Best Time to Visit
May to October
Currency
Euro (€)
Language
Greek
Timezone
EET (UTC+2)
Discover Rhodes
Rhodes isn't just another Greek island; it's a living history book where Crusader knights, Ottoman sultans, and Italian architects have all left their indelible marks. Walking through the UNESCO-listed Medieval Old Town feels like stepping into a time capsule, with the Street of Knights leading you past stone archways and ancient inns directly to the formidable Palace of the Grand Master. Yet, just beyond these 14th-century walls, you'll find the vibrant pulse of Mandraki Harbor, where luxury yachts bob in the shadow of the legendary Colossus's former home and the modern city buzzes with life.
This island masterfully balances its epic past with a sun-drenched present. You can spend your morning exploring the clifftop Lindos Acropolis, a dramatic Doric temple complex overlooking the Aegean, and your afternoon swimming in the turquoise, pine-fringed cove of Anthony Quinn Bay. From the butterfly-filled valley of Petaloudes to the windsurfing capital of Prasonisi, Rhodes offers a stunning diversity of landscapes, all wrapped in 300 days of sunshine a year and a uniquely layered cultural identity that sets it apart from its Cycladic cousins.
Why Visit Rhodes?
Walk Through a Living Medieval City: Explore one of Europe's best-preserved and largest inhabited medieval towns. Get lost in the maze of cobbled streets within the 4km-long walls, stand in the Palace of the Grand Master's grand halls, and trace the footsteps of the Knights of St. John along the iconic Street of the Knights.
Discover Beaches for Every Mood: From the organized sands of Faliraki and Elli Beach to the secluded, cinematic beauty of Anthony Quinn Bay and the natural wonder of Prasonisi, where the Aegean and Mediterranean seas dramatically meet, Rhodes's coastline is spectacularly varied.
Uncover Layers of Ancient History: Witness over 2,400 years of history in one place at the Acropolis of Lindos, a breathtaking Doric temple complex perched on a cliff. Explore the ancient city of Kamiros, a remarkably intact Hellenistic settlement, and see where the legendary Colossus once stood at Mandraki Harbor.
Experience a Unique Cultural Fusion: Rhodes's culture is a fascinating blend of Greek, medieval European, and Ottoman influences. See it in the architecture of the Mosque of Suleiman, taste it in the local cuisine, and feel it in the atmosphere of the Jewish Quarter (La Juderia) with its haunting Holocaust memorial.
Enjoy an Active Island Paradise: Beyond the beach, Rhodes is an outdoor enthusiast's dream. Hike through the butterfly valley of Petaloudes, windsurf at Prasonisi, scuba dive to see underwater caves and wrecks, or take a boat trip to the nearby island of Symi.
Savor Authentic Dodecanese Flavors: Indulge in a distinct culinary scene featuring local specialties like pitaroudia (chickpea fritters), melekouni (honey sesame bars), and the famed Rhodian wine. Dine in a traditional *kafeneio* in a mountain village or enjoy fresh seafood in a seaside taverna in Lindos.
Rhodes is Known For
Ready to explore Rhodes?
Rhodes Neighborhoods
Medieval Old Town (Rhodes Town)
The historic heart of the island, entirely enclosed by massive fortifications. This is a vibrant, living museum where residents still live and work within the ancient walls, creating a magical atmosphere day and night.
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New Town (Mandraki & Commercial Harbor)
The modern, bustling part of Rhodes Town centered around Mandraki Harbor. It's characterized by elegant Italian-era buildings, shopping streets, a lively waterfront, and views of the deer statues marking the supposed site of the Colossus.
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Lindos
A picture-perfect whitewashed village crowned by its ancient acropolis. A maze of cobbled streets, traditional houses, and boutique shops, all leading up to one of Greece's most iconic archaeological sites with staggering sea views.
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Faliraki
Rhodes's most famous beach resort area, known for its long, golden sandy beach and vibrant, energetic atmosphere. It transforms from a family-friendly beach by day to a hub for nightlife as the sun sets.
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Top Attractions
Local Tips & Insider Knowledge
- •Visit the Palace of the Grand Master early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the massive cruise ship crowds that descend mid-day.
- •For the best photos of Lindos Acropolis and St. Paul's Bay, take the footpath from the main beach up to the small chapel on the opposite headland.
- •Rent a car for at least one day. Rhodes's best gems—like Monolithos Castle, the Seven Springs, and traditional villages like Embonas—are inland or on the less-developed west coast.
- •Don't just swim at the main beach in Lindos. Walk 10 minutes to the stunning, quieter St. Paul's Bay, a perfect circular cove with a small chapel.
- •Eat where the locals eat: head to the New Market (Nea Agora) in Rhodes Town for incredibly fresh fish and meze at the no-frills tavernas inside.
- •Buy your souvenirs in the Old Town's Jewish Quarter (La Juderia). The shops are often less pushy and prices can be better than on Sokratous Street.
- •If visiting in July or August, book your rental car and popular restaurant tables weeks, not days, in advance.
- •Take a late afternoon stroll along the Medieval Moat (the dry moat surrounding the Old Town). It's a peaceful, green park perfect for a walk or run, away from the crowds.
