sitting on deck while the boat moved from one cove to the next. It felt relaxed and simple, exactly what a Greek island day should feel like.
Bring:
Reef-safe sunscreen
A towel
Water
A dry bag for your phone
Your own mask if you prefer a snug fit
If you get seasick, choose a shorter bay tour rather than a full-day boat trip.
Ready to Explore Rhodes Underwater?
A snorkelling or boat trip is one of the best ways to experience Rhodes beyond its beaches. You can discover hidden coves, swim in crystal-clear water and see more of the coastline from the sea.
Explore snorkelling tours and boat trips in Rhodes
The best beaches in Rhodes
Rhodes has beaches for every mood. Some are soft and sandy, others are pebbly and dramatic. Water shoes help on the rockier beaches, especially if you plan to snorkel.
Anthony Quinn Bay
Anthony Quinn Bay is one of the most famous swimming spots on the island, and it deserves the attention. It is small, rocky, and incredibly clear, with green hills around the water. It is ideal for snorkelling, but it can get busy fast.
Go early in the morning for the calmest experience. If you arrive later, expect a livelier scene and limited space.
Tsambika Beach
Tsambika Beach is a brilliant beach for a classic lazy day. The sand is soft, the bay is wide, and the water is shallow near the shore. It is a strong choice for families because children have space to play and the sea is usually easy to enter.
There are places to eat and rent sunbeds, so you can settle in for several hours without needing to move.
Lindos Beach and St Paul’s Bay
Lindos gives you two beach experiences in one area. Lindos Beach is convenient, sandy, and close to the village. St Paul’s Bay feels more tucked away and scenic, with beautiful views towards the chapel and cliffs.
Both are popular, so early mornings and late afternoons work best.
Faliraki Beach
Faliraki Beach is long, lively, and practical. It suits younger travellers, groups, and anyone who wants watersports, bars, restaurants, and plenty of facilities close by.
The resort has a party reputation, but the beach itself is broad enough to find different pockets of atmosphere. Some areas feel energetic, while others are more relaxed.
Elli Beach
Elli Beach sits near Rhodes Town, which makes it useful if you do not want to travel far. It has clear water, beach bars, and a stylish town-beach feel. It is not the quietest beach on the island, but it is one of the easiest to combine with sightseeing.
Prasonisi Beach
Prasonisi, at the southern tip of Rhodes, is famous for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Depending on conditions, the area can feel wild and windswept compared with the resort beaches.
It is best for active travellers, photographers, and anyone hiring a car for a full island road trip.
Thinking About Hiring a Car?
A hire car can make exploring Rhodes much easier, particularly if you want to visit quieter beaches, villages and places away from the main resorts.
Compare car hire prices in Rhodes
What to eat in Rhodes
Greek food was a highlight throughout the trip. The best meals were the simplest ones: grilled meat, fresh fish, tomato salad, dips, warm bread, and local wine. Rhodes has plenty of tourist-facing restaurants, especially in Rhodes Town, Lindos, and Faliraki, but you can still eat very well if you look for places with a local rhythm.
Try these dishes and drinks:
Meze Small plates such as tzatziki, dolmades, olives, feta, and courgette fritters.
Souvlaki and gyros Easy, affordable, and perfect after a beach day.
Fresh seafood Grilled octopus, calamari, sea bream, and prawns are common in coastal tavernas.
Moussaka A rich baked dish with aubergine, minced meat, and béchamel.
Greek salad Best when the tomatoes are sweet and the feta is served in a generous slab.
Loukoumades Small honey-soaked doughnuts, ideal if you have a sweet tooth.
One of my favourite evenings was not fancy at all. It was a long, casual meal with shared plates, too much bread, and no rush to leave. That is the charm of eating in Rhodes. The food works best when you slow down.
Want to experience Rhodes through food?
A food tour or Greek cooking experience is a great way to discover local dishes while learning more about the island's food culture.
Explore food tours and culinary experiences in Rhodes.
Where to stay in Rhodes
Choosing where to stay depends on the trip you want. Rhodes Town is best for history, restaurants, and harbour access. Faliraki works well for nightlife and beaches. Lindos is romantic and scenic. Kolymbia, Afandou, Ixia, and Ialyssos are good bases for resort stays and exploring by car.
You can search for available rooms, apartments and guest houses here.
Here are hotel ideas across different categories.
Hotel style | Good options | Best for |
5-star hotels | Mitsis Grand Hotel, Atrium Platinum, Lindos Blu Luxury Hotel and Suites | Luxury, couples, sea views |
4-star hotels | Apollo Blue, Blue Sea Beach Resort | Comfort, value, resort facilities |
3-star hotels | Rodos Star Hotel, Hotel Anastasia, simple family-run hotels in Rhodes Town or Faliraki | Budget trips, younger travellers, short stays |
Adult-only hotels | Lindos Blu, Casa Cook Rhodes, Esperos Village Blue and Spa | Couples, quiet escapes, design-led stays |
Family-friendly hotels | Atlantica Aegean Blue, Sun Palace Hotel, Blue Sea Beach Resort | Pools, kids’ facilities, beach access |
Young traveller options | Stay Rhodes Hostel and Bar, Faliraki hotels, Rhodes Town apartments | Nightlife, social stays, transport links |
Staying at Rodos Star Hotel
I stayed at Rodos Star Hotel, a 3-star option that works well if you want a comfortable base without paying luxury prices. It is often associated with Afandou, a quieter area than Rhodes Town or Faliraki, so it suits travellers who prefer a calmer stay and plan to explore.
