Rhodes isn’t just about ancient ruins and sun-drenched beaches. It’s also a place where you can get hands-on with local crafts, culinary traditions, and even water sports. We’ve rounded up the 10 best workshops and classes on the island, each offering something unique — whether it’s learning to make wine, crafting stained glass, or capturing stunning photos. These experiences give you a deeper connection to Rhodes, beyond the usual sightseeing. For example, the Rhodes Wine & Food Tour combines tasting, cooking, and vineyard visits — perfect for foodies or wine enthusiasts looking for a full sensory immersion.
Some tours stand out because of their focus on authentic local traditions, like the Traditional Greek Cooking Class and Wine Tasting, which offers a small-group experience in a local restaurant. Others, like the Stained Glass Workshop, are perfect for creative travelers who want to learn a new craft and take home a handmade souvenir. No matter your interests or skill level, Rhodes has plenty of options to make your visit memorable.
Quick Overview
The list below includes a variety of workshops and classes, from culinary adventures to artistic pursuits and water sports. Many tours are small-group, hands-on experiences designed to give you practical skills and a taste of local culture. Whether you want to sample wines, learn to cook Greek dishes, create stained glass art, or capture the island’s beauty through photography, this guide will help you choose the perfect activity.
Now, let’s explore each experience in detail to help you find the right fit for your Rhodes trip.
1. Rhodes Wine & Food Tour: 10 Meal Course Lunch, Wine Tasting, Cooking Class
This wine and food tour offers a well-rounded taste of Rhodes’ culinary scene. Over about four hours, you’ll visit a vineyard and distillery, see how local spirits like souma and tsipouro are made, and enjoy a guided wine tasting. The highlight is a cooking class where you’ll learn to prepare traditional Greek dishes, guided by a professional chef. The day culminates in a 10-course Greek lunch, with unlimited wine, making it a fantastic value.
What makes this tour special is its comprehensive nature. You’re not only tasting wine but also understanding its production and learning new recipes. The guide, a certified sommelier, adds depth with expert insights. Guests often praise the relaxed atmosphere—“Lovely location, great host, delicious food,” says one reviewer. It’s perfect for food lovers, wine enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a full culture in Rhodes’ gastronomy.
Bottom line: This tour suits those wanting a complete gastronomic experience — from vineyard to table — in a friendly, small-group setting.
2. Rhodes: Cooking Lesson and Wine Tasting with Lunch
At number two, this cooking and wine experience takes you to a rustic village on Rhodes’ foothills. The focus is on learning regional recipes in an authentic setting. You’ll visit a family-owned winery, a women’s cooperative, and enjoy a traditional Greek Kafeneion. The cooking lesson is led by a local chef, who guides you through preparing dishes like Greek salads or local specialties.
What sets this tour apart is its small, intimate group setting. Guests rave about the guide—“Addie was super informative,” one review says—and about the chance to see local life firsthand. The combination of food, wine, and culture makes for a well-rounded half-day.
Guests appreciated how this trip transported them “into the real Rhodes,” with many mentioning the delicious food and warm hospitality. It’s perfect for foodies, culture seekers, or travelers interested in rural life.
Bottom line: If you want to combine culinary skills with authentic local visits, this tour offers a memorable, personalized experience.
3. Tasting Rhodes: Cooking Class, Wine Tasting & more in an Authentic Greek village
This small-group cooking and tasting tour immerses you in a mountain village called Apollona. It combines visits to a women’s cooperative, a local winery, and a hands-on cooking class that covers Greek and Rhodesian specialties. The tour emphasizes participation and local flavor, allowing you to learn how to prepare dishes like tzatziki and dolmadakia.
What makes this experience distinctive is its focus on rural Rhodes and farm-to-table ingredients. Guests love the personal attention—“Panos was beyond amazing,” one reviewer notes—and the opportunity to sample local fruits during the walk. The meal you cook is served at the end, making it a true culinary journey.
Priced at $108.91, this tour offers excellent value for those wanting authentic food, wine, and culture, especially if you enjoy small-group intimate settings. It’s best suited for adventurous eaters and craft lovers.
Bottom line: This experience is ideal for those wanting a hands-on culinary adventure in a traditional Rhodes village with a friendly, local guide.
4. Stained Glass Workshop
For the artistically inclined, this stained glass workshop is a rare find on Rhodes. Held in a relaxed studio environment, you’ll learn how to craft your own sun-catcher using colorful glass pieces. The class takes about 4 hours and is designed for beginners, offering enough time to be creative without feeling rushed.
What makes this workshop special is that it’s the only one in Rhodes dedicated to stained glass, giving a unique opportunity to learn a traditional craft. Linda, the instructor, creates a warm, encouraging atmosphere, and many visitors leave with a beautiful handmade souvenir. Reviews highlight the “lovely soul” of Linda and the personalized guidance.
At $136.49, it’s a bit of an investment but worthwhile if you’re interested in art and craftsmanship. This class is perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers who want to try something different and take home a handcrafted piece.
Bottom line: A wonderful activity for craft lovers and those looking for a creative break from sightseeing.
5. Wakeboard-Water Ski Lessons
If water sports are your thing, this wakeboard and water ski lesson offers a quick, fun introduction. Designed for absolute beginners, the 50-minute session is personalized for up to two people, ensuring plenty of individual attention. The calm waters around Rhodes’ coast make it an ideal spot for learning new skills.
