Best Photography Spots in Rhodes (2026 Local Guide)

Explore the best photography spots in Rhodes: beaches, cliffs, Old Town, sunsets, villages, and viewpoints.

looneytravels

12/12/20256 min read

a church with a clock tower in the background
a church with a clock tower in the background

⭐ Best Photography Spots in Rhodes

Rhodes is one of those islands where every corner feels like a potential photograph — medieval walls glowing at sunset, dramatic cliffs on the west coast, whitewashed villages beneath ancient acropolises, quiet pine forests, turquoise bays, and tiny chapels perched above the sea. If you love taking pictures, this guide to the best photography spots in Rhodes is your local roadmap to the island’s most inspiring locations.

As someone who lives here full time, I’ve spent years chasing early light, sunset colours, empty landscapes, and hidden viewpoints that most visitors walk straight past. Rhodes changes throughout the day — soft pastels in the morning, vibrant blues at midday, golden light in the evening, and deep navy tones at night.

Use this guide together with the Rhodes Travel Guide 2026 and the Rhodes 7-Day Itinerary, both of which include sunrise, sunset, and coastal photography routes.

⭐ Who I Am & Why I Wrote This Guide

Hey traveller — I’m Looneytravels, your Rhodes local buddy.

I created this guide to the best photography spots in Rhodes so you can capture the island the way locals see it — colourful, peaceful, full of texture, and rich in history.

Many of these spots appear in the sunrise and sunset plans in the Rhodes 7-Day Itinerary.

⭐ Best Photography Spots in Rhodes (Full Local Guide)

Let’s explore the best angles, viewpoints, and lighting conditions across the island.

⭐ Rhodes Old Town Photography Spots

Rhodes Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and a dream for photographers.

⭐ 1. Street of the Knights

This is the most iconic medieval street in Greece and one of the best photography spots in Rhodes.

⭐ Why It’s Great

✔ perfect symmetry
✔ textured stonework
✔ soft morning light
✔ minimal clutter

Local tip:
Come early (before 09:00) for empty shots.

⭐ 2. Palace of the Grand Master Courtyard

One of the most impressive medieval courtyards in Europe.

⭐ Why Photographers Love It

✔ geometric lines
✔ dramatic shadows
✔ high arches
✔ timeless atmosphere

Local tip:
Shoot from high corners for depth.

⭐ 3. Roloi Clock Tower Viewpoint

It’s the best Old Town rooftop view accessible to the public.

⭐ What You Capture

✔ terracotta rooftops
✔ minarets
✔ medieval walls
✔ sea in the distance

Great during golden hour.

⭐ 4. Mosque of Suleiman Area

Soft pastels + Ottoman architecture + stone alleys = excellent contrast.

Local tip:
Shoot from the side streets for layered framing.

⭐ Best Coastal Photography Spots in Rhodes

⭐ 5. Anthony Quinn Bay

One of the most photographed bays in Greece.

⭐ Why It Works

✔ emerald water
✔ dramatic rocks
✔ cinematic cliffs
✔ deep colour gradients

Best angle:
Shoot from the left-hand cliff path overlooking the bay.

⭐ 6. Tsambika Bay Viewpoint

A panoramic, wide-open view of the entire coastline.

⭐ Highlights

✔ sweeping coastline
✔ golden sand curves
✔ blue gradients
✔ perfect sunrise spot

Local tip:
Arrive just before the sun breaks the horizon — colours shift fast.

⭐ 7. Prasonisi Two-Seas View

One of the rare places in Europe where two seas meet.

⭐ Why Photographers Love It

✔ sandbar dividing two colours
✔ surfers adding scale
✔ dramatic waves on Aegean side

Golden hour or late afternoon works best.

⭐ 8. Lindos Main Beach from Above

The classic postcard of Rhodes.

⭐ Why It’s Iconic

✔ whitewashed village
✔ turquoise bay
✔ acropolis towering above
✔ perfect morning light

Shoot from the road viewpoint before descending into Lindos.

⭐ Best Photography Spots in Medieval & Ancient Sites

⭐ 9. Lindos Acropolis

A breathtaking blend of ancient Greek columns and dramatic cliffside.

⭐ Why It’s Special

✔ ancient ruins
✔ Aegean backdrop
✔ golden stone that glows at sunrise

Local tip:
Visit early for empty ruins and soft light.

