Rhodes Greece Travel Guide

Rhodes is the largest island in the Dodecanese archipelago and one of the most visited destinations in Greece. It sits in the southeastern Aegean Sea, closer to the Turkish coast than to the Greek mainland, and has been shaped by an extraordinary succession of civilisations — ancient Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Knights of St John, Ottomans, Italians, and finally modern Greeks.

The island divides neatly into two visitor experiences: the north, dominated by Rhodes City with its labyrinthine medieval Old Town and busy resort strips; and the south, which is quieter, more rural, and dotted with small villages, vineyards, and emptier beaches.

Beyond the beaches, Rhodes offers substantive history. The Palace of the Grand Master, the Street of the Knights, and the ancient acropolis at Lindos are genuinely impressive sites that reward time and attention. The island is large enough — roughly 1,400 sq km — that exploring its interior and southern coast requires a car or organised tours.

Visas

Rhodes is part of Greece and therefore the European Union and Schengen Area. Entry requirements vary significantly depending on your nationality. Check the TravelerPulse Visas section and the official Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs website before booking.

Health

No vaccinations are specifically required for entry. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or its successor (GHIC for UK travellers) is accepted at public health facilities. Travel insurance with medical cover is strongly recommended regardless. Tap water is generally considered safe in Rhodes City; verify locally in smaller villages.

What to Pack

• Sunscreen with high SPF — the summer sun is intense
• Comfortable walking shoes for the uneven cobblestones of the Old Town
• A light layer for evenings, especially in spring and autumn
• Modest clothing if visiting churches or monasteries (shoulders and knees covered)

By Air

Diagoras International Airport (RHO) is located about 14 km southwest of Rhodes City. It receives direct flights from many European cities, particularly in the summer season, as well as connecting flights via Athens (ATH). Flight frequency and available routes change seasonally, so check current schedules with airlines or your preferred booking platform.

By Ferry

Rhodes is well connected by ferry to Piraeus (the port of Athens), other Dodecanese islands (including Kos, Symi, and Patmos), and to Marmaris in Turkey. Ferry crossings from Piraeus can take anywhere from around nine hours (high-speed) to longer on conventional ferries. Check current operators, timetables, and fares on aggregator sites or at the port authority — schedules vary significantly by season.

Rhodes City

The Old Town is compact and best explored entirely on foot. The New Town and harbour areas are also walkable. Local buses connect the city centre with nearby beaches and some inland villages.

Around the Island

Renting a car or scooter gives the most flexibility for reaching the southern villages, inland monasteries, and quieter beaches. Scooter rental is widely available but carries inherent risks, especially on mountain roads — assess your experience honestly before hiring one. Organised day tours from Rhodes City cover the most popular sites such as Lindos and the Valley of the Butterflies (Petaloudes), which is a practical option if you prefer not to drive.

Taxis

Taxis are available in Rhodes City. Agree on the fare or confirm the meter is running before departure. A taxi rank is located near Mandraki Harbour.

Rhodes Old Town

The UNESCO-listed Old Town is the island's centrepiece. The Palace of the Grand Master is a heavily restored but visually striking medieval fortress. The Street of the Knights (Ippoton) is one of the best-preserved medieval streets in Europe. The Archaeological Museum, housed in the former Hospital of the Knights, displays finds from across the island including the so-called 'Aphrodite of Rhodes' marble sculpture. Allow at least a half day; a full day is better.

Lindos

About 50 km south of Rhodes City, Lindos combines a clifftop ancient acropolis (with a Temple of Athena and Hellenistic stoa), a well-preserved Byzantine and medieval village of whitewashed houses, and a popular beach below. It is one of the island's most photographed sites. The ascent to the acropolis is steep; verify current opening hours and admission fees on the official site before visiting.

Valley of the Butterflies (Petaloudes)

A wooded valley in the island's west that attracts large numbers of Jersey Tiger moths (commonly called butterflies) during summer months, roughly July to September. It is a pleasant, shaded walk even outside peak moth season.

Ancient Kameiros

A ruined ancient Greek city on the northwest coast, less visited than Lindos and giving a more atmospheric sense of an excavated settlement. Verify opening hours and fees locally or on the Greek Culture Ministry website.

