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While planning a trip to Rhodes, you might wonder, “Is 5 days too much?” Let me give you a very clear answer: Absolutely not — it’s not enough! I wrote down our Rhodes adventure for you, from taking the ferry from Marmaris to battling the wind and, most importantly, enjoying every moment of it. Here are the places to visit in Rhodes, my food notes, and a few things that happened to us along the way!
1. Arrival and the Excitement of the Visa on Arrival
As soon as we stepped onto the island, our first stop was passport control. We joined an incredibly long queue and were already thinking, “Great, we’re definitely at the very end,” when suddenly an officer shouted, “Visa on Arrival!”
We were shocked. Apparently, in that entire crowd, we were the only ones waiting for the visa-on-arrival process! So if you’re traveling with a visa on arrival, sometimes luck can be on your side. For example, in Samos, the visa-on-arrival queue was unbelievably crowded.
2. Accommodation and the Essential Market Run
After renting our car, we headed to our Airbnb. Our host had prepared a sweet little welcome basket for us, which was such a nice touch.
Tired from the first day, we quickly made our way to Jumbo and Lidl. Our actual plan was to buy groceries for the Airbnb, but once we saw Jumbo, there was no way we could resist!
Jumbo: This place is huge. From LED tripods to Lego characters, you can find almost anything.
Lidl: We especially loved the bakery section! If you’re planning to do grocery shopping in Rhodes, Lidl is affordable and has plenty of variety.
3. The Road to Lindos and the Miracle of the Virgin Mary
On our second day, we headed to the famous Lindos. It takes around 1.5 hours from the center. On the way, we randomly came across the Panagia Tsambika Monastery, also known as the Monastery of the Miracle-Working Virgin Mary, and it really moved us.
It’s a very mystical place where women who wish to have children make vows, believing that their prayers may come true.
And then, Lindos… It looks like it came straight out of a postcard! Whitewashed houses, narrow streets, and the famous donkeys appearing around every corner… The streets are so aesthetic that you feel like you’re walking through a work of art.
Beach Break: We swam both in Lindos and nearby St. Paul’s Bay. Since St. Paul’s Bay is a bit rocky, I had a mini panic moment while getting into the sea, but the water and the view were absolutely incredible.
4. Streets Full of History: Old Town
The heart of Rhodes is definitely Old Town. The moment you step through the city walls, it feels like entering a time tunnel.
Street of the Knights: Walking here will absolutely make you feel like you’re on a Game of Thrones set!
Suleymaniye Mosque and the Turkish Library: These Ottoman-era buildings reflect the multicultural spirit of the city.
Church of the Virgin of the Burgh: This church was bombed during World War II, and only three large Gothic arches remain today. Still, it feels so majestic that you almost want to stand in silence out of respect.
5. Mandraki Harbor and the Legend of the Colossus of Rhodes
At the entrance of the harbor, there once stood the giant Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Although the statue was destroyed by an earthquake, today two deer statues — Elafos and Elafina, the symbols of Rhodes — stand guard where the statue’s feet are believed to have been.
6. My Food & Drink Notes: Honest Reviews
Now let’s get to my favorite part! It’s impossible to go hungry in Rhodes, but finding the right places makes all the difference.
Greek Bougatsa: It reminded me of Laz böreği — a pastry filled with custard. With a sesame bread ring on the side, it makes a great breakfast.
Amalfi Coast: Their seafood pasta is famous, and I absolutely loved it!
Ronda: Very popular on social media. The atmosphere is very fancy, but the portions are a bit too “gourmet” — meaning small. We weren’t full, so we ended up going to McDonald’s afterwards. No lies here.
Last Dinner: The Italian restaurant we found on TripAdvisor gave us the perfect ending to the trip. It was the best meal we had in Rhodes.
A Few Small Tips for Rhodes
Gas Stations: Be careful! Gas stations close after a certain hour and switch to a self-service system. If you don’t want to stare helplessly at a machine in Greek, fill up your tank during the day.
Sephora: A paradise for makeup lovers. We went twice!
Rhodes completely won us over with its history, beaches, and food. You can watch all the details in my video — and don’t forget to subscribe to my channel!
YouTube Link: Click here to watch the vlog.
