This walk through the Old Town of Rhodes takes you through this World Heritage Site and along the main streets and past the city walls, palaces and mosques.

The Old Town of Rhodes is a World Heritage Site, yet many visitors only see the few main streets that are lined with souvenir shops no different from anywhere else in Greece. Yet there are many fine monuments, and quiet back streets, not to mention the stunning fortifications of the Old Town, all to be admired, and easily done on a short walk.

Mandraki Harbour

Begin at either side of the entrance to Mandraki Harbour, the narrow channel where it is commonly believed the Colossus of Rhodes once stood, a leg on each side. There is no historical evidence for this, and while there may have been a colossal statue it’s thought that it more likely stood near the Temple of Apollo, which was where the Palace of the Grand Masters is now situated. See our page on Mandraki Harbour.

Eleftherias Gate

Walk along the harbour front with the town on your right-hand side, and with the walls of the Old Town ahead of you. Cross the busy street at the first set of traffic lights but carry on walking in the same direction, under some trees and past some kiosks, till you reach the Eleftherias Gate. The name means Liberty and the gate takes you through the imposing walls, which date back to 1330 and in places are 12m (39 ft) thick. They are almost perfectly preserved and run for 4km (2.5 miles) around the Old Town.

The Street of the Knights

Walk straight ahead along Apellou, passing on your left the remains of the Temple of Aphrodite and on your right the Tourist Information Office. Immediately after the tourist office turn right onto Ippoton, otherwise known as the Street of the Knights, one of the most impressive sights in the Old Town.

The Street of the Knights was built in the 14th century and is lined on either side with what were the Inns of the Tongues. These Inns were the meeting places for the different nationalities of the Knights of St John, and on your right further up the street you will pass the Inn of Italy and the Inn of France, while on the left is the Inn of England and the Inn of Spain, amongst many others. The Inns today house government and private offices, as well as foreign embassies.

Palace of the Grand Masters

At the top of the street on your right is the entrance to the Palace of the Grand Masters, where the 19 Grand Masters of the Knights of St John would meet to run their affairs. The original Palace was built in the 14th century but was destroyed in an accidental explosion in 1856. What you see now is a faithful restoration carried out by the Italian rulers of Rhodes in the 1930s. It is well worth touring to see the wonderful central courtyard and the many fine mosaic floors.

Mosque of Suleiman

If saving your visit to the Palace of the Grand Masters for later, carry on past the Palace to the very end of Ippoton and turn left along Orpheus (Orfeos), past the souvenir shops, cafes and restaurants. Where the road swings round to the left you will see on the left the 1523 Mosque of Suleiman, and opposite on the right the Ottoman Library. Turn right after the Library, down Ippodamou, which gradually takes you away from the tourist part of the Old Town into a quieter area.

To Plateia Sokratous

At the far end of Ippodamou follow the road round to the left and at the first junction turn right. This takes you temporarily outside the town walls, giving you a chance to admire them. They are more impressive and easily seen here. Go through the Agiou Athanasiou Gate, turn left along the main road, and take the next left back into the Old Town through the Koskinou, or Gate of St John. Turn left at the first t-junction and follow Pithagora, which takes you all the way to the bustling Plateia Sokratous, where there are several excellent restaurants and cafes, with grandstand views of the passing crowds.

Faliraki is a vibrant resort town on Rhodes offering beaches, coves, dining, and nightlife on Greece’s sunniest island.

Here’s your complete travel guide to the town of Faliraki on Rhodes — one of Greece’s liveliest and most popular seaside destinations. This guide covers history, beaches, activities, food, nightlife, culture, practical tips, and day-trip ideas to help you make the most of your visit.

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🏖️ Welcome to Faliraki

Faliraki (Greek: Φαληράκι) is a vibrant seaside resort village on the northeastern coast of the Greek island of Rhodes, in the Dodecanese. It’s about 14 km south of Rhodes Town and 10 km southeast of Rhodes International Airport. Originally a quiet fishing community, today it’s a bustling holiday destination beloved by sun-seekers, families, couples, and party lovers alike.

Faliraki’s charm lies in its blend of golden beaches, crystal-clear waters, traditional Greek culture, lush nearby landscapes, and energetic nightlife. Whether you’re after relaxation, adventure, or fun after dark, Faliraki has something for every traveler.

