Rhodes City Guide

This Rhodes City Guide explores the UNESCO-listed Old Town's labyrinthine streets and the ancient Acropolis rising above the whitewashed village of Lindos.

Rhodes offers a seamless blend of ancient history and cosmopolitan energy. The heart of the island beats within the UNESCO-listed Medieval City of Rhodes, where the Palace of the Grand Master and the Street of the Knights stand as testament to the Order of St. John. Wandering these cobblestone alleys, perhaps on an e-bike or Segway, reveals a living museum of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture.

Beyond the city walls, the village of Lindos is a mandatory stop. Perched high above the turquoise sea, the ancient Acropolis of Lindos offers breathtaking vistas, while the village below provides a maze of white-washed houses and narrow paths. For those seeking active exploration, the island’s rugged coastline is best experienced from the water. Sea kayaking along the Pirates Route or joining a private catamaran cruise allows for swimming in secluded coves.

Rhodes is also a haven for culinary enthusiasts and nature lovers. Inland, traditional villages offer hands-on cooking classes and wine tastings guided by local sommeliers, showcasing the island’s rich viticulture. Whether navigating the terrain on an ATV quad tour or relaxing on a fishing boat BBQ excursion, the island provides a diverse range of experiences that cater to both history buffs and adventure seekers alike.

While most visitors flock to the Mandraki Harbor or the Lindos Acropolis, locals often head inland or toward the rugged western coast to find a quieter rhythm.

Rising above the coastline, Profitis Ilias offers a cool, forested escape. The Italian-built Elafos and Elafina hotels look more like Alpine lodges than Aegean retreats. It is an ideal spot for hiking under the shade of Aleppo pines and spotting the rare Dama-Dama deer.

For a true taste of the island's agricultural heart, visit Embonas. Nestled at the foot of Mount Attavyros, this village is the center of the island’s wine production. Residents gather here at rustic tavernas to enjoy robust red wines and traditional grilled meats, particularly the locally famous lamb chops.

For a sunset that rivals any on the island without the heavy crowds, head to the ruins of Kritinia Castle. Perched on a cliff overlooking the Dodecanese islands of Halki and Alimia, this Venetian fortress provides a dramatic backdrop for the golden hour, blending history with panoramic Aegean views.

Getting around the city of Rhodes is best experienced on foot, especially within the medieval Old Town where motor vehicles are largely restricted. For travel beyond the historical walls, the island operates two reliable bus networks: RODA, which services the city and the western coast, and KTEL, which covers the eastern villages and beaches. Both networks operate out of central hubs near the New Market (Nea Agora), making it easy to hop between the city's modern districts and coastal attractions.

Taxis are plentiful and can be found at designated stands throughout the city or hailed via the Uber app, which functions as a digital booking service for licensed taxis. For those looking to explore the island's more remote corners at their own pace, renting a car or scooter is a popular choice. The road network is straightforward, though parking near the city center can be challenging during the peak summer months.

Budgeting for transport is relatively simple due to fixed pricing on many popular routes. A bus ticket from Rhodes International Airport to the city center costs approximately €2.60, while a taxi for the same journey is roughly €33. For a day trip to the iconic village of Lindos, expect to pay around €5.50 for a bus or €55 for a taxi. Shorter taxi rides, such as from Rhodes Town to the lively resort of Faliraki, typically cost between €18 and €22.

Shopping in Rhodes offers a delightful contrast between the labyrinthine alleys of the Medieval City and the cosmopolitan boutiques of the New Town. Sokratous Street serves as the primary artery for shoppers in the Old Town, where you can find everything from high-quality leather sandals and handmade gold jewelry to traditional ceramics inspired by ancient designs. For a more modern experience, head to the Mandraki area in the New Town, which hosts international brands and upscale fashion boutiques catering to high-end tastes.

Visitors should prioritize authentic Rhodian products like melekouni (a honey and sesame sweet), locally produced olive oil, and award-winning wines from regional vineyards. Artisanal crafts are also abundant; the island is famous for its intricate embroidery and Lindos-style ceramics. Whether you are browsing for a simple sea sponge at a market stall or investing in a bespoke piece of jewelry, Rhodes provides a rich variety of treasures for every budget.

The shoulder seasons of May to June and September to mid-October offer the ideal balance for a visit to Rhodes. During these months, the Mediterranean weather is pleasantly warm for swimming and exploring the medieval Old Town without the stifling heat of mid-summer. Prices for accommodations are more competitive, and the island’s famous sites, like the Acropolis of Lindos, are far less crowded than during the peak holiday period.

July and August bring vibrant energy and high temperatures, making it the prime time for nightlife and beach lovers, though visitors should expect premium pricing and significant crowds. Conversely, the winter months are quiet and budget-friendly, but many coastal resorts and tourist facilities close for the season. For the perfect blend of sparkling sapphire skies and a more relaxed pace, late spring and early autumn are the most rewarding times to arrive.

Language: Greek

• Γεια σας (Yia sas) — Hello
• Καλημέρα (Kalimera) — Good Morning
• Καλησπέρα (Kalispera) — Good Evening
• Αντίο (Adio) — Goodbye
• Ευχαριστώ (Efcharisto) — Thank You
• Πού είναι ______; (Pou einai ______?) — Where is ______?
• Παρακαλώ (Parakalo) — Please
• Πού είναι η τουαλέτα; (Pou einai i toualeta?) — Where is the bathroom?
• Πού είναι ο Κολοσσός; (Pou einai o Kolossos?) — Where is the Colossus? (An optimistic question for a landmark missing since 226 BC.)