The island’s most charming

Rhodes villages provide a window into the local side of the island. Besides gorgeous beaches and a glorious past steeped in Medieval tales of Knights in shining armour, these villages carry a unique kind of charm. Here are the 6 top entries to check out during your island holiday.

Rhodes isn’t just sun-baked beaches and medieval ramparts—it also hides a tapestry of hamlets where local life unfolds at a gentler pace. Whether you’re plotting a day trip from your H Hotels Collection resort or crafting an island-wide itinerary, this guide to the top 6 Rhodes villages worth visiting will lead you from clifftop acropolises to tranquil lake shores. Below, discover the most enchanting settlements—each with its own story, local tip, and must-see highlight.

§ Some Useful Local Lingo

Mastering a few Greek phrases will instantly endear you to locals—and make daily tasks smoother. Use these in cafés, stores, markets, and workshops for an authentic island interaction.

– Καλημέρα! (Kaliméra!) – “Good morning!” or Γειά σας! (Yia Sas) – “Hello!”

– Τι όμορφα! (Ti omorfa!) – “How beautiful!”

– Πόσο κάνει; (Póso kánei?) – “How much does it cost?”

– Ευχαριστώ (Efharistó) – “Thank you”

The 6 Most Charming Rhodes Villages To Visit

1. Lindos: The Iconic Cliff-Top Village

Lindos is Rhodes’ poster child for postcard perfection. Whitewashed houses cascade down terraced hillsides toward the glittering waters of St. Paul’s Bay, while the ancient Acropolis looms overhead. Wandering its narrow lanes, you’ll feel the island’s history come alive in every cobblestone.

Location & Access: You’ll find it just a 20-minute drive from H Hotels Collection, or 47 km south of Rhodes Town.

Highlights:

– 4th-century Acropolis with panoramic sea vistas
– Picturesque harbour cafés perfect for people-watching
– Labyrinthine whitewashed alleyways

Insider Tip: Arrive before 9 AM to beat the cruise-ship crowds.

2. Archangelos: Craft and Citrus Grove Haven

Fragrant citrus groves and age-old pottery traditions give Archangelos its irresistible charm. Here, local artisans still shape clay by hand, and village life follows rhythms as old as the stone ovens where bread still bakes communally.

Location & Access: Located halfway along the eastern coast of the island.

Highlights:

– Working pottery studios where you can watch—and even try—the wheel
– Shady orange and lemon orchards for a midday respite
-Authentic customs, from stone-oven bread to festive village weddings

Insider Tip: If you hear wedding bells, shout Να ζήσετε! (Na zisete!) – meaning Congratulations in the context of a wedding, and chances are you will be invited to stay on for the festivities to come.

3. Embonas: Vineyard and Mountain Retreat

Perched on the slopes of Mount Attavyros, Embonas is Rhodes’ highest village, renowned for its wine production and panoramic countryside views. Crisp whites and robust reds are paired with traditional meze in family-run tavernas.

Location & Access: Situated on the slopes of Mount Attavyros, Embonas is the highest village on the island.

Highlights:

– Vineyards producing award-winning local wines
– Sweeping vistas, especially dramatic at sunset
– Traditional embroidery shops showcasing vibrant patterns

Insider Tip: Book a wine-tasting flight paired with a cheese-and-honey platter for the full Embonas experience.
Fun Trivia: Embonas hosts a lively Wine Festival every July, celebrating the island’s oldest vines.

4. Koskinou: Colourful Alleyways & History

An explosion of color greets you in Koskinou—every house façade is hand-painted, bougainvillea drapes the streets, and medieval ruins peek around every corner. It’s a living gallery of Rhodes’s architectural heritage.

Location & Access: Only a short drive from Rhodes Town, and fairly close to the Seven Springs, it is worth your while to visit both in a single journey.

Highlights:

– Striking, hand-painted exteriors in bold reds, blues, and yellows
– The 13th-century medieval castle and ancient chapels
– Lush flower canopies providing welcome shade

Insider Tip: Step inside the “Traditional House” museum to see authentic period furnishings and local artifacts.

5. Salakos: Alpine-Style Architecture

High in the hinterland, Salakos stands out with alpine-inspired stone houses and tall walnut trees. It’s a cool, green refuge where Byzantine chapels and Hellenistic ruins peek through the foliage.

Location & Access: Set in the hinterland, about an hour’s drive from Rhodes Town or Lindos, Salakos is one of the most unique of Rhodes villages.

Highlights:

– Rare alpine-style cottages on a Greek island
– Walnut specialty dishes—don’t miss the walnut baklava
– Ancient ruins and hidden Byzantine chapels

Insider Tip: After exploring the walnut groves, reward yourself with a coffee and walnut-studded pastry at the village kafeneio.
Fun Trivia: Mediaeval knights once used Salakos’s misty heights as a secret refuge from invaders.

6. Apolakia: Lakeside Serenity

Our sixth entry, Apolakia (also spelled Apolakkia), feels like Rhodes’ best-kept secret. The Apolakia Dam and its peaceful lake—protected under Natura 2000—invite lingering moments, swims, and shaded afternoons beneath tamarisk trees.

Location & Access: You’ll find Apolakia nestled amid olive groves in the island’s southwest—a scenic drive from H Hotels Collection’s resorts.

Highlights:

– Shaded lakeside spots ideal for picnics and gentle swims
– A 13th-century chapel perched above the water
– Tiled-roof cottages, windmills, and monastery ruins scattered in lush greenery

Insider Tip: Pack a picnic blanket and linger by the water’s edge—this is the perfect spot for a slow afternoon.

Whether you’re tracing ancient ramparts in Lindos, sipping mountain wines in Embonas, or unwinding by Apolakia’s placid lake, these Rhodes villages promise authentic moments and hidden delights. Let H Hotels Collection craft your bespoke villages itinerary—complete with private transfers, curated stops, and insider tips every step of the way.

FAQs about Rhodes Villages

Which village offers the best historical sites?

Lindos, with its towering Acropolis and centuries-old lanes, is the top pick for history buffs.

Can I visit all six in one day?

It’s an ambitious feat, but splitting them across two itineraries as below is more doable:

Eastern & Southern villages: Lindos, Archangelos, Koskinou, and Apolakia
Mountain & Western hamlets: Embonas and Salakos

That way, you can focus on the coastal and lowland charms one day, then explore the island’s high-altitude vineyards and alpine-style villages the next.

Is there parking?

Most Rhodes villages have small public lots or roadside spaces—arrive early in high season to secure a spot.