Historic Walks: Old Town & Lindos
For Rhodes Old Town, the real atmosphere is found away from the main shopping routes. Explore early in the morning or after sunset, when the crowds have thinned. Beyond the famous Street of the Knights, seek out the quieter alleys of the Jewish Quarter and the area behind Suleymaniye Mosque, where you’ll find artisan workshops and Ottoman-era houses.
Lindos is best treated as an unhurried, multi-part experience. The key is to arrive early to climb to the Acropolis before the heat and tour groups arrive. Afterwards, instead of leaving immediately, take time to wander the village's pedestrian-only alleys and then choose one of its bays—like Lindos Main Beach or quieter Pallas Beach—for a swim.
Key sights to include in an Old Town walk:
- Street of the Knights: The stone-paved street lined with the inns of the Knights of St. John.
- Palace of the Grand Master: An essential stop with halls, mosaics and exhibitions to explore.
- Archaeological Museum: Housed in the former hospital of the Knights.
- Moat Path: An outdoor walk around the fortifications for a different perspective.
- Roloi Clock Tower: Offers elevated views over the Old Town, especially good for sunset.
Coastal Outings & A Day at Sea
Boat trips provide a welcome change of scenery, showcasing the coastline and granting access to different beaches. Choose a trip that matches your style: a relaxed day cruise with a barbecue, a romantic sunset sail, or a high-speed boat to the island of Symi for a full day trip.
For more active options, consider a guided kayaking, snorkelling or diving experience. On land, quad safaris offer another adventurous way to see the landscape. It's best to treat these as standalone activities, not just another stop on a busy sightseeing day.
Island Tours: West Coast, Villages & Wine
To see more of the island, dedicate a day to the dramatic west coast or the traditional interior. Organised tours often follow a route taking in the archaeological site of Ancient Kamiros and the castle viewpoints at Kritinia and Monolithos. For a focus on culture, look for itineraries centred on mountain villages like Embonas and Siana, known for local life and wineries.
These areas are also the heart of Rhodes’ food and wine scene. A hands-on cooking class or a vineyard visit provides a great alternative to a day of monument-hopping. A rental car gives you the freedom to linger, while a guided tour handles the logistics. Private tours can be tailored to focus specifically on villages, viewpoints, or gastronomy.
Related Rhodes guides
Next, read our local guides to Rhodes Old Town, Lindos and Boat trips. Check the details of the specific place or listing before you book, as general island advice will not fit every trip.
Frequently asked questions
When is a guided tour in Rhodes most useful?
A guided tour is most valuable when you want historical context for sites like the Old Town's Jewish Quarter, need a planned route for an island tour, or want to join a hands-on activity. For simply wandering and discovering alleys in Old Town or Lindos, independent exploration is often more rewarding.
What’s the best way to approach a visit to Lindos?
To avoid the worst of the summer crowds and heat, plan an unhurried visit. Arrive early (around 08:00–09:00) to climb to the Acropolis first. Afterwards, explore the village's alleys and then choose one bay for swimming, rather than trying to fit everything into a short stop.
What are the main activity hubs beyond Rhodes Town and Lindos?
The west coast offers archaeological sites like Ancient Kamiros and castle viewpoints at Kritinia and Monolithos. The island's interior, particularly around villages like Embonas and Siana, is a hub for wine tasting, food experiences and seeing traditional life. The east coast is known for its popular beaches and bays.