Overview
Rhodes City (Ródos) is the capital of Rhodes Island and the largest city in the Dodecanese island group in the southeastern Aegean Sea. It sits at the northern tip of the island, where the Aegean and Mediterranean seas meet, giving it a strategic position that has shaped its long and layered history.
The city is divided into two distinct zones: the medieval Old Town, encircled by imposing fortification walls built by the Knights of St John in the 14th and 15th centuries, and the New Town (Neochori) that grew outside the walls during the 20th century. The Old Town's remarkably preserved street grid, mosques, churches, and palaces earned it UNESCO World Heritage status in 1988.
Rhodes has been inhabited since antiquity and passed through Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Crusader, Ottoman, and Italian periods of rule before joining the Greek state in 1947. Each era left visible marks on the urban fabric, making the city a rare living archive of Mediterranean history.
Today it functions as a busy port city, a hub for ferry connections across the Aegean, and one of Greece's most visited destinations — yet its Old Town retains genuine residential life alongside the tourism economy.
Before You Go
Visas
Rhodes is part of Greece and therefore part of the Schengen Area. Visa requirements vary by nationality. For accurate and current information, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official Greek immigration authority or your nearest Greek consulate before travel.
When to Go
- April–June: Warm, uncrowded, prices moderate; good for sightseeing and hiking.
- July–August: Peak season — hot (often above 35 °C), very busy, accommodation prices at their highest. Book well in advance.
- September–October: Ideal balance of warm sea temperatures, retreating crowds, and lower prices.
- November–March: Most tourist businesses close; the Old Town feels quiet and very local. Some rain. Ferry connections are reduced.
What to Pack
Comfortable walking shoes are essential — Old Town streets are largely cobblestone (many sections are uneven). Sun protection is needed for much of the year. A light layer is useful for cooler spring and autumn evenings.
Health
No vaccinations are specifically required for Greece beyond routine immunizations. Tap water in Rhodes City is generally safe, but many locals and visitors prefer bottled water. Verify current health entry requirements with official sources before travel.
Getting There
By Air
Diagoras International Airport (IATA: RHO) is located approximately 14 km southwest of Rhodes City center. It receives direct flights from many European cities, particularly during the summer season, as well as connecting domestic flights via Athens and other Greek hubs year-round. Verify current routes and schedules directly with airlines or a travel agent.
By Sea
Rhodes is a major port hub in the Aegean. Regular ferry and high-speed catamaran services connect the city to Piraeus (Athens), other Dodecanese islands (including Kos, Symi, Kalymnos, and Patmos), and some Cyclades islands. Schedules and operators change seasonally; check ferryscanner.com, openseas.gr, or the port authority for current timetables. The main passenger port is in the New Town, a short walk from the Old Town entrance.
From the Airport to the City
Public buses connect the airport to the city center; verify the current timetable locally or on the KTEL Rhodes website. Taxis are available from the airport rank. Agree on or confirm the metered fare before departure. Some hotels offer transfer services — check at booking.
Getting Around
On Foot
The Old Town is best explored on foot. Most of its key sights are within a compact, walkable area. Note that medieval cobblestones can be challenging for wheeled luggage and for visitors with mobility difficulties.
City Buses
KTEL Rhodes operates local bus routes connecting the city center with the airport, key beaches (such as Elli Beach and Faliraki), and villages across the island. Verify routes, stops, and fares locally or on the operator's official site.
Taxis
Taxis are available throughout the city. There is a main rank in Rimini Square (Plateia Rimini), near the port entrance. Taxis are metered; ensure the meter is running or agree on a price in advance for longer journeys.
Rental Vehicles
Car, scooter, and bicycle rentals are available from numerous agencies in the New Town. An international driving permit is recommended for non-EU license holders; verify local requirements before renting. Driving allows easy access to the rest of the island, which is sizable.
Water Taxis & Excursion Boats
Small boats depart from Mandraki Harbour for day trips to nearby beaches and islands such as Symi. Times and prices vary by operator; confirm locally.
Things to See & Do
The Medieval Old Town
The Old Town is the centerpiece of any visit. The Street of the Knights (Ippoton) is one of the best-preserved medieval streets in Europe, lined with the inns of the various langues (national divisions) of the Knights Hospitaller. The Palace of the Grand Master at its head is a major monument and houses a museum — verify current opening hours and admission fees on the official Hellenic Ministry of Culture website or at the entrance.
Archaeological Museum of Rhodes
Housed in the former Hospital of the Knights in the Old Town, this museum holds significant ancient sculpture, pottery, and artifacts from across the Dodecanese, including the renowned Aphrodite of Rhodes marble statue. Verify current hours and fees before visiting.
Mandraki Harbour
The ancient harbor of Rhodes is where tradition places the feet of the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World (though its exact location remains debated by historians). Today two columns topped with bronze deer statues mark the entrance. The harbor is lined with windmills and the Fortress of St Nicholas.
Ancient Acropolis of Rhodes
Outside the Old Town walls, the ancient acropolis sits on Monte Smith hill and includes the partially reconstructed Temple of Apollo, a stadium, and an odeon. It is an atmospheric site with panoramic views and is generally accessible without admission (verify locally).
