Rhodes Island Tourism (2024) - Greece > Top Places, Travel Guide

Rhodes Island Travel Packages

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Top places within Rhodes Island

Lindos

Faliraki

"The Island Of Knights"

Rhodes Island Tourism

One of the southernmost islands in the Greek group of islands, Rhodes is locally known as Rodos. It is the fourth biggest island of Greece and is popular for its stunning beaches, fascinating culture and architecture with delicious food. Rhoes island offers an amazing landscape, picturesque countryside, spectacular valleys, serene villages, high-ridden castles and some of the best isolated paradisiac beaches.

A melange of medieval and modern character, Rhodes consists of the fortified old town and the neoclassical, modern new town. The Old Town of Rhodes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe's best-preserved medieval towns. It is home to stunning archaeological sites like the Venetian Castle, Street of the Knights and the Palace of the Grand Master. Apart from being an ancient cultural site, Rhodes is Eden for adventure lovers. The islands boast some of the best hiking trails and diving trips to several shipwrecks along the coast.

Home to some of the most important ancient towns in Greece, Rhodes has an impressive past with beautiful sandy beaches. The beaches here are gravel, not sand, and the island has almost 300 days of sunshine. This makes Rhodes one of Greece's most family-friendly and kid-safe summer destinations. Dining for regional cuisine, visiting ancient sites and learning about the knights of Malta is included in some of the best activities to do on Rhodes.

Sightseeing: Rhodes can best be explore by a rented car or bike. Cars are available for at around EUR40 per day and scooters around EUR 15-18 per day.
Airport Transfers: Bus terminal is located between two terminal of Diagoras International Airport. It is operational from 6:30 AM to midnight. Single ticket costs EUR 2.30.
Taxis are available for almost everywhere with flat charges. Charges are mentioned on the signage in front of taxi stand. It is around EUR 22 for Old Town Rhodes.
Both taxi and buses take only cash.
Opening Hours: During Summer and Spring, shops and markets open in the morning until late at night.
Winter opening hours for shops and mini markets: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM, 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM; Wednesday, Saturday: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM.
Restaurants open till late at night.
Itinerary Planning: Old Town, surrounded by fortified walls with seven gates, is a perfect starting point for the Rhodes tour.
Within Old Town: Walking in Old town within fortification is easy, but its not wheelchar-friendly as the streets are cobble-stoned and has some stairs.
Boat Trips to Symi and Lindos: These boat trips can be taken from one of the three ports in Rhodes town- Mandraki Port, located within city center.

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Things To Do In Rhodes Island

Old Town Rhodes

Acropolis of Lindos

Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes

Butterflies Valley

Tsambika Beach

Mandraki Marina & Port

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Top Hotels In Rhodes Island

Marini Seaside

10.0 (176 reviews)

$ 168 onwards

Porolithos Boutique Hotel

9.9 (426 reviews)

$ 140 onwards

Essence Suites Downtown Suites - Adults Only

9.9 (235 reviews)

AF Lindia Nature Design Hotel

9.9 (165 reviews)

Nama Retreat

9.9 (104 reviews)

$ 122 onwards

Koukos Rhodian Guesthouse - Adults Only

9.8 (305 reviews)

$ 172 onwards

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More on Rhodes Island Travel

Shopping in Rhodes

There are plenty of shops and minimarkets throughout Rhodes, especially, the Old Town. The markets have all kinds of places ranging from grocery markets and bakeries to art and souvenirs. Buying jewellery in gold and silver and antique reproduction jewellery is pretty popular in Rhodes. Socrates street is popular for leather goods. Several pottery products from ancient Aegean islander art can be found in several souvenir shops. The items that can be bought as souvenirs include honey, sweets, oregano, wine and liquor. From the rhodian market one should, especially, consider buying handmade leather sandals crafted by local artisans.

Nightlife in Rhodes

Rhodes is a known cosmopolitan island among all Greek islands. It offers cafes, bars, clubs, beach parties, DJs and discotheques that stay open till morning. Concentrated mainly in Rhodes town along with tourist resorts in Lindos, Ialysos and Faliraki, these offer tourists unforgettable nights. The nightlife epicentre in Rhodes is the famous Bar street, located near the city's waterfront. The street has numerous options of busy bars and clubs that operate all night and include nightclubs specifically which offer a variety of music genres. The triangle between Mandilara, Griva and Iroon Polytechniou Street is another place full of pubs, restaurants and cafes devoid of the typical Greek night atmosphere. Although there are several taverns where one can enjoy drinks with live music. Most of these amazing clubs, bars and pubs can be found around piazza Evdimou and along Socratous.

History of Rhodes

Another name for Rhodes was Telchina as it was first inhabited by Telchines who were skilled metal workers living on the island in the Prehistoric age. However, the first humans to reside on the island were the Carians, a tribe from Asia Minor. It was then inhabited by the Phoenicians, Minoans, Archaeans and Bellicose Dorians.

During the 5th century, after defeating the Persians, Rhodes joined the Delian league under Athens. In 408 BC, it laid the foundation of the city of Rhodes. In the early 1st century, Rhodes was easily destroyed by the Persians, Seljuks and Saracens in time-to-time attacks. During the rule of the Knights, the island gained power in Eastern Mediterranean. Gates, thick-high walls, hospitals, churches, palaces and Inns were built during this period. Rhodes has managed to successfully retain the architecture to this day. During the 7th century, the island was converted into a bastion. During the Knight rule, Rhodes saw prosperity and economic advancement. Turks exploited Rhodes as they did with all of Greece. Rhodes was then ruled by the British.

Where to Stay

Among 43 towns and villages of Rhodes, Rhodes town and Lindos are the best choices for first-time visitors as it is well connected to all the major attractions through public transport. Faliraki and Kallithea beaches are popular for their nightlife. Stegna, Haraki, Kolymbia and Kalathos are great for families and couples. Lardos make a perfect location for countryside lovers. Pefkos is a great choice for families. Ixia/Ialyssos is best for beach lovers.

Suggested Itinerary for Rhodes Island

Day 1: Start day 1 by diving into the beautiful waters of Elli Beach or Anthony Quinn Bay. Spend the day by the beach to explore bars and cafes around Elli Beach.

Day2: Wander around the cobbled streets of the medieval town of Rhodes and explore traditional Ellinikos Kafes. Here you can enjoy the architecture that ranges from Turkish mosques and Byzantine churches to oriental frescoes and medieval fountains. By afternoon head towards the Acropolis of Rhodes. After this, you can also visit the Palace of Grand Master and the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes.

Day 3: Start the morning by taking a ferry to Symi island. Land at Yialos, rent a scooter and drive towards Chorio or Ano Symi. After climbing up to Chorio for Panoramic vistas, head to beaches like Nonou and Agia Marina for a dip. Alternatively, visit Panormitis Monastery in the southern part of the island.

Day 4: Start by driving towards Tsambika Monastery. Spend the afternoon exploring the Valley of Butterflies before returning to Rhodes town.

Day 5: Drive to the Acropolis of Lindos and spend the day exploring this site and its temples. If time allows, hit St. Paul’s Bay for a swim and a sunbath.