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🌅 Beaches & Water Fun

Faliraki Beach

The town’s centerpiece is its 5 km stretch of sandy coastline, one of the longest on Rhodes and backed by a lively promenade. The soft sand, shallow entry, and warm Aegean waters make it perfect for all ages — from families with kids to sun worshippers.

Here’s what to expect:

• Beach setups with loungers, parasols, and daybeds.
• Water sports stations offering jet skiing, parasailing, banana boat rides, paddleboards, and more.
• Beach bars and cafés serving refreshing drinks, snacks, and lunches.

💡 Pro tip: For a quieter scene, stroll to the northern and southern edges of the beach where crowds thin out and the vibe is more chilled.

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Kathara Beach

Just south of the main beach lies Kathara Beach — smaller and more tranquil. It offers sunbeds, shade, and several local tavernas just steps away. It’s ideal for those who want a peaceful sea day without straying far from the center.

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Mandomata (Naturist Beach)

At the southern end of Faliraki lies Mandomata Beach, a designated naturist area of soft sand and clear water. It’s respectful, calm, and often feels like a different world compared to the busy central sands.

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Nearby Coves & Water Spots

• Anthony Quinn Bay – A stunning cove named after the actor who filmed The Guns of Navarone here. Crystal-clear emerald waters and great snorkelling make it a must-visit — bring water shoes as the shoreline is pebbly.
• Ladiko and Tsambika Coves – Short taxi or bus rides from Faliraki, perfect for scenic swims and photos.

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🍽️ Food & Dining

Faliraki offers a wide range of dining experiences — from traditional Greek tavernas to international cuisine:

Greek & Local Cuisine

• Expect classics like grilled fish, moussaka, tzatziki, Greek salads, and local seafood straight from the harbour.
• The fishing harbour of Agioi Apostoloi is a great spot to watch the day’s catch come in and tuck into freshly prepared fish dishes.

International Eats

• Alongside Greek favorites, you’ll find Italian, Mexican, Chinese, and British style restaurants and cafés.

Shopping & Local Markets

• Browse local shops for olive oil, honey, spices, soaps, handmade crafts, jewelry, and pottery — perfect souvenirs or gifts. Family-run stores often provide a more authentic experience and better prices than tourist shops.

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🍸 Nightlife & Entertainment

When the sun sets, Faliraki transforms. It’s known across Rhodes for its busy nightlife scene — especially in summer.

Bar Street & Club Street

• These two streets are packed with bars, pubs, and clubs where music, dancing, and late-night energy continue until dawn.

Alternative Evening Spots

• Beyond the loudest venues, there are cocktail lounges, harbour bars, and live-music tavernas where you can enjoy drinks with a view or a more relaxed vibe.

💡 Travel tip: Nightlife peaks from June to August. Visiting in early June, September, and October gives a more laid-back feel while still offering plenty of options.

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🧭 Beyond the Beach

While Faliraki is best known for its seaside fun, there’s more to explore nearby:

Saint Nectarios Church

A striking Orthodox church with traditional architecture and a serene courtyard — perfect for a peaceful few moments or photos.

Faliraki Harbour

Stroll around the harbour in the morning as fishing boats arrive, or in the evening for a quieter waterfront walk.

Day Trips & Excursions

• Boat trips from Faliraki lead to Lindos, Symi Island, and hidden coves, often including swim stops and meals.
• Rhodes Town — explore medieval streets, UNESCO-listed Old Town attractions, and museums.
• Kallithea Springs — a historic spa complex with beautiful restored architecture and a calm bay.
• Monastery of Profitis Amos — perched above Faliraki, offering panoramic views and tranquil vibes.

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🛏️ Where to Stay

Faliraki has accommodation for every budget and style — from large beach resorts and all-inclusive hotels to smaller boutique stays and apartments.

Tips:

• Beachfront hotels offer quick access to sun, sea, and beach bars.
• Family-friendly resorts often come with pools, kid’s activities, and entertainment.
• Adults-only options provide a quieter, romantic escape.

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🚗 Getting Around & Practical Tips

Transport

• Buses run regularly between Faliraki, Rhodes Town, and Lindos during the day.
• Taxis are available for shorter journeys or late-night returns.
• Renting a car, scooter, or bicycle gives you flexibility to explore the island at your pace.

Facilities

• Faliraki has ATMs, supermarkets, pharmacies, and convenience stores — so you’ll have what you need within walking distance.

