Rhodes takes you into a Μediterranean world in Greece of medieval charm and crystal-clear beaches that blend with flavors and experiences.
History, monuments and cultural experiences
Rhodes, known since antiquity as the “island of roses,” has preserved its unique charm through the centuries. The rose flower was a symbol of the city-state and appeared on coins and pottery. Over time, the island acquired various names, such as the “Island of the Knights,” due to the presence of the Order of the Knights of Saint John, the “Island of the Sun,” and the “Emerald Island,” referring both to its sunlight and its jewel-like shape.
The Old Town of Rhodes, one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the world, stands as a living monument to the Knights’ legacy. The Palace of the Grand Master dominates the Castle’s highest point, while the Street of the Knights—a 200-meter cobblestone road built upon the ancient route leading to the castle’s acropolis—is considered one of the best-preserved medieval streets in Europe, seamlessly linking past and present.
At the northernmost tip of the island, the Rhodes Aquarium houses rare species of fish and serves as the island’s first Hydrobiological Station. It was founded in 1934 during the Italian occupation as the Reale Istituto di Ricerche Biologiche di Rodi, completed in 1935, and began operation in 1937. Following the union of the Dodecanese with Greece, it operated under the Academy of Athens as the Greek Hydrobiological Institute, and since 1963 it has functioned as an Aquarium–Museum.
Rhodes also preserves remarkable elements of its maritime heritage. Traditional 19th-century lighthouses, one within the city’s harbor and another at the island’s southernmost point, Prasonisi, served for centuries as key navigational landmarks, facilitating trade and safe passage.
Museums such as the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes, housed in a 15th-century building and showcasing artifacts from prehistory to the medieval era, and the Jewish Museum alongside the Kahal Shalom Synagogue, highlight the island’s rich cultural diversity.
Lindos: One of the Aegean’s most iconic settlements
Lindos is among the most striking and popular destinations on Rhodes. Its traditional settlement, with whitewashed houses, narrow cobblestone streets, and pebble-paved courtyards, creates an iconic image that has made it one of the most photographed places in the Aegean.
Atop the hill stands the Acropolis of Lindos, one of Greece’s most important archaeological sites. The Temple of Athena Lindia, dating back to the 4th century BCE, offers panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and Saint Paul’s Bay, forming a landscape of exceptional beauty.
Lindos harmoniously blends history, traditional architecture, and modern tourism, with restaurants, boutique hotels, and shops attracting visitors from around the world.
Beaches of Rhodes: From cosmopolitan bays to natural paradises
Rhodes boasts some of the most impressive beaches in the Mediterranean, catering to every visitor’s preference.
Lindos Beach, overlooking the Acropolis, is one of the island’s most popular destinations. Tsambika Beach stands out for its golden sand and crystal-clear waters and is considered one of the most beautiful beaches on the island.
Anthony Quinn Beach, near Faliraki, became famous after the filming of The Guns of Navarone and is known for its unique natural scenery and clear waters. Ialyssos and Ixia are popular destinations for water sports, especially windsurfing.
At the island’s southernmost tip, Prasonisi is a unique natural phenomenon where the Aegean and the Carpathian Seas meet, creating a breathtaking landscape that attracts visitors and athletes from around the world.
Panagia Tsambika: A place of worship and stunning views
Panagia Tsambika is one of the most significant pilgrimage sites on Rhodes in Greece. The monastery is located atop a hill, offering spectacular views of the island’s eastern coastline.
According to local tradition, Panagia Tsambika is considered the protector of fertility, and many couples visit the monastery to pray. At the foot of the hill lies the eponymous Tsambika Beach, one of the island’s most renowned and popular beaches.
Shopping and cosmopolitan life
Rhodes is one of the most important commercial and tourist destinations in the Aegean. The New Town features wide shopping streets with international brands, local boutiques, jewelry stores, and artisan shops.
In the Old Town, picturesque alleys host traditional shops selling local products, handmade jewelry, ceramics, and leather goods. Visitors can also discover local wines, honey, sweets, and other products of Rhodes.
Areas such as Faliraki, Ialyssos, and Kolymbia serve as major tourist hubs, offering hotels, restaurants, beach bars, and entertainment venues that contribute to the island’s dynamic tourism growth.
Local flavors and traditional cuisine
Rhodes offers a wide variety of traditional dishes, reflected in its distinction as the “Best Culinary Destination 2025” at the Greek Travel Awards, held during the internationally renowned World Travel Market in London.
