Here are places in Rhodes that only locals know, where you can find authentic sights and experiences many visitors would often miss. From ancient landmarks to renowned food and dining options, our list of places to discover in Rhodes off the beaten track can add some cultural relevance to your stay and ensure that you get a true taste of this beautiful island in the Dodecanese island chain.

These range from natural springs, waterfalls and lakes outside Rhodes’ city centre to a remote wide coastal stretch on the island’s southwest where you can escape from the common crowds. Prefer the cool mountains? Head up to the island’s third-highest peak to retreat from the summer heat and enjoy the spectacular views. Read on to discover these and more of Rhodes’ ‘hidden gems’.

  • 1

    The Valley of “Seven Springs”

    Immerse yourself in nature in Rhodes’ hidden oasis

    The Valley of “Seven Springs”
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    “Seven Springs” is a Natura 2000 protected zone located 30 km from Rhodes’ city centre, near the village of Archangelos. It’s an area of unique natural beauty, where the locals go in the hot summer months to seek shade under leafy plane trees.  

    The valley derives its name from the 7 natural springs whose pouring cascade falls into a river, which in turn flows into a lake surrounded by a gushing waterfall. Follow one of the area’s many hiking paths to admire peacocks before you dive into the cool waters of the lake. Finish your day off at the café, which overlooks the stream, and take in this unparalleled natural backdrop.

    Dirección: Archangelos, 851 02, Rhodes, Greece

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  • 2

    Eucalyptus Street

    Take a stroll and marvel at the enormous eucalyptus trees

    Eucalyptus Street
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    A long alley lined with large eucalyptus trees, Eucalyptus Street connects the Kolympia settlement to the Rhodes–Lindos highway. Created by the Italians who occupied the island for 30 years, it still stands majestic as ever.    

    The alley is 2 km long meaning it’s the perfect place to enjoy a run or a stroll surrounded by the soothing scent of the eucalyptus trees. Don’t forget to stop for pictures at this photogenic road, which will lead you straight to the sea and a plethora of taverns where you can enjoy fresh seafood.

    Dirección: Kolympia, 851 02, Rhodes, Greece

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  • 3

    Limni Beach

    Enjoy the peaceful bliss of Limni beach

    Limni Beach
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    Limni beach is a remote wide stretch of beach on the southwest coast of the island, just under the village of Apolakkia. A rustic, sandy beach that lazily draws out to the sea, it may not be the most obvious place to visit, yet it’s that peacefulness that makes it so special.

    While the beach provides minimal comforts, in the summer months you will find a canteen serving cold drinks and grilling meat there. After your day at the beach, spend some time exploring the nearby village of Apolakkia which is a draw for nature lovers and hikers.

    Dirección: South Rhodes, 851 09, Rhodes, Greece

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  • 4

    Mount Profitis Ilias

    Cool down with a view from the peak

    Mount Profitis Ilias
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    Mount Profitis Ilias is another popular retreat for locals wanting to escape from the summer heat. It's the 3rd-highest mountain on the island, 25 km from the city centre of Rhodes, close to Salakos village.

    Head to this lush location for a refreshing walk in the dense forest: you will see pines, cypresses and oaks, as well as rare flowers and fauna, such as fallow deers. You will pass an abandoned villa that used to be Mussolini’s summer residence and when you reach the top, where the homonymous monastery is found, you'll be rewarded with a spectacular view.

    Dirección: Kameiros, 851 06, Rhodes, Greece

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    foto de Notafly (CC BY-SA 3.0) modificada

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    Mevlana Turkish Coffee

    Stop here for authentic Turkish coffees

    Mevlana Turkish Coffee
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    Mevlana is a traditional Turkish café on Socrates street in the centre of Rhodes Town. Opened several centuries ago, it’s now a trademark of Rhodes that reflects the island’s multicultural identity.

