Rhodes combines two completely different experiences into one destination. Inside the medieval walls, you'll find one of Europe's best-preserved old towns, while outside the city are whitewashed villages, turquoise bays, mountain viewpoints, wineries, and ancient Greek ruins

Rhodes at a Glance🇬🇷 Country: Greece
⏱ Recommended stay: 2–4 days
🚢 Great for cruise visitors
🍷 Known for medieval history, beaches, wineries
​⭐ UNESCO Old Town

We visited Rhodes and while on our stay had a  full-day private island tour that covered the highlights from Rhodes Town to Lindos before crossing back through the island's interior. It proved to be one of the best ways to experience everything Rhodes offers in a single day.

Where We Stayed
​We based ourselves at Atrium Platinum Luxury Resort Hotel & Spa in a suite with a private pool.
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The hotel sits just outside Rhodes Town in Ixia, making it an excellent base for exploring the island. After a full day of sightseeing, returning to a private plunge pool overlooking the Aegean was the perfect way to unwind.

Why Visit Rhodes?
​Rhodes offers far more variety than many Greek islands.

• One of Europe's best-preserved medieval cities

• Ancient Greek ruins with panoramic viewpoints

• Beautiful beaches and dramatic coastal scenery

• Excellent wineries and local wines

• Charming villages including Lindos

• Easy day trips from cruise ships or longer island stays

Whether you arrive by cruise or stay several nights, Rhodes has enough history and scenery to easily fill multiple days.

Exploring Rhodes Town
We started in Rhodes Town, where medieval history comes alive.

Old Town
Walking through the UNESCO-listed Old Town feels like stepping back several centuries.
Highlights include:

• The fortified medieval walls

• Narrow cobblestone streets

• Historic squares

• Boutique shops and cafés

• Stone archways and hidden courtyards

The atmosphere is one of the best we've experienced in Greece.

Street of the Knights
One of the most impressive streets in the city, the Street of the Knights remains remarkably preserved from the era of the Knights Hospitaller.
Its stone buildings, flags, and architecture make it one of Rhodes' most photographed locations.

Palace of the Grand Master
The Palace of the Grand Master dominates the Old Town and is one of Rhodes' signature landmarks.
Even if you don't tour the interior, the exterior provides excellent photo opportunities and showcases the island's medieval history.

Rhodes Harbor & The Colossus
Leaving Old Town, we visited the historic harbor where the legendary Colossus of Rhodes once stood.
Although the ancient wonder no longer exists, standing at the harbor entrance and imagining one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World is still a memorable experience.
Nearby you'll also find:

• Mandraki Harbor

• Historic windmills

• Fortifications

• Yacht marina

Where Two Seas Meet
One of the island's most unique viewpoints is Rhodes' northern tip.
Here you can see the meeting point of the:

• Aegean Sea

• Mediterranean Sea

The changing water colors and constant breeze make this a worthwhile photo stop.

Ancient Rhodes
Before leaving the city, we explored the Acropolis of Rhodes.
Highlights include:

Temple of Apollo
Ancient Greek Stadium
Restored theater
Sweeping views across Rhodes Town
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Compared with many archaeological sites, this one feels surprisingly uncrowded while offering exceptional views.

Lindos
​About 50 km south of Rhodes Town lies one of the island's most famous destinations.
Panoramic ViewpointBefore entering the village, we stopped at the overlook above Lindos.
The view of the whitewashed village climbing the hillside beneath the Acropolis is one of the most iconic scenes in Greece.
This is an essential photography stop.
St. Paul's Bay
​Just below Lindos lies St. Paul's Bay.
The turquoise water framed by rocky cliffs creates one of the island's most beautiful landscapes.

Lindos Village
​Walking through Lindos is an experience itself.
Expect:

• Whitewashed alleyways

• Boutique shops

• Rooftop restaurants

• Flower-covered courtyards

• Beautiful sea views around every corner

Above the village sits the Acropolis of Lindos, one of Greece's most recognizable archaeological sites.

Donkey Ride to Lindos Acropolis

Lunch on the Water - Argo Seafood Restaurant
​One of the highlights of the day was enjoying lunch at a waterfront restaurant overlooking the sea.
Fresh seafood, Mediterranean flavors, and spectacular coastal views made it one of our favorite meals of the trip.

Crossing the Island
​Rather than returning the same way, our tour crossed from the east coast to the west coast.
This drive offered a completely different perspective of Rhodes, with mountains, forests, vineyards, and small villages replacing the beach scenery.

Valley of the Butterflies -  The Petaloudes Valley is home to thousands of the Rhodes Jersey tiger moth
The Valley of the Butterflies is one of Rhodes' most unique natural attractions.
Depending on the season, thousands of butterflies gather throughout this shaded valley, creating a peaceful walk through streams, bridges, and dense vegetation.
Even outside peak butterfly season, it's a relaxing change from the coastal landscapes.

Local Wine Tasting
​Our tour included a stop at a traditional Rhodes winery.
We enjoyed a complimentary tasting featuring local wines while learning more about the island's winemaking traditions.
For visitors interested in combining history with wine, this was a fun addition to the itinerary.

Acropolis of Ialyssos
​Before returning to Rhodes Town, we stopped at the Ancient Acropolis of Ialyssos.
The viewpoint overlooks the island's west coast and provides some of the best panoramic scenery of the day.
It's a fitting final stop before heading back toward Ixia.

Casual Greek Meal– Koykos
After exploring Rhodes Old Town we stopped at Koykos for a traditional Greek dinner. The restaurant serves classic local dishes in a relaxed courtyard atmosphere. The oversized gyro was an excellent value and a great casual meal before an evening stroll through Rhodes.

Our Thoughts
​Rhodes exceeded our expectations.
Many visitors know Rhodes for its beaches or medieval city, but combining both with Lindos, archaeological sites, wineries, and scenic coastal drives creates a remarkably diverse day.
If you're visiting by cruise, a private island tour is an excellent way to maximize your time.
If you're staying several nights as we did at Atrium Platinum you'll have the flexibility to explore at a slower pace while enjoying one of the island's best luxury resorts.
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Highlights

• Walking through Rhodes Old Town

• The Street of the Knights

• Palace of the Grand Master

• Lindos and its Acropolis

• St. Paul's Bay

• Waterfront lunch

• Traditional wine tasting

• Acropolis of Ialyssos

• Relaxing in a private pool suite at Atrium Platinum

Rhodes offers a unique combination of medieval history, ancient Greece, spectacular coastlines, and authentic local experiences, making it one of our favorite islands in Greece.

Is Rhodes Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Rhodes combines medieval history, beautiful beaches, wineries, mountain scenery, and excellent food into one destination. Whether you're visiting on a cruise or spending several nights exploring the island, Rhodes deserves far more attention than it receives.