Rhodes Travel Guide 2026: Knights, History, and Sun

Rhodes is where the Crusades meet the beach vacation. As the largest of the Dodecanese islands, it boasts 300 days of sunshine a year and one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. In 2026, Rhodes continues to refine its offering, moving away from mass all-inclusive models towards boutique heritage tourism and eco-friendly beach management. It is an island that satisfies both the history buff and the serious sun-worshipper.

Why Visit Rhodes in 2026?

Rhodes offers a dual experience that few islands can match. You have the “Old Town,” a living museum of the Knights of St. John, and the “New Town” with its cosmopolitan vibe. Beyond the city, the east coast is lined with golden sand beaches and the archaeological wonder of Lindos. The island’s size ensures that even in peak season, you can find quiet corners in the south.

Iconic Experiences

1. The Medieval Old Town (UNESCO)

This is the heart of Rhodes. Walking through the Gate of Saint John is like stepping back 600 years.

Street of the Knights: The most preserved medieval street in Europe. In 2026, restoration works on the Inns of the Tongues are complete, offering a pristine view of the past.
Palace of the Grand Master: A massive fortress with stunning mosaics. Go early (8 AM) or late (6 PM) to avoid cruise ship crowds.
The Moat Walk: You can walk in the dry moat between the double walls. It’s quiet, green, and gives you a sense of the scale of the fortifications.

2. Lindos: The White Village

50km south of Rhodes Town lies Lindos, a postcard-perfect village of white captains’ houses beneath a massive Acropolis.

The Acropolis: Hike up (skip the donkey ride for animal welfare) to see the Temple of Athena Lindia overlooking the dual harbors. The view is arguably the best in Greece.
St. Paul’s Bay: A tiny, enclosed cove viewed from the Acropolis. It’s perfect for swimming, though very busy. Arrive by 9 AM to secure a spot.

3. Prasonisi & The Beaches

Prasonisi: The southernmost tip where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean. In summer, a sandbar connects it to an islet. It is a world-class windsurfing and kitesurfing spot.
Anthony Quinn Bay: Named after the actor who filmed “The Guns of Navarone” here. Incredible emerald waters, great for snorkeling.
Tsambika: A long, golden sandy beach with no hotels, only beach bars. A climb to the monastery above offers panoramic views.

4. Valley of the Butterflies (Petaloudes)

A unique nature reserve where thousands of Jersey Tiger Moths congregate in summer. It’s a cool, shaded valley with streams—a perfect escape from the July heat.

Gastronomy: The Dodecanese Table

Rhodian cuisine shares similarities with Cretan food but has its own twists.

Pitaroudia: Chickpea fritters with mint and onions. A must-try starter.
Giaprakia: Rhodians wrap their dolmades in cyclamen leaves or cabbage rather than just vine leaves.
Melekouni: A healthy sesame and honey bar, traditionally given at weddings.
Where to Eat:
- Marco Polo Mansion (Old Town): Romantic dining in a hidden courtyard. High-end Greek cuisine.
- Mavrikos (Lindos): An institution. One of the oldest restaurants in Greece, serving refined local dishes.

Where to Stay: Town vs. Beach

Rhodes Old Town: Best for atmosphere and winter visits.
- Pick: Kokkini Porta Rossa. An exclusive boutique hotel in a restored knight’s residence.
Lindos: Best for romance and views.
- Pick: Melenos Art Boutique Hotel. Stunning interiors and views of the Acropolis.
East Coast (Faliraki/Kallithea): Best for luxury resorts and families.
- Pick: Elysium Resort & Spa. Modern luxury right on the beach.

Preserving History & Nature

Rhodes is balancing mass tourism with preservation.

Fire Safety: After the fires of previous years, the island is hyper-vigilant. Never throw cigarettes or glass in nature, especially during the dry summer months.
Heritage Conservation: When visiting the Old Town, remember it is a living city, not just a museum. Respect the residents who live within the medieval walls by keeping noise down late at night.
Water Wise: The Dodecanese islands face water shortages. Keep showers short and reuse towels.

Practical Travel Intelligence

Island Hopping: Rhodes is the hub for the Dodecanese. Day trips to Symi (famous for its neoclassical harbor) and Chalki are easy and highly recommended.
Rent a Car: While buses run to Lindos, a car unlocks the wilder west coast and the southern beaches.
Wind: The west coast is windy and has pebbly beaches (good for cooling off), while the east coast is sheltered with sand (hotter). Choose your beach based on the wind forecast (Meltemi).
History Pass: Buy the combined ticket for the Old Town sites to save money and skip queues.

The 2026 Verdict

Rhodes is a heavyweight champion of Greek tourism. It handles crowds well thanks to its infrastructure, but the magic lies in the details—a quiet alley in the Old Town at midnight, or a sunrise swim at Tsambika. It offers a complete package of culture, beach, and food that is hard to beat.