19 Best Sights in Rhodes and the Dodecanese, Greece

A 15-minute climb (please don't ride a donkey), from the village center up to the Acropolis of Lindos leads past a gauntlet of Lindian women who spread out their lace and embroidery like fresh laundry over the rocks. The final approach ascends a steep flight of stairs, past a marvelous 2nd-century BC relief of the prow of a Lindian ship, carved into the rock.

The entrance takes you through the medieval castle built by the Knights of St. John, then to the Byzantine Chapel of St. John on the next level. The Romans, too, left their mark on the acropolis, with a temple dedicated to Diocletian. On the upper terraces, begun by classical Greeks around 300 BC, are the remains of elaborate porticoes and stoas, commanding an immense sweep of sea and making a powerful statement on behalf of Athena and the Lydians (who dedicated the monuments on the Acropolis to her). The lofty white columns of the temple and stoa on the summit must have presented a magnificent picture. The main portico of the stoa had 42 Doric columns, at the center of which an opening led to the staircase up to the Propylaia (or sanctuary). The Temple of Athena Lindia at the very top is surprisingly modest, given the drama of the approach. As was common in the 4th century BC, both the front and the rear are flanked by four Doric columns. Numerous inscribed statue bases were found all over the summit, attesting in many cases to the work of Lindian sculptors, who were clearly second to none.

The island's archaeological museum houses Hellenistic and Roman sculpture by Koan artists, much of it unearthed by Italians during their tenure on the island in the early 20th century. Among the treasures are a renowned statue of Hippocrates—the great physician who practiced on Kos—and Asclepius, god of healing; a group of sculptures from various Roman phases, all discovered in the House of the Europa Mosaic; and a remarkable series of Hellenistic draped female statues mainly from the Sanctuary of Demeter at Kyparissi and the Odeon.

The medieval fortress of Monolithos—so named for the jutting, 750-foot monolith on which it is constructed—was built by the Knights of St. John in 1480 and rises above a fairy-tale landscape of deep-green forests and sharp cliffs plunging into the sea. Inside the stronghold (accessible only by a steep path and series of stone steps) there is a chapel, and the ramparts provide magnificent views of Rhodes's emerald inland and the island of Halki. The small pebble beach of Fourni beneath the castle is a delightful place for a swim.

As you travel south along the east coast, a strange sight meets you: an assemblage of buildings that look as if they have been transplanted from Morocco. In fact, this spectacular mosaic-tile bath complex was built in 1929 by the Italians. As far back as the early 2nd century BC, area mineral springs were prized; the great physician Hippocrates of Kos extolled these springs for alleviating liver, kidney, and rheumatic ailments. Though the baths are no longer in use, the ornate rotunda has been restored (art exhibitions are often on view), as have peristyles and pergolas, and you can wander through the beautifully landscaped grounds—note the pebble mosaics, an ancient folk tradition come alive again, with mosaics of fish, deer, and other images—and have a drink or snack in the attractive café. A pretty beach rings a nearby cove.

Accessible by water taxi from Chialos, the alternative way is to walk, taking the 1 km-long (600 yards) rough path leading east of Pedi Bay. Once there, a sandy beach slopes gently into the sea, providing shallow waters that are excellent for children; it's backed by a grove of shade-giving trees. Despite the relative isolation, the beach attracts summertime crowds and is well equipped with food vendors and other facilities. Amenities: food and drink; toilets; water sports. Best for: snorkeling; swimming.

A chunk of beautiful Ayios Stefanos Beach, just north of Kefalos, is now occupied by the newly built Ikos Aria (formerly the old Club Med); the rest belongs to beach clubs renting umbrellas and chairs and offering activities that include waterskiing and jet-skiing. Expect to pay about €45 for a waterskiing session, €60 for jet skiing. Two early Christian basilicas crown a promontory at the southern end of the beach, adding to the allure of this lovely spot. Amenities: food and drink; parking (free); showers; water sports. Best for: snorkeling; swimming.

