Rhodes Travel Guide 2026: Where to Stay, Best Beaches and Things to Do

Last updated: 10th April 2026

Rhodes holds a special place in my travel story—it was the very first Greek island I ever visited. Back in 1990, my parents took us on our first holiday abroad to the beach resort of Pefkos, and although I was only eight years old, it clearly left a lasting impression. Fast forward to today, and Greece has become a huge part of my life.

At the time, my priorities were simple: sunshine, the sea, and as much time off school as possible. I spent most of my days swimming, building sandcastles, and enjoying the long, hot summer days. Greek food wasn’t quite on my radar yet—I was a notoriously fussy eater and mostly lived off meatballs and chips! Thankfully, my tastes have evolved since then (moussaka is my favourite dish, but I love trying new Greek meals).

I didn’t return to Rhodes until 2021—more than 30 years later—and it wasn’t even part of my original plan. I had intended to island-hop from Karpathos to Chalki, then on to Tilos and Kos, but when the ferry schedule didn’t quite work out, I ended up stopping in Rhodes instead. That unexpected detour turned out to be one of the highlights of my trip. I spent three nights exploring Rhodes Town, and it completely exceeded my expectations.

In this Rhodes travel guide, I’ll share everything I’ve learned—from the best places to stay and things to do, to tips for planning your visit—so you can make the most of this diverse and fascinating Greek island.

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Background on Rhodes

Rhodes is a beautiful Greek island located in the southeastern Aegean Sea. With its rich history, stunning beaches, and charming villages, Rhodes is a destination that has something for everyone.

One of the main attractions of Rhodes is its rich history, which dates back thousands of years. The island is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Medieval City of Rhodes, one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval towns. Visitors can stroll through the town’s narrow streets and admire its impressive architecture, which includes the Palace of the Grand Master and the Street of the Knights.

Rhodes is also famous for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters and golden sand. Visitors can choose from various beaches, from secluded coves to lively resorts. The most famous of these is Faliraki, a long stretch of golden sand that is popular with tourists and locals alike.

For those who love nature, Rhodes offers numerous opportunities to explore the island’s rugged terrain and beautiful landscapes. The island is home to the Valley of the Butterflies, a natural park home to thousands of butterflies during summer. Visitors can also hike through the island’s pine forests and explore its many streams and waterfalls.

Rhodes is also known for its charming villages, each with unique character and charm. The village of Lindos, located on the island’s east coast, is famous for its Acropolis, a hilltop citadel that offers stunning views of the Aegean Sea. The village of Rhodes Town is also a popular destination, with its impressive architecture and lively atmosphere.

Finally, Rhodes is a destination that offers something for food lovers, with numerous restaurants that offer traditional Greek cuisine and international dishes. The island’s rich soil is ideal for growing fruits and vegetables, and its seafood is among the freshest in Greece.

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Rhodes Beaches

Rhodes is one of the most diverse Greek islands when it comes to beaches. From long sandy stretches perfect for families to dramatic bays with crystal-clear water, there’s something here for every type of traveller. On my recent visit, I only scratched the surface, but these are some of the most popular and worthwhile beaches to include in your plans.

Elli Beach (Rhodes Town)

Best suited for: Easy access, short stays, city breaks, swimming

If you’re staying in Rhodes Town, Elli Beach is the most convenient option and surprisingly good for a town beach. It’s right on your doorstep, with plenty of sunbeds, restaurants, and crystal-clear water that’s perfect for a quick swim.

I spent a bit of time here during my stay in Rhodes Town, and while it’s not the most secluded beach on the island, it’s ideal if you don’t want to travel far. It’s also great for a refreshing dip after exploring the Old Town in the heat.

Faliraki Beach

Best suited for: Families, sandy beaches, water sports, easy facilities

Faliraki Beach is one of the longest sandy beaches on Rhodes, making it a great choice if you like space and soft sand underfoot. The water here is generally calm and shallow, which makes it particularly good for families.

It’s quite a developed area, so you’ll find everything from sunbeds and beach bars to water sports. If you’re looking for a classic, easy beach day with plenty of facilities, this is one of the best options on the island.

Tsambika Beach

Best suited for: Sandy beaches, swimming, views, relaxed beach days

Tsambika Beach is one of the most beautiful sandy beaches on Rhodes, with golden sand, clear water, and a stunning backdrop of hills and the Tsambika Monastery above.

The beach is large enough that it never feels too crowded, and the water is calm and great for swimming. If you’re looking for that classic Greek island beach with plenty of space to relax, this is a strong contender.

St Paul’s Bay (Lindos)

Best suited for: Scenic views, couples, swimming, combining with sightseeing

St Paul’s Bay, just below Lindos, is one of the most picturesque spots on the island. The small, sheltered cove has calm, clear water and incredible views of the surrounding cliffs and the Acropolis of Lindos above.

If you’re visiting Lindos anyway, this is the perfect place to cool off after exploring. It’s more about the setting than the space, so expect it to be popular—but it’s absolutely worth it.

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Rhodes Accommodation

Rhodes Hotel Reviews

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My Verdict on Rhodes: Conclusions and Alternatives

Rhodes ended up being one of the biggest surprises of my trip. It wasn’t even part of my original itinerary, but those few days exploring Rhodes Town completely changed my perception of the island. I’d always associated Rhodes with package holidays and large resorts, but there’s far more to it than that—especially once you step inside the Old Town or venture beyond the main tourist areas.

What I liked most is the sheer variety. You can spend one day wandering through medieval streets, the next relaxing on a sandy beach, and then head down to somewhere like Lindos for a completely different atmosphere again. It’s an island that works just as well for a short stop as it does for a longer, more varied stay.

That said, Rhodes isn’t the island I’d choose if you’re looking for something quiet and untouched. Parts of it—particularly along the east coast—are very developed, and in peak season it can feel busy. If you prefer a slower pace or something more off-the-beaten-path, there are better options.

For a more authentic and less commercial feel, I’d look at Karpathos, which offers dramatic landscapes and traditional villages with far fewer crowds. If you like the idea of Rhodes but on a smaller, more relaxed scale, Kos is another good option with a similar mix of beaches and history but a slightly more laid-back vibe. And if you’re drawn to beautiful scenery and quieter beaches, Sifnos or Astypalea both offer a more low-key, traditional Greek island experience.

Overall, Rhodes is a fantastic all-rounder—especially if it’s your first time in Greece or you want a bit of everything in one trip. Just go in with the right expectations, and you might find, like I did, that it exceeds them.

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Rhodes Blog Posts

Find out more about Rhodes by reading my blog posts: