It might seem strange, but winter is the one of the best times of year to get a real feeling of Rhodes, one of Greece’s most popular islands. Indeed, apart from a few icy days, winter as a season hardly exists on Rhodes anymore. In December, January, and February, daytime temperatures steadily remain at around 16–18°Celsius, with just a few exceptions. Spring often feels colder, with sudden southern winds – fast, forceful ones – that pull the sea onto the land, sweeping away whatever they can before disappearing. Then comes the post-rain northern breeze, cool and constant.
With the sun shining bright and warm on your face and vitamin D dancing on your skin, the fresh, reviving smell of the sea air and such a wonderful variety of places to visit – peacefully, without the crowds that this highly popular Dodecanese isle draws in summer – you are bound to enjoy this unique treat of a place. Here, we give you three perfectly good reasons to head there off season, whether it’s for for a weekend or longer, and give you handpicked suggestions on where to eat and stay when many places have shut their doors till May.
01
What to Explore in Rhodes Off-season
Rhodes’ Old Town is a trip back in time without feeling like a museum. Behind its thick medieval walls, the 14th century still lingers—thanks to the Knights of St. John, who left an indelible mark on this place. Step through one of the nine gates, cross the moat, and you’re in a labyrinth of Byzantine churches, Ottoman mosques, and stone-paved squares. The Palace of the Grand Master, an early 20th-century Italian rebuild, looms at the top of the Street of the Knights. Go early to dodge the crowds, and let the history seep in.
Down at Mandraki Harbor, life hums along where the Colossus of Rhodes may have once stood. Bronze deer guard the entrance, while the Fortress of St. Nicholas and three windmills stand quietly, reminders of a working harbor that’s seen it all. Dockside cafes—like the Yachting Club Cafe—serve strong coffee and brunch with views of yachts that cost more than most houses. Sit long enough, and you’ll understand why the locals never seem to leave.
Lindos, 55 kilometers south, feels like a dream. Whitewashed houses tumble down to a perfect beach, cobblestone alleys wind past pebble-paved courtyards, and 16th-century captains’ mansions hint at its storied past. The Acropolis of Lindos, carved into the rock, dominates everything. Climb up to see the remains of the Doric Temple of Athena Lindia, a Hellenistic Stoa, and traces of the Knights’ legacy. The view alone is worth the sweat.
Before you leave, hit the Archaeological Museum in the old Knights’ Hospital for a glimpse of Rhodes’ ancient soul—giant heads of sun gods and all. If you’ve still got energy, the Museum of Modern Greek Art adds a splash of color to a town built on stone. Rhodes doesn’t try to charm you—it doesn’t have to. It’s all grit, history, and a little bit of magic.
Read more about what to see in Rhodes here.
02
Where to Eat in Rhodes Off-season
For centuries, Rhodes—both agricultural and commercial—developed little in the way of seafood cuisine. Legumes dominated the table, alongside atsi, a type of pasta made from semolina, egg, milk, and salt. With geometric shapes or elongated shell-like forms known as koulouria, matsi remains, in some villages, a traditional wedding dish. The more butter it holds, the more energy for the couple’s first night.
Goat, lamb, and poultry were staples, slow-cooked in the pot, which on Rhodes is called tsoukka. The double “k” is drawn out, like the rhythm of an island dance.
Seafood came with settlers from Symi, Kalymnos, and Kastellorizo—those who grew up collecting red sea urchins, sargos, and perch at the thresholds of their homes. Rhodians welcomed these settlers as family, absorbing the newcomers’ skills and tastes. They combined fishermen’s soups with matsi, transforming it into something uniquely Rhodian. Here, nothing foreign is carried as baggage or excess but rather absorbed, transformed into part of the island’s identity.
Rhodes is a gastronomic destination where even Apicius, the famed ancient gourmand, would have felt at home. Visitors seeking traditional flavors can dive into the culinary offerings of villages like Archangelos, Apollona, Embonas, Salakos, Seven Springs, Profília, Gennadi, Vati, Psinthos, Fanes, Soroni, Kalavarda, Kritinia, Ancient Kamiros, Ialyssos, Kremasti, Pastida, Maritsa, Kolympia, and Afantou. Each village offers its own distinct dish.
7 Piges Restaurant
Located near the Seven Springs, this rustic eatery serves traditional Greek dishes in a serene, natural setting.
Provincial Rd Kolympion – Archipolis
Yarenis Restaurant
A small, family-owned spot in Apollona village offering hearty, home-style Rhodian cuisine.
Apollona Village
Paraga Restaurant
Known for its simple yet flavorful dishes, Paraga delivers an authentic dining experience in Apollona village.
Apollona Village
Antonis Tavern
A relaxed taverna in Ialyssos, serving well-prepared Greek classics and seasonal specialties.
Irakleidon Ave
Ristorante Pane&Vino
This Italian-inspired restaurant offers handmade pasta and Mediterranean flavors in a cozy, central location.
Alexandrou Diakou
Archontariki Restaurant
A traditional eatery in Rhodes town, Archontariki serves local recipes prepared with fresh, regional ingredients.
Klavdiou Pepper 125
Read more about Rhodes’ dining scene here.
03
Where to Stay in Rhodes Off-season
By mid-November, as charter flights end and large hotels close, a different Rhodes awakens, unfamiliar to the summer crowds of central Europeans seeking heat. For the winter traveler, accommodations center in Rhodes town, with a mix of quality hotels and boutique stays. Access is easy, with short, manageable walking distances and, in some cases, electric luggage transfers offered free of charge—particularly in boutique properties within the medieval city.
Hospitality becomes a delight, a pause, a warmth in the heart of winter. It’s an experience that quietly calls for future returns.
Semiramis City Hotel
A modern, centrally located hotel offering spacious, comfortable rooms with a welcoming atmosphere, ideal for exploring winter Rhodes.
18 Ioanni Metaxa Street
Mediterranean Hotel
Located near Elli Beach, this hotel combines contemporary design with relaxed elegance, catering to winter visitors seeking both comfort and convenience.
35-37 Kos Street
Acandia Hotel
Stylish and minimalist, Acandia offers a peaceful retreat within walking distance of the medieval old town. Ir. Politechniou 6
10GR Boutique Hotel
Set within a renovated medieval building, this intimate boutique hotel blends historic character with elegant, modern comfort.
16 Polidorou Street
Avalon Boutique Hotel
Located inside the medieval walls, Avalon combines boutique luxury with the timeless charm of Rhodes’ old town.
Medieval Town
Ancient Knights Luxury Suites
Upscale suites offering a mix of refined decor and historical ambiance in a quiet corner of the medieval city.
Agiou Fanouriou 15
Elafos Hotel
Set on Prophet Elias Hill, this historic mountain hotel provides panoramic views and a tranquil escape from the town’s bustle.
Prophet Elias Hill, Salakou (25 km from Rhodes town)
