Rhodes Travel Guide
An Aegean classic of medieval walls and turquoise coves
Last updated: 2026-09-05
The city's 24-hour rhythm.
Turn the dial to any hour and it tells you where you should be.
Inside the walls
See the Street of the Knights and palace area now. The main passages can grow busier with tour groups later in the day.
Rhodes: places to visit
Medieval City of Rhodes
This UNESCO-listed walled city layers the Street of the Knights with later Ottoman traces. Its real strength is not one monument but the experience of wandering through a historic district that is still lived in.
Palace of the Grand Master of Rhodes
The strongest single monument inside the Medieval City. Thick walls, a monumental courtyard and mosaic-filled rooms turn the former Knights’ headquarters into a visit worth giving its own time.
Acropolis of Lindos
Rising above the white houses of Lindos, the acropolis combines the remains of the Temple of Athena Lindia with sweeping sea views. It is one of Rhodes’ strongest history-and-scenery stops, but the summer climb is hot and exposed.
Ancient Kamiros
This well-preserved ancient city on the west coast makes everyday antiquity easy to read through its houses, agora and terraced street plan. Its sea-facing setting also makes it rewarding well beyond archaeology enthusiasts.
Valley of the Butterflies
A cool stream valley, wooden bridges and dense greenery make this feel completely different from Rhodes’ dry coast. It is known especially for the Jersey tiger moths that gather here in summer; quiet walking and not disturbing them matter.
Anthony Quinn Bay
This small cove framed by rocky slopes is one of the island’s best-known swimming spots, with clear turquoise water and good snorkeling. The beach is narrow and fills quickly in summer, so earlier hours are more comfortable.
What to eat in Rhodes
Pitaroudia
Rhodes’ crisp chickpea fritterMade with chickpeas, onion, tomato, mint and plenty of cumin, pitaroudia is one of Rhodes’ most distinctive meze dishes. Crisp and browned outside, soft inside, it is best eaten hot from the kitchen.
Lakani
The island classic slow-baked in clayGoat, chickpeas, coarse wheat or bulgur, tomato and cumin are baked for hours in an earthenware pot. Closely associated with Lindos tradition, lakani is not a quick snack but a deeply flavoured, substantial main dish.
Melekouni
Rhodes’ PGI honey-and-sesame sweetA soft, chewy sweet made with honey, toasted sesame, almonds, citrus zest and spices. Long associated with Rhodes weddings and baptisms, melekouni has held EU Protected Geographical Indication status since 2018.
Giaprakia
Rhodian-style stuffed vine leavesA local dolma made by wrapping vine leaves around coarsely chopped meat, rice, onion and herbs. Rhodian versions can lean more heavily into meat and spice than standard rice dolmades and are often served as meze.
Karavoli
Snails cooked with tomato, onion and cuminOne of the bolder dishes of Rhodian village cooking. Snails are slowly cooked with onion, tomato, olive oil, bay leaf and cumin. Unexpected on a beach island, it is a very local way to understand Rhodes beyond seafood.
Rhodian Wine
Athiri and Amorgiano from the vineyards of EmbonasViticulture is a strong tradition in Rhodes’ mountainous west. Athiri stands out among whites and Amorgiano among reds, while the island produces wines under PDO and PGI designations. Tasting around Embonas is a genuine extension of the local food experience.
Where to stay
| Areas | Medieval CityPrice: High | New Town / MandrakiPrice: Medium | Ixia / IalyssosPrice: Medium | FalirakiPrice: Medium | LindosPrice: High |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atmosphere | The most atmospheric choice for travelers who want history at the heart of their stay. The Street of the Knights, monuments and lanes inside the walls are right outside your door; on the other hand, cobblestones, vehicle access and walking with luggage can be more demanding at some properties. | One of the most balanced bases in Rhodes Town for history, beach access and transport. Mandraki harbour, New Town services and the Medieval City are close together, making it practical for travelers planning to explore the island by bus. | A balanced west-coast option between the airport and Rhodes Town for travelers who want a quieter resort-and-seafront stay than the city centre. Proximity to the airport and easy access to the west coast are the main advantages. | One of the island's liveliest resort bases for travelers who want a long beach, extensive tourism infrastructure and nightlife in one place. The municipality describes Faliraki as a particularly lively holiday area with many restaurants and bars. | A strong choice for travelers seeking a more romantic island stay around whitewashed houses, narrow stone lanes, two sheltered bays and the acropolis. However, at about 55 km from Rhodes Town, trips to the north and west of the island take longer. |
| Best for | First-time visitorsHistory and atmosphereEvening walksCar-free stays | First-time visitorsTravelers without a carShort city breaksThose who want to stay central | Resort staysStaying close to the airportWest-coast accessSea and hotel-focused holidays | Beach holidaysNightlifeGroups of friendsResort choice | Romantic tripsSceneryBeach and historySlow travel |
| Accommodation profile | PriceHighNightlifeMediumWalkabilityHigh | PriceMediumNightlifeMediumWalkabilityHigh | PriceMediumNightlifeMediumWalkabilityMedium | PriceMediumNightlifeHighWalkabilityHigh | PriceHighNightlifeMediumWalkabilityMedium |
| Transport | Mandraki and New Town are reachable on foot.For buses to other parts of the island, you need to walk outside the walls to the relevant stops. | A strong hub for access to the RODA city and west-coast network.Direct city bus and taxi options are available from the airport. | The RODA west-coast network covers the Ixia and Ialyssos corridor.The municipal fare table publishes separate airport taxi prices for Ixia and Ialyssos. | The RODA network extends to Faliraki.The municipal taxi tariff separately lists Faliraki fares for Rhodes Town and the airport. | It is reached by road from Rhodes Town.The taxi tariff lists Lindos as a separate, long-distance destination. |
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Planning notes.