Season & Weather

• Peak tourist season is June to August, with sunny days, warm waters, and busy beaches.
• Shoulder seasons (May & September-October) still offer great weather with fewer crowds.

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🧳 Tips for First-Time Visitors

Beach etiquette: Public beaches are free to access; loungers and umbrellas usually have a rental fee.
Sunrise and sunset: Early mornings are perfect for peaceful beach strolls, while sunsets light up the harbour and terrace bars.
Explore locally: Step beyond the main strip to find quieter lanes, local cafés, and authentic tavernas.
Hydrate & sunscreen: The Greek sun can be strong — drink water and use high-SPF sunscreen.

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🛫 Final Thoughts

Faliraki is more than just a party destination — it’s a multifaceted seaside resort with beautiful beaches, adventurous activities, rich food culture, and vibrant social scenes. Whether your perfect holiday includes lounging by the sea, discovering scenic bays, sipping wine at sunset, or dancing till dawn, this seaside gem on Rhodes has it all.

Mandraki Harbour is the main harbour of Rhodes Town for travellers and from here you can catch ferries to Piraeus, Symi, Kos, Kalymnos, Patmos, and to Turkey.

The attractive Mandraki Harbour is the most northerly of Rhodes Town’s three harbours and by far the most interesting. This was the ancient ‘sheep pen’, the name in Greek being mandri, a name often used for small, encircling harbours. To the east is the Commercial Harbour, and beyond that is the Marina.

Mandraki was one of the five ports of ancient Rhodes. It was the naval port and was known as the ‘small harbour’ as opposed to the ‘great harbour’, the present Commercial Harbour. The entrance to ancient Mandraki could be sealed with chains.

History of Mandraki Harbour

• Ancient Origins: Mandraki Harbour, located on the northern tip of Rhodes Town, has served as a vital port since antiquity. It was one of three main harbours of Rhodes, acting as the “front door” to the island.
• Medieval Period: During the Middle Ages, the Knights of St. John fortified the harbour. Landmarks such as St. Nicholas Fortress and the three medieval windmills were built to protect and support maritime trade
• Ottoman & Italian Influence: The harbour area evolved under Ottoman rule and later during Italian occupation in the early 20th century. The Italians constructed notable buildings like the Evangelismos Church (1920s) and the Nea Agora Market, blending Gothic and modern styles
• Modern Role: Today, Mandraki serves as a marina for yachts and cruise departures to nearby islands like Symi. It remains a hub of tourism, lined with promenades, statues of deer (symbols of Rhodes), and vibrant markets

Mandraki Harbour is not only a functional port but also a cultural and historical showcase, reflecting Rhodes’ strategic importance in the Mediterranean across centuries.

The Colossus of Rhodes

• Construction: The Colossus was built around 280 BCE by the sculptor Chares of Lindos to celebrate Rhodes’ victory over Demetrius I of Macedon. It was funded using weapons and siege equipment left behind by the defeated army.
• Appearance: Standing about 33 metres (108 feet) tall, the statue depicted Helios, the sun god, crafted from bronze plates over an iron framework. It was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the tallest statue of its time.
• Location Myth: While legend suggests the statue straddled Mandraki Harbour’s entrance, modern research indicates it likely stood beside the harbour, not across it.
• Destruction: In 226 BCE, an earthquake toppled the Colossus. Its remains lay scattered for centuries before being sold off as scrap metal in the 7th century CE
• Legacy: Though long gone, the Colossus remains a symbol of Rhodes’ resilience and ambition. Today, statues of a stag and doe mark the spots where the giant’s feet are believed to have stood.

Mandraki Harbour Boat Tours

Mandraki Harbour is the place to head to if you want to do any boat tours from Rhodes Town. Several boats offer island tours so ask around to find out exactly where they’ll take you and when you’ll come back.

There are also different options if you want to visit the nearby island of Symi. Some are for day trips only, and you won’t be allowed to take anything more than a backpack with you. If you want to take luggage and are going to Symi to stay overnight or for a few days, you must find the regular ferry boats, in another part of the harbour.

Cathedral of St John the Evangelist

On the quayside stands the Ekklisía Evangelismoú, the Cathedral of St John the Evangelist. This was built in 1925 as a Catholic church while the Italians occupied Rhodes, and as originally called the church of San Giovanni dei Cavalieri. It uses the distinctively-coloured local sandstone.

