3 Days in Rhodes, Greece: Knights, Beaches & Blue Skies

Rhodes isn’t just a Greek island—it’s a full-on mythological mosaic. From medieval castles to golden beaches, from peacocks in the wild to sunset cocktails by the sea, our three-day getaway turned out to be part history lesson, part beach therapy, and part hiking challenge. Here’s how it all went down.

Arrival: Moonlight Landing and Midnight Munchies

We touched down in Rhodes International Airport around 10 PM after a smooth flight from Vienna. While local buses cost around €3 per person, time was ticking, and the beach breeze was calling—so we grabbed a taxi to Ixia for €25. Totally worth it for the comfort and speed.

After checking into our accommodation, we hit the nearest supermarket for essentials (hello, Greek yogurt and Mythos beer) and called it a night.

Day 1: Medieval Walls, Windmills & Sunset Walks

1. Walk from Ixia to Rhodes Old Town

We kicked off our first morning with a 50-minute coastal walk from Ixia to Rhodes Old Town. The sea on our left, sun overhead, and the medieval silhouette of the city growing closer—it felt like walking into a living postcard.

2. Elli Beach

After meeting up with friends, we dropped anchor at Elli Beach, the most popular beach in Rhodes town. A drink in hand, toes in the sand—it’s the only way to start your Greek island adventure.

3. Doe & Stag Statues

At the entrance to Mandraki Harbor, we found the famous Doe and Stag statues, said to mark the spot where the Colossus of Rhodes once stood. One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, this towering bronze statue was destroyed by an earthquake in 226 BC—but its legend still looms large.

4. Mandraki Marina & 5. Three Windmills

This postcard-perfect harbor lined with yachts also hides a bit of history. The three medieval windmills once ground grain brought by merchant ships. Now? They’re just really, really photogenic.

6. Saint Nicholas Fortress

Originally built to defend the island from Ottoman attacks, this 15th-century fortress sits dramatically on the edge of the harbor. Pirates, knights, cannonballs—this place has seen it all.

7. Sea Gate

The majestic Sea Gate welcomed us into the Old Town—a massive stone portal straight out of a fantasy novel. Once the main entry for ships, today it’s the perfect entry into the city's timeless soul.

8. Hippocrates Square

Bustling and vibrant, Hippocrates Square is the beating heart of Old Rhodes. Surrounded by cafés and artisan shops, it’s the perfect place to grab a quick souvlaki and watch the world wander by.

9. Church of the Virgin Mary of the Burgh

This hauntingly beautiful Gothic church was built by the Knights Hospitaller in the 14th century. Though mostly in ruins, it remains a serene and atmospheric stop off the tourist trail.

10. Street of the Knights

Walking down this perfectly preserved cobblestone street, it felt like we’d time-traveled to the 15th century. Each building once housed knights from different countries. Imagine the stories these stones could tell!

11. Palace of the Grand Master

The crown jewel of Old Rhodes, this medieval fortress-palace is straight out of a Game of Thrones episode. Originally built by the Knights of St. John, it’s now a museum showcasing mosaics, ancient artifacts, and centuries of power and politics.

12. Wandering Old Town

We capped off the day getting lost in the maze-like alleys of Old Rhodes. Cats on rooftops, flowers spilling from balconies, and warm breezes weaving through medieval walls—pure magic.

Day 2: Beach Mode Activated

13. Beach Day at Paralia Ixia

After the full-on sightseeing sprint, we turned the tempo down and soaked in some vitamin D at Paralia Ixia. With waves perfect for windsurfing and water cold enough to wake your soul, it’s the perfect spot to recharge.

14. Dinner at Elysee

For dinner, we indulged in local Greek delights at Elysee, a charming restaurant where the moussaka melts in your mouth and the tzatziki comes with a garlic kick. Add a glass of house wine and you're golden.

After dinner? We did what Greeks do best—headed back to the beach for drinks and stargazing.

Day 3: Trekking, Views & Wild Peacocks

We woke up early, laced up our sneakers, and embarked on a mini pilgrimage.

15. Chapel of Prophet Elias

After almost 2 hours of hiking (yes, uphill), we reached this hidden chapel on the hill, far from the crowds and closer to the clouds. The chapel is humble but the views are divine.

16. Filerimos Cross

From there, it was a further 40-minute walk to Filerimos Cross—a massive concrete cross standing tall at 18 meters. From here, you can see both coasts of Rhodes and even the airport runway. Worth every sweaty step.

17. Peacock Surprise

Filerimos is also famous for its unofficial mascots: wild peacocks. Colorful, curious, and absolutely unbothered by tourists—they strut around like they own the place. (Spoiler: they kind of do.)

With no buses in sight, we walked back to Filerimos village and finally caught a bus back to Ixia (€1.80 per person). Legs? Sore. Heart? Full.

Departure: Wrapping It Up

We packed our bags, grabbed one last freddo espresso, and took a 30-minute local bus to the airport (€3 per person). The flight back to Vienna was smooth, but we weren’t quite ready to leave Rhodes behind.

🌿 Tips for Traveling Rhodes Like a Local

• 🚶‍♀️ Walking is scenic but bring water—those hills are no joke.

• 🏖 Don’t skip Elli Beach for a mix of city and sea vibes.

• 🏰 Old Town Rhodes is best explored without a map—just get lost in it.

• 🍽 Try local dishes like kleftiko, dolmades, and of course baklava.

• 🦚 If you hear something screaming in the forest, don’t panic—it’s just a peacock.

Rhodes gave us the perfect blend of myth, muscle, and Mediterranean sun. We came for the beaches but stayed for the history—and left with salt in our hair, sandal tan lines, and about 400 photos of cats and peacocks.

Next stop? Who knows. But Rhodes set the bar pretty high.

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