Rhodes (city) Travel Guide
City Greek island city with ancient ruins
Medieval walls and cobbled lanes funnel visitors toward the Palace of the Grand Master and the UNESCO Old Town. Travelers come for sunlit beaches, seaside tavernas serving grilled octopus, day boat trips to Lindos, and summer festivals that keep the island lively.
Why Visit Rhodes (city)? #
A crossroads of civilizations, the medieval Old Town on Rhodes Island offers thick stone walls, winding lanes and the Palace of the Grand Master for history lovers. Stroll the Mandraki harbor where yachts and fishing boats sit beside windmills, then sample local meze and fresh seafood in taverna courtyards. Animated street life and archaeological sites make the city appealing to those who want both beach time and layered heritage.
Who's Rhodes (city) For?
Rhodes city works well for families: shallow beaches like Elli, the Aquarium, and boat trips to nearby bays. The medieval Old Town has pedestrian streets safe for children, while family-friendly hotels line the northern harbour.
Strolling Rhodes Old Town, sunset at the Mandraki harbour and quiet terraces in the Old Town create intimate moments. Stay within the walled city or in nearby Lindos for picturesque views and sunset dinners.
Traditional tavernas serve meze, grilled seafood and island specialities near the harbour and in the Old Town. Prices are generally affordable; sample seaside fish tavernas and local wines at family-run places off the main tourist streets.
The island offers watersports, day trips to Lindos for cliffside climbing and scooter routes inland. Boat excursions and windsurfing at nearby beaches give active options, though the busiest summer months are crowded.
Top Things to Do in Rhodes (city)
All Attractions ›
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- Medieval Old Town of Rhodes - Walled UNESCO-listed medieval core with narrow alleys, shops, and layered Crusader history.
- Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes - Massive 14th-century fortress-palace housing period rooms and Gothic architecture, inside Old Town.
- Mandraki Harbour - Seafront harbor lined with fishing boats, windmills, and deer statues marking columns.
- Acropolis of Rhodes (Monte Smith) - Hilltop ancient ruins include a stadium, temples, and sweeping Aegean views.
- Archaeological Museum of Rhodes - Housed in the Knights' Hospital, it displays mosaics, sculptures, and local antiquities.
- Kahal Shalom Synagogue - Old Town synagogue preserving Jewish heritage, carved wood, and an intimate atmosphere.
- Suleiman Mosque - Ottoman-era mosque near the Clock Tower, quiet courtyard with historic inscriptions.
- Rodini Park - Shady riverside park featuring century-old plane trees and peaceful walking paths.
- Filerimos Hill and Monastery - Monastery, ancient acropolis remains, and a giant cross offering quieter panoramic outlooks.
- Kallithea Springs - Renovated Italian-era thermal complex with tiled courtyards, seaside terraces, and swimming spots.
- Lindos Acropolis - Clifftop ancient citadel above whitewashed Lindos village and a picturesque bay.
- Symi (Gialos Harbour) - Colorful Neoclassical waterfront, hospitable tavernas, and easy island-hopping from Rhodes.
- Valley of the Butterflies (Petaloudes) - Shaded gorge where Jersey tiger moths gather; peaceful trails and wooden bridges.
- Ancient Kamiros - Ruins of a Classical city with tiled streets, wells, and sea-facing houses.
- Prasonisi - Wind- and kite-surfing mecca at Rhodes' southern tip, split sea channels and sand.
Where to Go in Rhodes (city) #
Old Town
The medieval maze everyone remembers: cobbled streets, stone walls and tiny plazas full of cafés and shops. Old Town is where Rhodes’ history is most concentrated, great for exploring by foot and lingering over meze. It suits history lovers and anyone who enjoys getting lost among centuries-old lanes.
Top Spots
- Palace of the Grand Master - Massive medieval fortress and museum in the heart of the Old Town.
- Street of the Knights - Narrow, atmospheric lane lined with medieval buildings.