Mandraki Harbour Restored Windmills

A row of restored medieval windmills, symbols of the days when corn was ground at the harbourside, stands along the outer quay.

At the seaward end of the quay is the fortress of St Nicholas, built in the 1460s and now the site of a lighthouse. On its landward side the harbour is bordered by the busy Eleftherías Street, at the end of which is Plateía Vasileos Georgiou I. Here the Italians left a collection of interesting monumental buildings in a mix of Venetian, Gothic and Ottoman architectural styles.

Where to Stay in Rhodes Town

During Easter on Rhodes the See Greece publisher Mike Gerrard travels from Lindos to Kattavia to visit a monastery and spend Easter with a Greek family.

We left Lindos at midnight on Saturday as the church bell was ringing, the fireworks exploding and the villagers were taking their Easter candles home and bidding each other Christos Anesti, Christ is Risen. For Ianni this was to be a rare chance to see his family in the south of Rhodes, as for 180 days of the summer season he would be working in a bar he co-owned in Lindos, catering to the mass of visitors, seven days a week for at least ten hours a day.

As I’d already helped him get his bar profits off to a good start for the year, he invited me to spend Easter Sunday with his family in the village of Kattavia, where he returns in the winter. By 1am we were there, and after Ianni woke his parents up to tell them he was home, we went to light a candle in the village church, where people were singing and praying their way through till Sunday morning, the air thick with incense and chanting.

For such a small village, the church is enormous, at least twenty times the size of the tiny Byzantine one in Lindos. Kattavia is home to about 2,000 people, Ianni tells me, though only 350 or so live there permanently, the rest away working for ten or twenty years in America or Australia while their homes stand empty awaiting their return. Meanwhile, the life of the village centres on its church, two shops, three cafés and a solitary garage.

As we left the church, Ianni said he would take me to the hilltop monastery at Skiadi, a few miles away, to show me how the boys from his village spend Easter Saturday night. The monastery means a great deal to his family, as one son from each generation has always gone into the church, with Ianni’s grandfather rising to the rank of Bishop of Skiadi.

The monastery dates from the 14th century, and has housed a holy icon since the 15th, when a heretic stabbed a painting of the Madonna and Child which promptly spurted blood from the wound in the Madonna’s cheek.

We didn’t see the icon that night as the services were over by the time we arrived. Ianni woke up the caretaker who, like the other Greeks I saw, didn’t seem to mind being disturbed in the middle of the night. Well, not on this night, anyway. The caretaker said that the boys from Kattavia had set off home at 11pm, though there were still over 100 men there who had come from every part of Rhodes to spend Easter at the monastery.

We groped our way back in absolute darkness, feeling our way along the monastery walls to the Ford pick-up that Ianni had borrowed, then bumped and pitched back to the village down a road that was like a bomb site. ‘You know what we call this road?’ Ianni asked me. ‘We call it The Road that Kills People. A pity there is no moon as you cannot see over the side and down to the beach. Is beautiful.’

It was around 3am when we arrived back in Kattavia and found half a dozen of Ianni’s friends sitting round drinking Scotch and beer, in one of Greece’s typical ‘sell everything’ shops, and watching what seemed to be interference on an enormous TV. It turned out that we were the interference as we’d interrupted their blue video session. They asked if I’d be offended if they put the film back on.

The French frolics weren’t quite the Greek Easter experience I was expecting, but as Ianni explained, there wasn’t a lot to do in Kattavia. One of the men was poised with his finger on the remote control and switched off at every passing noise from the street, from where the TV was clearly visible. The Gallic gropings and gruntings were ended for good when one of the men saw his parents pull up and park outside, and the flickering figures had hardly faded from the screen when his mother came in carrying a more traditional Greek offering: a pot of Easter soup.

This was our cue to return to Ianni’s parents for a 4am meal of Greek salad, slabs of cheese the size of house bricks, dark local bread, and a bowl of Magaritsa, an egg and lemon soup with rice and heavy with the offal from the lambs whose meat would be roasted for Easter Sunday.

‘OK,’ Ianni said, ‘now we have four hours sleep. Breakfast at eight o’clock. You are sleeping in my grandmother’s house.’ He took me fifty yards or so to the house and marched in, switching on the light to reveal grandmother and a family aunt sleeping head-to-toe in a single bed, leaving the other one free for their unexpected guest.

Although grandma had been told about my overnight visit, she had forgotten by the time she woke up and was more than a little confused on Easter Sunday morning to find a bearded figure sleeping across the room from her.

