Folklore in Rhodes

Rhodes - Lindos Acropolis & Rhodes Old Town Highlights Tour

Few islands in Greece can match the heritage of Rhodes. And this wealth forms the centrepiece of this tour. Discover it all with an expert local guide. Dimitris, one of our guides, says, ‘Lindos was built in the 10th century BC by the Dorians. It's the third-most visited site in all of Greece, which shows just how significant it is.' You'll also enjoy a walking tour of the old town of Rhodes and see the Palace of the Grand Master. Headsets allow direct connection between you and your guide.Dimitris believes Rhodes is blessed with some of the best scenery in Greece. He says, ‘Lindos lies near a fantastic sandy beach, surrounded by hills hiding the village, protecting the place from the attacks of the pirates. On top of the small sugar cube houses stands the ancient Acropolis and the Temple of Athena.' You'll get to appreciate these very views during a coffee stop at a typical family-run café. Climb to the mountaintop Acropolis as your guide brings to life the myths and legends of the ancients as you take in views of St Paul's Bay below.Rounding off the day, we'll head to the old town Rhodes – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – for a guided tour. Because so much of the excursion is walking, it reduces the activity's carbon footprint. Wander the winding, cobbled streets, lined with historic houses and boutiques, and walk down the Street of the Knights. The star attraction is the Palace of the Grand Master – an enormous 13th-century fortress originally built by the Knights of St John.

Rhodes - Rhodes sun & sea boat trip

The sheltered waters off eastern Rhodes boast some of the island's most scenic coastline. Discover beautiful bays, coves and beaches and enjoy all the things that make this boat trip so special – swimming, snorkelling, sunbathing and a tasty lunch.

Rhodes - Chalki Island Boat Trip and Butterfly Valley Visit

Variety is the name of the game on this vastly contrasted excursion. Get back to nature at the renowned Butterfly Valley nature reserve, before a visit to the completely unspoilt and sleepy island of Chalki.

Rhodes - Nat Geo Day Tour: The Fascinating World of Bees

Your introduction to this fascinating world begins at the Bee Museum of Rhodes, featuring engaging interactive exhibits. Learn about the importance of beekeeping as your National Geographic-trained guide explains the history of maintaining colonies of bees and their hives in the South Aegean islands. Watch bustling beehive life through transparent observation hives and discover intriguing facts about pollination and apitherapy—the medicinal use of bee products. You'll also learn various simple ways to protect these creatures so crucial to our planet's ecosystem. National Geographic travelers will then enjoy an exclusive, live demonstration of honey extraction by one of the Bee Museum staff in a private room. Learn about professional techniques like honeycomb scratching and the use of tools such as manual extractors to fill empty jars. Afterwards, you'll be able to sample the freshly extracted honey in a dedicated space exclusively available to National Geographic groups. Try other types of honey, too, including varieties like pine, thyme and erica. Plus, try the famous Melekouni, a traditional sweet snack from Rhodes. After the tasting, don a protective suit and take a look at an active apiary, examining the open hive with an experienced beekeeper. Surrounded by happy buzzing, you'll learn about important tools, such as frames, smokers and scrapers, as well as gain a practical understanding of how bee colonies are organized. Leave with a new understanding of the humble honeybee and what you can do to protect it.

Rhodes - Rhodes Town – Transfer Only

Rhodes Town is a capital ripe for exploring on foot. And with hassle-free transport to and from, you'll have plenty of time to tour all the best bits. Stroll the medieval Knights Quarter and feel the history amongst the old city walls. Or hit the high street for some last minute shopping. Fancy a coffee on the harbour, or a saunter down the seafront? Explore at your own pace on this laidback day out.

Rhodes - Rhodes Town Tour by Night with Dinner and Cruise

If Rhodes town is impressive by day, wait till you get to know it at night. This exclusive evening excursion features a summer harbour cruise, a guided walking tour of Rhodes town's highlights, and a traditional meze dinner in a family-run taverna. Dimitris, one of our expert local guides, will lead you through the medieval old town, exploring the historic Collachio and the labyrinthine Burgo, where the Greeks lived. With headsets for direct communication, you won't miss a thing.Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the walled town of Rhodes was fortified by the Knights of Saint John in the 14th century. Get the lowdown on the history of Collachio, the area hugging the impressive Palace of the Grand Master. It buzzes as the shops and the bars light up in the cool evening air. As we stroll southwards, the area's ordered streets give way to the more chaotic and mazy alleys of Burgo. This district, dotted with old mosques and historic Orthodox churches, is a joy to wander by foot.After 90 minutes of fascinating medieval history, we'll unwind at a typical taverna with a leisurely meze meal made from locally sourced ingredients. End the evening with some free time for a stroll to Mandraki Harbour. If you're with us in the summer, enjoy a delightful evening cruise in the bay. Plus, this tour supports local businesses and leaves a zero carbon footprint with its walking and sailing segments.

