The best way to capture the essence of local life is to head to the villages, sit down for a coffee, watch people, talk with the locals, eat mezes accompanied with wine/souma and enjoy the moment!
Mass tourism has without a doubt left a mark but there are still some authentic and picturesque villages to visit in Rhodes. We have listed the best villages to visit in Rhodes.
Lindos
Lindos is an ancient town and a fishing village 40km from Rhodes city. It was founded by Dorians who arrived 10th century BC. By the 8th century BC Lindos had become a major trading centre.
Above the modern town rises the acropolis of Lindos which was fortified by Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, the knights of St. John and the Ottomans.
The village is historical and has lived through many conquerors. The Acropolis which is built on top of a rock is visible from around the village and reminds the visitor of the long history of Lindos.
Underneath the acropolis is the new side of Lindos which is a romantic, whitewashed village with many cute alleys, pretty old houses and cafés, restaurants and bars. Lindos definitely gets crowded but it's still worth the visit.
Koskinou
Koskinou is a picturesque village only 6km from Rhodes city. It is well known for its narrow streets, the churches and the numerous colorful traditional old houses. It has many cafés and restaurants with delicious quality food. The village has beautiful cobbled streets, whitewashed squares with vivid flowers.
Salakos
The village of Salakos itself totally differs from the usual Rhodes postcard scenery as it is surrounded by thickly pine-covered slopes. It has many neoclassical houses and a neoclassical administrative building. You can smell burning wood and wild sage which truly reminds you’re far off the usual tourist traps. A natural spring named Nymph is located in the village which also explains the rich vegetation.
In Salakos one can explore the herb scented mountains with breathtaking views - on a clear day you’re able to see the mountainscape of Anatolia across the sea.
Vati
Sit back under the vines in tavernas of Vati, listen to the crickets, eat meze together with a cold beverage and just breathe in the tranquility of Vati. Vati is a tiny village in southern Rhodes where you will surely forget any cares you might have.
Archangelos
Archangelos is a vibe on its own. The village itself is lively and is one of the biggest in Rhodes with a population of 6000. The locals preserve their local customs and traditions with pride. You can see that locals in Archangelos have not been influenced by external factors as much as elsewhere; for instance bread is baked in the traditional wood-fired oven. Archangelos has a long tradition in pottery and carpet-making which have been preserved until today.
Archangelos has many cafés, restaurants and bakeries.
Psinthos
Psinthos is a rural village in the inland of Rhodes island. Most of the locals make their living from agriculture. The village of Psinthos is small but it has a charmy square with plenty of options for superb traditional Greek food.
Embonas
Embonas is a mountainous village in the altitude of 850 meters right on the slopes of Mt. Attavyros. It is a scenic village and is known for its tradition of food and wine. Most of Rhodian wine come from the slopes of Embona.
Maritsa
Maritsa is a village only 16km away from the city of Rhodes but yet it is definitely off the beaten path on the island. It has a pretty square with couple of cafés and tavernas.
Monolithos
Monolithos is a remote village in the mountains in the southern part of Rhodes. At the village to climb up to the medieval castle of Monolithos is a must - the views from the castle are absolutely magnificent. The castle is free of entrance and offers breathtaking views to the Mediterranean. The sunset at the Monolithos castle is extraordinary and is the perfect way to relax after the drive.
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