Breakfast was three fresh fried eggs and the inevitable salad, after which Ianni drove me around to see some of the local beaches. They were easily the most beautiful I’d seen on the island, the more so for being empty of the visitors who were already, in the opening weeks of the season, crowding the two main centres of Rhodes Town and Lindos.

On the three long sweeping beaches we visited we saw no-one but a single Greek family, picnicking and dancing by the side of their battered green van. This was on the beach at Prasonisi, the southernmost tip of Rhodes, the site of a Greek village in pre-Christian times, where Ianni showed me a beautiful floor mosaic he’d found in the scrub behind the beach.

Driving back to Kattavia we passed two roadside shrines side by side, an unusual sight. Ianni told me the story. Two lovers from the village had fallen foul of the Greek law forbidding a man to marry his sister-in-law, and they chose to live together in death at Prasonisi.

In Kattavia a service was in progress outside Ianni’s parents’ house in the village square, and the priest had brought the holy icon down from the monastery. The villagers, mostly in black, formed a half-moon round the priest and the painting, against a backdrop of blue sky and green hills. On the cheek of the Madonna you could see the cut from the heretic’s knife, with brown stains where the blood was said to have flowed. At the end of the service everyone queued to kiss the silvery painting and Ianni paid the priest to have the icon stay overnight in his parents’ house: a blessing and an Easter gift for his mother.

Lunch was barbecued lamb and the sweet red local wine. My plate was piled with large hunks of meat and anything that needed finishing, but my stomach’s relief when the table was finally cleared was short-lived.

‘Now,’ said Ianni, ‘we go to my grandmother’s house. My aunt has cooked a different kind of lamb… come, we must eat there too.’

Must we, I thought, though I somehow expanded to fit in my fourth meal in less than twelve hours – and a bottle of retsina, a milk-sweet pastry and the Greek coffee that had been so hard to find in the more commercial Lindos.

Still, it was back to Lindos we went, stopping only to buy a tub of honey and passing, outside Kattavia, the Turkish community of half-a-dozen houses, of fields, donkeys, children and olive groves.

‘Do you get on with the Turkish people?’ I asked Ianni, as the Greeks and the Turks haven’t always been the easiest of neighbours.

‘Of course, why should we not? They are poor people, like we are. My best friend in Kattavia is the fisherman, Mustapha.’

And we drove on to Lindos where, by five o’clock, Ianni was back behind the bar. There were only 170 more days to go until October and the end of the season, when he could return to Kattavia and tend his father’s olive groves all day, and in the evening talk with his friend Mustapha.

Where to Stay in Lindos

 

See Greece recommends what to do on Rhodes including visiting Rhodes Old Town, Lindos, Kameiros, and a day trip to Symi.

What to do on Rhodes? You’re spoiled for choice as it’s a big island with attractions raging from the UNESCO site of Rhodes Old Town to classic Greek beaches and beautiful villages such as Lindos. Here’s our Top Ten.

What to Do on Rhodes

1. Rhodes Old Town

The UNESCO-listed Rhodes Old Town is one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities. Walking through its cobbled streets feels like stepping back into the era of the Knights Hospitaller, who fortified the city against Ottoman sieges. Highlights include the Palace of the Grand Master, the Street of the Knights, and the Archaeological Museum housed in the former Knights’ hospital.

Cafés and shops tucked into stone archways add charm, while the imposing walls and gates remind visitors of its strategic importance. Exploring at dusk is magical, as lanterns light up the alleys and the atmosphere becomes even more enchanting. This is the cultural heart of Rhodes and a must-see for history lovers.

2. Lindos and the Acropolis

The whitewashed village of Lindos is postcard-perfect, perched on a hillside overlooking a turquoise bay. Its narrow streets are filled with boutiques, tavernas, and rooftop restaurants offering stunning views.

Above the village rises the Acropolis of Lindos, an ancient citadel blending Greek, Roman, and Byzantine ruins. The climb is steep but rewarding, with panoramic vistas across the Aegean. Lindos Beach below is ideal for swimming, making this destination a perfect mix of culture and relaxation.

3. Ancient Kameiros

Often called the “Pompeii of Greece,” Kameiros was one of Rhodes’ three ancient cities. Unlike Lindos, it was never rebuilt after its decline, leaving behind evocative ruins that showcase daily life in antiquity. Visitors can see remnants of houses, temples, cisterns, and streets laid out in a grid pattern.

