Table of Contents
- 1 Rhodes, Greece Travel Information
- 2 How to Get to Rhodes Old Town
- 3 How to Get Around Rhodes
- 4 Where to Stay in Rhodes Old Town
- 5 Where to Eat in Rhodes Old Town
- 6 Restaurants Outside of Rhodes Old Town
- 7 Top Things to do in Rhodes Old Town
- 8 Other Things to do In Rhodes
- 9 What to Wear in Rhodes
- 10 Conclusion
- 11 Pin it for Later
Greece is full of extraordinary cities and rich historic destinations. However, the island of Rhodes is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating.
One of the Dodecanese islands, Rhodes, is located far out in the ocean between Turkey and the Island of Crete and is the 4th largest Greek island.
It offers the perfect combination of luxurious resorts, sandy beaches, and unbelievable notable sites.
The island has had a long and fascinating history. The Knights of St. John created the city of Rhodes and turned it into a large, fortified city that they were able to control for over 200 years.
Ottomans finally took the city from the Knights of St. John in 1522.
Throughout history, Rhodes has also been inhabited by the Greeks, Byzantines, Romans, and Italians.
As a result, modern-day Rhodes is a blend of different cultures that create one of the most glorious Greek cities we know today.
This travel guide includes the top things to do in Rhodes Old Town, the best hotel recommendations, travel tips, and other interesting Rhodes sites to explore.
Rhodes, Greece Travel Information
Climate in Rhodes
The weather is warm and sunny between May and October with little rain. Due to the impeccable weather, this is also the primary tourist season.
After that, the weather is a little cooler, with mild rain for the rest of the year.
Best Area to Stay
If this is your first time in Rhodes, I recommend staying in the Medieval Old Town near the port.
You are within walking distance of many historical sites and restaurants.
Another popular place to stay is the Lindos near the Acropolis. This part of the island has plenty of sunny beaches and resorts.
How to Get to Rhodes Old Town
Like all the Greek islands, the only way to get there is by airplane or ferry.
For most of your island-hopping experience, I would recommend taking the, but we opted to fly for Rhodes.
Being so far from the Cyclades, it is more practical to travel by plane.
A fast ferry to Athens can take a minimum of 12 hours, while flying takes just under one hour.
Some ferry companies do offer night routes, so renting a cabin for the night instead of the hotel is also a good option!
Fly into Rhodes
The Rhodes International Airport (RHO) is about 30 minutes from Old Town and about 45 minutes from Lindos.
The easiest way to get transport from the airport is by taxi, with many companies charging a standard fee.
There are also car rental services available at the airport, which I highly recommend using if you plan on exploring the large island on your own.
Take the Ferry
You can use several Ferries to get to Rhodes, including Blue Star and ANEK Lines.
The port is within walking distance of the Old Town, and many nearby offer pickup and drop-off services from the port, but you must schedule this in advance.
How to Get Around Rhodes
If you plan to stay in Rhodes Old Town, you can get away with walking most places. The town also has plenty of public transportation available at cheap rates.
However, unlike many other Greek Islands, Rhodes is not the best place to explore by ATV. I recommend renting a car if you plan on seeing the island’s different areas.
Hop on the Bus
The cheapest way to get around Rhodes Town is by bus. It is just over €2 per ticket and will take you anywhere you need.
You can download the Rhodes Public Transport App on your phone to see bus stops and routes closest to you.
Take a Taxi
Taxis are an easy way to get to and from the airport and cost about €25. If you plan to stay in Lindos or Rhodes Town, you are better off taking the bus or walking.
Taxis are best for traveling with lots of luggage or longer distances. Negotiate the trip price beforehand, so they do not upcharge you.
Rent a Car
Rhodes is one of the largest islands, so renting a car is a good idea if you plan to explore different areas.
We rented a car for the day since we wanted to visit the Acropolis of Lindos and the surrounding area. Rentals can start for as little as €40; automatic ones will cost a little more.
Also, gas is a separate fee from the rental price.
