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Overview
Rhodes is the largest island of the Dodecanese archipelago and one of Greece's most visited destinations. It sits at the southeastern edge of the Aegean Sea, close to the Turkish coast, and has been inhabited and fought over for millennia — by ancient Greeks, Romans, the Knights of St John, Ottomans, Italians, and finally Greeks again. That layered history is visible almost everywhere you look.
The island divides naturally into two experiences. Rhodes Town, in the north, is urban, historic, and lively; the rest of the island — long roads lined with olive trees, quiet villages, dramatic headlands — rewards slower exploration. Lindos, roughly halfway down the east coast, is the island's other major draw, combining a clifftop Acropolis with a well-preserved medieval village.
Tourism is the dominant industry, and the island is well set up for visitors at almost every budget level. Peak summer (July–August) brings heat, crowds, and higher prices; spring and autumn offer a considerably more relaxed experience with most facilities still open.
Before You Go
Visas
Rhodes is part of Greece and therefore part of the European Union and the Schengen Area. Visa requirements depend entirely on your nationality. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for current, accurate requirements before booking.
Health
No vaccinations are specifically required for travel to Greece, but standard up-to-date travel vaccinations are always advisable. EU/EEA travelers should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Non-EU travelers should arrange comprehensive travel health insurance before departure. Rhodes has a general hospital and private clinics; serious medical cases may require transfer to Athens.
What to pack
- High-factor sunscreen; the Aegean sun is intense even in May and October
- Comfortable walking shoes — the Old Town's cobblestones are uneven
- A light layer for evenings from September onward
- Modest clothing if you plan to visit churches or monasteries
Money
ATMs are widely available in Rhodes Town and in most resort areas. Cards are accepted at most hotels and larger restaurants, but smaller tavernas and village shops may be cash only. Verify exchange rates and fees with your bank before travel.
Getting There
By Air
Diagoras International Airport (RHO) is located about 14 km southwest of Rhodes Town. It handles a large volume of charter and scheduled flights from across Europe, particularly between April and October. Year-round connectivity is more limited; travelers outside summer may need to connect through Athens (ATH). Check current schedules and airlines directly, as routes change seasonally.
By Sea
Rhodes is connected to Piraeus (Athens' main port) by regular ferry services, typically overnight crossings. There are also ferry links to other Dodecanese islands (Kos, Symi, Patmos, and others) and to several Turkish ports, most commonly Marmaris and Bodrum. Schedules, operators, and journey times vary significantly by season — verify current timetables on official ferry operator sites or aggregators such as Ferryhopper before travel.
Getting from the Airport
Taxis and local bus services connect the airport to Rhodes Town. Car rental is available at the airport. Verify current fares and schedules locally or with your accommodation.
Getting Around
Within Rhodes Town
The Old Town is compact and best explored on foot, though its cobblestone streets can be tiring. The New Town and harbor areas are also walkable. Local buses (RODA) serve routes within the town.
Around the Island
KTEL buses connect Rhodes Town to major destinations including Lindos, Faliraki, Kamiros, and Monolithos, though services to more remote villages can be infrequent. Timetables should be verified locally or on the KTEL Rhodes website before travel.
Car and scooter rental is widely available and is often the most practical way to explore the island at your own pace. International driving permits are not required for EU license holders; non-EU visitors should check requirements. Roads in the interior can be narrow and winding.
Taxis are metered and generally reliable; agree on the fare or confirm the meter is running before long journeys. Water taxis operate between Rhodes Town, Lindos, and some smaller bays in season.
Where to Stay
Rhodes has accommodation across a wide spectrum — large resort hotels concentrated in areas like Ixia, Faliraki, and Kallithea on the east coast; smaller boutique hotels and guesthouses within or near the Old Town; self-catering apartments; and a handful of luxury properties.
Old Town is the most atmospheric place to stay if you want to be immersed in the historic city, though some properties involve narrow alleys and no car access. Expect some noise from restaurants and bars in high season.
Ixia and Ialyssos (west coast, near the airport) cater primarily to beach resort travelers and windsurfers; the water on the west coast is often windier.
Lindos village has smaller guesthouses and converted captain's mansions, but note that it is pedestrianised, parking is outside the village, and it is very popular in July and August.
Book well ahead for travel in July and August. Rates vary considerably by season; many properties close between November and March. Always verify cancellation policies at booking.
Things to See & Do
Rhodes Old Town
The medieval walled city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and justifiably the island's headline attraction. The walls themselves — built and extended by the Knights of St John — are remarkably intact. Within them, the Street of the Knights (Ippoton) is one of the best-preserved medieval streets in Europe. The Palace of the Grand Master has been restored and is open to visitors as a museum; verify current opening hours and admission fees before visiting.
Lindos
The village of Lindos, about 50 km south of Rhodes Town on the east coast, clusters beneath a rock crowned by an ancient Acropolis and a Knights' castle. The Acropolis, reached by a steep path or donkey ride, offers views across St Paul's Bay and the coastline. The village itself has whitewashed houses, Byzantine churches, and a well-documented history of captain's mansions. It is very busy in high season.
