Dodecanese · Island of the Knights

Rhodes — Where Myth Meets Medieval Grandeur

The largest of the Dodecanese islands, historically known as the "Island of the Knights," is a majestic crossroads where ancient myths, medieval grandeur, and sun-drenched Mediterranean luxury meet — with over 300 days of sunshine a year.

Overview

From the imposing UNESCO-protected medieval Old Town of Rhodes to the iconic sugar-cube village of Lindos, golden sand dunes, and pine-clad mountains, Rhodes offers an incredible variety of landscapes. Whether you are exploring ancient acropolises, windsurfing on wild southern capes, or relaxing at 5-star beachfront resorts, Rhodes delivers an unforgettable Greek island experience.

Once ruled by the Knights of St. John, Rhodes carries their fortifications through the Medieval Old Town, one of Europe's largest inhabited medieval cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its walls enclosing a maze of cobbled lanes still lived in today.

Beyond the Old Town, the island's landscape shifts dramatically — from the sugar-cube village of Lindos beneath its ancient acropolis to the windsurfing capes of Prasonisi, where the Aegean and Mediterranean seas visibly meet.

Best Beaches & Coastal Escapes

Rhodes features over 220 kilometers of coastline, offering a spectacular mix of organized golden bays, emerald coves, and watersport havens.

Iconic

Anthony Quinn Bay

An emerald cove framed by pine-covered rocks.

Golden

Tsambika Beach

Golden sand beneath a mountain monastery.

Lindos

Lindos & St. Paul's Bay

Crystal coves beneath the Lindos Acropolis.

Organized

Faliraki Beach

A 5 km beach with clubs and water sports.

Windsurf

Prasonisi

Where the Aegean and Mediterranean seas meet.

Family

Agathi Beach

A sheltered golden cove with calm waters.

Spacious

Afandou Beach

Uncrowded space with golf courses nearby.

Scenic

Ladiko Beach

A small rocky bay near Anthony Quinn Bay.

Kitesurf

Ialyssos & Ixia

Breezy pebble beaches on the northwest coast.

Quiet

Glystra Beach

A sheltered bay near Lardos among olive trees.

Historical & Cultural Sights

Medieval Town of Rhodes

Europe's largest inhabited medieval city.

Palace of the Grand Master

A 14th-century fortress atop the Old Town.

Acropolis of Lindos

Greek temples, Roman columns, a Knights' fortress.

Valley of the Butterflies

A shaded canyon where moths gather every summer.

Ancient Kamiros

The "Pompeii of Rhodes" — a Hellenistic city.

Monolithos Castle

A 15th-century cliffside castle with sunset views.

Filerimos Hill

A monastery, ancient ruins, and a giant cross.

Seven Springs

A natural park with waterfalls and a dark tunnel.

Kallithea Springs

A restored 1920s Italian thermal bath complex.

Acropolis of Rhodes

The Temple of Apollo and an ancient stadium.

SeasonAirSeaHighlights
Spring (Mar–May)20–25 °C18 °CBlooming landscapes, uncrowded medieval tours, hiking
Summer (Jun–Aug)28–35 °C25–27 °CPeak beach season, water sports, nightlife, sea cruises
Autumn (Sep–Nov)23–28 °C24 °CWarm sea swimming, wine grape harvests, sightseeing
Winter (Dec–Feb)13–17 °C17 °CPeaceful medieval city breaks, museum tours, cozy dining

Extended beach season: May – November, one of Greece's longest summers. Windsurfing/kitesurfing: June – September. Cultural peak: April – May and September – October.

Seasonality & Travel Seasons

April

Easter celebrations, blooming valleys, medieval sites.

May

Warm days, uncrowded historical site exploration.

June

Long days, start of summer beach club festivals.

July

Bustling medieval night markets, warm nights.

August

Lively international vibe, yachting, warm waters.

September

The golden month — grape harvest, fine dining.

