Rhodes Travel Guide: Medieval Old Town, Beaches & Island Sun
Rhodes is a rare combination in the Greek islands — beach resort AND medieval wonder. The Old Town of Rhodes is the best-preserved medieval walled city in Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage site where Crusader knights, Ottoman rulers, and Italian colonisers all left their mark. The Street of the Knights is arguably the most atmospheric street in the Mediterranean. But Rhodes is also a sun-and-sand destination with over 300 days of sunshine a year, with beaches ranging from the golden sands of Faliraki to the pebble coves of the west coast. Add the ancient acropolis of Lindos, the butterfly-filled Valley of the Butterflies, and the island’s excellent wine, and you have one of the most complete Greek island experiences available.
A Brief History of Rhodes
Rhodes has been inhabited since the Neolithic period. The ancient city of Rhodes was founded in 408 BC by the cities of Lindos, Ialyssos, and Kamiros and became a wealthy naval power. The Colossus of Rhodes — a 33-metre-tall bronze statue of the sun god Helios, built in 280 BC — was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It stood for only 54 years before an earthquake destroyed it. Rhodes was later conquered by the Romans, Byzantines, and Knights Hospitaller — a military order established during the Crusades. The Knights ruled Rhodes from 1309 to 1522, turning the city into a formidable fortress. They withstood a siege by the Ottoman sultan Suleiman the Magnificent in 1480, but finally surrendered in 1522 after a six-month siege. The Ottomans held Rhodes until 1912, when it passed to Italy. It was finally unified with Greece in 1947. The 20th-century Italian occupation left a mixed legacy of fascist architecture and excellent archaeological restoration.
Cost Breakdown: Visiting Rhodes
Rhodes is mid-range — cheaper than Mykonos, more expensive than Crete:
Daily budget (excluding accommodation):
- Budget Traveller: €35–55
- Mid-Range: €60–100
- Comfort: €110–170
Sample Costs:
- Meal in the Old Town: €12–18
- Gyros pita: €3.50–5
- Lindos Acropolis entry: €12
- Palace of the Grand Master: €10
- Bus to Lindos: €5
- Hostel dorm bed: €20–35
- Budget hotel double: €45–80
Top Attractions in Rhodes
1. Rhodes Old Town & Palace of the Grand Master
The Old Town of Rhodes is divided into two parts: the Collachium (the Knights’ quarter, north of the central avenue) and the Bourguignon (the residential quarter). The Palace of the Grand Master dominates the Collachium — a massive 14th-century fortress rebuilt by the Italians in the 1930s as a holiday residence for Mussolini (he never visited). The palace houses two permanent exhibitions: one on the Rhodes of the Knights, the other a mosaic collection from Kos and other Dodecanese islands. The Street of the Knights (Odos Ippoton), leading from the palace to the Hospital of the Knights, is the best-preserved medieval street in Europe, lined with the inns of the different Knightly “tongues” (nationalities). The Old Town walls are 4 km long — you can walk sections of them for free.
Palace: €10, Tuesday–Sunday 8:00–20:00 (summer)
Old Town walls: Free to walk, best section near the Acropolis Gate
Best time: Early morning (before 9 AM) for empty streets
2. Lindos Acropolis
The Acropolis of Lindos is spectacularly situated on a 116-metre cliff overlooking the sea and the whitewashed village of Lindos below. The archaeological site includes the Temple of Athena Lindia (4th century BC), the Hellenistic Stoa, the Byzantine Church of Agios Ioannis, and the medieval Castle of the Knights, built over the ancient acropolis. The setting is breathtaking — the blue of St. Paul’s Bay on both sides, the white cube houses of Lindos cascading down the hill, and the Aegean stretching to the horizon. The climb from the village square takes 20 minutes on foot (via the donkey path or the steps), or you can ride a donkey for €12.
Hours: Daily 8:00–20:00 (summer)
Cost: €12
Bus from Rhodes Town: €5, 45 minutes, hourly
3. Rhodes Beaches
Rhodes has beaches for every taste. The eastern coast (lee of the prevailing wind) has calm water and golden sand. Tsambika Beach, 25 km south of Rhodes Town, is the most beautiful on the east coast — a long crescent of golden sand backed by a hill crowned with a monastery. The western coast is windier and has rougher seas but beautiful pebble beaches. Prasonisi, at the southern tip, is a unique sandbar connecting Rhodes to a small island — the Aegean side has waves for windsurfing, while the Mediterranean side is calm. In summer, the water connection disappears and you can walk across. Anthony Quinn Bay, named after the actor who fell in love with it during the filming of “The Guns of Navarone,” is a small, beautiful cove with turquoise water.
Best family beach: Faliraki (developed, tavernas, water sports)
Best natural beach: Tsambika (golden sand, hillside monastery)
Unique: Prasonisi (windsurfing, sandbar between two seas)
4. Rhodes Town Harbour & Mandraki
Mandraki is the old harbour of Rhodes Town, where the Colossus of Rhodes once stood (its feet straddled the harbour entrance, according to medieval accounts — though modern historians dispute this). The harbour entrance is marked by two bronze deer statues on columns — the symbol of Rhodes. The 14th-century windmills along the mole (breakwater) are a favourite subject for photographers. The harbour is where yachts, excursion boats, and fishing vessels dock, and the cafés along the waterfront are perfect for people-watching. The Governor’s Palace and the National Theatre (both built by the Italians) dominate the square overlooking the harbour. The 13th-century Church of the Annunciation (free to enter, Tuesday–Sunday) has magnificent frescoes.
Deer statues: Free, at the harbour entrance
Windmills: Three restored windmills accessible via the mole
Boat tours from here: Day trips to Symi island (€25–35)
5. Valley of the Butterflies
The Valley of the Butterflies (Petaloudes) is a unique natural phenomenon — a lush green valley where thousands of Jersey tiger moths gather from June to September, attracted by the resin of the storax trees. The moths land on the tree trunks and rock faces, creating the impression of a valley covered in orange and black butterflies. The valley has a walking trail with wooden bridges crossing a stream, a small waterfall, and a miniature museum. It’s a 25-minute drive or bus from Rhodes Town (€3, 30 minutes). The phenomenon is best from June through August, though the moths can be less visible on hot, bright days when they hide in the shade.
Hours: Daily 8:00–19:00 (June–September only)
Cost: €5
Best time: Early morning or late afternoon on a cooler day
6. Rhodes Wine & Village Life
The interior of Rhodes is dotted with traditional villages that feel far removed from the coastal tourist resorts. The village of Embonas, on the slopes of Mount Attavyros (the highest peak in the Dodecanese at 1,215 m), is the centre of Rhodian wine production. The local variety is Athiri (a crisp white) and the red made from Mandilaria and Amorgiano grapes. The Emery Winery and Kounakis Winery both offer tastings (€10–15). The village of Archangelos is known for its traditional pottery — the Petas family has been making pottery here since 1870. The village of Lindos (below the acropolis) is the most beautiful but also the most touristy. For the most authentic village experience, head to Siana, Kritinia, or Monolithos.
Wine tasting: Emery Winery, Embonas — €12 for 5 wines
Pottery: Petas family, Archangelos — €5–50 depending on size
Monolithos: 16 km from the west coast, with a 15th-century castle on a 200-metre rock
Disclaimer: Lindos Acropolis is extremely crowded in July–August — arrive at opening time (8:00) to avoid the queues. Donkey rides to the acropolis have animal welfare concerns — please walk. The Valley of the Butterflies only operates June–September. Symi ferry schedules vary by season. Car rental is recommended for exploring beyond Rhodes Town and Lindos.