Best Things to Do in Rhodes Greece
Planning a trip to Rhodes? You’re in the right place.
Welcome to the ultimate local guide to Rhodes! As someone who actually lives here year-round, I’ve put together the real best things to do in Rhodes Greece—not the tourist-trap stuff you’ll see everywhere else. If you want to explore Rhodes like a local, avoid overpriced tours, and discover the beaches, food spots, villages, and experiences that make this island unforgettable!
✨ BEST THINGS TO DO IN RHODES GREECE (LOCAL 2026 EDITION)
Written by Looneytravels — your friendly Rhodes local buddy
Planning a trip to Rhodes? You’re in the right place.
As someone who actually lives here year-round, I’ve created the most complete, most honest, and most local guide to the Best Things to Do in Rhodes Greece — including big highlights, real hidden gems, food spots, beaches, activities, and authentic local experiences.
Most travel blogs repeat the same generic lists.
This guide is different.
This is the updated 2026 version locals give to friends when they visit.
And if you want everything planned for you, check out:
Rhodes Travel Guide & 7-Day Itinerary
⭐ Top 5 Absolute Must-See Places in Rhodes
If it’s your first time on Rhodes, these are the essentials — no matter your travel style.
1. Medieval Old Town of Rhodes (UNESCO Site)
The Medieval Old Town is the beating heart of Rhodes — a maze of Byzantine churches, Ottoman courtyards, Crusader architecture, and small tavernas. It’s one of the best-preserved Medieval towns in Europe and still lived in today.
Don’t miss:
The Street of the Knights
Palace of the Grand Master
The Old Moat Walk
The quiet backstreets behind the busy squares
Local tip:
Go at sunset. The light is magical and the cruise-ship crowds are gone.
Rhodes Old Town Guide (2026 Edition)
2. Lindos Village & Acropolis
Lindos is the postcard of Rhodes: photogenic alleys, rooftop restaurants, turquoise water, and the famous Acropolis clinging to the cliff.
Local tip:
Go before 9:30 AM or after 5 PM.
If you hate crowds, stay in Vlicha Bay instead of inside the village.
Lindos Rhodes Travel Guide 2026
Where to Stay in Rhodes (Full Area Guide)
3. Kritinia Castle (West Coast Gem)
A Venetian-era castle overlooking the Aegean and nearby islands.
It’s peaceful, dramatic, and perfect for photography.
Pair it with:
Wine tasting in Embonas
Sunset photos from the castle walls
A stop in Kamiros Skala
4. Monolithos Castle
One of the most beautiful viewpoints in Rhodes — quiet, dramatic, and unforgettable at sunset.
Local tip:
Bring water. The climb is short but hot.
5. Prasonisi – Where Two Seas Meet
A natural wonder where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean, forming a sandy land bridge.
One side is calm, one side windy.
Perfect for surfers, photographers, and nature lovers.
⭐ Secret Things to Do in Rhodes (Real Local Spots)
These are real insider places — not tourist traps.
1. Stegna Village
A calm fishing village with colourful boats, crystal water, and some of the best seafood on the island.
Local tip:
Eat at O Gialos or Stegna Kozas — truly local favourites.
For a visual breakdown of these spots, watch my Rhodes video on YouTube about Stegna Village
2. Siana Village (Honey & Souma Center)
Famous for thyme honey, olive oil, and the local spirit “souma.”
You’ll meet genuine locals and taste real homemade products.
For a visual breakdown of these spots, watch my Rhodes video on YouTube about Siana Village
3. Rodini Park
One of Europe’s oldest landscaped parks — streams, peacocks, bridges, and shade.
A peaceful escape minutes from the city.
For a visual breakdown of these spots, watch my Rhodes video on YouTube about Rodini Park
4. Fourni Beach (Wild West Coast)
Cliffs, waves, dramatic scenery.
No sunbeds, no bars — just untouched nature.
Local tip:
Bring snacks and water.
5. Tsambika Monastery Viewpoint
You climb 300+ steps, but the views are worth every one.
Local tip:
Sunrise or sunset. Midday is insanely hot.