Its rich culinary heritage is closely tied to local traditions and celebrations. Dishes such as lakani—a slow-cooked meal of goat, chickpeas, and cracked wheat flavored with cumin—are traditionally served during festive occasions such as the Dormition of the Virgin Mary on August 15 and Easter.
Pitaroudes, fried tomato fritters with onions, and other local meze appear at village tables during festivals, accompanied by local wine and music. Honey, a key ingredient in Rhodian cuisine, is used in sweets such as melekounia, traditional sesame and honey bars often paired with nuts or yogurt. Other traditional sweets include talagkoutes, small fried pancakes with honey, almonds, and sesame, and prigkipata, honey- and nut-based desserts typically served at weddings, baptisms, and festive gatherings.
Cuttlefish risotto is prepared with cuttlefish ink, offering a distinctive marine flavor, while yaprakia are mint-flavored dolmades wrapped in vine leaves. Karavoloi, stewed snails, are a traditional delicacy often found in local restaurants and festivals. Local meze and products such as fresh olive oil, tomatoes, vegetables, and wild herbs enrich the culinary experience, highlighting the connection between cuisine and the island’s natural bounty.
From Vine to Table: Wines and PDO products of Rhodes
Rhodes in Greece produces several Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) products that form part of its culinary identity. Athiri is a white grape variety grown mainly on the slopes of Mount Attavyros, used to produce aromatic white wines. Mandilaria, a red grape variety cultivated at lower altitudes, yields full-bodied wines with a traditional character. Both varieties reflect the island’s microclimate and soil, and are used in local dishes or wine tastings.
Beyond grapes, Rhodes in Greece is renowned for its honey, produced in varieties such as thyme, pine, and wildflower honey, reflecting the island’s long-standing beekeeping tradition. This honey is used not only in sweets like melekounia but also in savory recipes or as an accompaniment to yogurt and cheese.
The island also produces PDO olive oil, fresh and aromatic, forming the foundation of many traditional recipes. Vineyards and olive groves spread across valleys and semi-mountainous areas, creating a landscape that connects agricultural production with the island’s history.
Festivals and Cultural highlights
Rhodes comes alive throughout the year with festivals that combine tradition, gastronomy, and culture. In the village of Siana, the annual Honey and Souma Festival invites visitors to taste local honey and traditional sweets, sample the traditional liqueur souma, and enjoy live music and dance performances.
In September, the village of Apollona hosts the Honey Festival, dedicated to Rhodian honey, featuring tastings, traditional foods, music, and dance.
In early autumn, many villages host the Vineyard Festival, celebrating local wine production, where visitors can observe grape pressing, taste PDO wines, and enjoy traditional dances and live music. Meanwhile, in the city of Rhodes and surrounding areas, the South Aegean Gastronomy Festival highlights local products through cooking workshops, wine and honey tastings, and culinary presentations.
During the summer months, events such as the Rhodes Street Food Festival offer both traditional Greek and international flavors, while the Watermelon Festival in Soroni features themed activities, games, and local products.
Rhodes also hosts major cultural events such as the Rhodes International Festival, featuring concerts of classical music, opera, and other genres in historic venues like the Palace of the Grand Master and the Old Town. The Rhodes Fantasia Summer Festival further enhances the island’s cultural identity with concerts, theatrical performances, and artistic events.
Must See in Rhodes
- Old Town of Rhodes – Medieval walls, the Palace of the Grand Master, and the Street of the Knights form one of Europe’s most significant historical ensembles.
- Lindos & Acropolis – A stunning Aegean settlement with whitewashed houses, cobbled streets, and breathtaking views.
- Filerimos – A historic hill with a monastery and impressive views of the island’s western side.
- Panagia Tsambika – A major pilgrimage site with one of Rhodes’ most beautiful beaches.
- Prasonisi – The island’s southern tip where two seas meet, creating a unique natural landscape.
- Seven Springs – A lush natural area with plane trees and springs, offering refreshing walking trails.
Unfolding every facet of its charm, Rhodes continues to evolve, renewing visitors’ interest in a destination rich in cultural and gastronomic significance while also offering alternative experiences such as hiking tourism, reflecting its ecological and sustainable footprint. Travelers in search of authentic experiences will find in the anciently celebrated “Aithria” a complete portrait of history, tradition, natural beauty, flavors, and vibrant living culture.
