what to see in rhodes

Climb Lindos’s hilltop acropolis and visit the Temple to Athena Lindia. (Photo: Getty Images)

Greece

These 7 Must-Do’s Give You a Deep Dive Into Rhodes’s Culture and History

As one of the oldest civilizations in Greece, Rhodes lays claim to a mosaic of cultural heritage dating back to the Byzantines, warring Greek nations, the Crusaders and the Ottomans.

Visitors will find ancient stories on every corner in the island’s Old Town, miles of beautiful sandy coastline, scenic villages, hearty cuisine and a wild interior.

Settle in for a stay at Sheraton Rhodes Resort and discover the best of Rhodes.

Travel through time in Old Town

A UNESCO world heritage site, Old Town is a living monument to Rhodes’ turbulent history. See the legacy of the crusades at the imposing Palace of the Grand Master and the Archaeological Museum, originally a hospital for the Knights of St. John.

what to see in rhodes
Wander through ancient passageways. (Photo: Getty Images)

The Mosque of Suleiman and the Kahal Shalom Synagogue are also worth a visit. Find your way through the maze of narrow streets to the Harbour Gates and exit into Mandraki Harbour.

Top tip: enter Old Town through the D’Amboise Gate, stopping at the nearby park for a peek at the city wall and moat.

Visit the Street of the Knights after dark

Follow in the footsteps of crusaders as you wind your way along the Street of the Knights in Old Town. When you explore after dark, it’s easy to imagine the footsteps you hear echoing on the cobblestones belong to a knight returning home for the evening.

Sample the island’s best ice cream at Palladion

Some of the best gelati in Greece can be found at Palladion, near Ippokratous Square in Old Town. Try its celebrated salted caramel gelato or ask the staff to recommend their favorite flavor — you really can’t go wrong. Take your pick to-go and enjoy it while people watching in nearby Hippocrates Square.

Climb the Roloi Clock Tower

From your perch atop the 7th-century Roloi Clock Tower, you’ll see Rhodes’ cultural and architectural history from a unique perspective as you gaze down on ancient ruins, mosques, synagogues and Byzantine churches, past the harbor and out to sea.

Tickets to climb the clock tower are just a few euros and include a free drink and free WiFi in a charming terrace beneath the tower — what’s not to like?

Visit an Art Deco spa

what to see in rhodes
Chill out in Kallithea. (Photo: Getty Images)

The water in Kallithea has been praised for its healing properties since antiquity. In the 1920s, the Italians built the initial premises around Kallithea Springs: a luxurious spa retreat, complete with stone mosaics and Art Deco features.

Top tip: Bring your swimwear. You can’t swim in the complex, but the attached cove is perfect for sunbathing and snorkeling.

Explore one of Greece’s oldest villages

With more than five centuries of history, Lindos is one of the oldest villages in Greece. Wander the winding cobbled streets lined with shops selling everything from clothes and handmade leather goods, to jewelery and ceramics. If you plan to visit the hilltop acropolis and Temple to Athena Lindia, time your climb carefully as there’s no shade.

Top tip: Skip Lindos beach and cool off with a swim in less-known Agios Pavlos (Saint Paul’s) Bay.

Go butterfly spotting at Petaloudes

Petaloudes is known as the Valley of the Butterflies thanks to the millions of black and white striped tiger moths that gather in the valley from mid-May to September. How many will you spot along this enchanted wooded path?

Top tip: Look out for the fresh water crabs who share their valley home.