The most popular of the Dodecanese islands, the word ‘Rhodes’ means ‘where roses grow’ or the Greek island of the sun! I however have named it the Greek island of rooftops – where rooftops grow! Well one village in particular, Lindos that is dedicated to a vast array of rooftop restaurants. An island I associated with families turned out to be a hidden treasure of coves, champagne bars and insane cuisine.
Discover the Island of Rhodes
How to get to Rhodes?
Rhodes is one of the larger Greek Islands, close to Turkey with an international airport. You may be including it in your island hopping with Kos in which case you will be arriving at the port in Rhodes town. There is half an hour drive between them if you are jumping straight from to the another and I used the taxi rank from the airport to my hotel.
Where to stay in Rhodes
As I booked with just over a month before going, the choices for hotels, to the princess standard I like, were limited. I had wanted to stay in/ near Ixia – not least the sunsets on that side are the best but also closer to the island Simi that you can hop over to.
But availability was poor so then considered Rhodes town itself and Hotel Rodos Park was a strong contender – reminded me of where I stayed in Forte Dei Marmi, a cute boutique lux vibe with easy walking access through the castle to the old town – it also had a rooftop bar and a ground floor pool bar to pop into when exploring Rhodes town.
But I settled on the area of Kallithea – very close to Falaraki. Don’t be put off if you remember this town for its 90s party teenage scene! It’s changed a lot. I chose the adults only Esperos Village Blue, a little village in its own right so I never actually made it into the town.
The rooms were spacious – we had the shared pool sea view. Which basically meant a lovely secluded balcony and a deserted pool right by the room to dip in to. Only down side was when you ‘needed’ a pina colada the beach bar was far!
Many room came with their own private plunge pools but for the more socialable there are two main infinity pools. First world decisions right there.
However do note that there are limited areas for shade until after lunch (even with an umbrella). The way the sun hits, it’s really hard to get shade until later but when you do the most comfy sun beds are waiting for you with a shuttle service to and from your room. This hotel knows how to help you relax!
There’s also many restaurants including a rooftop restaurant, The ‘Panorama’ and another on the ground floor ‘Aphrodite’, both serve breakfast. I naturally chose the rooftop! Though it was actually too hot in July to sit directly in the sun, thankfully shade works up here. I imagine when it’s less busy then just one would be open. Both also serve dinner for the half board stayers.
I chose their ‘Mediterraneo Restaurant’ for a chilled night ‘in’. An A la Carte menu in as stunning setting with service to match. And the food – the freshest fish! I would choose to dine here even if I hadn’t been a guest.
What to do and see in Rhodes Town
As well as some beautiful beach clubs, Rhodes Town itself is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the castle known as The Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights, with gothic architecture rarely seen in Greece and you can also walk it’s walls.
Rhodes town also used to be the home of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Colossus of Rhodes but an earth quake destroyed it. You can still come and see the site despite it’s absence. And for those who love NYC – the Colossus and the Statue of Liberty were both built as symbols of freedom.
The old town of Rhodes is full of gorgeous little streets, rooftop restaurants, great taverns and shops, well worth a wander. I wasn’t a fan of the new town – no character and a bit tacky. But it did have some great rooftop bars and cafés. Click here for more info on them but the one Id recommend for the best views of the castle would be Minos cafe. Not fancy and we found just one very hard working guy but grab a coffee or a cocktail to take in castle and city views.
Beach clubs & restaurants in Rhodes
Ammades Seaside Restaurant & Bar
Ammades Seaside Restaurant & Bar is a 5 minute shuttle bus ride away from our hotel, based over in Faliraki. The beach club was €6 bed hire (2022) a far cry from the Greek Islands like Mykonos and a brilliant bell to ring to bring you anything you needed, like more bubbles! Fully recommend a whole day down here. There’s also a great little beach restaurant where the fantastic Maria will look after you.
