The 5 best places in Rhodes according to a local (me)

Ok, I’m technically not a local – being an Italian expat… but still: I have been living here for years, so I’m definitely not a newbie anymore. And today I’m sharing five of my personal favourite places in Rhodes City – places that aren’t just beautiful, but grounding. Places I go when I need to think, slow down, reset, and just be. If you’re looking for authentic local spots and non-touristy things to see in Rhodes, this list is for you.

Well, some of these places will probably be also on tourist maps, but I will help you look at them with different eyes, and approach them in a different way.

Rhodes is often described through postcard-perfect images: medieval walls glowing under the sun, the sharp turquoise sea, cute restaurants popping up in narrow alleys. But living here taught me something deeper: the soul of the island – and city first – isn’t found only in the major landmarks. It’s in the quiet corners, the places without queues, where life slows down, the sea breathes loudly, and locals return again and again.

Ready to write down the best places in Rhodes town and make your next visit unforgettable?

1. Psaropoula pier at sunset

Possibly one my favourite spots on Earth, definitely the place I always go when I need to reconnect.

When people ask me the best place in Rhodes where to watch the sunset, I don’t think twice. I say Psaropoula. You walk towards the small pier by the Diagoras roundabout, the wind picks up, the sea crashes and curls white against the cement, and the sun melts into the horizon like something bigger than you.

I love it when it’s windy and wavy (most of the times), I love it even more those rare days when it’s so quiet and calm that all you want to do is dip in the water and stare at the setting sun.

Locals come here to fish, to sit, to think, to talk, to say nothing at all. Even when the waves are loud, the moment is quiet.

Why I love it:

• dramatic, colour-soaked sunsets (I’m a sucker for sunsets)
• perfect for journaling, photography or for mindfulness practice
• raw energy of sea + breeze = unforgettable

If Rhodes had a heartbeat, I think you could hear it here.

2. The Cave of Archangel Michael Panormitis in Kato Petres

A chapel inside a tiny cave above the sea, and one of the most energetic places to visit in Rhodes town.

Just outside the center of the city, perched above the rocks of Kato Petres (a scenic walk whose name literally means “the lower rocks”), hides an incredibly small chapel dedicated to Archangel Michael Panormitis. I found it by chance the first time I walked that path, and it got straight into my soul. Outside you’ll see swords stuck in the rocks and dozens of broomcorn brooms; inside icons, votive offerings and lit candles. No crowds. No noise. Only the sea, the cliff, the sky, and an unreal silence – it’s a place of worship so please respect that.

What makes it special:

• peaceful, or better sacred, atmosphere
• ideal as a stop on your slow morning or evening walk
• a spot that gives you the chance to learn something about Orthodox cult

Even if you’re not religious, this place will take your breath away.

3. Mandraki Harbour – in between the deer statues and the church

Mandraki is a place in Rhodes that everyone knows and that gets crowded with tourists in the summer – yet somehow never stops feeling special.

Also, my favorite spot is a very specific one: that piece of harbor that sits between the church and the deer statues. It certainly is iconic: its beauty never ceases to amaze me. It’s also bustling with life at all times, with people that walk by, boats that come and go, children that chase pigeons under the sun.

And yet, even in movement, there’s calm. Well ok, maybe you have to pay attention to find that calm – but that’s exactly why I like that place. Go earlier in the morning, sit on one of the benches in the exact spot I mentioned, and let the clear water hypnotize you. You will understand what I mean.

My favourite times to go:

• early morning before the city wakes fully
• golden hour, to enjoy the light’s reflections across the harbour
• coffee in hand, staring at the soft water movements or people watching

Touristic? Yes. Overrated? Not even close.

4. Monte Smith, the most breathtaking view over Rhodes

City views, sea horizon, history and freedom all in one place.

Monte Smith isn’t just a viewpoint – it’s THE Viewpoint; besides being a reminder of how small we are and how lucky we are to exist here. The panoramic view of Rhodes city is wide, wild and open. The colors at sunset are absolutey breathtaking. It can be very windy so be prepared – also to the sight of frequent paragliders, that will give you a sense of extreme freedom even if you’re not the one flying.

You’ll also find ruins of the ancient acropolis nearby – an amphitheatre, a stadium, remains of a temple – traces of stories older than memory. You can visit them (entrance is free) but don’t stop there: get to the edge of the cliff, sit on one of the benches (you’ll find them on Google Maps if you search for “Viewpoint Western shoreline and city“) and just enjoy the enormity.

Highlights:

• best place in Rhodes for panoramic views
• the golden hour here is unreal
• perfect for sunset walks or meditations

If you want places of interest in Rhodes that combine history and nature, this is the spot.

5. The ruins of the church of the Virgin of the Burgh (Old Town)

A silent relic of history and one of the most atmospheric places of interest in Rhodes Old Town.

Inside the Medieval Old Town, just a few steps from the Virgin Mary gate, stand the ruins of the church of the Virgin of the Burgh. Little remains structurally – no ceiling, mostly no walls – yet everything remains emotionally. Arches open to the sky, alley cats chilling on the ancient stone, and time that feels still.

Yes, even when tourists pass by, the space keeps its calm. It’s one of those places where you hear your thoughts louder than the city. Plus, it’s SO beautiful – come on!

Why this spot matters:

• a rare mix of quiet + architecture
• stunning light for photos in the late afternoon
• perfect for slow wandering and reflection, or for a session of sketching (if you know how to do it!)

If you want to feel the ancient town of Rhodes instead of just seeing it, don’t miss this corner.

To know Rhodes, slow down

These are my five personal best places in Rhodes City: the ones that hold me, ground me, make me grateful to live here. The ones that I will never get tired of visiting. Tourist maps may guide you to beaches and Medieval remains, and to some of these spots too, but if you want to feel the city as if you were a local, come to these corners.

Don’t just take a picture and go.
Sit. Watch the sky. Let the blue waters rock you and the wind rearrange your thoughts.

Maybe you’ll fall in love with Rhodes like I did.
Or maybe, just by looking at it in a different way, you’ll find your own secret places here. I hope this for you.

p.s.: if you’re trying to decide not just what to see but also when to book your holiday, you might appreciate my guide about when to visit Rhodes based on weather and your travel style. And for packing? Here’s the ultimate Greece packing list (including a printable checklist)!