- Archaeological Museum - Good collection of local finds and history.
Mandraki Harbour
Anchored by the marina and flanked by windmills, Mandraki is Rhodes’ nautical core. It’s a good starting point for boat trips and sunset watching; bring a camera for the deer statues and waterfront atmosphere. The area is calm in the evening but full of daytime activity from ferries and excursions.
Top Spots
- Mandraki Port - The busy harbour with deer statues and views of the windmills.
- Rhodes Aquarium - Small aquarium near the harbour (seasonal opening).
- Colossus site markers - The location where the ancient Colossus once stood.
Elli Beach
Close to the Old Town, Elli is the default beach for visitors who want sun and sea without leaving the city. The shore has plenty of cafés and rental spots, and evenings get lively with bars and families strolling the promenade. It’s convenient, easy and very accessible by foot.
Top Spots
- Elli Beach - The main pebble beach with loungers, bars and clear water.
- Sea-front promenade - Cafés and casual restaurants stretching along the coast.
- Hellenic Aquarium - Nearby coastal attractions and snorkel spots.
New Town
The practical, more modern side of Rhodes where most shops, supermarkets and budget hotels sit. New Town is less photogenic but where locals run errands and nightlife spills into friendly bars. Ideal if you want cheaper rooms, varied food options and a taste of everyday island life.
Top Spots
- Orfanidou Street - Lined with restaurants and bars popular with locals.
- Eleftherias Square - Central plaza where locals gather and markets sometimes appear.
- Local bakeries & shops - Everyday conveniences and eateries.
Plan Your Visit to Rhodes (city) #
Best Time to Visit Rhodes (city) #
Visit Rhodes in late spring (May-June) or early autumn (September-October) for warm sea temperatures, abundant sunshine and far fewer crowds than peak summer. Summers are hot and lively, while winters are mild but wetter and quieter.
Best Time to Visit Rhodes (city) #
Rhodes (city)'s climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 9°C to 30°C. Moderate rainfall (792 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 9°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (163 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 15°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (132 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm).
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May
May is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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June
June is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. The driest month with just 1 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 23°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 21°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (111 mm).
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December
December is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 11°C. Significant rainfall (160 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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How to Get to Rhodes (city)
Rhodes city is served directly by Rhodes International "Diagoras" Airport (RHO) and by frequent ferries at Mandraki and the nearby commercial port. Most visitors arrive by plane to RHO or by sea on ferries from Piraeus and other Dodecanese islands.
Rhodes International “Diagoras” (RHO): The island’s main airport, about 14 km southwest of Rhodes city. Options to reach the city centre include the public airport bus (runs to Rhodes town; journey ~20-30 minutes, fare roughly €2-€3), regular taxis (around 20-30 minutes, typical fare ~€20-€30) and rental cars available at the terminal.
Charter & seasonal flights: During summer many direct international and charter services arrive; if you land on a seasonal charter flight the same transfers apply (airport bus, taxi, or rental car) with similar travel times and costs.
Train: There is no rail network on Rhodes. The nearest national rail connections are on the Greek mainland (Athens - Larissa Station / Athens Airport connections); if you need to combine rail and sea travel you would first travel to Piraeus/Athens and then take a ferry or flight to Rhodes.
Bus: KTEL Rodou (the island’s intercity bus operator) serves Rhodes city from the central KTEL bus station and runs routes across the island (town to Lindos, Kamiros, etc.). Within Rhodes town there are local municipal buses linking the harbour, old town and beaches. Typical single-trip island fares start low (a few euros) depending on distance; journeys across the island commonly take 30-90 minutes.
How to Get Around Rhodes (city)
Rhodes city is easiest to navigate on foot within the Old Town and harbour area, while a hire car or KTEL buses are the most practical ways to reach beaches and inland villages. Taxis are handy for convenience but can add up; plan ahead in high season for transport and bookings.