The city thrived during the Classical period, and its water system was remarkably advanced for its time. Standing among the ruins, with the sea shimmering in the distance, offers a sense of connection to Rhodes’ ancient past. Kameiros is quieter than other sites, making it a contemplative stop for history enthusiasts.

4. Day Trip to Symi

A short ferry ride from Rhodes brings you to Symi, a jewel of the Dodecanese. Its harbor is lined with pastel-colored neoclassical mansions, creating one of the most picturesque arrivals in Greece. Visitors can stroll along the waterfront, climb to the upper town for wonderful views, or visit the Panormitis Monastery, dedicated to Archangel Michael.

Symi is also known for its sponge-diving heritage and fresh seafood. The island’s slower pace contrasts with Rhodes, offering a perfect day of exploration and relaxation. Swimming in Symi’s crystal-clear bays is unforgettable, making this excursion a highlight of any Rhodes itinerary. To make the visit more magical, think about spending a night on the island before returning to Rhodes.

Where to Stay on Symi

5. The Valley of the Butterflies

In summer, the Valley of the Butterflies becomes a magical sanctuary where thousands of Jersey Tiger moths gather. Shaded paths wind through lush greenery, streams, and wooden bridges, creating a tranquil escape from Rhodes’ bustling towns. The sight of butterflies clustering on tree trunks is mesmerizing, and the cool microclimate makes it a refreshing retreat.

A small museum at the entrance explains the valley’s ecology. Visiting early in the morning or late afternoon avoids crowds and enhances the serenity. This natural wonder is unique to Rhodes and appeals to families, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a peaceful walk.

6. Tsambika Beach

For pure relaxation, Tsambika Beach is one of Rhodes’ finest stretches of sand. Nestled beneath a hill crowned by a monastery, the beach boasts golden sand and shallow waters perfect for swimming. Sunbeds, tavernas, and water sports facilities make it ideal for both families and adventure seekers. It’s on the east coast roughly halfway between Rhodes Town and Lindos.

The climb to the Monastery of Tsambika above offers panoramic views and a touch of spirituality, as it is associated with fertility blessings. Spending a day here combines leisure with a sense of local tradition. The beach’s size ensures space even in peak season, making it a favourite among visitors.

7. Monolithos Castle

On Rhodes’ west coast, Monolithos Castle sits dramatically on top of a rocky hill, overlooking the sea. Built by the Knights of St. John in the 15th century, the castle was never conquered, and its ruins still exude strength. Inside, a small chapel dedicated to St. Panteleimon adds charm. The views from the castle are breathtaking, stretching across the Aegean to nearby islands.

The surrounding area offers quiet beaches and traditional tavernas, making it a rewarding detour

8. Prasonisi Peninsula

At Rhodes’ southern tip lies Prasonisi, a unique double beach where the Aegean and Mediterranean seas meet. Depending on the season, the sandy strip connecting the mainland to the islet may be submerged or exposed. Prasonisi is famous for windsurfing and kitesurfing, thanks to strong winds and ideal conditions.

Even if you’re not into water sports, the landscape is striking, with waves crashing on one side and calm waters on the other. It’s a place of raw natural beauty, perfect for adventurous travelers. Watching the sunset here is unforgettable, as the skies and seas merge in dramatic colours.

9. Seven Springs (Epta Piges)

Hidden in a forested valley, Seven Springs offers a cool, shaded retreat. Streams converge into a small lake, and visitors can walk through a narrow tunnel to reach it—a fun adventure for children and adults alike. The area is rich in flora and fauna, and peacocks often roam freely. A traditional taverna nearby serves local dishes, making it a pleasant spot for lunch.

The springs are said to have healing properties, and the setting feels almost mystical. Seven Springs combines nature, relaxation, and a touch of folklore, making it a charming stop on a Rhodes road trip. You’ll find them on the east coast, a ten-minute inland from Tsambika Beach.

10. Mandraki Harbor

Mandraki Harbor is Rhodes Town’s modern waterfront, blending history with contemporary life. Legend says the Colossus of Rhodes once stood here, though today two statues of deer mark the entrance. The harbour is lined with yachts, fishing boats, and excursion vessels, creating a lively atmosphere. See our full page about Mandraki Harbour.