Researched recommendations, practical information and route decisions.
- Explore the Old Town on foot, including the side streets around the Street of the Knights and Palace of the Grand Master.
- See both Lindos village and its acropolis in one visit, and enjoy the scenery from the bays below as well as from the hilltop.
- Give at least one day to the east-coast coves; Anthony Quinn, Ladiko or the Lindos area are strong places to start.
- If possible, avoid climbing to the Lindos acropolis around midday in July-August; shade is limited.
- Do not choose every meal only on the busiest Old Town streets; a few blocks away the atmosphere and value can change noticeably.
- Do not assume places are close just because Rhodes is an island; north-to-south drives can take much longer than expected.
- Wear comfortable shoes in the Old Town; the stone-paved streets make a real difference over a long day of walking.
- In high season, arriving in Lindos early makes the day easier both for heat and crowds.
- If you rely on buses, check the return time with the official operator before setting out; seasonal timetables can change.
Rhodes map
What will it cost me?
Figures are per-person daily USD estimates compiled from BudgetYourTrip, Numbeo and recent traveller reports. Flight/ferry tickets not included.
✓ Use the budget figures as current planning estimates rather than fixed prices; season, location and booking date can change costs significantly. · Last updated: Sep 2026
How many days?
Choose the best route for your schedule.
What to know before you go.
Tourist traps, SIM, money, taxis, safety, health, transit and language — the city in eight answers.
Do not automatically choose the first menu on the busiest Old Town squares. A few streets away, prices and atmosphere can be better balanced. Ask for a receipt in restaurants, cafés and shops; card payment is accepted by most businesses.
scamMost visitors experience Rhodes without problems, but petty theft can occur in busy areas. Keep bags and phones attended, avoid leaving valuables on the beach, and do not leave belongings visible inside a rental car.
safetySummer sun and heat should not be underestimated; carry water, a hat and high-SPF sunscreen. If you are unsure about drinking tap water, check current advice from your accommodation or the local water authority. The European emergency number is 112.
healthDo not expect one metro-style city card to cover everything. Island buses are operated by RODA and KTEL, and routes, ticket methods and seasonal schedules can vary. For Lindos, Faliraki and distant beaches, check the official operator’s current information.
cardEnglish works well in most tourist areas. A few Greek phrases such as “kaliméra” (good morning/hello), “efharistó” (thank you) and “parakaló” (please/you’re welcome) are warmly received. Place names may look different in Greek script and Latin transliteration.
languageRhodes: weather and crowds by month
🎒 What to pack
- ✔ Walking shoes
- ✔ Power adapter
- ✔ Umbrella
- ✔ Sunscreen
- ✔ Hat
- ✔ Light clothing
FLIGHTS
Airport to city
RODA direct airport busRhodes Town
The current official airport page does not give a fixed journey time; it varies with traffic and the service pattern.
Best for: Travelers staying centrally who want the lowest-cost direct public transport option.
Limitations: Frequency and times can change during the season; check the latest service through the RODA link on the airport page.
↗ Official sourceOfficial airport taxi rankRhodes Town and island destinations
Journey time depends on the destination and traffic; the current official taxi page does not give a fixed transfer time.
Best for: Late arrivals, travelers with heavy luggage and anyone wanting door-to-door transport.
Limitations: Municipal fares vary by destination and passenger count, and additional-charge conditions are also published.
↗ Official source