Beaches Near the City
- Elli Beach: The main city beach in the New Town, easily walkable from the Old Town. Sandy, organized with sunbeds and facilities.
- Faliraki: A large, popular beach resort about 15 km south of the city, reachable by bus.
- Kallithea Springs (Thermes Kallithea): A renovated early 20th-century Italian-era spa complex and rocky beach south of the city, worth a visit for its architecture as much as its swimming.
Day Trips from the City
Lindos (with its acropolis and medieval village), the Valley of the Butterflies (Petaloudes), and the island of Symi are all popular and feasible as day excursions.
Food & Drink
Local Cuisine
Rhodes has a well-developed food scene rooted in Greek and Dodecanese culinary traditions. Look for pitaroudia (local chickpea fritters), melekouni (sesame and honey confection traditionally associated with weddings), grilled fresh fish, and slow-cooked lamb or goat dishes. Honey and olive oil from Rhodes have a strong local reputation.
Where to Eat
Restaurants concentrate in both the Old Town (particularly around Socratous Street and the squares) and the New Town. The Old Town tourist strip can be hit-or-miss in quality — wander a few streets off the main drag for more authentic options. The harbor area in the New Town has seafood tavernas worth exploring.
Drink
Greek wine, local beers, and ouzo are all widely available. Sumac-based local drinks and fresh citrus juices are popular in summer. Coffee culture is strong — Greek coffee and freddo espresso are staples.
Practical Notes
Restaurants in tourist areas tend to be open long hours in summer; off-season hours vary considerably. It is common and acceptable to linger; staff will not typically rush you. Check whether service charges are included when reviewing your bill.
Shopping
What to Buy
Rhodes is known for gold and silver jewelry — the city has a long goldsmithing tradition and Socratous Street in the Old Town is lined with jewelry shops. Other locally produced items worth looking for include hand-painted ceramics, leather goods, local honey, olive oil, and herbs.
Where to Shop
- Socratous Street (Old Town): The main commercial street of the Old Town, busy with jewelry, souvenir, and craft shops.
- New Town: Has more everyday retail, supermarkets, pharmacies, and clothing stores.
- Markets: A small local market operates near Mandraki; verify days and times locally.
Tips
Bargaining is not standard practice in fixed-price shops. At smaller or market stalls, polite negotiation may occasionally be possible, but do not assume it is expected. Keep receipts for any significant purchases.
Practical Information
Money
ATMs are plentiful in both the Old Town and New Town. Most restaurants, hotels, and larger shops accept credit and debit cards, but smaller tavernas and market stalls may be cash-only. Inform your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks.
Communications
Greece uses the EU mobile roaming framework, meaning EU-issued SIMs typically work without extra roaming charges. Visitors from outside the EU should verify roaming costs or purchase a local SIM on arrival. Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and restaurants.
Electricity
Greece uses Type C and Type F plugs, 230 V / 50 Hz. Travelers from the US, UK, and some other regions will need adapters.
Emergency Numbers
- European Emergency Number: 112 (works across the EU for police, fire, and ambulance)
- Tourist Police: 171 (Greece-wide tourist police line)
- Verify any additional local numbers on arrival.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (marked by a green cross) are common in the city. Many pharmacists speak some English. Outside regular hours, a rotation system ensures at least one pharmacy remains open; the schedule is typically posted on pharmacy doors.
Accessibility
The Old Town's cobblestone streets and uneven medieval surfaces present significant challenges for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility. The New Town and beaches are generally more accessible, though conditions vary. Contact specific attractions directly to ask about accessibility provisions.
Safety
Rhodes City is considered a safe destination by most standard measures, with crime rates that are low relative to many European cities of comparable visitor numbers. Petty theft (pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas, bag snatching) is the most common concern; standard urban precautions apply — keep valuables secured and be aware of surroundings in busy market areas and at the port.
The summer heat can be intense and should be taken seriously. Stay hydrated, use sunscreen, and avoid prolonged midday sun exposure, particularly in July and August. Heatstroke is a genuine risk for visitors unacclimatized to Aegean summers.
Be cautious on cobblestone streets after rain, as surfaces become slippery. Water conditions in the sea can change; observe local flags at beaches (green = safe, yellow = caution, red = no swimming).
For the most current travel advisories, consult your own government's foreign travel advisory service before and during your trip.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Rhodes has one of the most complex cultural layerings of any Greek city. Ottoman-era mosques (including the Mosque of Suleiman in the Old Town), Byzantine churches, Italian-era municipal buildings from the period of Italian administration (1912–1943), and ancient Greek ruins coexist within a relatively small area. This diversity is visible in architecture, place names, and local traditions.
Greek Orthodox Christianity is the dominant faith and shapes the calendar of public holidays and local festivals. Many businesses close on major religious feast days; the exact dates vary each year. If visiting during Greek Easter (Pascha), expect significant festivity — and plan ahead, as it is a busy travel period across Greece.
Dress modestly when visiting churches, monasteries, or mosques — shoulders and knees should be covered. Many sites provide wraps at the entrance for visitors who need them.
Rhodians are generally hospitable to visitors. Learning a few words of Greek (yassas for hello/goodbye, efcharisto for thank you, parakalo for please/you're welcome) is appreciated and often warmly received.
