Overview
Rhodes is the largest island in the Dodecanese archipelago, situated in the southeastern Aegean Sea close to the Turkish coast. It has been continuously inhabited and strategically significant for millennia, leaving behind an extraordinary layering of ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Crusader, Ottoman, and Italian colonial heritage.
The island's capital, also called Rhodes, contains one of the best-preserved medieval walled cities in Europe. The Old Town was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. Beyond the capital, the island stretches about 78 kilometres from north to south, offering a range of landscapes: sandy bays, forested mountain interiors, and cliff-top villages.
Rhodes draws a broad mix of visitors — history enthusiasts, beach-goers, hikers, and food travellers — and has well-developed tourism infrastructure while still retaining authentic communities in its interior villages.
Before You Go
Visas
Rhodes is part of Greece, an EU member state and Schengen Area signatory. Entry requirements vary significantly depending on your nationality. Do not rely on generalised advice — check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs or your home country's embassy for current requirements before booking.
Health
Europe Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) or the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) are relevant for eligible travellers, but confirm coverage with your provider. Travel insurance that includes medical evacuation is advisable. Tap water is generally considered safe in Rhodes Town; verify locally for more rural areas.
Currency & Payments
The Euro is the only accepted currency. ATMs are widely available in Rhodes Town and larger resort areas. Smaller villages and traditional tavernas may prefer cash, so carry some at all times.
What to Pack
Sun protection is essential from April through October. Modest clothing (covered shoulders and knees) is required when visiting churches and monasteries. Comfortable walking shoes are important for the Old Town's uneven cobblestones.
Getting There
By Air
Diagoras International Airport (RHO) is located approximately 14 kilometres southwest of Rhodes Town. It handles direct international flights from major European cities, particularly during the April–October season. Year-round connections typically operate via Athens International Airport (ATH). Verify schedules and routes directly with airlines, as seasonal services change.
By Sea
Ferry services connect Rhodes to Piraeus (Athens's main port), other Dodecanese islands including Kos, Symi, and Kalymnos, and to the Greek mainland. High-speed catamaran services also connect to some neighbouring islands in summer. Journey times, operators, and schedules vary; check the Hellenic Seaways or other ferry operator websites and verify locally.
There are also regular passenger ferry connections between Rhodes and the Turkish port of Marmaris, subject to seasonal timetables and Turkish entry requirements.
Getting Around
Local Buses
RHODA (KTEL Rhodes) operates a public bus network with two terminals in Rhodes Town — one for the eastern coast and one for the western/inland routes. Buses connect major towns and resorts but services to remote villages can be infrequent. Verify current timetables at the bus stations or the official KTEL website.
Taxis
Taxis are readily available at the airport, ferry port, and main squares of Rhodes Town. There are fixed tariffs for some routes; confirm the fare before departure if in doubt.
Car and Scooter Rental
Renting a car or scooter is a practical and popular way to explore the island's interior and less-accessible beaches. Rental agencies are numerous in Rhodes Town and resort areas. An international driving permit may be required depending on your licence's country of issue — confirm before travel.
Within the Old Town
The historic Old Town is largely pedestrianised. Most streets are accessible only on foot; vehicles are restricted to certain peripheral roads. Be prepared to walk, and note that the cobblestones can be uneven.
Where to Stay
Rhodes offers accommodation across a wide spectrum. Rhodes Town — and particularly the Old Town — has boutique hotels and guesthouses housed in historic buildings, which offer a more atmospheric experience than large resort complexes. The New Town and northern resort strip have larger hotels catering to package tourists.
The eastern coast (Faliraki, Afantou, Kolymbia) and western coast (Ialyssos, Kremasti) host the majority of all-inclusive resort complexes. These suit families and those prioritising beach access over cultural immersion. The south of the island — around Pefkos, Lardos, and Kiotari — is quieter and less developed.
For those wanting a village experience, smaller guesthouses and renovated traditional homes exist in Lindos (book well ahead), Archangelos, and Embonas. Prices fluctuate significantly between peak season (July–August) and shoulder season; book early for July and August. Always verify cancellation policies directly with the property.
Things to See & Do
Rhodes Old Town
The UNESCO-listed medieval city is the island's centrepiece. The Street of the Knights (Ippoton), one of the best-preserved medieval streets in the world, leads to the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes — a formidable 14th-century fortress that was later used by Italian colonial administrators. Check opening hours and admission prices on arrival or with the Greek Ministry of Culture, as these change seasonally.
Acropolis of Rhodes
Situated on Monte Smith hill, above the modern city, the ancient acropolis features a partially restored Temple of Apollo, a stadium, and a theatre. Entry to the archaeological site is typically free, but verify locally.
