This Greek Island Has Scenic Hiking Trails and a Butterfly Reserve—and It Gets 300 Days of Sun a Year

The largest of the Dodecanese islands, Rhodes is a misunderstood slice of the Aegean. It’s one of the most touristic islands in Greece with a nightlife reputation, but it’s also rich with history and cultural heritage in the Old Town. On top of that, you can explore glorious beaches, Greece’s largest butterfly reserve, hiking trails, and natural springs.

“What makes Rhodes truly special is its dynamic character—offering relaxation, a vibrant party scene, serene beaches with crystal-clear waters, and windier beaches for thrilling sea sports,” says Panos Constantinidis, CEO of Swot Hospitality Management Company. We spoke to Constantinidis to glean all the local tips travelers need to know before visiting the beautiful island of Rhodes.

Best Hotels & Resorts

Lindian Village Beach Resort Rhodes, Curio Collection by Hilton

“The Lindian Village, Curio Collection by Hilton, stands out with its beachfront location and five theme restaurants,” says Constantinidis. Bungalows and rooms are built around lush vegetation and tranquil waterways, plus the hotel boasts its own private beach as well as a glittering pool.

Allegory Boutique Hotel

Located within the Old Town and a member of the Yades Greek Historic Hotels, the Allegory Boutique Hotel is a sumptuous collection of six suites built within a lovingly restored medieval building. Details include original Benaki Museum wall hangings, and complimentary welcome drinks and suitcase unpacking service upon arrival.

Trinity Boutique Hotel

Another Old Town property, Trinity Boutique Hotel is a former Knights of St. John’s building that now features six guest rooms nestled around a private courtyard, where breakfast is served daily. Each room features a balcony, and the decor is chic.

Lindos Blu Luxury Hotel & Suites

This adults-only hotel is located on the island’s east coast, a stone’s throw from the Lindos Acropolis. The vibe here is sexy, with an infinity pool, a pillow menu, and an extensive cocktail list. Be sure to book a room with a view over the endless blue of Vlicha Beach.

Melenos Art Boutique Hotel

The island’s most luxurious property, Melenos Art Boutique Hotel is a collection of 12 suites. Thoughtful details that draw on the island’s craft history can be found throughout, from the pebbled mosaic floors to the high wooden ceilings. There’s also a rooftop restaurant and bar with stunning views of the coastline. 

Best Things to Do

Tour the Jewish Quarter.

Rhodes used to have a sizable Jewish population; the majority were Sephardic Jews, originally from Spain, who spoke Ladino. Tragically, the majority of its residents were murdered during World War II, and today, there are only about two dozen Jews left from 4,000 in the 1930s. South African-born Ladino poet Isaac Habib organizes two-hour historical walking tours through the quarter, which can be booked through the Jewish Museum.

Browse books at the Muslim Library of Hafiz Ahmed Agha.

Located in the bustling old city, the Muslim Library, originally built in 1793, houses more than 2,000 books in Persian, Arabic, and Turkish. Spend an hour browsing the rare illustrated copies of religious texts dating back to the 15th century, as well as the complete Ottoman historical tomes. 

Take a boat tour.

Catch a glass-bottomed boat from the Mandraki Harbor in Rhodes Town, or better yet, spring for a private boat that will take you to the glittering island of Symi. Daylong tours include food and drink, and allow plenty of time for diving and swimming in turquoise waters.

Go windsurfing.

The wind-battered southwest coast of Rhodes has some of the best windsurfing in the Dodecanese Islands. It’s not a secret—surfers come from all over the world to fly across the waves—but even if you’ve never windsurfed before, you can start with a class for beginners.

Hike in a woodland butterfly reserve.

Head to the Valley of the Butterflies, a gorgeous park where tiger moths mature in July and August. Outside of this period, the park is empty (of both hikers and butterflies), and it closes during the winter. Rustic paved paths and boardwalks wind past waterfalls and across streams in this enchanting forest reserve.

Best Restaurants

Niku Restaurant

“Niku Restaurant at the Lindian Village offers a luxurious dining experience, and it’s one of my favorite restaurants on Rhodes,” says Constantinidis. The food is Japanese, but with plenty of local Greek ingredients thrown in the mix. Niku also boasts an excellent wine and cocktail list (the pisco sours are particularly good). 

Paraga

For a taste of local cuisine, Paraga Restaurant in Apollona is a must-visit. It highlights the richness of Rhodian ingredients like extra virgin oil, local honey, and fresh tomatoes—don’t miss the trahana, a traditional soup made from soured milk curds. The restaurant is located in an old house with wooden beams and a fireplace.

Avantis

When it comes to seafood, Avantis in Afantou serves up delightful dishes. The restaurant’s specialty is lobster, but whatever happens to be the catch of the day is a good bet. 

Old Town Corner Bakery

The best takeaway breakfast can be found at Old Town Corner Bakery, which doles out delicious savory pies, buttery croissants, and drip coffees. It also offers freshly pressed juices for a healthy treat.

Taverna Platanos Lachania

Under the shade of giant green platanos trees, tuck into Greek tavern classics like pastitsio and zucchini fritters at Taverna Platanos Lachania, located on the island’s western tip. For dessert, don’t miss the honey-soaked baklava and sweet, thick Greek coffee. 

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Rhodes is during the shoulder season—between April and June or September to October. Summer can be overly touristy, which means crowded beaches, landmarks, and restaurants, plus exorbitant prices. July and August are also increasingly hot, and wildfires are becoming more common across Greece at this time of year. During spring and fall, you can expect mild weather that still allows for seaside activities. In April, Orthodox Easter is a particularly atmospheric time, with candlelit midnight mass in churches and plenty of revelry in the streets.  

How to Get There

The fastest way to reach Rhodes is by plane. The island has one international airport (Diagoras) located on the western side; there are year-round daily flights from Athens (about one hour) and Thessaloniki, plus other European cities. Rhodes is the Dodecanese island group’s main port, and there are plenty of ferry options for those who prefer a longer, more scenic journey. Ferries from Athens take between 13 and 24 hours; the island is well served with routes to Crete, the Cyclades, and the rest of the Dodecanese islands. It’s worth springing for a cabin for the overnight ferry trips.

Areas to Visit

Old Town

The heart of the island is undoubtedly the walled Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a pristine example of the Gothic period. Here, visitors can amble through the atmospheric cobblestoned streets of the Jewish quarter. 

Lindos

Rhodes’ second-largest city is Lindos, perhaps the most beautiful on the island. Built more than 4,000 years ago, Lindos was constructed around the plateau-perched Acropolis, which still casts an imposing presence over the town. A jumble of Cycladic-style homes and bougainvillea-laden streets crisscross the base of the Acropolis.

West Coast

The least touristic part of Rhodes is its remote western coast; battered by the wind and elements, it’s the preferred spot of windsurfers and other extreme sport aficionados. But that means the beaches are less crowded, too. The West Coast is also home to a network of hiking trails and the island’s small wine region.

How to Get Around

Unless you’re staying put in the Old Town, your best option for transportation around the island is a rental car, which offers a degree of freedom and spontaneity that the bus schedule won’t permit. The public bus service is run by KTEL, and the schedule changes according to the season. Taxis are plentiful in the main town, but can be expensive.