Nearby, Italian-era buildings, the Evangelismos Church, and the windmills add architectural interest. Mandraki is also the starting point for boat trips, including the ferry to Symi. Strolling along the promenade at sunset, with the sea breeze and views of the medieval walls, is a quintessential Rhodes experience.

Where to Stay in Rhodes Town

Lindos is one of the main attractions on the Greek island of Rhodes, with its Acropolis, other ancient sites, beaches and historic captain’s houses.

Lindos on Rhodes in the Dodecanese is an impossibly picturesque village; a labyrinth of white-painted Dodecanesian-style houses climbing the slopes to the dramatic Acropolis and Knights’ Castle. The village is, of course, a hugely popular visitor attraction, and from Easter onwards it is crowded by day and fairly lively at night. It’s an hour’s drive south of Rhodes Town, about half-way down the island’s east coast.

The Acropolis is the main attraction, but Lindos has much more to offer than this splendid monument. Its narrow streets are empty of traffic and locals carry everything in motorbike trailers with which they negotiate some alarming challenges in the steeper streets.

In some ways Lindos is robbed of its inherent character by the sheer pressure of visitors and by the multi-lingual guided tours. It’s a popular excursion from the cruise ships which dock in Rhodes Town. Yet the village is still captivating, especially if you allow time to wander and seek out less well-known ancient ruins, the tiny churches, and the quieter corners.

Ancient Lindos

Ancient Lindos was the most prestigious of the three great city-states of Rhodes, the others being Kameiros and Ialyssos. When the three cities combined to found the unified city of Rhodes, Lindos continued to prosper and its sanctuary of Lindian Athena remained a place of pilgrimage until Roman times.

The Knights of St John kept a strong presence here, and during the Turkish era, Lindos was a prosperous seagoing community. Modern Lindos still reflects this history of commerce and culture.

Ancient Sites Around Lindos

The prime site of the Acropolis apart, there are a number of other ancient sites scattered throughout the Lindos area. Within the village itself is the well-preserved 4th-century BC amphitheatre. It’s located on the south-western side of the Acropolis just below the Stavri Square car park. Nearby are the remains of a large building, thought to have been a temple of the 3rd or 2nd century BC. Later Christian churches were built over the site.

Directly opposite the Acropolis, on the side of Krana Hill and above the highest houses of the village, is the ruin of a monumental necropolis, the tomb of a wealthy Hellenistic family. On Cape Agios Emilianos, across the main bay from the Acropolis, is the so-called ‘Tomb of Kleoboulos’, a large circular mausoleum composed of stone slabs. It can be reached by a path from the main beach. There is no convincing evidence that this actually is the tomb of Kleoboulos, a famous ruler of Lindos.

Beaches Around Lindos

On the north side of the village is a substantial bay in the shelter of the Acropolis hill. Directly below the Acropolis lies a small harbour where fishing boats moor. Further round the bay is Lindos’s very busy main beach. There are several tavernas and bars, beach furniture can be hired, and water sports are available.

There is another beach further round the bay, and bathing places beyond the headland of Cape Agios Emilianos. To the south of the Acropolis lies the remarkable natural harbour of St Paul, where the evangelist is said to have landed on his mission to spread Christianity.

Houses of the Captains

An earthquake of 1610 devastated Lindos but the settlement was rebuilt in traditional style, and today’s houses, a mix of simple vernacular buildings and handsome Gothic mansions, enhanced with subtle Byzantine and Moorish features, stand behind their high walls and inner courtyards where there is much use made of the exquisite pebble flooring called hokhlaki.

The Lindian doorways, called pyliones, often have fine carvings around them. Wealth from seagoing enriched Lindos, and many of the finer houses were built by sea captains. Several of these restored captains’ houses are open for public viewing, although they are often tied in with restaurants or gift shops. You can get details from the tourist office.

Panagia (Church of the Assumption of Our Lady)

Panagia is the main church of Lindos and stands at the heart of the village. It dates from medieval times but has been lovingly cared for and refurbished over the years. The characteristic exterior is rather engulfed by its close-knit surroundings but the interior is overwhelming, a superb example of Orthodox decoration.

Late 19th-century frescoes, restored in the 1920s, cover the walls and depict vivid biblical scenes. There are numerous fine icons, and the wooden altar screen and Bishop’s throne are beautifully carved. The pebble mosaic floor is outstanding. There is a strict requirement for visitors to dress soberly, and photography is not allowed.

Where to Stay in Lindos