Rhodes is a small island located off the south eastern coast of Greece. The ideal holiday destination for families and couples alike, this island offers everything you could ever want, including superb weather and a fantastic selection of activities suitable for visitors of all ages. Rhodes has a complex and colourful history which dates back thousands of years, so there are plenty of ancient and religious sites to explore, as well as many other popular attractions, such as natural parks, museums and excursions, ensuring something for everyone.
Sightseeing
One of the most popular attractions on the island, Medieval City of Rhodes is a must-visit during your holiday. Surrounded by ancient walls, this old section of the town has a great historical significance and is a fantastic place to explore. Don't forget to bring your camera because you'll come face to face with Greek ruins, a castle, churches and cobbled streets at every turn at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. After you've toured the ruins, you can enjoy some retail therapy or re-energise at one of the many cafes, bars and restaurants.
Village of Lindos is another top site to visit during your trip to Rhodes. Here you'll find plenty of winding streets to explore, lined with cafes and restaurants serving refreshments and plenty of shops where you can purchase souvenirs or gifts. If you'd like to explore the village without wearing yourself out, why not enjoy a donkey ride? You'll find them available in many spots throughout Lindos.
History buffs won't be able to pass up the chance to visit Ancient Rhodes. During the daytime, the area is full of visitors from all over the world who have travelled to explore the numerous ruins, castle and squares, as well as the shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. With so much to see, you'll need to set aside at least half a day to take in everything and make sure you pack your camera with you.
Another top place for history enthusiasts to visit, the Acropolis of Lindos is close to the top of almost everyone's to-visit list during their holiday in Rhodes. Suitable footwear is recommended if you plan on visiting these ruins, because there is a lot of walking and steps involved. The Acropolis is a fascinating place to explore and is full of photo opportunities. There are several panels to be found throughout the site which give you an idea of what the ruins looked like when they were first built. If you're not interested in ancient ruins, the Acropolis of Lindos is also a great location to appreciate beautiful sea views which stretch on for miles.
Religious sites
Found on the road heading towards the Acropolis at Lindos, Church of Panagia features a whitewashed exterior with a domed red roof and stone bell tower. Inside you'll find a black and white pebble mosaic floor which is characteristic of chapels throughout the village, as well as a number of 18th century frescoes. Although flash photography is not allowed, there is a shop inside the church which sells postcards with professional pictures of the church.
Another popular church found in Rhodes, the Profitis Ilias in Salakos is found in a very mountainous area surrounded by trees. This small chapel features a colourful picture of the Prophet Elijah in which he is being fed by ravens. A fantastic place to soak up some peace and tranquillity, the Profitis Ilias is not just a site for religious people, but for anyone who wants to relax and unwind.
Monastery of Kalopetra sits on top of a hill overlooking Rhodes and the sea, providing visitors with fantastic panoramic views. In addition to the small and unpretentious church, this area is also home to picturesque grounds which are pleasant to explore. One of the most special parts of the monastery is the tree found outside, which features many wishes and prayers which have been etched on the branches and trunk. The souvenir shop found nearby sells a variety of authentic Greek items, including a drink unique to the area, which make for great souvenirs or gifts.
Museums & art galleries
There is a top selection of museums to be found within Rhodes, one of the most popular being the Archaeological Museum. Situated within Rhodes Town, this museum is full of statues, mosaics and authentic artefacts, some of which you can touch if you wish to. Open every day from 8am until 7.40pm (from 1.30pm on Mondays), this museum is also home to a beautiful rooftop garden and café where you can enjoy a drink or bite to eat.
Popular with visitors and locals alike, the Rhodes Jewish Museum is a fascinating place in which to discover everything you would ever need to know about the thriving Jewish community that used to exist in Rhodes. Located within the last synagogue of the island, this museum features displays and exhibitions that show family photos and original artefacts which tell an interesting although sad story. The Rhodes Jewish Museum is open from 10am until 3pm during the summer months and makes for a great day out for the whole family.
Art lovers won't want to miss the chance to visit the Municipal Art Gallery of Rhodes during their holiday. One of the most significant and representative collections of 20th century Greek art, the museum hosts 690 exhibits, 90 of which are open to the public. The paintings are regularly rotated, so there is always something new to see every time you visit. Open from Tuesday to Saturday, 8am until 2pm, the Municipal Art Gallery of Rhodes is a wonderful place to escape the heat of summer or rain during winter.
