Overview
Rhodes is the largest island in the Dodecanese archipelago and one of Greece's most visited destinations. Positioned at the southeastern edge of the Aegean Sea, it sits closer to the Turkish coast than to mainland Greece, a geography that has shaped its layered history across Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Italian periods.
The island's crown jewel is its medieval Old Town — a remarkably intact walled city built by the Knights of St. John in the 14th century and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Within its fortifications lie cobblestone lanes, mosques, Byzantine churches, Gothic palaces, and Ottoman fountains existing side by side in an unusually coherent urban fabric.
Beyond history, Rhodes offers a genuine range of landscapes: long beach stretches on the eastern coast, dramatic cliffs and windswept capes in the south, forested hillsides around Profitis Ilias, and the whitewashed village of Lindos perched above a natural acropolis. The island is large enough to reward exploration beyond the capital but compact enough to do so in a week.
Before You Go
Visas
Entry requirements vary depending on your passport. For general guidance, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the official Greek immigration authority or your nearest Greek consulate before travel. Greece is part of the Schengen Area, which is relevant for many nationalities.
Health
No vaccinations are specifically required for Rhodes beyond standard routine immunisations. EU/EEA visitors should carry their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). All other travellers should ensure they have comprehensive travel health insurance. Tap water is generally considered safe in Rhodes Town, though bottled water is widely available and preferred by many visitors.
What to Pack
- Sun protection (high SPF) is essential from April through October; UV intensity can be severe
- Comfortable, closed-toe shoes for cobblestone streets in the Old Town
- A light layer for evenings, particularly in spring and autumn
- Modest clothing if visiting churches or monasteries (shoulders and knees covered)
- Power adapters for Type C/F European sockets if travelling from outside Europe
Getting There
By Air
Diagoras International Airport (IATA: RHO) is located approximately 14 km southwest of Rhodes Town. It receives direct charter and scheduled flights from numerous European cities during the summer season (roughly April to October), and year-round connections via Athens with Olympic Air and Aegean Airlines. Verify current routes and schedules directly with carriers or your preferred booking platform, as seasonal availability changes.
By Sea
Rhodes has a major ferry port with regular services to Piraeus (Athens' main port), other Dodecanese islands including Kos, Symi, and Patmos, and summer connections to Crete and the Cyclades. Ferry journey times vary considerably — the Piraeus route, for example, takes roughly 12 to 18 hours depending on the vessel and stops. Schedules and operators change seasonally; check a current ferry aggregator such as Ferryhopper or OpenSeas before booking.
High-speed catamarans also operate between Rhodes and several neighbouring islands during summer, significantly reducing travel times. A small passenger ferry connects Rhodes to the Turkish port of Marmaris, subject to seasonal operation and entry requirements for both countries.
Getting Around
Within Rhodes Town
The Old Town is largely pedestrianised. Much of it must be explored on foot due to narrow lanes. The New Town and harbour areas are walkable, and local buses serve routes between the two. Taxis are available at ranks near the port and main squares; agree on the fare or confirm the meter is running before departure.
Across the Island
KTEL operates a public bus network connecting Rhodes Town with major villages, beaches, and Lindos. Routes and timetables are posted at the main bus stations on Averof Street (east coast routes) and Papagou Street (west coast routes). Services are more frequent in summer and reduced significantly off-season.
Renting a car or scooter is a practical and popular way to explore the island at your own pace. International driving licences are accepted; verify current requirements with your rental agency. Road quality is generally good on main routes but can be rough on rural tracks. Always check your insurance coverage before signing a rental agreement.
Taxis are metered within the city; fixed-rate fares apply to popular out-of-town destinations. Verify rates with the driver before setting out.
Where to Stay
Rhodes offers accommodation across a wide spectrum, from large all-inclusive resort complexes clustered along the northern tip of the island and the east coast, to boutique hotels and converted medieval buildings within the Old Town walls.
General Areas to Consider
- Old Town: Staying inside the walls offers an atmospheric, walkable experience close to major sights. Streets can be noisy on weekend nights. Several small hotels occupy restored historic buildings.
- New Town / Neohori: More practical for everyday amenities and public transport connections; a range of mid-range hotels and apartments.
- Ixia / Ialyssos (west coast): Large resort strip with beach access; suits travellers prioritising beach and pool over sightseeing.
- Lindos village: A handful of accommodation options in a stunning setting, though the village is very busy in summer and vehicle access is restricted.
Always verify current availability, prices, and cancellation policies directly with properties or through your preferred booking platform, as rates vary considerably by season.
Things to See & Do
Rhodes Old Town
The medieval walled city is the centrepiece of any visit. The Street of the Knights (Ippoton) is one of the best-preserved medieval streets in Europe. The Palace of the Grand Master, heavily restored during Italian rule, serves as a museum with mosaic floors salvaged from Kos. The Archaeological Museum occupies the former Hospital of the Knights. Admission fees and opening hours for these sites change periodically — verify current details on the Hellenic Ministry of Culture website or at the sites themselves.
Lindos
Located roughly 50 km south of Rhodes Town on the east coast, Lindos is a whitewashed hilltop village built around an ancient acropolis with a well-preserved Doric Temple of Athena Lindia and a Knights' castle below it. The village is heavily visited in peak summer; aim for early morning arrivals to avoid crowds and heat. Donkeys are offered as transport up the hill — this is a personal choice, and some travellers prefer to walk the stepped path.