For a visual breakdown of these spots, watch my Rhodes video on YouTube about Tsambika Monastery 300 steps
⭐ Best Activities & Experiences in Rhodes
These are truly worth doing — no tourist traps here.
1. Rent a License-Free Boat (Top Local Pick)
One of the most fun things you can do on the island.
No license required — just a quick lesson and off you go.
Best areas:
Lindos
Pefkos
Kiotari
Stegna
Tsambika
Go early morning or late afternoon for calmer water and better photos.
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2. Wine Tasting in Embonas Village
The wine capital of Rhodes, surrounded by mountain scenery.
Top wineries:
Cava Stafylos
Kounaki
Emery
3. Rhodes Cooking Class (Local Farm Experience)
A true Rhodian countryside experience — cook traditional dishes in a farmhouse, drink wine, laugh with locals, and eat everything you make under the olive trees.
To unlock 5€ off from the BEST experiences on the island, simply type LOONEYTRAVELS when booking or sending an inquiry on our partner's website.
4. Hiking Profitis Ilias
A beautiful mountain trail with pine forests and Italian-era architecture — especially great in spring and autumn.
Local tip:
Visit the historic Elafos & Elafina buildings from the 1920s.
5. Boat Trip Around Lindos
Crystal water, sea caves, swimming stops, and perfect scenery.
⭐ Most Beautiful Beaches in Rhodes (Local 2026 Ranking)
Rhodes has more than 40 beaches — but these are the ones locals recommend first.
🥇 1. Tsambika Beach
Golden sand + shallow clear water.
Perfect for families, couples, and first-time visitors.
🥇 2. Lindos Beach & St. Paul’s Bay
Two iconic beaches next to the village.
Local tip:
Go early morning — both get busy fast.
St. Paul’s Bay Rhodes Guide
Lindos Travel Guide
🥇 3. Pefkos Beach
Soft sand + warm shallow water.
A favourite among families.
🥇 4. Stegna Beach
Clear water + local vibe + great food.
🥇 5. Anthony Quinn Bay
Emerald water and dramatic rocky scenery.
🥇 6. Fourni Beach
Wild, quiet, and untouched.
🥇 7. Prasonisi
Two seas meeting — completely unique.
For a visual breakdown of these spots, watch my Rhodes video on YouTube about Prasonisi
⭐ Hidden Beaches on Rhodes (Quiet Even in Summer)
These are the lesser-known beaches locals love — peaceful, authentic, and still quiet even during July–August.
⭐ Agathi Beach
A beautiful golden-sand beach with warm, shallow water perfect for families and relaxed swimmers. Despite its growing popularity, it still feels calmer than the big-name beaches nearby.
Local vibe: Soft sand, turquoise water, no Tavernas, no toilets, no sunbeds - Free & wild beach. My personal favorite on whole island.
⭐ Kokkini Ammos (Red Sand Beach)
One of Rhodes’ true secret spots — a striking red-sand beach accessible only by boat or by a scenic hike. Remote, wild, and usually empty, it’s perfect if you want peaceful swimming and dramatic colours.
Local vibe: Untouched scenery, zero crowds, amazing for drone shots.
For a visual breakdown of these spots, watch my Rhodes video on YouTube about Red Sand Beach
⭐ Traounou Beach
A long pebbly beach with crystal-clear deep blue water, small sea caves, and lots of quiet space even at peak season. It sits between Faliraki and Afandou but feels hidden thanks to its size and layout.
Local vibe: Clean, quiet, excellent for snorkelling and exploring the caves.
⭐ Limni Beach
A secluded, natural beach on the southwest coast with a wild, untouched feel and almost no development around. It’s remote, peaceful, and perfect for travellers who want total quiet and a break from tourist areas.
Local vibe: Wide open coastline, natural beauty, and silence except for the waves.
⭐ Best Things to Do for Food Lovers
Rhodes has amazing local food — here’s where to taste the real deal.