    Not only is the café a sight to see with its pebbled floor and vaulted ceiling, but it also serves authentic Turkish coffee and delicious syrupy desserts like baklava and kadaif. Enjoy a shisha pipe while you wait to hear the bell which signals that your order is ready and on its way to your table.

    Dirección: Sokratous 73-99, 851 00, Rhodes, Greece

    Horario: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm

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  • 6

    Filerimos Hill

    Hike up this green hill for panoramic island views

    Filerimos Hill
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    Filerimos is a panoramic hill on the west coast of the island, 15 km outside of Rhodes Town, which offers a fantastic overview of the Aegean Sea.

    Head to this 267-metre-tall hill that overlooks Ialysos and the bays of Ixia and Trianta and immerse yourself in its many trails filled with cypresses, cedars and pines. Check out the remarkable towering cross that dominates the top of the hill, as well as the ancient Doric and the ruins of the ancient Acropolis of the area.

    Dirección: Ialisos, 851 01, Rhodes, Greece

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  • 7

    Yeni Hammam Public Baths

    Participate in a historical oriental experience

    Yeni Hammam Public Baths
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    Yeni Hammam is a bathhouse inside a historical building in Rhodes Town, next to the Sultan Mustafa mosque on Arionos Square. Public bathing is an inexpensive pastime favoured by many locals – the marble floors and seats of the hammam together with its fabulous finely wrought ceiling cast a magical light upon bathers, creating a spectacular setting.

    While bathing at the Yeni Hammam is a rather Spartan experience in terms of facilities, it’s certainly one that will remain unforgettable for most and can provide you with an authentic glimpse into local life in Rhodes.

    Dirección: Arionos Square, 851 00, Rhodes, Greece

    Horario: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm

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    foto de Bernard Gagnon (CC BY-SA 4.0) modificada

  • 8

    Paradisi Village

    Experience local life in this west coast lively village

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    Paradisi is a village on the west coast of Rhodes where many visitors to the island first arrive – it's where the island’s main airport is located. Even if many don't stay to explore, as a traditional village with Byzantine churches, old houses, a pristine beach and many bakeries (for which it's known for), it’s definitely worth a visit on your travels to Rhodes.

    If you’re lucky enough to visit between late May and early June, you'll also have the opportunity to attend the annual Strawberry Festival, a 2-day event organized by the local community to promote the strawberries they grow in the area, which features plenty of strawberry desserts and a grand celebration.

    Dirección: Paradisi, 851 06, Rhodes, Greece

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  • 9

    St Fanourios Church

    An important local pilgrimage site

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    St Fanourios on Agiou Fanouriou street, within the walls of the medieval town of Rhodes, is a parish church dedicated to the namesake patron saint. This place is a particularly important pilgrimage site for the local population.

    According to tradition, St Fanourios can reveal to single women their future husbands, as well as being able to help people find lost items, ranging from a key or ring to even a job. The memory of St Fanourios is celebrated on the 27th of August and locals mark the occasion by baking a cake called fanouropita for blessings at the church, followed on after by a big traditional festival.

    Dirección: Agiou Fanouriou Street, 851 00, Rhodes, Greece

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  • 10

    Stani Bakery

    Get in line for the island’s best ice cream

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    Stani is one of the oldest bakeries in Rhodes, the flagship store of which is situated at the Agia Anastasia square near the historic Diagoras Stadium by the centre of town. Locals are known to form long queues outside Stani at all hours of the day to get their hands on its signature syrupy ice cream.

    It’s worth stopping here for a late afternoon treat, but you may have some trouble choosing between the varieties of desserts on offer. If you’re in the mood for something traditional, try the mouhalebi, a Turkish dessert made with milk, rice flour, rosewater and ground mastiha (mastic).

    Dirección: Agias Anastasias 28, 851 00, Rhodes, Greece

    Horario: Daily from 7.30 am to 1.30 am

    Teléfono: +30 2241 031991

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Olga Kousi | Colaborador/a habitual