Tambakio (0030 22440 33000; tambakio.com), in the tranquillity of St Paul’s Bay, boasts menu mainstays including linguine with mussels and lobster pasta. The strawberry salad with caramelised walnuts, parmesan flakes, poppy seeds and citrus dressing is a refreshing beachside summer dish in a serene setting.
Find more of the best restaurants in Rhodes with our expert guide.
What to do
The Acropolis of Lindos (lindos-rhodes.gr), an hour south along the coast from Rhodes Town, guards the village from its cliff-top location, giving breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea and coastal scenery. Explore history and natural beauty as you wander through the ruins of the Temple of Athena Lindia.
The Valley of Butterflies (valleyofbutterflies.com), inland, is where thousands of butterflies congregate each summer to rest in the coolness on their migration route. The lush sanctuary, filled with streams and fragrant gum trees, offers a serene escape into nature.
Kallithea Springs (kallitheasprings.com), roughly 15 minutes by taxi from Rhodes Old Town, is a historic thermal spa known for its stunning architecture and serene ambience. Restored to its former glory, the site features intricate mosaics and lush gardens. Although the pools aren’t open to the public, visitors can enjoy the architecture and take a dip along its beachfront.
Find more of the best things to do in Rhodes with our expert guide.
The best beaches
Elli Beach is right by the Casino. Its proximity to the Old Town means it’s one of the most popular in Rhodes. It’s a mixture of sand and gravel, so bringing water shoes is a good idea. Dive off the water platform or relax on the sunbeds.
St Paul’s Bay at Lindos, nestled in a sheltered cove, is a tranquil escape perfect for a swim and snorkel. The backdrop of whitewashed buildings and rocky cliffs adds to its unique charm and beauty and the view of the Lindos Acropolis and St Paul’s Church make it even more picturesque.
Faliraki Beach in the resort of the same name with its stretch of golden sand is known for its lively atmosphere. Ideal for sunbathing and water sports, it offers a vibrant nightlife with numerous bars and clubs. The shallow waters mean that families and thrill-seekers alike enjoy its extensive amenities.
Find more of the best beaches in Rhodes with our expert guide.
How to add Rhodes to an island-hopping holiday
Combining Rhodes with other nearby Greek islands makes for a diverse summer break. Consider hopping to traditional Symi, known for its charming harbour and neo-classical architecture – just a 90-minute ferry ride away. Kos offers beautiful beaches and a rich history, reachable in roughly two hours by ferry. For a more tranquil escape, Tilos, with its unspoiled nature and serene atmosphere, is accessible via a two-hour ferry ride. Karpathos offers a rugged landscape and traditional villages, the perfect blend of adventure and culture, reachable by a short flight or a longer ferry ride. Ferries from Rhodes are frequent in the summer months, making island hopping convenient and enjoyable.
Olympic Holidays (020 8492 6869; olympicholidays.com) offers bespoke island-hopping holidays with three or more islands such as the nine-night itinerary to Rhodes, Symi then Kos from £940 per person for summer 2024. Includes all ferries, transfers between the airport and port and hotel accommodation.
How the Rodos Week free-holiday scheme works and how to apply
Tourists affected by the wildfires on Rhodes in July 2023 can apply for the Rodos Week free stay on the website vouchers.gov.gr/rodos-week. Dates for redeeming were in spring 2024 and from October 1 to November 15 2024.
For further inspiration on how to spend the perfect holiday in Rhodes read our expert destination guide.