The Bee Museum is the only one of its type found in Greece and welcomes more than 7,000 visitors each year. Here you can find out all about the honey making process and even admire a few functioning bee hives. The various exhibitions and displays detail how bee keeping has developed, information about the species and their products and an outdoor bee garden, amongst various other attractions. After you've explored the museum, head to the gift shop where you can purchase a wealth of honey-based items, including food, drinks and even cosmetics. Open Monday to Friday from 8.30am until 5pm and on Saturday from 8.30am until 3.30pm, the Bee Museum is an interesting day out that the whole family can enjoy.
Day trips
Animal lovers won't want to miss the chance to go horse riding with Fivos Horse Riding. Found between Faliraki and Afandou, this horse riding club offers a number of different excursions, ensuring something for everyone. You can choose from a trip to the beach or the lake, as well as pony rides for children. If you've never been horse riding before but would like to learn how, why not sign up for their riding lessons? Fivos Horse Riding is open every day from 9am until 9pm and offers affordable prices, ensuring everyone can enjoy the experience.
If you want to explore the island, why not rent a bicycle and do it at your own pace whilst being environmentally-friendly at the same time? Rodos Cycling rents out a selection of road, mountain, trekking, touring, city and kids' bikes, ensuring the perfect vehicle for every type of trip. If you'd rather join a tour with a guide, Rodos Cycling also offers a selection of mountain and road tours which take in some of the best sites the island has to offer.
For something more fast-paced, a Jeep Safari is a wonderful way to explore the island. This nine-hour tour is perfect for nature and adventure lovers and takes in many parts of the island which most tourists don't even know about. The Jeep safari is led by a qualified guide who will tell you all about the areas as you drive through them in a hefty 4x4 Jeep. A fantastic opportunity to discover traditional villages, forests, mountains, streams, vineyards, olive groves and monasteries, the excursion also includes time for a picnic in the hills, two stops for drinks and one pause for a swim.
Couples and families who want to learn more about the Greek culture should make time for the Greek Folklore Performance. Using traditional music and dance, this live show takes place at night in an open-air theatre, creating a unique atmosphere which ties in with the performance. Suitable for visitors of all ages, this show is performed by locals dressed in authentic Greek attire who sing, dance and play instruments, ensuring a great night out for everyone.
If you're looking for an excursion with a difference, sign up for the Lindos by Night tour. This evening trip takes 4.5 hours to complete and includes an escorted visit to the village of Lindos, where you can explore the quaint cobbled streets by moonlight. Offering a completely different atmosphere at night than during the day, Lindos is full of taverns, bars and restaurants which come alive after sunset. Pick a good spot to people watch and relax with a drink as you sit back and observe the world go by.
Family friendly
A must-visit for families on holiday in Rhodes, The Water Park is a fantastic place to spend the day when you need to cool off from the hot Greek sunshine. Open from 9.30am until 6pm in May, September and October and from 9.30am until 7pm during June, July and August, the Water Park offers something for everyone to enjoy. Here you'll find an eclectic mix of adrenaline-pumping slides, children's mini water parks and chill out areas, ensuring a pleasant day out for everyone. There are plenty of kiosks, cafes and restaurants serving food and drink throughout the park, so you'll never be stuck when it comes to lunch.
The man-made Parc Rodini Rhodes is a top choice for families looking for a place to enjoy a day out together without breaking the bank. Found within Rhodes Town, the park is home to a small selection of wildlife, including birds such as peacocks, which will come quite close to you if you bring food. In addition to the wildlife, Parc Rodini Rhodes also offers several picnic areas, streams and plenty of walking trails, providing you with the ideal conditions in which to relax and unwind.
Valley of the Butterflies is perfect for families travelling with young children. Found south east of Tholos, this attraction is one of the most attractive destinations in Rhodes and is always a hit. From June onwards, thousands of butterflies visit the valley with the aim of reproducing. In the months before June, the butterflies are somewhat present they're in the form of caterpillars or cocoons, so the valley is not nearly as impressive. Don't forget to bring your camera so you can capture the unique experience forever.
Not just a wonderful day out for families with children, a trip to the Ostrich Farm and Zoo is also ideal for animal lovers on holiday in Rhodes. This family-run tourist attraction is a short distance away from the Valley of the Butterflies and covers a number of acres. There are several enclosures throughout the farm which are home to more than 120 ostriches of all ages. In addition to the huge birds, Ostrich Farm and Zoo is also where you'll find other animals, such as foxes, kangaroos, monkeys, llamas, goats, antelopes, rabbits, ponies, skunks, ferrets, swans, deer, pheasants, ducks, partridges and parrots, providing you with hours of entertainment. Don't forget to visit the gift shop before you leave where you can purchase food, drinks, ostrich feathers and decorated ostrich eggs.