Beaches

Rhodes has beaches on both its calmer eastern coast (including Tsambika, Faliraki, and Anthony Quinn Bay) and its windier western coast, which is popular with windsurfers. Beach quality and facilities vary; the north-coast beaches near Rhodes City are convenient but crowded in summer.

What to Eat

Rhodes shares the broad tradition of Greek cuisine — fresh seafood, grilled meats, olive oil-dressed salads, and mezedes (small dishes). Local specialities worth seeking out include pitaroudia (chickpea fritters), makaronia tou fournou (a baked pasta dish), and local honey and fresh fig products. Lindian wedding rice (a rich lamb and rice dish) is a traditional preparation associated with the area around Lindos.

Where to Eat

The Old Town has a wide range of tavernas and restaurants, though quality varies significantly and tourist-facing spots on the main squares can be mediocre. Wandering a few streets away from the obvious tourist routes generally yields better food. The New Town's market area and the fishing harbour (near Mandraki) have options popular with locals. In villages such as Embonas, inland on the slopes of Mount Attavyros, you can find unpretentious tavernas serving local wine and grilled meats.

Drink

Rhodes has a winemaking tradition stretching back to antiquity. The CAIR cooperative and smaller family producers around Embonas produce wines worth trying. Local raki (also called tsikoudia or souma on Rhodes) is produced from grape marc and is routinely offered as a digestif. Verify any winery visit hours directly with producers.

The Old Town's market area (the Socratous Street axis) is the main shopping district, selling ceramics, leather goods, jewellery, sponges, and souvenirs. Quality ranges from mass-produced tourist items to genuine local crafts — take time to browse.

Local products worth considering include Rhodian honey, local wines, sponges from the Dodecanese (many are now imported; ask the seller about origin), and hand-painted ceramics. Haggling is not standard practice in shops, though it may occur in some market stalls.

Emergency Numbers

• General European emergency number: 112
• Greek Police: 100
• Ambulance: 166
• Fire: 199
• Coast Guard: 108

Money

ATMs are widely available in Rhodes City and larger resort towns. Cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops, though smaller tavernas and village businesses may prefer cash. Verify before ordering.

Connectivity

Free Wi-Fi is available in many hotels, cafés, and public areas. EU roaming rules apply for EU-issued SIM cards. Visitors from outside the EU should check roaming costs with their provider or consider purchasing a local SIM on arrival.

Pharmacies

Pharmacies (indicated by a green cross) are common in Rhodes City and larger towns. Many pharmacists speak English and can advise on minor ailments. A rota system for after-hours pharmacy access operates; check posted notices on pharmacy doors for the nearest open one.

Rhodes is generally a safe destination for travellers. Petty theft — pickpocketing in crowded areas, theft from vehicles — is the most commonly reported issue, particularly in the Old Town and at busy beaches. Standard precautions apply: don't leave valuables visible in parked cars, use a money belt or secure bag in crowds.

Road safety is a genuine concern if hiring a scooter or quad bike. Road conditions in the interior and mountain areas can be challenging, and tourist scooter accidents are not uncommon. Wear a helmet, do not ride beyond your skill level, and check what your travel insurance actually covers for motorised vehicles before hiring.

Sea conditions on the western coast can be rough, especially when the Meltemi wind is blowing in summer. Pay attention to beach flags indicating sea conditions.

Rhodes has one of the most layered cultural histories in the Mediterranean. The medieval Old Town reflects the 200-year rule of the Knights Hospitaller, while minarets and a functioning mosque (the Süleymaniye Mosque, though verify current status) recall the Ottoman period. Italian Art Deco and rationalist architecture — a legacy of Italian administration from 1912 to 1943 — is visible in the New Town around Mandraki Harbour, including the post office, prefecture, and seafront buildings.

Greek Orthodox Christianity is central to daily life. Local festivals tied to the Orthodox calendar are observed across the island; if you happen to be present for a village panigiri (saint's day festival), these are genuinely welcoming community events with food, music, and dancing.

Dress modestly when visiting churches and monasteries. Loud or disruptive behaviour in religious sites is considered disrespectful. Tipping is not obligatory but is appreciated; rounding up the bill or leaving small change is common practice in tavernas.