Lindos
Around 50 kilometres south of Rhodes Town, the village of Lindos is built around a dramatic acropolis perched on a clifftop above a beautiful bay. The acropolis includes a Doric Temple of Athena Lindia and Byzantine and Crusader-era structures. The village itself features whitewashed captain's houses with characteristic pebble-mosaic courtyards. Arrive early or in shoulder season to avoid significant crowds.
Valley of the Butterflies (Petaloudes)
This nature reserve in the island's interior hosts large numbers of Jersey Tiger moths (often marketed as butterflies) during summer months. It is a pleasant forested walk even outside peak season. Opening periods and fees — verify on-site or with the municipality.
Beaches
Notable beaches include Tsambika, Faliraki, Anthony Quinn Bay, Prasonisi (a wind and kite-surfing spot at the island's southern tip), and the quieter coves around Haraki and Stegna. Water quality is generally good; look for Blue Flag certification as a guide.
Food & Drink
What to Eat
Rhodian cuisine shares the foundations of broader Greek cooking — fresh seafood, grilled meats, legumes, olive oil, and seasonal vegetables — with some local distinctions. Look for pitaroudia (chickpea fritters), macarounes (handmade pasta with onion and cheese), and local honey. Fresh fish tavernas are found throughout the island, particularly at harbourside villages like Mandraki, Kameiros Skala, and Lindos.
Dining Culture
Greeks eat late by northern European standards; dinner service typically begins around 8 p.m. and extends late into the evening. Sharing mezedes (small dishes) is common. Tipping is customary but not obligatory — rounding up or leaving 10% is generally appreciated.
Local Drinks
Rhodes has a history of wine production; local wineries produce both white and red varieties, some using indigenous grape varieties. Ouzo and tsipouro are widely available. Fresh-squeezed orange juice is a simple pleasure at many cafés.
Neighbourhoods for Eating
Rhodes Old Town's restaurant scene ranges from quality traditional tavernas to tourist-oriented establishments; ask locals or check recent independent reviews to distinguish them. The New Town's Mandraki harbour area has a variety of options. In villages like Archangelos and Embonas (known for wine), local tavernas offer a more everyday Rhodian experience.
Practical Information
Emergency Numbers
In Greece, the pan-European emergency number 112 connects to police, ambulance, and fire services. The tourist police (a dedicated service for visitors) can be reached on 171 — verify this number is current before travel.
Electricity
Greece uses Type C and Type F plugs at 230V/50Hz. Travellers from North America and some other regions will need a plug adapter and possibly a voltage converter.
Internet & Connectivity
Free Wi-Fi is available at most hotels, many cafés, and some public spaces. EU roaming rules benefit travellers from EU member states. Visitors from outside the EU should check roaming charges with their provider or consider a local SIM card.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (farmakeio) are indicated by a green cross sign and are well distributed in Rhodes Town and larger towns. Pharmacists can provide basic medical advice and many speak some English.
Official Resources
For tourism information, the Greek National Tourism Organisation (gnto.gr) is the official source. Verify all opening hours, prices, and transportation at official sources or locally, as information changes.
Safety
Rhodes is generally considered a safe destination for tourists. Petty theft (pickpocketing in crowded areas such as markets and busy Old Town streets) is the most commonly reported concern; keep valuables secure and be aware in busy spaces.
Water safety: always swim at beaches with lifeguards when possible and pay attention to flag warning systems (red flag means do not enter the water). The southern beaches, including Prasonisi, can have strong currents and are popular with experienced wind-sports practitioners.
Summer heat can be intense, particularly in July and August. Heat exhaustion is a real risk for visitors who underestimate the temperature. Stay hydrated, avoid prolonged midday sun exposure, and protect children and elderly travellers carefully.
Road safety warrants attention: scooter and moped accidents involving tourists are a recurring issue on the island, particularly among those unfamiliar with the vehicles. Wear a helmet, drive defensively, and ensure your travel insurance covers motorised vehicle use.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Rhodes has one of the most layered cultural histories of any Greek island. The Knights of St John (Hospitallers) ruled from 1309 to 1522, leaving the fortified Old Town, which then passed to the Ottoman Empire for nearly four centuries. Italian rule (1912–1943) added a distinctive layer of rationalist and Venetian-revival architecture visible in the New Town. This palimpsest of civilisations makes Rhodes unusual even by Mediterranean standards.
Greek Orthodox Christianity is the predominant religion and shapes daily life, including shop closures on religious holidays and the rhythms of village festivals (panigiri). If you are visiting a church or monastery, dress modestly — covered shoulders and knees are required, and scarves or wraps are sometimes available at the entrance.
Greeks are generally hospitable to visitors who show genuine curiosity and respect. Learning a few words of Greek (kalimera for 'good morning', efharisto for 'thank you') is appreciated. Avoid loud or disruptive behaviour in residential areas of the Old Town, where people live year-round alongside the tourist activity.
