Rhodes
The Island of the Knights
Authors
George & Sophia | The Shiny Greece Team (feat. ai)
Street of Knights Rhodes | Photo by: ID 127777618 © Emicristea, Dreamstime.com
Rhodes, one of Greece's top timeless and spectacular destinations, is an island of the Dodecanese complex, so different and unique, combining the medieval aesthetics, the traditional authentic life, and the luxurious way of living, also known as the Island of the Knights and the Island of the Roses. The most common length of stay to fully satisfy the beauty of the Island of Rhodes is approximately eight days. Visitors mostly come from Great Britain, Israel, France, Italy, Sweden, and Norway. Rhodes Island resorts, hotels and rooms are many, from very affordable to very luxurious.
A quick tip for Rhodes island is to pre-book a car or a motorbike, as there are numerous secret treasures that one must not miss, and the island is quite large. The name Rhodes has many alternative versions depending on the country, such as Rodos in Greek, Rodi in Italian and Rodes in Latin.
History
In ancient Greek times, Rhodes Island was known as Lindos, Rodhi, Telchinis or Helias. There are two assumptions about the origins of the name Rhodes: the first one claims that Rhodes comes from the ancient Greek word Ρόδο (Rhodon = rose) and the second one claims that it is derived from the Phoenician word Erod (snake). The first one explains why Rhodes is also known as “the Island of Roses” and the second one is based on the fact of the existence of many snakes on the island.
Lindos Rhodes | Photo by: Böhringer Friedrich, LindosVillages5, cropped by shinygreece.com, CC BY-SA 2.5
Rhodes has a rich historical heritage shaped by various civilizations. It was a powerful cultural and commercial center during the Classical period and home to the Colossus of Rhodes — one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Later, it fell under the control of the Romans, Byzantines, and most notably, the Knights of Saint John in the 14th century, who fortified the island with impressive structures still standing today. The island later passed to the Ottomans, then the Italians, before finally joining modern Greece in 1947.
Weather and Climate
The Island of Rhodes has a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot summers. In the winter period (December–March) there are frequent rains and the average temperature hovers about 5–15°C. In the spring period (March–May), the rains become less frequent, and the temperature rises. From the beginning of June until the end of summer (mid-September), the Rhodes Island is sweltering and sunny, with some winds (like Meltemi) and maximum temperatures of about 35°C.
Anthony Quinn Bay Rhodes | Photo by: ID 155440003 © Saiko3p, Dreamstime.com
At the end of summer, the welcoming of the autumn period has balanced weather that combines warm, mild, and little rainy days. The sea is warmer from June to October, with an average temperature of 25°C. The best time to visit Rhodes is from the end of June until mid-September for summer holidays. For alternative visitors, autumn in the island is superb.
Points of Interest
The top attraction of Rhodes is the medieval Rhodes City, the largest and best-preserved medieval city in Europe according to UNESCO, with its 4 km long walls and the strongholds and towers in excellent condition, from the day the Knights of Saint-John built them in 1309. The oldest castle is the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes, containing the History Museum of Rhodes and the Grand Master’s apartment.
Rhodes Port | Photo by: Bengt Nyman from Vaxholm, Sweden, Rhodes D81 3478 (37745913995), CC BY 2.0
A unique experience is to walk on the Street of the Knights (also known as “auberge” or “palatial residence”) and to see the Roloi Clock Tower, the Church Agia Triada, the Church Agia Aikaterini and the Suleiman Mosque. There are also two museums, the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes in the medieval Hospital of the Knights, containing many well-preserved objects from ancient times, and the Byzantine Art Museum, containing many icons from the Byzantine period.
Other must-see attractions of the Island of Rhodes are the Bank of Rhodes, the Archbishop’s Palace, the Rhodes City Hall, the Stadium, the Pythian Temple of Apollo and the National Theater of Rhodes. The island has also fun options for adults, like the Casino or the several shops for clothes and souvenirs, and for children, like the Aquarium next to the Casino.
Visit | Taste | Learn
One of the best places to see and a unique experience to have is the Valley of the Butterflies. It is located between the villages Paradisi and Theologos, 26 km from Rhodes City. It contains numerous butterflies that cover the trees. During the previous years, the micro-climate of the valley and the rare plane trees enhanced their reproduction. It is known as one of Europe’s best sanctuaries for butterflies! Close to the valley, the Natural History Museum of Rhodes is perfect for history lovers.
Beaches
As summer vacay is much about sun and relaxation by the sea, it is essential to recommend some of Rhodes's most crystal-clear beaches. The most famous one is the Faliraki beach, located 10 km from the centre of Rhodes City, with many hotels and rooms to stay. Two perfect beaches for families with children are Tsambika and Afandou, as they provide umbrellas, sunbeds and sea activities. A unique beach with an alternative landscape is Anthony Quinn beach.
