When it comes to nightlife, Rhodes is not a place that shies away from a theme. The strongest contenders have gone all out and transformed their building into say, a pirate ship. Others have simply popped a few nautical bits of objet d’art on the walls. While it leaves you with a very strong sense of branding, it often offers little in return on experience.
That’s where we come in – we’ve dodged the stray parrots to bring you a guide to the best Rhodes nightlife spots.
Rhodes' best bars...
Rainbird Bar
You’re here for one thing, and one thing only. The views. That the sunset view of the bay can come with cocktails only really serves as an extra reward for the climb up to this quirky spot. Yes, there are cheaper spots to enjoy the Lindos take on Rhodes nightlife, but they don’t match the views at Rainbird. And, if you do fancy a chat with the bar’s owner, you’ll discover that not only does he create his own signature cocktails, he brews his own booze too. A small and welcoming spot to start the night. Food tends towards carby and basic fodder – so while we can’t say this is among our pick of Rhodes restaurants, as a bar, it’s hard to beat.
Orbzii tip: As is so often the case in Rhodes, this bar has no website. But if you do want to reserve a spot, give them a call +30 2244 032169.
Bondi Bar
If you want to experience the full Faliraki and Rhodes nightlife experience, head to Bar Street. Or, more specifically, pull up a bar stool at Bondi Bar. Yes, the street’s packed with watering holes, but this one manages to stay a cut above. The cocktail list is extensive – and, more importantly, well executed. The music’s loud – but what else would you expect on this street. And the service is good. Expect a colourful night here – the palette tone is decidedly vibrant. But it’s all part of Bondi’s high energy vibe.
Orbzii tip: The party starts late at Bondi. Here before midnight? That’s considered early. Expect people to really flow through the doors around 1am.
Legends Rock Bar
It’s hard to tell whether Legends Rock Bar gets so much love for being a stellar evening venue or for simply being different to the standard Rhodes nightlife fare. Shots, sunsets and thumping bass aren’t everyone’s signature blend after all. So what’s in store here? Rock, and plenty of it. But this venue doesn’t simply stick a Spotify playlist on shuffle and hope for the best. Live acts jam with audience members – which is often better than it sounds.
Rhodes rockers pitch up to muse over classics from days gone by, and well, we would say the atmosphere’s electric – but really it’s solid rock’n’roll. Expect sounds from Guns n Roses, Pink Floyd and even a smattering of Paulo Nutini. An eclectic mix, but one that simply works.
Orbzii tip: There are plenty of stiff drinks on offer with big brand spirits such as Jack Daniels being very ‘on brand’ for the scene set by this bar. But then the Long Island Ice Tea sneaks in with a punchy but refreshing hit that elevates this one above ‘dive bar’ territory.
Rhodes' best beach bars...
Elli Beach Bar
Beach clubs in Rhodes are a little thin on the ground. Though Eli Beach Bar is a pretty close contender. By day you can sup drinks and order food from your sunbed, at a reasonable €5 per bed. By night, well the bar is one of THE spots on the island to enjoy both the sunset and the cocktails. Though don’t expect the vibe to be anything close to sedate. Summer sees Elli cranking up the volume – by day and night – and the beach parties are frequent.
Oasis Beach Bar
If the pumping bass at Elli beach leaves you looking for something a little calmer, Oasis Beach Bar on the north-east coast is exactly that… by day, anyway. An early evening oasis. A calm, chilled spot for cocktails and contemplation of the waves. Oasis can’t quite claim to be the sandiest spot on the Rhodes coastline – but we overlook that small point for the quirk factor. The bar is quite literally carved into the rock face. As night sets in the party atmosphere does ramp up – with the occasional beach party. But with a location as great as this, you can’t blame them.
Orbzii tip: By day, Oasis Beach Bar is a serene spot to try your hand at one of the more sedate water sports in Rhodes. With clear and calm waters, it’s a great spot to practice your snorkelling.
Rhodes' nightclubs...
Blue Lagoon
Remember that pirate ship theme we mentioned way back in the intro? This is it. You’ll hear much talk about the Blue Lagoon when you’re ambling the streets of Old Town Rhodes – so it would be remiss of us not to give you the lowdown. This club’s a tricky one. Super popular it may be, but it’s also on our list of ones to swerve. Yes, you can swim in the pool by day and dance around the ship at night, but cleanliness isn’t always on point here. It’s a gimmick you may want to drop in on – just to say you’ve been and got the selfie – but we think there are better Rhodes music venues for you to party in.
Paradiso Beach Club
A fifteen minute drive from Rhodes puts you at the doors of the largest beach club in Rhodes. Paradiso Beach Club is where the island parties all summer long. An open air venue that rivals some of the biggest European clubs in size – and atmosphere – Paradiso is the place to dance ’til the sun rises. International DJs spin the tunes – and, yes, you’ll recognise these names. Bob Sinclair, David Morales and David Guetta regularly pitch up for a set or two.
Expect fireworks, confetti canons and, if you’re not too busy dancing to notice, some spectacular views when the sun comes up.
Liquid
Faliraki, like Rhodes nightlife in general, really does deliver in the eclectic stakes. If you’re in town and can’t quite make your music mind up, head to Liquid. Very much a value for money spot, the club is split in two and delivers a different experience on each floor.
Upstairs, you’re looking at a Hip Hop, Dubstep and R&B venue. Downstairs? It’s Electro House, Club Classics and Trance all night long. Keeping the wallet-friendly vibe going, there’s usually a bargain or two to be snapped up on drinks from one of the club’s four bars. The VIP and chill out areas are a welcome place to rest your dance weary legs.
Whether you’re planning drink at one of Rhodes crowdpleasers or take a tipple in somewhere off the beaten track, the first step is getting to the island. We’ve got just the thing. With the Orbzii app on your phone, you can book and plan your Rhodes trip in style. Cheers!
