Rhodes — Holiday Guide: Old Town, Lindos and Beaches

Rhodes is Greece's fourth-largest island and one of the most complete Mediterranean holiday destinations. Located in the Dodecanese, at the far south-east of the Aegean — almost within sight of the Turkish coast — Rhodes combines three things that rarely go together: superb beaches, vibrant ancient and medieval history, and organised tourist infrastructure that satisfies those who want all the comforts. The Old Town of Rhodes is the only living medieval city in Europe — a UNESCO World Heritage Site where people still live, eat and walk.

Why Rhodes — 5 Reasons

• UNESCO Old Town — One of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in the world, still fully inhabited. The Street of the Knights, the Palace of the Grand Master and a labyrinth of alleys are genuinely impressive.
• Lindos — a white village on a clifftop — A whitewashed town with an acropolis rising straight from the sea. One of Greece's most beautiful natural stages.
• Varied beaches — From the lively Faliraki for young travellers to the surfer's paradise of Prasonisi, from the romantic Anthony Quinn Bay to wild coves in the south.
• Long season and accessibility — Rhodes is open April–November. It has direct flights from Belgrade, good tourist infrastructure and prices more accessible than Santorini.
• Rich history — The Colossus of Rhodes, the Knights Hospitaller, ancient acropolises, Ottoman heritage — the island is a living museum from antiquity to today.

Old Town — Living Medieval History

The Old Town of Rhodes is unique in Europe. This is not a museum — it is a living city inside 14th-century walls built by the Knights Hospitaller (Knights of St John). UNESCO listed it in 1988. Within the walls live and work local residents alongside restaurants, boutiques, churches and mosques — all in a remarkable state of preservation.

The Street of the Knights (Odos Ippoton) is the most impressive street — paved in 15th-century stone, lined with the inns where knights from different European nations stayed (France, Italy, England, Spain). The Palace of the Grand Master at its head is a must.

Lindos — Acropolis by the Sea

Lindos (50 km south of Rhodes Town) is arguably the island's most spectacular sight. The ancient acropolis crowns a limestone cliff 116 m above sea level, with the whitewashed village of Lindos cascading down to a small natural harbour. The view from the acropolis — island, sea, village — is one of the finest in the Aegean.

Note: Lindos village is closed to cars. Park outside and walk in (15–20 minutes on foot, or hire a donkey). Arrive before 10am to avoid the worst crowds.

Best Beaches

Faliraki — The largest and most popular beach on the island. Long sandy shore, all facilities, water park nearby, lively nightlife. Best for young travellers and groups.

Anthony Quinn Bay (Vagies) — A small cove said to have been a favourite of the actor. Crystal-clear water, ideal for snorkelling, surrounded by rock. Romantic and photogenic.

Tsambika — A sheltered bay with golden sand and shallow water — excellent for families with children.

Prasonisi — At the island's southern tip, where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean. Windsurfers' paradise (consistent winds year-round).

Practical Information

• Getting there — Direct charter flights from Belgrade and other regional airports to Rhodes (RHO). Ferry connections from Piraeus and other Dodecanese islands.
• Getting around — Rent a car or scooter. Local buses connect major resorts but don't reach all beaches.
• Accommodation — Wide range; Ixia and Ialyssos are the main resort strips. Rhodes Town offers the most atmospheric stay.
• Best time — May, June and September avoid peak-season crowds. July–August is hot and busy.