TRAVEL TIP: Besides delivering trucks, no one can drive within the Old Town. If you decide to rent a car, there is parking on the outskirts of the city walls, but it is hard to come by. However, there are several rental companies at the port. It is just a quick walk from your hotel to pick up your rental car for the day. Best of all, most of these companies are open 24 hours.
Where to Stay in Rhodes Old Town
The Old Town was where we chose to stay during our visit to Rhodes and was hands-down our favorite area.
The fortified city makes you feel like you have stepped back in time when you enter its walls. It is the oldest inhabited medieval city in Greece and is still home to around 6,000 people.
The best part of Rhodes town is getting lost in its many alleyways. The city is lively with delicious restaurants, lively bars, and historic residences!
Several boutique hotels in Old Town used to be the living quarters of the Knights of St. John.
For a unique experience, staying in Old Town is our top choice!
Kókkini Porta Rossa
The luxurious boutique hotel was originally a knight’s home back in the 15th century. The hotel has five different suites, each with a separate living room and decorated in period pieces with touches of modern amenities. With fireplaces in each room, private gardens, balconies, and complimentary breakfast, Kókkini Porta Rossa is one of the top-rated places to stay in Rhodes Old Town.
Luxury Hotel: Check Prices
10GR Hotel & Wine Bar
The 10GR Hotel and Wine Bar is a luxury hotel inside the Old Town. We absolutely loved our stay here! The rooms are built inside caves but have all the modern and luxurious amenities you need.
The rooms also have small outdoor terraces. With one of the best wine bars in Rhodes and close to the harbor and historical attractions, 10GR Hotel was the perfect place to stay for our first visit.
Mid-Range Hotel: Check Prices
S. Nikolis Historic Boutique Hotel
The S. Nikolis Historic Hotel is one of the few places to stay in the Medieval part of Old Town. The rooms are situated in a historic building dating back to the 1300s.
Each room is uniquely decorated to fit the building and has original features such as 700-year-old windows. The room also comes with a small balcony or shared patio.
Mid-Range Hotel: Check Prices
Want more options?
Check out some additional hotels and accommodations
Where to Eat in Rhodes Old Town
Having been inhabited by many different cultures over the centuries, the cuisine here is unique, offering a blend of dishes from several countries. To narrow your options, Thes are some of the most popular restaurants in Rhodes Old Town.
Marco Polo Restaurant
The Marco Polo Mansion in Old Town has one of the best restaurants around. The restaurant’s chef is known for coming up with unique twists on traditional dishes. Make sure to reserve a table in advance; they get booked quickly.
Laganis Greek Restaurant
This hidden gem is on the edge of Old Town Rhodes, away from the center of Old Town where all the shops and main restaurants are. Laganis is a popular place to eat for tourists and locals. They have some terrific seafood dishes, but I recommend they try their vegetarian platter. It was one our favorite things we ate in Rhodes.
Mama Sofia
Another great Old Town Rhodes restaurant in Mama Sofia. Run by a family, they specialize in Mediterranean cuisine and are known for their cozy atmosphere and great service.
Davinci
Davinci is hands-down the best gelato on the island. We went there several times for morning coffee and late-night treats. The shop has over 20 flavors to choose from and specialty waffle cones and milkshakes. They also have an assortment of decadent crepes and warm waffles.
Restaurants Outside of Rhodes Old Town
Mavrikos
If you decide to explore Lindos, Mavrikos is one of the best restaurants on that side of the island. One of the most well-known restaurants in Rhodes is Mavrikos. It has been open since the early 1930s and has become a popular place for locals and tourists for Greek cuisine.
Stegna Kozas
Stegna Kozas is not located in Rhodes Old Town, but it was so delicious that I had to put it on the list. The restaurant was recommended to us by a local and is a popular place for Rhodians to eat.
Top Things to do in Rhodes Old Town
Explore the Fortified City
The Old Town is the medieval city of Rhodes located near the port on the island’s northern point. The town was built in the early 1300s by the Knights of Saint John and is still the home of many Rhodes inhabitants today.
The Old Town is the largest medieval city in Europe and is a UNESCO World Heritage city.
Impressive stone walls surround the entire section of the town, which only has small cobblestone pedestrian streets.