Rhodes - Lindos by Night Transfer

Lindos is impressive by day – but even more so at night. Sweeping sunset views over the bay atop the ancient acropolis add a touch of magic to those holiday memories. Strolling down winding cobbled streets you'll hit the heart of the old town at just the right time – when the place lights up and comes alive. Explore at your own pace, head to a rooftop terrace for dinner or have a refreshing drink in one of the beach bars – the time is all yours.

Rhodes - Boat Trip to Lindos with Swim Stops from Rhodes Port

A day that combines relaxation with exploration. You'll sail along the east coast to the whitewashed village of Lindos. Chill on deck as the boat navigates its way down the coast and swim in the glittering Mediterranean Sea – your Greek island paradise awaits.

Rhodes - Guided Tour of Historic Lindos and Acropolis Visit

Lindos was an important and prosperous city in ancient Greece. Explore this history-steeped seafront town of whitewashed homes, with the option of an interactive Acropolis tour with a tablet for each reservation reference on this exclusive excursion.

Rhodes - Transfer to Lindos

Life moves pretty slow in Lindos, so why rush? Explore Rhodes most charming village at your own pace, with hassle-free transport, to and from. Visit the ancient Acropolis, perched on the horizon. Or take time to wander the cobbled streets and whitewashed houses. The choice is yours. Free time at the beach or lunch at a local taverna are all possibilities too. On this day, you decide.

Rhodes - Paddle Boarding Rhodes

The picture-perfect coastline and secluded coves of Rhodes are best explored by sea. Hop on your paddleboard from the shores of Stegna Bay and fully-qualified instructors will have you gliding through the water in no time. You'll discover Stegna's secret spots and have plenty of time to swim, snorkel or even try some cliff jumping.After arriving at the beach of Stegna Bay, you'll be geared up and ready to start your paddleboarding journey. With expert instructors leading the way, you'll quickly acquire the skills you need.Soon you'll be out exploring cliffs, crags and caves along the coastline. You'll get an up-close look of rugged rock formations and dramatic coastal scenery, before stopping to swim in Stegna's most secluded spots. There's a chance to snorkel in the shallows, try a thrill-pumping cliff jump or just sit back on your board and soak up some sun. After a few hours of fun, you'll head back to base, concluding a great day out on the water.

Rhodes - Pirates of Rhodes Family-friendly Themed Cruise

Pirate Tim and Calypso the Parrot need your help to find their lost treasure. But first you need to be fully trained in all the skills you need to become a pirate. Eleni, one of our local crew members, says, 'Rhodes was once a hugely important trading post in the Mediterranean region, and pirates were a real threat to this success. The island's governors directed the Rhodes Navy to spend all their time policing the waters nearby in order to protect the ships carrying valuable goods such as salt and olive oil.' You'll join our plucky crew in search of the booty, and along the way everyone will get into the pirate spirit with some help from the pirate team on the boat. There'll be lots of fun activities for everyone to get involved with. For our little pirate crew, there'll be face painting and lots of pirate-themed games to play and for the older pirate crew, there'll be some pirate challenges to join in with. And no pirate adventure would be complete without a treasure map and clues to follow.Eleni says, 'Set sail with the pirates for a fun cruise with plenty to keep the kids occupied while the grown-ups can relax and admire the scenery. We'll stop at some lovely spots so all the pirates can cool off with a swim in the sea.' Fruit is included, plus there's a bar on board where you can buy drinks and snacks, in case all the excitement makes you hungry. This pirate cruise is all about swashbuckling fun for the whole family to enjoy.

Rhodes - Scuba Diving Rhodes

The clear seas surrounding Rhodes are ideal for scuba diving. Explore the rich maritime life and underwater rock formations on either full day or half-day guided dives at different locations. With fully certified instructors all across the island, you'll soon be on slipping on a wetsuit, tank and mask, ready for your undersea safari.

Rhodes - Snorkelling Rhodes

Going deep into the sea with a tank on your back can be a daunting experience. But there's still a way to discover the rich habitats below the waves by snorkelling. This activity off the east coast of Rhodes is so like the real thing that we call it scuba without diving.

Rhodes - Full day Symi Tour including Panormitis Monastery

‘Symi is one of the smallest and most picturesque Greek islands. The sight of the colourful houses as soon as you enter the harbour never fails to impress,' says Fotini, your born and bred local guide on this full day excursion. You'll discover its laidback charm and visit sights such as Panormitis Monastery and a sponge maker.

