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When most people start planning a Greek island vacation, Santorini and Mykonos are usually the first names that come up. But if you want beautiful beaches and plenty to explore beyond them, Rhodes deserves a much closer look.

Rhodes is the largest of Greece’s Dodecanese islands and one of those destinations that can work for several different kinds of trips. You can spend the morning wandering through a medieval walled city, the afternoon swimming in clear turquoise water and the evening having dinner in a whitewashed village overlooking the sea.

It’s a great choice for couples, families and anyone who wants a Greek island vacation that balances sightseeing with actual downtime.

Why Visit Rhodes?

Rhodes gives you more variety than many travelers expect from a Greek island. There are beautiful beaches and coves, but there’s also the UNESCO-listed Medieval City of Rhodes, ancient ruins, traditional villages, boat trips, water sports and Lindos — one of the prettiest towns in Greece. That variety also makes Rhodes a good option if you don’t want to island-hop every few days. You can settle in, unpack and still have plenty of different experiences throughout your stay.

Explore Rhodes Old Town

You could easily spend hours wandering Rhodes Old Town without much of a plan. Surrounded by medieval walls, the Old Town is filled with cobblestone streets, shops, restaurants and centuries of history. The Street of the Knights and Palace of the Grand Master are two of its best-known landmarks, but part of the fun is simply wandering away from the busiest streets and seeing what you find. Stay into the evening if you can. Once some of the daytime visitors leave, the Old Town takes on an entirely different feel.

Don’t Miss Lindos

If there is one place outside Rhodes Town that should be on your list, it’s Lindos. The whitewashed village sits beneath the Acropolis of Lindos, creating one of those views that looks exactly like what you imagined Greece would look like. Walk through the village, visit the Acropolis and then cool off at the beach afterward. Lindos Beach and nearby St. Paul’s Bay give you the rare opportunity to combine one of the island’s major historic sites with a beach day.

Tip: Visit the Acropolis early. The climb is exposed to the sun, and both the heat and crowds build as the day goes on.

The Best Beaches in Rhodes

One of the biggest advantages of Rhodes is the variety of its coastline. You’ll find long sandy beaches, tiny rocky coves, organized beach areas with restaurants and sunbeds and stretches that feel much more secluded.

Here are a few worth knowing.

• Tsambika Beach: If your ideal beach day involves golden sand and clear, relatively shallow water, start here. Tsambika is one of Rhodes’ best-known beaches and a particularly good choice for families. The beach is organized with amenities, making it an easy place to settle in for several hours rather than just stop for a quick swim.
• Anthony Quinn Bay: This small rocky cove is dramatically different from Rhodes’ long sandy beaches. Pine-covered hills and rocks surround clear emerald and turquoise water, making Anthony Quinn Bay one of the island’s most recognizable swimming spots. It’s especially popular for snorkeling. The downside? It isn’t exactly a secret. The cove is small and can get very busy during summer, so earlier is better.
• Lindos Beach: The setting is what makes this one special. Lindos Beach sits below the village and its ancient Acropolis, so you can combine sightseeing and swimming without sacrificing an entire day to either.
• St. Paul’s Bay: Just around Lindos is beautiful St. Paul’s Bay, surrounded by rocky hills that create a naturally sheltered setting. It’s one of Rhodes’ most picturesque spots and particularly appealing if you prefer smaller coves over long stretches of beach.
• Agathi Beach: For an easier, laid-back beach day, consider Agathi. Golden sand and shallow clear water make this another good option for families or travelers who simply want to swim and relax without a lot of fuss.
• Kallithea Springs: Kallithea offers something different from a traditional beach. The historic spa complex combines restored architecture, gardens and a protected swimming cove. Come for the setting as much as the water.
• Prasonisi: At the southern end of Rhodes, Prasonisi is where the Aegean and Mediterranean meet. The windier conditions make this area especially popular for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Even if you have no intention of getting on a board, the landscape makes it an interesting stop if you’re exploring the southern part of the island.

Which Side of Rhodes Has the Best Beaches?

This matters more than you might think when choosing where to stay. In general, the east coast is the better choice if beaches and swimming are a priority. It tends to be more sheltered and is home to many of the island’s most popular beaches and coves, including Anthony Quinn Bay, Tsambika and Lindos.

The west coast tends to be windier and is better known for wind and water sports. That doesn’t mean everyone should automatically stay on the east coast. Where you stay should depend on whether your priority is beaches, sightseeing, nightlife, resort amenities or having easy access to Rhodes Town.

Get Out on the Water

Some of the best views of a Greek island are from the water, and Rhodes is no exception. Boat trips along the coastline can take you between beaches and swimming coves without having to drive from one to another. You can also take a day trip to nearby islands such as Symi, known for its colorful neoclassical harbor. For couples, a private or small-group sailing day is an easy way to turn one day of the trip into something special without overpacking the itinerary.

Explore Beyond the Coast

Don’t make the mistake of spending your entire vacation between your resort and the beach. Rhodes has mountain villages, archaeological sites and a completely different landscape once you move inland. Depending on your interests, you can visit traditional villages, explore ancient Kamiros, taste local wines or visit the Valley of the Butterflies. A rental car for at least part of your stay gives you much more freedom to see this side of the island.

Daydream with a photo flip book of Rhodes here.

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