⭐ 10. Kallithea Springs

Italian-era architecture + mosaic floors + sea views.

⭐ Why It’s Photogenic

✔ perfectly rounded architecture
✔ patterned flooring
✔ arches glowing in sunset light

Shoot through the archways for natural frames.

⭐ 11. Monolithos Castle

A stone castle perched on a cliff above the sea.

⭐ Why It’s One of the Best Photography Spots in Rhodes

✔ huge western sunsets
✔ dramatic waves
✔ silhouette-friendly shapes

Local tip:
After sunset, wait for the sky to turn purple — magical.

⭐ Best Nature Photography Spots

⭐ 12. Profitis Ilias Forest Paths

Tall pines, filtered sunlight, and cool mountain air.

Perfect for:
✔ forest textures
✔ hiking photography
✔ portrait shots

Morning light beams through the pines beautifully.

⭐ 13. Seven Springs Tunnel & Lake

The tunnel reflection shots and forest light make this place unique.

Local tip:
Shoot the lake area after 10:00 when light softens.

⭐ 14. Butterfly Valley

Shaded pathways, wooden bridges, and small waterfalls.

Best months: June–September.

⭐ Best Sunset Photography Spots in Rhodes

Sunset is when the island truly glows.

⭐ 15. Ixia Beach

The sun drops straight into the Aegean.

⭐ Why It’s Perfect

✔ dramatic waves
✔ surfers as silhouettes
✔ wide angle seascapes

Local tip:
Use a slow shutter for silky water.

⭐ 16. Monte Smith Hill (Ancient Stadium Area)

One of the top sunset viewpoints for photographers.

⭐ What You Capture

✔ Old Town rooftops
✔ medieval walls
✔ the sea turning orange

Shoot from the ancient theatre steps for framing.

⭐ 17. Monolithos + Fourni Beach

West coast drama at its finest.

⭐ Why Photographers Love It

✔ rugged cliffs
✔ big colours
✔ minimal light pollution

One of the best places to stay after sunset for twilight.

⭐ Best Night Photography Spots in Rhodes

⭐ 18. Mandraki Harbour

The deer statues, boats, and Old Town walls make a perfect night composition.

⭐ Why It Works

✔ reflections
✔ warm lights
✔ medieval background

Local tip:
Shoot long exposure for smooth water.

⭐ 19. Old Town Street Lamps

Golden lighting + stone textures = timeless night photos.

Best streets:
✔ Ippoton
✔ Sokratous (side alleys)
✔ Arionos

⭐ 20. Prasonisi Star Photography

Far south = minimal light pollution.

Great for:
✔ stargazing
✔ Milky Way (summer months)
✔ silhouettes of surfers’ camp

Bring a tripod — it’s windy.

⭐ Photography Tips for Rhodes (Local Advice)

✔ Early morning offers the softest light
✔ Avoid midday except for underwater shots
✔ Golden hour is spectacular on both coasts
✔ The west coast gives huge sunsets
✔ The east coast gives incredible sunrise shapes
✔ Bring sunscreen, water, and lens cloths
✔ Summer haze can reduce clarity — morning is best

⭐ How to Reach These Photography Spots

Most top places require a car for flexibility.
Use the Rhodes Transport Guide – Best Ways to Travel in Rhodes for route help.

✔ Rhodes Town = walkable
✔ East coast beaches = easy by car or bus
✔ West coast cliffs = car recommended
✔ Prasonisi = car essential
✔ Lindos viewpoints = arrive early for parking

⭐ Where to Stay for Photographers

⭐ Rhodes Town

Great for night photography, Old Town shots, Mandraki.

⭐ Lindos

Ideal for sunrise and beach views.

⭐ Stegna / Haraki

Perfect for quiet bays and cliff photography.

⭐ South Rhodes

Best for Prasonisi, wild landscapes, and dark skies.

Check Best Hotels in Rhodes and Where to Stay in Rhodes – Guide to All Best Areas & Resorts for photography-friendly bases.

⭐ Frequently Asked Questions About Photography in Rhodes

What is the most photogenic place in Rhodes?

Rhodes is full of standout spots, but the most iconic ones include Lindos Acropolis, Anthony Quinn Bay, Monolithos Castle, and the Street of the Knights.
Each offers its own style: ancient drama, cinematic water, huge sunsets, or medieval perfection.