- Car hire (€30-€70/day) - Renting a car is the most convenient way to explore Rhodes beyond the city - roads are generally good and attractions like Lindos, the Valley of the Butterflies and quieter beaches are spread out. Book in advance for high season; be prepared for narrow streets in some villages and limited parking in Rhodes Old Town. Fuel and parking costs are additional; insurance coverage varies by provider.
- Ferry (to/from island) (€30-€80+) - Blue Star Ferries and other operators link Rhodes with Piraeus, Kos, Karpathos and nearby islands; overnight conventional ferries to Piraeus typically take around 12-17 hours, while faster services (when available) cut that time. Ferries arrive at the commercial harbour close to the city centre (Mandraki/Colony area). Book overnight crossings and cabins in advance during summer.
- KTEL buses (intercity) (€2-€12) - KTEL Rodou runs regular scheduled services between Rhodes town and the island's towns and villages (Lindos, Archangelos, Kamiros, etc.). Buses depart from the central KTEL bus station; timetables are seasonal and frequencies increase in summer. This is an affordable option, but services can be slower than driving and some rural routes run only a few times per day.
- Local buses (city) (€1.50-€3) - Local municipal/KTEL urban buses connect the harbour, airport, main beaches and parts of the city; they are cheap and useful for short transfers. Routes and frequencies are best checked locally or at the KTEL station, especially off-season when service is reduced. Buses can be crowded in high season and stops may not be well signed in English.
- Taxis (€7-€30) - Taxis are widely available at the airport, ports and around the city; they are convenient for luggage or late arrivals but more expensive than buses. Airport to Rhodes city centre takes about 20-30 minutes; agree a fare or ensure the meter is used for short trips. During busy periods wait times can increase and surcharges may apply for night or holiday trips.
- Walking - Rhodes Old Town and the waterfront are compact and best explored on foot - pedestrian streets, historic sites and seaside promenades are easily covered in a day. Wear comfortable shoes for cobbled lanes and plan for shade in summer; walking between distant beaches or inland sights is not practical.
Where to Stay in Rhodes (city) #
- Budget guesthouses (Booking listings) - Economical rooms in the old town
- Private rooms & studios (VRBO/short lets) - Cheap, self-catering small units
- Rodos Park Suites & Spa - Comfortable suites, short walk to Old Town
- Hotel Acandia - Good mid-range near beaches and shops
- Rodos Palace - Seafront luxury with pools and spa
- Mitsis Grand Hotel - Full-service resort style accommodation
- Rodos Park Suites & Spa - Central, comfortable base for sightseeing
- Rodos Palace - Good facilities and easy transport links
- Mitsis Grand Hotel - Family rooms and kids' activities available
- Rodos Palace - Large pools and family-friendly facilities
- Rodos Park Suites & Spa - Quiet suites, decent Wi‑Fi
- Apartments & long-stay rentals (Booking) - Self-catering options, more space
Where to Eat in Rhodes (city) #
Rhodes’ Old Town and harbour are where the food comes alive: tavernas and fish restaurants serve catch-of-the-day, traditional Greek mezzes and island specialties. Stroll Mandraki at sunset and you’ll spot fishermen’s haunts alongside family-run places dishing out moussaka, gemista and grilled octopus.
For a classic Rhodes meal, pick any narrow lane in the medieval city and order a selection of small plates to share. Vegetarians and pescatarians will find plenty to enjoy in the meze tradition, while a handful of more modern spots put contemporary spins on Greek ingredients.
- Tamam - Beloved Rhodes town tavern for Greek mezzes.
- Nireas - Seafood tavern near Mandraki harbour, fresh catches.
- Old Town tavernas - Try moussaka, gemista and grilled octopus in cobbled lanes.
- Marco Polo Café - International and Mediterranean mix near the promenade.
- Agalma - Contemporary plates with Mediterranean influences in the Old Town.
- Mandraki harbour cafés - Casual international choices with sea views.