Adorned with flying buttresses and hidden courtyards, the Old Town should be on the top of everyone’s itinerary.
Many people have heard of the Old Town of Rhodes as the home to the Colossus of Rhodes over 2,000 years ago, flanking the harbor entrance near the city.
The giant statue of Helios has long disappeared, but the charming town with its narrow streets, churches, and Greek, Ottoman, and Italian architecture is still very much intact.
Walk Along Mandraki Harbor
The harbor is located on the northern tip of Rhodes, close to Rhodes City. Said to be the home of the legendary Colossus of Rhodes, it is a must-see.
The giant statue was said to guard the entrance to the harbor and is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Unfortunately, the statue no longer remains (if it indeed ever did), but you can see the two deer statues of “Elefos” and “Elaina” that stand in its place.
You can also explore the St. Nicholas Fortress and medieval windmills. The fortress is quite impressive to see. It was built as a guard tower in the 15th century and developed into a large protective fortress in 1480.
Learn About the Street of the Knights
Another exciting place in Old Town Rhodes is the Street of the Knights. The ancient, cobbled streets are where many of the city’s knights lived.
It runs between the Knight’s Hospital (now a museum) and the Palace of the Grand Master.
As part of the Knight’s Quarter, different inns housed the knights based on their homeland. Each is adorned with a crest from that specific country.
There are several old buildings that you can stay in during your trip to Rhodes if you are looking for an authentic experience. Others are open to the public as free exhibits.
Visit the Palace of the Grand Master
The palace is one of the very few Gothic architecture in Greece. It was initially constructed as a citadel; in the 14th century, it was turned into a palace for the Grand Masters.
Finally, in the 20th century, the castle was home to the Italian dictator Benito Mussolini. Walking inside, you feel like you have been transported back in time.
The palace is full of marble sculptures, mosaics, and ancient artwork. There are even several outdoor spaces with well-preserved mosaics. It is one of the best things to do in Old Town Rhodes.
The entrance is €12, and the palace is open daily except Monday.
TRAVEL TIP: Purchase the Rhodes Pass for only €10. It allows you entrance to four museums in Old Town.
Explore the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes
The museum is in the Hospital of St. John on the Street of the Nights in Old Town. Inside, you find important sculptures and relics from ancient civilizations that inhabited Rhodes for thousands of years.
Make sure to explore the outdoor exhibits as well. There is a beautiful rooftop terrace and gardens with exquisite frescoes and statues on display.
Other Things to do In Rhodes
Stroll Through the Village of Lindos
The village of Lindos is worth exploring, full of winding streets, white-washed buildings, and nightlife.
It is located under the Acropolis and makes for a perfect afternoon stop after exploring the ruins.
Spend the afternoon getting lost in all the little boutiques and shops before relaxing on one of Lindos’s nearby beaches.
Climb the Acropolis of Lindos
The Acropolis is one of the top places to visit while on Rhodes. Now in ruins, the Acropolis once held important battlements and a temple.
It was first used by the Mycenaeans in the 7th century BC as a place of worship and later used by the Ottomans and Knights of St. John as a defense post.
The Acropolis of Lindos can be visited for only €12 and opens at 8:00 daily. To avoid the large crowds, try to get there when it opens.
Relax at Kallithea Spring
This hot spring has been popular for thousands of years due to its “restorative properties” of the water. In the 1930s, scientists visited the springs to research the reasons behind their famous health benefits.
But unfortunately, the research was cut short during WWII when the Germans occupied the area.
The thermal spa has been repurposed into a resort with beach bars, a rotunda, cafes, and a five-star resort.
Although the water no longer has the magical properties that made it once so popular, the water is crystal clear here, and the beach itself has dozens of luxurious amenities.
Soak up Some Sun at the Beach
There are plenty of beautiful beaches in Rhodes, each offering something different.
From pebble beaches to soft sand, hidden coves, and live beachside restaurants, there is nothing better than relaxing at the beach after a morning of exploring. Here are some of the most popular Rhodes beaches
St Paul’s Bay
What better place than on a sandy beach peering up at the Lindos Acropolis? Situated in a bay, the water here is much calmer and warmer than in most other areas.