Ancient Kameiros
One of the three ancient cities of Rhodes, Kameiros on the northwest coast offers substantial and less-crowded ruins including a Hellenistic residential quarter and sanctuary. Verify opening hours before making the trip as they fluctuate seasonally.
Beaches
- Tsambika: Popular east-coast beach with fine sand; accessible by road or steps from a hilltop monastery
- Faliraki: Long beach with extensive facilities; livelier atmosphere
- Prasonisi: The island's southern tip where two seas meet; favoured by windsurfers and kitesurfers
- Anthony Quinn Bay (Vagies): Small, sheltered cove; clear water good for snorkelling
Valley of the Butterflies (Petaloudes)
A forested gorge midway along the west coast that hosts large populations of Jersey tiger moths (commonly called butterflies) during summer months, typically July and August. The insects gather here due to the particular microclimate. Entry is ticketed; verify current prices locally.
Food & Drink
What to Eat
Rhodian cuisine draws on the broader tradition of Greek island cooking with some Ottoman and Italian influences. Look for dishes made with local ingredients: fresh fish and seafood at harbour-side tavernas, meze spreads featuring tzatziki, taramosalata, dolmades, and grilled octopus, and slow-cooked lamb or goat dishes. Pitaroudia (chickpea fritters) are a local speciality worth seeking out.
Where to Eat
The Old Town has a high concentration of restaurants catering primarily to tourists, with quality varying widely. Locals and discerning visitors tend to look for tavernas away from the main tourist drag — the residential parts of the Old Town and the New Town's Neohori district both have options frequented by residents. Fish tavernas along the Mandraki harbour area and in the village of Ialysos are well-regarded, though prices at waterfront locations tend to be higher.
Drinks
Greek wine has improved markedly in recent decades; ask for local or regional labels. Ouzo, the anise-flavoured spirit, is traditional and widely available. Fresh-squeezed orange juice is common and reasonably priced at street kiosks. Coffee culture is strong — Greek coffee (brewed in a small pot) and freddo espresso (chilled espresso over ice) are staples.
Shopping
The Old Town contains numerous shops selling ceramics, leather goods, gold and silver jewellery, hand-painted icons, local honey, olive oil products, and herbal teas. Quality and authenticity vary; take time to compare before purchasing.
The New Town's main commercial streets (Dodekanissou and surrounding area) cater more to everyday retail and are where locals shop. A municipal market near Mandraki harbour offers produce and local food products.
For olive oil and local food items, look for producers at periodic farmers' markets or shops that stock regional Greek labels rather than generic tourist-market goods. Rhodian honey and dried herbs from the island's inland villages make practical, lightweight souvenirs.
Practical Information
Money
Euros are the currency. ATMs are widely available in Rhodes Town and larger villages; availability decreases in remote areas. Credit and debit cards are accepted at most hotels and larger restaurants, though smaller tavernas and village shops may be cash only. Inform your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks.
Connectivity
Mobile coverage is good across most of the island; rural southern areas may have weaker signal. Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and many cafés. EU roaming rules apply to travellers with EU-issued SIM cards; others should verify roaming costs or consider a local prepaid SIM.
Emergency Numbers
- General European Emergency Number: 112
- Greek Police: 100
- Ambulance: 166
- Tourist Police (operates seasonally in tourist areas): 171
Opening Patterns
Many shops and some restaurants observe a midday break, particularly in summer. Archaeological sites often close on Mondays; verify before visiting. Hours shift between summer and winter seasons. Banks typically open weekday mornings only.
Safety
Rhodes is generally considered a safe destination for travellers. Petty theft — bag snatching and pickpocketing — can occur in busy tourist areas, particularly around the port, main squares, and crowded beach areas. Keep valuables secured and be aware of your surroundings in markets and at busy events.
Sea conditions can change quickly, particularly on the west coast and around the southern cape. Swim at beaches with lifeguard supervision where possible. Obey flag warning systems at beaches.
Heat-related illness is a real risk in July and August when temperatures regularly exceed 35°C. Stay hydrated, use sun protection, and avoid extended outdoor exertion during midday hours.
Road safety warrants attention: scooter and motorbike accidents among tourists are not uncommon, often linked to unfamiliarity with the vehicles or rough terrain. Wear a helmet regardless of local practice and check your rental insurance coverage carefully.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Rhodes has absorbed an unusually diverse range of cultural influences over its long history — Dorian Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Crusader, Ottoman, and Italian — and this layering is visible in its architecture, cuisine, and place names. The Old Town in particular functions as a living document of this history rather than a sterile open-air museum.
Greek Orthodox Christianity is the predominant religion, and religious festivals and saints' days are observed seriously. The Assumption of Mary (15 August) is a major holiday and draws both pilgrims and visitors to monasteries across the island.
When visiting churches, monasteries, and mosques, dress modestly: covered shoulders and knees are expected. Shoes are removed before entering mosques. Photography restrictions vary by site — observe posted signage.
Rhodians in general terms are accustomed to large numbers of tourists and are experienced hosts. In smaller villages away from tourist circuits, a basic effort with Greek greetings (yassas for formal, yassou informal) is appreciated and generally well received.