October

Wine tasting, museum visits, coastal drives.

November

Olive harvest — quiet life in Embona and Archangelos.

December – February

Winter calm — the Old Town without crowds.

March

Spring revival — wildflower trails open.

Distance & Connectivity from Airport

Rhodes Airport (RHO) ~14 km · ~20 min drive Rhodes Town

To Ixia / Ialyssos

~8–10 km, ~12–15 min drive.

To Faliraki

~16 km, ~20 min drive.

To Lindos

~50 km, ~45–50 min drive.

To Kiotari / Gennadi

~60–65 km, ~55–60 min drive.

Private VIP Transfers

Chauffeured SUVs and executive minivans.

Public Bus (KTEL)

Connects RHO Airport to the central bus station.

Helicopter & Yacht Transfers

Available at Mandraki Harbor and 5-star resorts.

Book Transfer with Legend Travel

Accommodation & Stay Experiences

5-Star Beachfront Resorts

Private pools and spas in Kallithea and Kiotari.

Medieval Boutique Hotels

Restored Knights' mansions in the Old Town.

Adults-Only Luxury Retreats

Private infinity pools near Lindos.

All-Inclusive Family Resorts

Water parks in Faliraki and Kolymbia.

Private Luxury Villas

Cliffside estates with private chefs.

Boutique Hotels in Lindos

Whitewashed suites beneath the Acropolis.

Golf & Spa Resorts

Near the 18-hole Afandou Golf Course.

Windsurfing Lodges

Sport-focused hotels on Prasonisi Cape.

Seaside Serviced Apartments

Multi-bedroom rentals near calm bays.

Budget City Hotels

Central stays in Rhodes New Town.

Book a Hotel with Legend Travel

Gastronomy & Local Cuisine

Pitaroudia

Chickpea fritters with tomatoes and wild mint.

Lakani

Goat or lamb slow-baked with wheat and tomato.

Melekouni

Sesame, thyme honey, almond, and orange peel bar.

Avranies

Wild asparagus sautéed with olive oil and lemon.

Giaprakia

Grape leaves stuffed with meat, rice, and herbs.

Kapamas

Pork or goat with beans in tomato-spice gravy.

Fresh Seafood

Octopus, sea bream, and fried squid in Stegna.

Rhodes Cheeses

Sitaka, Kasseri, and aged Graviera.

Takakia

Fried pastries with honey, cinnamon, and walnuts.

Rhodian Wines & Souma

Athiri, Amorgiano, and local Souma spirit.

Transport & Accessibility

Mandraki Harbor

Boat trips, catamarans, and Dodecanese ferry links.

Car & 4x4 Rentals

For inland mountain villages and southern capes.

Public Bus (KTEL & RODA)

Routes to all major resorts and sights.

Private Chauffeur Services

24/7 driver hires and luxury minivans.

Water Taxis

Connecting Rhodes Town, Faliraki, Kallithea, Lindos.

Ferries to Symi

A 1-hour excursion to the neoclassical island.

Ferries to Marmaris

A 1-hour catamaran to the Turkish Riviera.

Windsurf & Kite Rentals

Equipment centers on Prasonisi and Ixia.

E-Bike Rentals

For coastal promenades and roads.

Inter-Island Ferries

To Kos, Symi, Chalki, Karpathos, Crete, Santorini.

Useful Information & Travel Tips

Currency

Euro (€); contactless cards accepted everywhere.

Language

Greek; English fluently and universally spoken.

Power Outlets

Type C and F (230V / 50Hz).

Connectivity & 5G

Fast coverage and widespread free Wi-Fi.

Medical Infrastructure

General Hospital of Rhodes, plus private clinics.

Mandraki Harbor Legend

Where the Colossus of Rhodes once stood.

Passport Note

Required for Marmaris (Turkey) or Symi day trips.

Tipping Culture

5–10% customary in tavernas and for drivers.