It also has a beautiful beach bar with luxurious lounge chair rentals. On one end of the beach, you will also find a smaller pebble beach that may be a little less crowded than the sandy side. St. Paul’s was our personal favorite!
Agios Pavlos Beach
If you are looking for a quiet and relaxing place to enjoy the clear blue water, this is the perfect one. It is much smaller than other beaches in Rhodes and much less busy than places like Elli Beach.
Lindos Beach
Lindos beach is one of the most extensive beaches in Rhodes. You can get to it by climbing stairs from the village. One of the livelier beaches with several amenities, it is easily one of the most popular ones.
If you have time, swim out to Pallas beach and Sea Caves.
Elli Beach
Elli Beach is on the island’s north end, a short walk from Rhodes town. The beach is perfect for swimming and offers sunbed rentals and plenty of beach bars.
However, it is known mainly for its large concrete diving board in the middle of the water. It gets very crowded during the summer, so make sure to go early to secure a good spot!
Anthony Quinn Bay
The bay is named after the famous actor Anthony Quinn who fell in love with it while filming Guns of Navarone. The water here is crystal clear with no current and encased in rocky cliffs.
So many people come here just for the pictures! It is one of the most photographed beaches on Rhodes.
Ladiko Beach
Close to Anthony Quinn Bay, you will find the smaller Ladiko Beach. The smaller cove makes it perfect for families as it is much quieter than other nearby beaches.
The crystal clear water is pretty shallow and is the perfect place for snorkeling and swimming. Ladiko Beach also has a small taverna on the sand if you get hungry.
Tragnaou Beach
Home to the magnificent Tragnaou Caves, this is the perfect place for sun and relaxation. The caves are spread apart along the coast and can be explored from the water.
The beach is pebbled, so you may want to bring some water shoes with you. You can also use one of the available sunbeds. There is also a seafood taverna on the beach with facilities.
What to Wear in Rhodes
During the summer, the weather will be in the high 70s to low 80s with lots of sunshine.
You will spend most of your trip outdoors, so pack lots of swimsuits, coverups, and other beach apparel. I would also bring a couple of sunhats and flip-flops.
Also, make sure to pack some athletic clothes and sneakers.
You will be doing a good bit of walking, and if you are looking for a more adventurous experience, some mountain climbs.
There are several isolated castles around the island, which will require some effort!
Conclusion
The island of Rhodes is steeped in hundreds of years of history. With so many things to do in Rhodes Old Town alone, this island makes the list of one of the best Greek destinations to visit.
Enjoyed this post? Here are some other Greece destinations!
Santorini
- Santorini 3 Day Itinerary & Travel Guide
- The Greatest Things to do in Oia, Santorini
- Guide to Santorini’s Magical Amoudi Bay
- Mykonos vs. Santorini – A Detailed Comparison
Milos
- The Ultimate Milos, Greece Travel Guide
- The Top 10 Best Beaches in Milos
- 10 Best Restaurants in Milos, Greece
Mykonos
- Mykonos Travel Guide: How to Plan the Perfect Island Getaway
- Mykonos Day Trips: Visit Delos Island
- Mykonos vs. Santorini – A Detailed Comparison
Rhodes
Other Greek Destinations
Travel Planning Resources
BOOK YOUR FLIGHT | Skyscanner is the top search engine for finding and booking flights. They price check over 1,200 travel sites to help you find the best prices.
VIEW ACCOMMODATIONS | For booking hotels and vacation rentals Booking.com is a top resource . They offer some of the cheapest rates and different payment options.
PLAN TRANSPORTATION | Discover Cars is my go-to site when booking rentals. They work with hundreds of companies worldwide to help you find the best car for your needs and budget.
SCHEDULE YOUR TOURS | There are many top companies available in Europe. Get Your Guide is one of the best sites for tours, excursions, and activities. Viator is another terrific website for all types of experiences.
GET TRAVEL INSURANCE | Having travel insurance is always a good idea. World Nomads is one of the top travel insurance companies. It will cover you if you must cancel your trip or if something unexpected happens.
Check out the resource page for additional travel planning resources.
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