- Old Town meze spots - Many tavernas offer vegetable-heavy mezzes and salads.
- Agalma (vegetarian-friendly) - Small plates with vegetable-forward options.
- Local bakeries and markets - Spanakopita, stuffed vegetables and fresh breads.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Rhodes (city)'s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Rhodes (city) #
Rhodes (city) is a classic Greek island night scene: daytime sightseeing gives way to a lively Old Town, waterfront bars at Mandraki, and beachside nightlife around Elli Beach. The medieval streets come alive after sunset with tavernas, cocktail bars and clubs that peak in summer. Expect bars and clubs to stay open very late in high season; outside of July-August things quieter. Stick to well-lit streets in the Old Town and watch for nightlife crowds around the harbor.
Best Bets
- Rhodes Old Town (Street of the Knights area) - Medieval lanes packed with bars, tavernas and late-night terraces.
- Mandraki harbour - Harborfront bars and cafés with relaxed seaside evening energy.
- Elli Beach bars and beach clubs - Day-to-night beach bars that host DJs and cocktails.
- Orfanidou Street - Linear strip of bars popular with locals and tourists alike.
- Colossus Beach Bar (seasonal) - Popular summer spot for drinks near the shoreline and sunsets.
- Live-music bars in the Old Town - Small venues offering Greek music, covers and late-night crowds.
Shopping in Rhodes (city) #
Rhodes city’s shopping is split between the medieval Old Town’s narrow lanes and the livelier modern Sokratous shopping streets. The Old Town is ideal for jewellery, leather and tourist crafts sold from family-run stalls; Sokratous in the new town has mainstream Greek chains and fashion stores. Haggling is common in souvenir and leather shops - start lower and be polite. Focus on Ippoton and the streets around the Palace for authentic finds.
Best Bets
- Ippoton (Knights') Street, Old Town - Historic lane lined with souvenir shops and traditional craft stalls.
- Sokratous Street (New Town) - Pedestrian shopping strip with fashion chains, cafes and local stores.
- Mandraki Harbour shops - Harbourfront stalls and boutiques selling jewellery and island souvenirs.
- Rhodes Old Town bazaars - Clustered stalls offering leather, silver and Cycladic-style homeware pieces.
- Local street markets (seasonal) - Pop-up markets selling food, clothing and handicrafts - check local listings.
- Electra & neighbouring lanes - Smaller boutiques and artisan shops away from the busiest tourist routes.
Digital Nomads in Rhodes (city) #
Rhodes city is an attractive option for nomads seeking island life with decent city infrastructure. For non‑EU nationals Schengen rules apply (90 days in 180); Greece also offers a national digital nomad visa that grants a residence permit (typically up to 12 months, renewable) for qualifying remote workers who meet the income threshold and application criteria.
Monthly costs vary by season: summer prices for short‑term lets rise-expect €900-€1,600 for central short‑term rentals in high season, and €600-€1,000 off‑season. Internet in town is generally usable for remote work-30-150 Mbps depending on building and provider-though rural and peripheral areas are slower. The nomad community largely peaks in summer and overlaps with tourism and seasonal events.
- Rodos Hub - local coworking, events, small teams welcome
- Regus Rhodes - business centre options, meeting rooms
- Cafés in Old Town - many cafés, harbour views, variable Wi‑Fi
- Hotel business centres - reliable lines, quieter outside tourist season
- COSMOTE - best nationwide coverage, 4G/5G where available
- Vodafone Greece - good mobile data, decent home plans
- Wind Hellas - competitive offers, variable island coverage
- Local ISP ADSL/FTTC - fibre limited, expect 30-150 Mbps in town
- Seasonal meetups - mostly in summer, many tourists meetups
- Local expat Facebook groups - housing help and informal meetups
- Digital Nomad Greece groups - national group, Rhodes shows up seasonally
- Coworking socials - small, more frequent in low season
Demographics