Rhodes - Rhodes guided tour of traditional villages with local tastings

Spend the day getting to know the rustic villages of inland Rhodes and sample some of the island's favourite dishes. Pretty Orthodox churches, an olive oil mill, a winery in Siana and a typical local lunch are on the menu in this adults-only tour. Fotini, one of our local guides, says, “I was born and raised in Rhodes, so I am thrilled to be showing the island's hidden gems, revealing its authentic and traditional identity, and the customs that we still keep today.”The fun starts in Asklipio, a charming hillside village of whitewashed homes built around an ancient castle and an 11th-century stone church. Admission to the church is included, helping to support its upkeep. Next up is the mountain village of Siana, where you'll get a snapshot of Rhodian life in the rugged hills away from the coast. After you've tried some locally pressed olive oil at a nearby mill, it's time for a wine tasting at one of Siana's newest wineries.And then we are off to Apollona for lunch made from locally sourced produce in a family-run and sustainably conscious taverna – you won't find any use of plastic here. Even the water served comes from a local well. Take a tour of the village to walk off lunch and see the ruins of the temple dedicated to Apollo, the Greek god who the village is named after. In the afternoon, there's a pit stop for coffee in Profitis Ilias at the Italian inspired hotel Elafos. Your final stop is at the only microbrewery on the island, where you'll taste four house beers before heading back to your hotel. It's a day that'll satisfy both your cultural curiosity and taste buds.

Rhodes - Marmaris Day Trip with Shopping & Free Time

Venturing to a completely different country is always an exciting prospect. Sail across to Turkey and spend the day exploring the buzzing port town of Marmaris and visiting a bazaar and gold factory on this full day tour.It's an early morning start as you head for the port – but this tours worth getting up for. You'll set sail across the waters, arriving just in time for a guided city tour and a quick stop at a panoramic viewpoint to grab those all-important snaps of Marmaris. Then, you'll make tracks to local gold and leather centres where you can practice your haggling skills.You'll head to the old town next, where you'll have plenty of time to explore its winding streets and huge bazaar. Jam-packed full of bargains, it's a great place to pick up any souvenirs to take home. And no trip to Turkey would be complete without the chance to sample some local deliciacies such as Turkish delight or traditional tea. After all the excitement, there's a relaxing late afternoon boat ride back to Rhodes.

Rhodes - Rhodes Sea Kayaking Tour

There are many ways to experience Rhodes, but if you're hankering after some adventure, then this sea kayaking tour is just for you. You'll embark on a five- to seven-mile trip along the east coast, taking in the scenery, caves and swimming opportunities in water you can see through.You'll be picked up and taken to the beach where your sea kayaking adventure will begin. You'll strike out in either Agathi Bay or Haraki Bay with a guide, who will take you out to sea and some scenic spots. You'll row past the beaches, all while being able to look straight down into the seabed, and then head off in search of some caves to explore.After a quick bite to eat, you'll have free time to visit the caves and swim to your heart's content. By the end, you'll have covered between five and seven miles and seen the east coast from a whole new perspective.

Rhodes - Guided island tour of western Rhodes’ top attractions

Dotted with sleepy villages, pine-clad mountains and age-old ruins, western Rhodes has a rugged beauty all of its own. This tour ticks off some of the top picks. You'll visit the ancient city of Kamiros, the mountain villages of Embona and Siana as well as Butterfly Valley – home to hundreds of Callimorpha butterflies. Nicholas, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Kamiros offers a glimpse into the daily life of its ancient inhabitants and shows how ingenious the people who built it were. The water supply system, with its complex network of cisterns and aqueducts, is well-preserved and really interesting.'First up is Butterfly Valley – a natural park home to hundreds of the friendly, fluttering creatures. Wander along shaded wooden walkways and enjoy the calming pools of trickling water as you observe these colourful insects all around – stay still and one may even land on you. As well as the butterflies, the park features a variety of other flora and fauna, including lots of wildflowers and birds.Next, you'll travel back in time at ancient Kamiros. The tidily laid out streets and remains of the agora and acropolis will give you a sense of how the residents went about their daily lives in the 5th century BC. You'll get an app on entry, which shows how the city would have looked in 3D. Next, you'll have free time for lunch in Embona – the highest village in Rhodes – and visit the mountain-side settlement of Siana.

Rhodes - Private Lindos & Rhodes Tour

As close to time travel as you'll get outside your favourite sci-fi film, this trip transports you to medieval days thanks to some impressive heritage sights. On a private tour exclusively for you and your party, Rhodes Town, the Acropolis of Lindos and the Castle of the Grand Masters are just a few of the highlights you'll see. First up is the famous hilltop Acropolis of Lindos where there's a Roman temple dedicated to Athena, an ancient fortress plus a 13th-century Greek Orthodox church. Make sure you charge up the camera battery because you'll want to snap the incredible view, too.After a break to try traditional lemon pie in a family-run café, it's off to the Acropolis of Rhodes. Let your guide bring to life Greek myths and legends before heading to Rhodes old town to visit the vast Medieval Castle of the Grand Masters and stroll along the Street of the Knights.