The main appeal was the balance. It felt practical, relaxed, and easy to use as a base for beach days and sightseeing. If you hire a car, this kind of location makes a lot of sense because you are not locked into one resort strip.
Rodos Star Hotel is a good fit for:
Couples who want a quieter base
Travellers hiring a car
Guests who like resort comfort without a huge hotel feel
People who want access to both beaches and day trips
For my trip, I stayed in the duluxe room with a private pool. I found this room very comfortable and private, with great views of the surrounding mountains and the town.
As with any hotel in Rhodes, check the latest room types, board options, pool access, and transfer details before booking.
Want to stay at Rodos Star Hotel?
Check the latest prices, available room types and dates before booking.
Best areas for different travellers
Rhodes Town is best for first-time visitors who want culture, restaurants, shops, and easy boat trips. It is also useful if you prefer not to hire a car.
Faliraki suits young travellers, groups, and anyone who wants nightlife, watersports, and a long sandy beach.
Lindos is best for couples, photographers, and travellers who want a romantic setting. It is beautiful, but it can be busy and more expensive.
Afandou and Kolymbia work well for quieter resort holidays with good road access.
Ixia and Ialyssos are practical for airport access, windier beaches, and larger hotels.
Guest houses, Airbnbs, and alternative stays
Hotels are not the only way to enjoy Rhodes. Guest houses and Airbnbs can be better if you want more space, a kitchen, or a local neighbourhood feel.
A guest house in Rhodes Old Town can be magical if you enjoy character buildings and evening walks. Just check access carefully, as the old streets can involve cobbles, steps, and restricted vehicle access.
An Airbnb or apartment works well for longer stays, families, or travellers who like breakfast at home before heading out. Look for clear reviews, air conditioning, outdoor space, and a realistic location. A place that looks “near the beach” on a map may still involve a steep walk or a road without shade.
For families, a villa can be the most comfortable option, especially with a pool and parking. For young travellers, rooms or apartments near Rhodes Town or Faliraki will usually make nights out and bus links easier.
Explore available Airbnb rentals here.
How to plan a simple Rhodes itinerary
For a balanced first trip, five to seven days is ideal. That gives you enough time to enjoy the island without turning every day into a transfer.
A good rhythm might look like this:
Day 1 Arrive, settle in, and have a relaxed dinner near your hotel.
Day 2 Visit Rhodes Old Town and Mandraki Harbour.
Day 3 Spend the day at Anthony Quinn Bay or Tsambika Beach.
Day 4 Take a snorkelling or boat tour.
Day 5 Visit Lindos and swim at St Paul’s Bay.
Day 6 Hire a car for quieter beaches, villages, or Prasonisi.
Day 7 Enjoy a slow beach morning before travelling home.
If you have less time, focus on Rhodes Old Town, one great beach, and one boat trip. If you have more time, add Kamiros, Monolithos Castle, Seven Springs, and a full south coast drive.
Practical tips for visiting Rhodes
Rhodes is easy to enjoy, but a little planning helps.
Transport Buses connect many popular areas, but a hire car gives you far more freedom for beaches and inland stops.
Driving Main roads are manageable, though village streets and beach access roads can be narrow. Parking can be tight in busy areas.
Best time to visit Late spring and early autumn are lovely for warm weather with fewer crowds. July and August are hotter and busier.
What to pack Bring swimwear, comfortable sandals, water shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and light layers for evenings.
Beach costs Many organised beaches charge for sunbeds and umbrellas. Prices vary by area and season.
Cash and cards Cards are widely accepted in tourist areas, but it is useful to carry some cash for smaller tavernas, parking, tips, and beach facilities.
Discover Wise for travel money
Travel Essentials for Beach Days
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to the beach, consider the following travel essentials:
What to Pack
Swimwear: Bring multiple swimsuits for beach days and water activities.
Sunscreen: A high-SPF sunscreen is essential to protect your skin from the Mediterranean sun.
Beach Towel: A large, comfortable towel is perfect for lounging on the sand.
Hat and Sunglasses: Protect yourself from the sun with a wide-brimmed hat and UV-protection sunglasses.
Flip-Flops: Comfortable flip-flops you can walk to the beach in.
Waterproof Phone Pouch: To keep your phone safe when swimming or snorkling in the ocean.
Shop my Rhodes travel essentials.
Final thoughts on Rhodes
Rhodes is popular for good reason. It has proper history, excellent swimming, easy food, scenic villages, and enough hotel choice to suit almost every budget. The best trips combine the main sights with slower moments: wandering Rhodes Old Town before the crowds, snorkelling in a quiet bay, sharing meze at sunset, and picking one beach to return to because it just feels right.
If you want a Greek island with both culture and comfort, Rhodes is an easy choice. Base yourself somewhere that matches your travel style, plan a few key days, and leave enough space for the simple things. That is where the island really shines.
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