Elli Beach Rhodes | Photo by: ID 147666793 © Oleh Panasenko, Dreamstime.com
Saint Paul’s Bay is a private beach, well-known for hosting weddings. The Prasonisi beach is located at the south of Rhodes Island for people who love windsurfing. Last, if one has more time and will to explore, beautiful beaches are Gennadi, Kiotari, Pefki, Agathi, Vlycha, and Glystra.
Cuisine and Restaurants
A trip to Rhodes is also an opportunity for an exceptional gastronomic experience with the local cuisine in many different Rhodes restaurants and taverns. Local traditional drinks to combine with the food are Koriantolino and Souma, produced by grapes. Traditional products and recipes to taste are Escharitis (a type of local bread), Pitaroudia, Milla, Tsiriggia (a kind of meat fat), Pougia (a local pie), Lakani (a combo of goat meat with chickpeas), Lopia (an alternative combo of goat meat with other beans), Matsi (handmade pasta), Koulouria (a traditional recipe made by Matsi), Synoro (local cheese), Tahinopita (a pie made with sesame butter), Zvigi (an alternative local version of loukoumades), Fanouropita, Katimeria (a local version of pancakes), Amygdalota (almond cookies), and Moschopougia.
Rhodes Old Town | Photo by: 128345983 © Melnikova Yulia, Dreamstime.com
Recommendations for restaurants are: 1) Mylos A La Carte, 2) Mageirotechneio Paraga, 3) Mariposa, 4) To Anoi Tou Patouna, 5) Platanos Vati, 6) Greek Stories, 7) Taverna Ilias, 8) Valentina’s Place, 9) Konstantin Rhodes.
Nightlife
Rhodes boasts a vibrant nightlife, especially in Rhodes Town and Faliraki. The island’s nightlife scene has something for everyone — from beach bars and relaxed taverns to buzzing clubs. In Faliraki, you’ll find the legendary Bar Street, full of international music, cocktails, and youthful energy. Rhodes Town offers a more sophisticated vibe with wine bars and rooftop lounges perfect for romantic evenings. Recommended nightlife spots are: 1) Colorado Club (Rhodes Town) – Great for live rock and dance music. 2) Paradiso Beach Club – One of the biggest clubs in Europe, right by the sea. 3) Amphitheatre Boutique Club (Lindos) – Offers open-air dancing with a view. 4) Elli Bar – Chill drinks with a sea breeze. 5) Blue Lagoon Bar – A pirate-themed bar perfect for fun vibes.
Feraklos Castle and Agia Agathi Beach Rhodes | Photo by: ID 147666499 © Oleh Panasenko, Dreamstime.com
Hotels
Rhodes offers accommodations for all tastes and budgets. Whether you’re seeking a luxury beachfront resort or a quaint boutique hotel in a traditional village, options are abundant. Top recommendations are: 1) Lindos Blu Luxury Hotel & Suites – Adults-only, serene atmosphere with incredible views. 2) Elysium Resort & Spa – Modern luxury on the beach near Kallithea. 3) Casa Cook Rhodes – A chic, boho-style boutique hotel in Kolymbia. 4) Melenos Lindos Exclusive Suites – Traditional elegance within walking distance of Lindos Acropolis. 5) Mitsis Selection Alila – All-inclusive family-friendly option. 6) Hotel Attiki – Cozy and affordable, inside the medieval city walls.
Rhodes Harbor and Lighthouse | Photo by: ID 331711817 © Ivan Spasic, Dreamstime.com
Getting There
Access to Rhodes is easy as it is connected with many big Greek cities and some European countries directly. The Rhodes International Airport “Diagoras” is 100% operational with numerous flights, located 14 km southwest of the city. Rhodes can be also reached by ship from Piraeus Port.
Seven Springs Park Rhodes | Photo by: ID 253440754 © ViliamM, Dreamstime.com
Regular ferry services are available from other Dodecanese islands as well, including Kos, Symi, and Karpathos. During the summer, charter flights from across Europe land daily, making the island a convenient destination for international travelers.
Rhodes in Greece
Closing
Rhodes isn’t just a destination — it’s an experience that balances the best of Greek heritage, natural beauty, and contemporary leisure.
Filerimos Monastery Rhodes | Photo by: ID 171257107 © Lubos K, Dreamstime.com
Whether you're wandering through cobbled medieval streets, diving into crystal-clear waters, tasting unforgettable local delicacies, or enjoying a cocktail with a sea view, Rhodes has the power to enchant and surprise you. Come for the history, stay for the sunsets — and leave with memories that will last a lifetime.