Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese islands, is where Greek beach holiday meets living history. It is famously one of the sunniest corners of Europe, but its trump card is a medieval old town so complete it feels like a film set.
The Old Town
Built by the Knights of St John, the walled old town of Rhodes is the largest inhabited medieval town in Europe and a UNESCO site. Walk the Street of the Knights, explore the Grand Master's Palace and get pleasantly lost in its lanes.
Lindos
Down the coast, the whitewashed village of Lindos climbs to a clifftop acropolis above a perfect horseshoe bay. Go early to beat the heat and the crowds, then swim below.
Beaches and breezes
The east coast (Faliraki, Kalithea, Tsambika) is sheltered and sandy — great for families. The west coast is windier and popular with windsurfers.
When to go
May, June, September and October are ideal. Rhodes stays warm and sunny late into autumn.
Good to know
- See the Old Town early morning or evening, when the day-trippers have gone.
- Butterfly Valley is a cool, green escape in high summer.
- Rent a car for a day to reach Lindos and the quieter southern beaches.