The Roman House is a lavish restoration of a 3rd-century Roman mansion, with 40 rooms grouped around three atriums. It was likely partially destroyed in the earthquake of 365 AD, though its south section continued to be inhabited until the Early Christian period. The house provides a look at what everyday life of the well-to-do residents of the Roman town might have been like and also has some beautiful frescoes and mosaics. The Greek and Roman ruins that surround the house are freely accessible, however, and are just as evocative. Last entry is 7:30 pm.

The most popular beach on the island stretches for 1.6 km (1 mile) or so along Kambos Bay, with a gently sloping sea floor that's ideal for young waders and swimmers. Sun beds line the strand of fine pebbles and sand, and pines behind the beach provide plenty of shade. The many amenities include windsurfing, waterskiing, and pedal-boat rentals. Regular bus service connects Kambos with Skala, about 6 km (4 miles) away. Amenities: food and drink; parking (free); showers; water sports. Best for: snorkeling; swimming; windsurfing.

Stretching uninterrupted for several miles, Lachania Beach lies below the unspoiled, whitewashed village of the same name, one of the most picturesque in Rhodes. Though stretches of the sand are lined with sun beds, it's easy to find a fairly secluded spot backed by scrub-covered dunes. Amenities: food and drink; water sports. Best for: solitude; swimming; walking.

Icons and frescoes from religious buildings throughout Rhodes Town (most of them long since destroyed) are displayed within this 11th-century church. The building was transformed into a mosque under Turkish rule, but later stripped of all remnants of this period under Italian administration as part of a wider attempt to revive the Hospitaler character of the city. Closes at 3:30 pm.

This 19th-century neo-Gothic structure stands on the site of the 14th-century Church of St. John, patron of the Knights of St. John and the final resting place of many members of the order. Used as an ammunition storehouse during Turkish occupation, the church was reduced to rubble in an explosion sparked by lightning in 1856.

In this north-coast resort 32 km (20 miles) west of Kos Town, the wide sand beaches backed by shade-providing pines are much discovered, backed by tavernas, rooms for rent, and luxurious all-inclusive resorts. The beach is lined with chairs and umbrellas and the launching pad for pedal boats and jet skis. Mastichari also has a fishing pier, from where boats set sail on day trips to the uncrowded islet of Pserimos. Amenities: food and drink; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: snorkeling; swimming; walking.

A lovely bay is ringed by soft and quiet sands, where it's easy to find a relatively secluded spot. The clear, calm waters are ideal for swimming, though winds tend to pick up in the afternoon, a boon for windsurfers. A few tavernas prepare delightfully simple seafood meals. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: nudists; solitude; swimming; windsurfing.

This long stretch of inviting sand, about 10 km (6 miles) east of Kefalos, is also known as Magic Beach, and is just far enough from town to remain wonderfully undeveloped. Backed by scrub-covered dunes, the sands offer little except some sun-bed concessions and are washed by calm, crystal-clear waters. The privacy afforded by this location means that it has also become something of a enclave for naturists, who gather at its eastern end. Amenities: parking (free). Best for: nudists; solitude; swimming; walking.

It's well worth the effort required to reach the most beautiful (and remote) beach on the island, a lovely scallop of sand backed by pines and rough, goat-filled hills. Getting there requires a 45-minute caïque ride (€15) from Skala or a 20-minute walk on a footpath from Diakofti (the narrowest point on the island), where visitors can park their cars. While nudism is not officially allowed on Patmos, this is one beach where nude bathing seems to be tolerated, at the far edges. An extremely basic taverna sometimes serves light fare, but you'll want to bring water and snacks for an outing to this pristine spot. Amenities: food and drink; parking (free); toilets. Best for: nudists; snorkeling; solitude; swimming.

This small town perches on the wooded slopes of Mt. Acramitis above a vast, fertile valley. A popular stop on the tourist trail, Siana is known for its fragrant honey and for souma (a very strong, sweet wine that resembles a grape-flavor schnapps); look for stands selling both.

This appealing sandy beach sits on the north coast, 13 km (8 miles) west of Kos Town. Some resort hotels line the sands, but much of the inland terrain behind the beach dunes remains rural. Beachgoers can enjoy the amenities of some of the more built-up sections. The more isolated, western edge of the beach is popular with gay men. Amenities: food and drink; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: nudists; solitude; swimming; walking.