- •For a unique beach experience, time your visit to Prasonisi (the 'island' connected by a sandbar) with low tide so you can literally walk between the two seas.
- •Sample the local spirit, Souma, in the mountain village of Siana. It's a strong grape distillate, often offered as a welcome gesture in traditional kafeneia.
Rhodes Food Scene
Rhodes boasts a rich Dodecanese cuisine influenced by its history and fertile land. It's characterized by fresh seafood, local olive oil, herbs, unique cheeses like 'touloumotyri', and sweet wines. Dining is a social, leisurely affair, best enjoyed at a family-run taverna.
Must-Try Dishes
Traditional Taverna
- • Makarounes at To Marouli in Apollona village
- • Grilled meats and pitaroudia at Ta Kioupia in Lindos
- • Fresh fish at Mavrikos in Lindos
Look for tavernas in mountain villages like Embonas or Apollona for the most authentic, home-style cooking.
Seafood by the Water
- • Octopus in vinegar at Nireas in Rhodes Old Town
- • Grilled sea bream at Mikes in Haraki village
- • Mixed seafood platter at Marco Polo Cafe in Rhodes Old Town
The best seafood is often at simple tavernas in small fishing harbors like Haraki or Lachania.
Street Food & Quick Bites
- • Gyros or souvlaki from Street Souvlaki in Rhodes New Town
- • Koulouria (sesame bread rings) from bakeries
- • Loukoumades (honey doughnuts) from local festivals
For an authentic gyros, avoid the overly touristy strips and find a spot popular with locals.
Fine Dining with a View
- • Modern Greek tasting menu at Mavrikos in Lindos
- • Creative Mediterranean at Melenos Lindos Roof Restaurant
- • Upscale seafood at Koykos Restaurant in Rhodes Town
Always book a table for sunset at these cliffside or rooftop venues—the view is part of the experience.
Popular With
Best Time to Visit Rhodes
Spring
Spring is glorious in Rhodes. The island bursts into color with wildflowers, temperatures are pleasantly warm, and the tourist crowds are still manageable. It's perfect for hiking and exploring historical sites.
Pros:
- + Ideal weather for sightseeing (18-25°C)
- + Landscapes are green and blooming
- + Fewer crowds and lower prices
Cons:
- - Sea can still be cool for swimming
- - Some beach bars/restaurants may not be fully open until May
Summer
High season brings hot, dry days, a buzzing atmosphere, and guaranteed beach weather. The sea is warm, all attractions and facilities are open, and nightlife is in full swing.
Pros:
- + Perfect beach and swimming weather (25-30°C+)
- + Vibrant nightlife and all activities available
- + Lively atmosphere and festivals
Cons:
- - Peak crowds, especially in July/August
- - High prices for accommodation and cars
- - Can be very hot for midday exploration
Autumn
Often considered the best time to visit. The sea retains summer's warmth, the air is still hot but more comfortable, and the summer crowds begin to dissipate after mid-September.
Pros:
- + Warm sea for swimming
- + Pleasant air temperatures
- + Harvest season for grapes and local produce
Cons:
- - Unpredictable weather possible in late October/November
- - Some businesses start to close from mid-October
Winter
A quiet, local season. While not for sunbathing, Rhodes enjoys mild winters compared to northern Europe. The Old Town has a serene charm, and you'll have archaeological sites largely to yourself.
Pros:
- + No crowds and lowest prices
- + Mild climate (avg 12-16°C)
- + Authentic local atmosphere
Cons:
- - Unpredictable, sometimes rainy weather
- - Most beach resorts and many tourist restaurants are closed
- - Sea is too cold for swimming
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Day Trips from Rhodes
Symi Island
1-1.5 hours by ferry from Rhodes Town
A stunning, colorful neoclassical paradise. The main port of Gialos is famous for its tiered, pastel-hued houses climbing the hillside, creating one of the most photographed scenes in Greece.
Butterfly Valley (Petaloudes)
30 min by car southwest of Rhodes Town
A unique and lush natural park where thousands of Jersey Tiger moths gather in summer. Wooden walkways lead through a cool, shaded valley with little waterfalls and pools.
Ancient Kamiros & West Coast
45 min by car southwest of Rhodes Town
Explore the remarkably well-preserved ruins of ancient Kamiros, a Doric city with an impressive water system, then discover the rugged, less-touristed west coast with its castles and villages.
Rhodes Budget Guide
Rhodes can cater to all budgets, but costs spike in peak summer. Budget travelers can manage well by staying in self-catering apartments and eating locally, while luxury is widely available.
Budget
€50-70 per person for hostels, street food, public buses, and free beaches.
per day
Mid-Range
€100-180 per person for a comfortable hotel/B&B, taverna meals, occasional car rental, and paid attractions.
per day
Luxury
€250+ per person for 5-star hotels, fine dining, private tours, and yacht trips.
per day
Money-Saving Tips
- •Accommodation outside Rhodes Town/Faliraki (e.g., in villages) is significantly cheaper.
- •Eating a big lunch at a taverna and having a light dinner from a bakery saves money.
