Why Rhodes Should Be on Your Greece Itinerary

When most travelers think about visiting Greece, islands like Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, and Corfu often come to mind first. Each offers its own unique appeal, from dramatic cliffside views and beautiful beaches to charming villages and rich history.

While those destinations are certainly worth visiting, our recent trip introduced us to another Greek island that quickly became one of our favorites: Rhodes.

Located in the southeastern Aegean Sea, Rhodes offers a unique blend of history, beautiful scenery, charming villages, beaches, and vibrant local life. Whether you're interested in exploring medieval streets, relaxing by the sea, discovering ancient ruins, or simply enjoying long Greek evenings filled with excellent food and hospitality, Rhodes has something for every type of traveler.

Staying Inside Rhodes Old Town

One of the highlights of our visit was staying inside Rhodes Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe.

Walking through the narrow cobblestone streets felt like stepping back in time. Ancient stone walls surround the city, while winding alleyways lead to hidden courtyards, local shops, cafés, and historic landmarks around every corner.

During the day, visitors can explore sites such as the Palace of the Grand Master and the Street of the Knights. In the evening, the atmosphere transforms as restaurants fill with both locals and visitors enjoying outdoor dining under the warm Mediterranean sky.

For us, staying inside the Old Town was one of the best decisions of the trip. It allowed us to experience the city before the day-trippers arrived and after many visitors had left, creating a completely different experience from simply visiting for a few hours.

A Different Side of Greek Island Life

One of the things we enjoyed most about Rhodes was its relaxed pace of life.

Unlike some destinations where the day seems to end after sightseeing, life in Greece often continues well into the evening. After a full day of exploring, there was still plenty of time to enjoy dinner, stroll through town, browse local shops, or simply sit outside and soak in the atmosphere.

Those evenings became some of our favorite memories from the trip. The combination of warm weather, outdoor dining, and lively town squares created an atmosphere that felt both welcoming and authentically Greek.

Visiting Lindos

No visit to Rhodes would be complete without spending time in Lindos, one of the island's most picturesque villages.

Famous for its whitewashed buildings, narrow lanes, and stunning coastal views, Lindos looks exactly like the Greece many travelers imagine when planning a vacation.

The village is built on a hillside overlooking the crystal-clear waters of St. Paul's Bay, while the ancient Acropolis of Lindos sits high above the town, offering spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding coastline.

Walking through Lindos was easily one of the highlights of our stay. Every turn seemed to reveal another postcard-worthy view, making it a destination well worth including on any Rhodes itinerary.

More Than Just History

Although Rhodes is best known for its medieval history, the island offers much more than historic landmarks.

Visitors can spend time relaxing on beautiful beaches, drive along scenic coastal roads, discover traditional villages, sample authentic Greek cuisine, or enjoy waterfront restaurants overlooking the Aegean Sea.

One of the reasons Rhodes appeals to so many travelers is its balance. You can spend the morning exploring centuries-old landmarks and the afternoon enjoying the beach or a leisurely lunch by the water.

Whether you're interested in history, culture, nature, or simply slowing down and embracing the Greek lifestyle, Rhodes offers something for everyone.

How Many Days Should You Spend in Rhodes?

One of the things we loved most about Rhodes is how easily it adapts to almost any kind of trip. It truly has something for everyone.

If you simply want to unwind, the island is a perfect base for a relaxed beach holiday. You could happily spend ten days here doing little more than enjoying the sea, the food, and the slow rhythm of Greek life. At the same time, Rhodes is an ideal starting point for a richer cultural or educational journey, pairing easily with mainland Greece or the other islands of the Aegean.

That flexibility means there is no single right answer. Rhodes can be thoroughly enjoyed in as little as three days, while ten to fourteen days gives you room to settle in completely, or to combine the island with onward exploration.

For us, three nights was an excellent amount of time to experience the highlights without feeling rushed. It allowed us to fully explore Rhodes Old Town, visit Lindos, enjoy excellent local restaurants, and soak up the island's relaxed atmosphere. If your schedule allows, four to five nights provides even more time to discover the beaches, traditional villages, scenic coastal drives, and hidden corners at a leisurely pace.

Jenny's Travel Advisor Tip

What I love about recommending Rhodes is that it suits almost every type of traveler. If you're after a simple, sun-filled escape, it's a perfect base for ten relaxed days by the beach. If you'd rather mix things up, it pairs beautifully with mainland Greece or the surrounding islands for a trip with more depth and variety.

On our own visit, we spent three nights in Rhodes before continuing on to mainland Greece, and it turned out to be one of our favorite travel experiences. Rhodes gave us time to slow down and enjoy island life, while the mainland offered incredible history, dramatic scenery, and unforgettable cultural experiences.

So whether you have three days or two weeks, Rhodes can be the whole trip or the perfect beginning. If you're planning your first journey to Greece and have 10 to 14 days, I'd highly recommend an itinerary that combines both. It's a wonderful way to experience two very different but equally memorable sides of this beautiful country.

Ready to Plan Your Trip to Greece?

Every traveler experiences Greece differently. Whether you're looking for a relaxing island escape, a history-filled mainland adventure, or a combination of both, I'd be happy to help create an itinerary that's designed around your interests, travel style, and pace.

If you're ready to start planning your Greece adventure, I'd love to help.

Jenny Buschauer

Owner & Travel Advisor

Jenny's Across States & Seas Travel

(203) 693-1289

jenny@stateseatravel.com

www.stateseatravel.com