Ideal for families or adventure seekers wanting to try something active, this experience provides instant gratification—most participants are on the water within minutes. It’s a great way to burn calories, build core strength, and enjoy the sunshine.
The reviews are glowing, with one reviewer calling it “muscle tone, core strength, and fun.” The short duration makes it easy to fit into a busy schedule, especially if you’re already exploring the beaches.
Bottom line: Perfect for beginners eager to try wakeboarding or water skiing in a relaxed setting; suitable for all ages with a sense of adventure.
6. Food & Wine Tour: 11-Course Lunch, Cooking Class, Wine Tasting
This food and wine tour offers an extended gastronomic experience. You’ll visit a family-run vineyard and distillery, learn about traditional spirits like souma and tsipouro, and enjoy a guided wine tasting. The highlight is an 11-course lunch paired with unlimited wine, along with a hands-on cooking class.
Priced at $34, this tour offers exceptional value, especially considering the length and depth of experience. The host’s engaging style and the intimate setting make it a favorite among guests. “The food was great, and the recipes we learned are something I can try at home,” reports one traveler.
This experience is ideal for chefs in the making and wine lovers wanting to combine education with indulgence. It’s best suited for those with a flexible schedule who want a comprehensive day of eating and drinking.
Bottom line: An affordable, in-depth way to explore Rhodes’ wine culture and culinary traditions.
7. Photo Tour Around Rhodes Island with Photography Class
For photography enthusiasts, this photo tour and class offers a full day of stunning scenery and practical tips. Led by a professional photographer, the tour covers iconic sites like Lindos, Anthony Quinn Bay, and the medieval city of Rhodes, with time allocated for swimming and exploring.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of guided sightseeing and on-the-spot photography lessons. You’ll receive both digital and film photos, plus tips on how to capture Rhodes’ beauty. The guide’s local knowledge ensures you hit the best spots for photos at the right times.
At around $370 for up to two people, it’s an investment, but many guests consider it worth every penny. The reviews note the “professionalism and creativity” of the guide and the “fantastic photos” they took.
Bottom line: Ideal for advanced amateurs or serious hobbyists wanting to improve their skills while exploring Rhodes’ most photogenic locations.
8. Private Windsurf Lesson in Lardos/Rhodes
If you’ve ever dreamed of catching the wind on a board, this private windsurf lesson offers personalized coaching for absolute beginners. The one-hour session ensures individual attention and a quick learning curve, especially suitable for first-timers.
Located in Lardos, this lesson is perfect for families or solo travelers eager to try windsurfing without the hassle of a large group. The calm waters provide a relaxed environment for learning, and the instructor’s friendly approach makes it accessible for all ages.
While only 2 reviews are available, both praise the instructor’s professionalism. For those wanting to add water sports to their Rhodes itinerary, this is a good choice for quick, hands-on instruction.
Bottom line: A short, beginner-friendly activity that makes windsurfing accessible and fun.
9. Traditional Greek Cooking Class and Wine Tasting in Rhodes
Held in the charming village of Maritsa, this cooking class emphasizes authentic Greek cuisine. Over three hours, you learn to prepare classic dishes like saganaki, feta with honey, and dolmadakia, then enjoy your creations. The experience includes wine tasting and local wine pairing, making it a well-rounded cultural experience.
This tour is appreciated for its small group size and personalized guidance. Reviewers mention the knowledgeable instructor and the delicious food, often highlighting the warm, friendly atmosphere.
Suitable for foodies, wine lovers, and those seeking a more relaxed, authentic experience. The extra cost for pickup makes it convenient for different locations around Rhodes.
Bottom line: A fantastic choice for anyone wanting to cook, taste, and learn in a traditional Greek setting.
10. Rhodes Island Tour: Lindos, Old Town, Pottery Workshop, Wine Tasting
For a full-day experience that covers history, crafts, and gastronomy, this Rhodes tour is hard to beat. It includes visits to Lindos, the old medieval city, a pottery workshop, and local wine tasting, providing a well-rounded overview of the island.
Guests love the diverse itinerary and the opportunity to see different sides of Rhodes. The pottery workshop allows you to try your hand at creating a local craft, while the wine tasting adds a flavorful touch. The guide’s insights into local culture and traditions enrich the experience.
With a price of around $73 per person and about six hours of activity, it offers excellent value for those pressed for time but eager for variety.
Bottom line: Perfect for history and craft lovers who want a comprehensive look at Rhodes’ diverse attractions.
How to Choose the Right Workshop or Class in Rhodes
When selecting a workshop or class, think about your interests and travel style. Want to master Greek cuisine? The Greek cooking classes or cooking in the mountain village are excellent choices. For a creative outlet, the stained glass workshop provides hands-on craft-making.
If you love photography, the photo tour combines sightseeing with skill-building. For adventure seekers, the water ski and windsurf lessons add excitement.
Budget plays a role: tours like the Rhodes wine & food tour offer full-day immersion at a reasonable price, while private experiences like the photo tour are more costly but deeply personalized.
Booking early is wise, especially for popular tours or during peak season, to secure your spot and plan ahead.
Final thoughts
Rhodes offers a broad spectrum of workshops and classes that deepen your experience of the island. Whether you want to learn the art of wine-making, prepare authentic Greek dishes, or capture Rhodes’ beauty through your camera, there’s something for every traveler. Consider your interests, budget, and schedule when planning, and don’t hesitate to book in advance. These hands-on experiences can turn your Rhodes holiday into a memorable, enriching adventure.