- •Renting a car with a group of 3-4 is often cheaper than multiple bus tickets and taxis.
- •Many major attractions have reduced or free entry on certain EU heritage days (check schedules).
- •Buy bottled water from supermarkets, not tourist kiosks, for a fraction of the price.
Rhodes Hidden Gems
Agios Pavlos Beach (St. Paul's Bay - South)
A small, stunning, and often overlooked pebble beach on the south of the island, near the village of Gennadi, with incredibly clear water and a backdrop of cliffs.
It's far from the major resorts, incredibly peaceful, and offers some of the clearest, most pristine swimming water on Rhodes without the crowds of the north-east coast.
Farma of Rhodes Petting Zoo
A wonderful, ethical interactive farm in the village of Pastida where you can feed and pet a huge variety of animals, from kangaroos and lemurs to deer and local farm animals.
A fantastic, unexpected activity for families or animal lovers that provides a fun break from beaches and ruins. It's well-run, spacious, and the animals are clearly well-cared for.
Kahal Shalom Synagogue & Jewish Museum
The oldest synagogue in Greece, located in the Jewish Quarter of Rhodes Old Town, with an adjacent museum detailing the rich, tragic history of the Rhodian Jewish community.
It's a profoundly moving and lesser-visited site that tells a crucial part of the island's multicultural story, offering a quiet moment of reflection away from the main tourist thoroughfares.
Profitis Ilias Mountain
The island's second-highest peak, home to two unique, abandoned Italian-era luxury hotels (Elafos and Elafina) built to resemble Alpine lodges, set among pine forests.
It offers cool mountain air, fantastic hiking trails, and a glimpse into a bizarre chapter of Rhodes's Italian occupation. The eerie, beautiful hotels are fascinating to explore.
Stegna Village
A traditional, sleepy fishing village on the east coast, just north of Lindos, with a long, sandy beach lined with excellent, family-run fish tavernas.
It has all the charm of a Greek fishing village without the intense tourism of Lindos. It's the perfect spot for a long, lazy seafood lunch right on the sand with locals.
Rhodes Culture & Customs
Rhodian culture is a proud blend of insular Greek traditions and the layered influences of its various conquerors. Hospitality ('philoxenia') is paramount. Life moves at a relaxed pace, with a strong emphasis on family, good food, and enjoying the outdoors. The island has a distinct identity within the Dodecanese.
Cultural Etiquette
- •A simple 'kalimera' (good morning) or 'kalispera' (good evening) when entering a small shop or taverna is appreciated.
- •Dress modestly when visiting churches and monasteries (shoulders and knees covered).
- •It's polite to accept a small offering of food or drink (like a shot of souma) if offered by a local.
- •Haggling is not common in shops; prices are usually fixed. You might negotiate slightly for rental items like cars or sunbeds.
- •Tipping is customary but not obligatory. Rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% in restaurants is standard for good service.
Useful Phrases
Frequently Asked Questions about Rhodes
How many days do I need in Rhodes?
A minimum of 3-4 full days is recommended. This allows one day for Rhodes Town, one for Lindos and the east coast, one for the west coast/butterfly valley, and an extra day for a boat trip or relaxation. A week lets you explore at a leisurely pace.
Is Rhodes good for families?
Absolutely. It offers safe, sandy beaches with shallow water (like Faliraki), kid-friendly attractions like the water park and Farma petting zoo, historical sites that spark imagination (castles, knights), and a wide range of family-sized accommodations and restaurants.
Do I need to rent a car in Rhodes?
It's highly recommended if you want to explore beyond Rhodes Town and Lindos (which are well-connected by bus). A car gives you the freedom to discover hidden beaches, mountain villages, and archaeological sites at your own pace. For a stay focused solely on one resort, it's less necessary.
Can I drink the tap water in Rhodes?
The tap water is generally safe to drink in Rhodes Town and most resorts as it meets EU standards. However, it can be heavily chlorinated and not taste great. Most locals and tourists drink bottled water, which is inexpensive. In remote villages, stick to bottled water.
What is the best way to get around Rhodes Town?
On foot. The Medieval Old Town is pedestrian-only, and the key sites of the New Town (Mandraki Harbor, Elli Beach) are within a 15-20 minute walk. It's the best way to soak up the atmosphere. Taxis are available for longer distances within the city.
Is Rhodes expensive?
It can be, especially in peak season (July-August). However, it's more affordable than islands like Mykonos or Santorini. You can control costs by traveling in shoulder season (May, June, September), eating at local tavernas away from the waterfront, and using public buses.
What should I pack for Rhodes?
Pack light, breathable clothing, a sun hat, strong sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes for cobbled streets and ruins, a swimsuit, a light jacket for cooler evenings (especially in spring/autumn), and a modest outfit for visiting churches. Don't forget a European plug adapter.
Are credit cards widely accepted?
Yes, in hotels, larger restaurants, supermarkets, and car rental companies in tourist areas. However, many smaller tavernas, family-run shops, kiosks, and market stalls in villages often prefer or only accept cash (Euros). It's wise to always carry some cash.
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