✔ Rooftop dinner in Lindos
✔ Meze in Koskinou or Afandou
✔ Fresh seafood in Stegna
✔ Local honey in Siana
✔ Souvlaki in Rhodes Town
⭐ Best Villages to Explore in Rhodes
For real culture and traditional life:
⭐ What to Do in Rhodes Town
A perfect day in the city:
Wander Medieval Streets
Visit Mandraki Harbour
Swim at Elli Beach
Sunset at Monte Smith
Eat in quiet Old Town alleys
Enjoy nightlife in the bar streets
Nightlife in Rhodes (Local Picks)
Rhodes Town Guide
⭐ What to Do in Lindos
Acropolis
Rooftop dinners
Sunrise photography
Kayaking or SUP
⭐ Best Day Trips in Rhodes
These routes make planning easy.
✔ 1. Lindos + Tsambika + Stegna
Perfect for beach lovers.
✔ 2. West Coast Loop
Kritinia → Embonas → Siana → Monolithos → Fourni
✔ 3. Prasonisi + Gennadi
Nature + villages.
✔ 4. Old Town + Kallithea Springs + Faliraki
Ideal without a car.
⭐ Practical Tips for a Better Rhodes Trip
✔ Best months: June, early July, September, October
✔ Hottest: Late July–August
✔ Swimming until late October
✔ Rent a car if staying in Kiotari, Gennadi, Pefkos, Lindos
✔ Avoid restaurant tourist traps near main squares
✔ Don’t book random boat sellers on beaches
✔ Check real taxi prices before you ride
Rhodes Taxi Prices Guide
Rhodes Transport Guide
Car Rental Tips for Rhodes
⭐ Weather in Rhodes (Quick Overview)
May: Warm, perfect for hiking
June: Best overall month
July–Aug: Hot, busy, perfect for beach days
September: Best month for couples
October: Warm sea, quiet, great value
Rhodes Weather Month-by-Month Guide
⭐ Best Things to Do for Solo Travellers
Rhodes is extremely safe and easy for solo trips.
Best areas:
Rhodes Town
Ixia
Lindos
Pefkos
Best activities:
Cooking class
Wine tasting
License-free boat
Group boat tours
⭐ Best Things to Do for Families
Faliraki Waterpark
Kolymbia Beach
Lindos boat trip
Rhodes Aquarium (for hot days)
Valleys + easy walks
⭐ Common Travel Mistakes to Avoid
✔ Don’t go to Lindos or Old Town at noon in summer
✔ Don’t rely on buses in south Rhodes
✔ Don’t book scooters <125cc without experience
✔ Don’t assume every rooftop restaurant is good
✔ Don’t underestimate driving distances — island is big
Rhodes Travel Mistakes to Avoid
⭐ Must-Know Transport Tips
✔ Taxi prices are fixed for most routes
✔ Rental cars are the easiest way to explore
✔ Buses work great only between Rhodes Town & Faliraki/Lindos
✔ Parking in Old Town: know where to go
Rhodes Transport Guide
Taxi Prices Guide
Rhodes Airport Guide
Car Rental Rhodes
⭐ Extra Helpful Blog Posts for Planning
Where they fit naturally in the blog:
Ladiko Beach Guide
Anthony Quinn Bay Guide
Is Rhodes Expensive? Full Cost breakdown
⭐ Want Everything Planned for You?
Exploring Rhodes is amazing — but planning the perfect trip takes experience, timing, and knowing what’s actually worth seeing.
That’s why I created my:
Rhodes Travel Guide & 7-Day Itinerary (Local Edition)
It includes:
✔ Day-by-day plan
✔ Top beaches (including secret ones)
✔ Best restaurants (local picks)
✔ Hidden gems
✔ Best hotels
✔ Transport tips
✔ Seasonal advice
✔ How to avoid tourist traps
Just follow the plan and enjoy Rhodes like a local.
⭐ Final Thoughts
I hope this local guide to the best things to do in Rhodes helps you plan an unforgettable trip. Whether you’re chasing turquoise water, hidden beaches, authentic food, or quiet island moments, Rhodes has something special waiting for you. Enjoy every swim, every sunset, and every memory you create on this beautiful island. If you need more help, feel free to explore my other Rhodes guides or reach out — I’m always here to help you experience Rhodes like a real local.