If you want a balanced mix, follow the sunrise and sunset routes inside the Rhodes 7-Day Itinerary — they’re designed specifically for photographers who want variety in light and landscapes.

When is the best time of day for photography in Rhodes?

The island’s lighting changes fast, and timing makes all the difference:

  • Morning (08:00–10:00) → soft golden tones, empty streets, calm sea

  • Late afternoon → warmer hues and clearer shadows

  • Sunset (Golden Hour) → Rhodes’ most dramatic coastline colours

  • Blue Hour → ideal for silhouettes and Old Town ambience

  • Night → Mandraki Harbor and Old Town glow beautifully

If you're planning sunrise missions, pair them with accommodation tips in Best Hotels in Rhodes for the most convenient bases.

Do I need a car to reach the best photography spots?

To access Rhodes’ wildest and most dramatic areas — absolutely. Places like Monolithos, Fourni, Prasonisi, and remote east-coast viewpoints are easiest by car.

If you're staying in Rhodes Town, you can walk to:

  • Old Town medieval corners

  • Mandraki Harbour

  • Monte Smith Hill

But for cliffside sunsets, hidden bays, and early-morning shoots, renting a car gives you full freedom.
Use the Rhodes Transport Guide – Best Ways to Travel in Rhodes to plan flexible photo days.

Where can I capture the best sunset in Rhodes?

The west coast is unbeatable. Top spots include:

  • Monolithos Castle — massive sky, dramatic viewpoint

  • Ixia Beach — big waves + glowing horizon

  • Fourni Beach — rugged, wild, perfect for long exposure shots

Sunset locations appear throughout the Rhodes Travel Guide 2026, including exact timing and recommended angles.

Are drones allowed in Rhodes?

Yes, but with restrictions. Drone laws fall under Greece’s aviation authority (HCAA). Avoid flying:

  • inside the Old Town

  • near airports

  • over crowds

  • in protected Natura 2000 zones

For safe, stunning drone shots, remote areas like Prasonisi, Glyfada, and south Rhodes dunes are ideal — just fly responsibly and check local rules.

What lenses should I bring for Rhodes photography?

A simple kit works beautifully here:

  • 24–70mm → all-purpose for Old Town + landscapes

  • 70–200mm → cliffs, waves, distant villages, Lindos viewpoints

  • 16–35mm → wide coastal shots + architecture

  • Prime lens (35mm or 50mm) → street and portrait shots

If you want to travel light, a single 24–105mm covers most of the island's needs.

Is Rhodes good for night photography?

Very. The island offers amazing night scenes thanks to warm lighting and low haze.

Best night locations:

  • Mandraki Harbour — reflections, boats, deer statues

  • Old Town alleys — golden lamps on stone

  • Prasonisi — spectacular stars and Milky Way on clear nights

For stargazing-friendly accommodation, check Where to Stay in Rhodes – Guide to All Best Areas & Resorts.

What is the easiest photography route for beginners?

A perfect half-day loop is:

  1. Street of the Knights (early morning)

  2. Old Town side alleys

  3. Golden hour at Monte Smith

  4. Blue hour around Mandraki Harbour

This entire route is detailed inside the Rhodes Travel Guide 2026.

⭐ External Expert References

  • A Lonely Planet feature on Rhodes highlights Lindos and its acropolis as “one of the most photogenic ancient sites in Greece,” especially at sunrise and early morning.

  • A National Geographic article on Greek island landscapes praises Rhodes’ west coast for its “immense sunset drama, rugged cliffs, and cinematic coastline.”

  • A Greece Is magazine guide to Rhodes Town notes that the medieval walls, arches, and stone alleys offer “some of the richest architectural photography opportunities in the Dodecanese.”

⭐ Final Thoughts

Rhodes is a photographer’s paradise — medieval walls, whitewashed villages, cliffside castles, emerald bays, forests, sunsets, and starry skies. With this guide to the best photography spots in Rhodes, you can capture the island’s full beauty: soft morning tones, deep-blue midday colours, warm coastal sunsets, and atmospheric night scenes.

Plan your photo days using the Rhodes Travel Guide 2026, follow sunrise and sunset suggestions in the Rhodes 7-Day Itinerary, and base yourself near key locations using Best Hotels in Rhodes.

Shoot calmly, explore slowly — and let Rhodes surprise you.