Note to all those who love the sea, the beach is coarse sand and pebbles line the sea as you enter. However if you didn’t plan ahead, a few minutes walk up to the main road and towards the hotel is a small but extensive shopping centre full of clothes, jewellery and sexy sea shoes. If you want to make it in and out of the water unbruised then I highly recommend these.
Naya Beach club and Restaurant
Just another 5 minutes along from Ammades is ‘Naya‘. I chose here for dinner and it did not disappoint. Aesthetically beautiful, quiet as we ate early and the food was fabulous.
One place we didn’t make it to but would go if I go back was Mimakos Taverna. Based over in Falariki with mountain views and on Tuesday’s is their Greek night with traditional plate smashing.
Rhonda Beach Club
Rhonda beach club at the very top tip of Rhodes town, was buzzing from day to night. Come for the day and hire a day bed or just for lunch or dinner but this is a must if you are in Rhodes.
Nor Project
One magical sunset dinner was at the Nor Project beach club. The setting is truly spectacular and the food delicious though the service a little abrupt, it was divine.
Tambakio Restaurant and Beach
Based St Paul’s Bay in gorgeous village of Lindos, this beach restaurant is an absolute must, utterly magical with an equally mesmerising restaurant – Tambakio. The hugely popular restaurant is build into the rocks perched over the crystal clear turquoise waters. Perfect as a beach side lunch venue if staying all day and or to go to as it’s own dining destination.
Parking is at the top of the bay and you walk right down a path way to the beach to walk across to the restaurant. If you come by taxi or boat then you can walk up to Lindos town in a matter of minutes.
Lindos, the home of rooftop restaurants
Lindos is a beautiful white washed village based south east on the island. It is also the village that the island was once named after and the name of the man who build one of the seven wonders of the world. From Falariki it was a steep €60 cab, so you can hire a car or boat! If you can’t hire your own then there are boat trips down from the town.
The best rooftop restaurant in Lindos
When I started looking into rooftop restaurants in Rhodes, Lindos came up on top and I was overwhelmed – there are so many! It reminded me a bit of when I was in Marrakesh, lots of little roof terraces where you can see one after the other after another! It was a minefield when many didn’t have socials or websites plus I was going to only be there one night – for my birthday dinner- the pressure was on to find the best one!
I found the biggest problem was all the reviews I read, all the research I did didn’t actually give me a clear winner. Some were hugely popular for the view, some the food, some the setting but all had some grumbles. So I decided to wing it with a short list and go and check them out on the day. After rooftop hopping around I came out with a clear winner. Cesar Meze Bar. The terrace was beautifully laid out with different areas and views with the Acropolis towering over. The staff and menu both seemed fabulous so I booked immediately for the evening and it exceeded all my expectations. Read more here.
The runner up was Cozze Champagne. Amazing views further back of the Acropolis, it was quirky with so much character that it would have been a strong choice for dinner another night, had we stayed in Lindos. For the other runners up click here.
Visit the Butterfly Valley
Even though I didn’t do this, I am including if you are in Rhodes late July onwards as that is when the different types of butterflies appear. But with no hire car and the local bus having very limited timings and no air con I opted not to. If you go, take mosquitoes repellent and trainers!
Final thoughts on choosing Rhodes
Rhodes wasn’t on my Greek island list. I has assumed it was for families but due to availability, affordability and ease of flight timings it came out on top. And what a treat it was. A few tips that might help make the most of your holiday. I discovered that when making restaurant reservations, it’s best to call or use Instagram DMs as many places didn’t respond to my emails or inquiry forms. If ordering a meat main course be ware there’s often no sides – it just the meat with a sauce. Perfect for those on Keto! I had lamb three times and each time was the same. Also wear insect repellent. We were told there were no mossies and maybe they weren’t but one day we got eaten alive by something resembling the mossie family. Lastly, I found the people can sometimes seem a bit stand-of-ish but it’s just their manner, they are not! Greet them kindly and in Greek – Kalameria (if morning) Kalaspera (afternoon) And Kalinikta (evening) and you’ll have friends for life and you might even get a magical kiss (cocktail! 😉