Ancient Kamiros
This lesser-visited ancient city on the northwest coast is one of three ancient city-states of Rhodes. The ruins are spread across a hillside and give a clear sense of the city's layout — residential areas, a stoa, a sanctuary. Admission is charged; verify hours and fees on arrival.
Beaches
- Tsambika: Popular east-coast beach with fine sand, accessible by steps or road
- Anthony Quinn Bay (Vagies): A small, sheltered cove with clear water; named after the actor who filmed The Guns of Navarone here
- Prasonisi: The southern tip of the island where two seas meet; popular with windsurfers and kitesurfers
- Stegna: A quieter pebble-and-sand beach near Archangelos
Valley of the Butterflies (Petaloudes)
A wooded gorge near Paradisi that during summer shelters large numbers of Jersey Tiger moths (often called butterflies locally). Access involves a moderate walk on wooden walkways. Visitors are asked to move quietly and avoid disturbing the insects. Verify seasonal opening before visiting.
Symi Day Trips
The small island of Symi, known for its colourful neoclassical harbour and the Panormitis Monastery, is a popular and very scenic day trip by ferry or excursion boat from Mandraki Harbour.
Food & Drink
Local Cuisine
Rhodes shares the broad traditions of Greek and Aegean cuisine — fresh seafood, grilled meats, seasonal vegetables, good olive oil — with some local flavours of its own. Look for pitaroudia (chickpea fritters, sometimes spiced), makarounia (a local pasta), fresh grilled fish sold by weight at harbourside restaurants, and melekouni, a sesame and honey sweet traditionally associated with weddings.
Where to Eat
The Old Town has a wide range of restaurants along the main tourist corridors; quality varies considerably, and menus with photographs outside can indicate places aimed more at foot traffic than at cooking. Side streets often yield more authentic options. The New Town's market area and Mandraki harbourfront also have a good spread of cafés and tavernas. In villages across the island, small family-run tavernas are typically good value.
Drink
Greek wines are worth exploring; the island itself has a small wine production. Ouzo and tsipouro (a grape spirit) are standard offerings. Local beers and standard international brands are available everywhere. Tap water in Rhodes Town is generally safe to drink, though many locals and restaurants use bottled water; verify conditions if you are visiting in summer when supply can be strained in some areas.
Practical Notes
Restaurants in tourist areas typically open for lunch and dinner with a gap in the afternoon. Tipping is not obligatory but rounding up or leaving 5–10% is customary and appreciated. Always confirm fish prices before ordering, as it is sold by weight and bills can be higher than expected.
Practical Information
Emergency Numbers
Greece's general emergency number is 112 (EU standard, works from any phone). For the police specifically, 100; ambulance, 166; fire, 199. Verify these locally as a precaution.
Electricity
Greece uses Type C and Type F plugs, 230V/50Hz — standard European. Travelers from the UK, US, or Australia will need adaptors.
Internet and SIM Cards
Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafés, and restaurants. EU residents with EU SIM cards pay no roaming charges within Greece. Non-EU visitors can purchase local SIM cards at the airport or phone shops in Rhodes Town; bring ID.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (farmakeia, marked by a green cross) are plentiful in Rhodes Town and main resort areas. They can advise on minor ailments and dispense a wider range of medications without prescription than in some other countries. Out-of-hours rotas are typically posted on pharmacy doors.
Accessibility
The Old Town's cobblestones and uneven surfaces make wheelchair and pushchair access challenging in many areas. The Palace of the Grand Master and some museums have partial accessibility improvements; check with individual sites. Beaches with accessible facilities exist but availability should be confirmed locally.
Safety
Rhodes is generally a safe destination for travelers. Petty theft — pickpocketing, bag snatching — can occur in crowded tourist areas and on public transport, as in any busy destination. Standard precautions apply: keep valuables secure, be attentive in markets and busy streets, and use hotel safes where available.
Sea conditions on the west coast can be rougher than the east coast, particularly in summer afternoons when the meltemi wind picks up. Pay attention to beach flags — red means no swimming. Boat excursions in rough conditions should be treated with caution.
Sunburn and heat exhaustion are genuine risks in July and August when temperatures regularly exceed 35°C. Stay hydrated, use high-factor sunscreen, and avoid midday sun during hikes or prolonged beach time.
Driving on narrow rural roads and moped/scooter use accounts for a meaningful share of tourist injuries on Greek islands. Wear a helmet, ensure you have appropriate insurance, and exercise particular caution on unfamiliar mountain roads.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Rhodes has one of the most layered cultural histories of any Greek island. Ancient Greek, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and then the long period of the Knights Hospitaller (1309–1522) left deep architectural marks. The Ottoman period (1522–1912) added mosques, a hammam, and further urban layers, all still visible in the Old Town. Italian rule (1912–1943) introduced a distinct strain of rationalist and monumental architecture, particularly visible in the New Town around Mandraki Harbour.
Orthodox Christianity is central to Greek cultural life. Monastery visits are common outings; dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) as a matter of courtesy and observance. Several important feast days involve processions and celebrations — the Assumption of Mary on 15 August is a major event across Greece.
The island has a long maritime tradition. Fishing remains part of local life even if tourism now dominates the economy. Local festivals, music, and food still carry influences from Asia Minor communities who resettled in Rhodes after population exchanges in the early twentieth century.
