Rhodes City Guide

Rhodes is a captivating blend of medieval grandeur and sun-drenched Mediterranean beauty. The UNESCO-listed Old Town serves as the island’s historical heart, where the Palace of the Grand Master towers over cobblestone lanes and the perfectly preserved Street of the Knights. Exploring this fortified labyrinth reveals centuries of Byzantine, Ottoman, and Crusader history at every turn.

Beyond the city walls, the island offers breathtaking natural landscapes and ancient ruins. The village of Lindos is a must-see, featuring whitewashed houses clinging to a hillside beneath a majestic ancient Acropolis and overlooking a turquoise bay. For those seeking relaxation, the crystal-clear waters of Anthony Quinn Bay and the golden sands of Tsambika Beach provide the perfect backdrop for a quintessential Greek island escape.

While the Medieval City and Lindos command most attention, local Rhodians find their peace in the island's quieter corners. Escape the midday heat at Agios Soulas, a serene pine forest near Soroni where families gather for picnics and shade. In the city itself, wander through the Niohori neighborhood; its narrow streets and Italian-era mansions offer a glimpse into the local lifestyle away from the harbor front. For a dip, skip the crowded sunbeds and head to the rocky inlets of Kavourakia, where the water is crystal clear and the vibe is purely authentic.

Navigating Rhodes is most rewarding when blending historical walks with the island’s reliable transport network. The UNESCO-listed Old Town is a pedestrian sanctuary where motorized vehicles are restricted, making comfortable shoes your best asset. For travel across the city and toward the west coast, look for the blue RODA buses, while the orange KTEL buses efficiently link the capital to eastern gems like Lindos and Faliraki.

Taxis are a convenient alternative and can be found at designated ranks or hailed via apps like Uber, which partners with local drivers. For those eager to discover secluded beaches at their own pace, car and scooter rentals are widely available. Keep in mind that while the coastal roads are well-paved, the narrow streets of the newer city districts can become congested during the high season.

Budgeting for your journey is straightforward due to fixed-rate zones. A taxi from Rhodes International Airport to the city center costs approximately €25 to €30, while the shuttle bus offers a more economical alternative at roughly €2.50. To reach the iconic village of Lindos from the city, expect to pay around €5.50 for a bus ticket or approximately €55 for a one-way taxi ride.

Shopping in Rhodes offers a captivating blend of medieval charm and modern luxury. In the UNESCO-listed Old Town, particularly along Sokratous Street, you will find artisanal leather goods, handmade ceramics, and intricate gold jewelry that reflects the island's long history. This area is perfect for those seeking unique souvenirs, from traditional olive oil soaps to the iconic Rhodian umbrellas, which have been a local specialty for decades.

For a more contemporary experience, head to the New Town around Cyprus Square. This district caters to high-end shoppers with a variety of international fashion houses, designer boutiques, and sophisticated Greek brands. Whether you are browsing for budget-friendly finds or luxury items, the sleek storefronts of the modern city provide a sharp, stylish contrast to the rustic stalls of the historic center.

Don't leave without sampling some of the island's gastronomic treasures. Look for local honey and Melekouni, a traditional sesame and honey snack. The local markets are also excellent for sourcing aromatic herbs and high-quality olive oils, allowing you to take an authentic taste of the Dodecanese home with you.

In Rhodes, tipping is a gesture of appreciation rather than a strict obligation. At local tavernas and restaurants, leaving a gratuity of 5% to 10% is customary if service is not already included on the bill. For smaller transactions at cafes or bars, rounding up to the nearest euro is a friendly way to show thanks. The local currency is the Euro (€), which currently trades at approximately 1.10 USD to 1 EUR.

When navigating the island by taxi, rounding up the fare is generally sufficient. For hotel staff, such as porters or housekeeping, a small tip of one or two euros provides a kind acknowledgment of their service. While service charges are occasionally integrated into the price, leaving a small amount of cash ensures your gratitude reaches the staff directly.

The ideal time to visit Rhodes is during the shoulder seasons of May to June and September to October. During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm for swimming and sightseeing without the intense heat of midsummer. Visitors will find more competitive pricing on accommodations and significantly smaller crowds at iconic sites like the Acropolis of Lindos and the medieval Old Town.

July and August offer the most vibrant atmosphere and guaranteed sunshine, though they come with peak prices and dense crowds. Conversely, while winter is the most budget-friendly period, many tourist services close and the weather can be unpredictable. For the perfect balance of sparkling Aegean waters and a relaxed pace, early autumn remains the standout choice.