Rhodes Travel Guide: Best Time to Visit, Top Things to Do, Costs & Tips

Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese islands and one of the most historic places in Greece. Once home to the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the island is famous for its Medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by the Knights of St John. Beyond the walled city, Rhodes offers the clifftop acropolis and whitewashed village of Lindos, sandy beaches, green valleys, and more than 300 days of sunshine a year. With a mix of history, beaches, nightlife and family-friendly resorts, Rhodes appeals to every type of traveller. This Rhodes travel guide covers the best time to visit, the top places to see, where to stay, how to get there and around, costs, entry rules and practical local tips.

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Best Time to Visit Rhodes

Rhodes has one of the sunniest climates in Europe, with hot, dry summers and mild winters.

Spring (April–May) is ideal, with temperatures of 20–26°C, blooming flowers and fewer tourists. Greek Orthodox Easter brings religious celebrations.

Summer (June–August) is hot, around 30–35°C, and busy. It's the best time for beach holidays and nightlife in Faliraki. The Butterfly Valley is at its best from June to August.

Autumn (September–October) offers warm seas, comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds.

Winter (November–March) is mild, around 12–18°C, but many resorts close. Rhodes Town remains lively year-round.

Top Places to Visit in Rhodes

1. Medieval Old Town

One of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe, surrounded by 4 km of walls. Explore cobbled streets, gates, mosques, churches and the Hippocrates Square with its fountain.

2. Palace of the Grand Master

The imposing palace of the Knights of St John, rebuilt by the Italians in the 1930s, features mosaics, medieval exhibits and grand halls.

3. Street of the Knights

A beautifully preserved medieval street lined with the "Inns" of the different nationalities of the Knights.

4. Lindos

A whitewashed village on the east coast, crowned by the Acropolis of Lindos, with ancient temples and spectacular sea views. Below, St Paul's Bay is a beautiful cove for swimming. You can reach the acropolis on foot (donkey rides are discouraged for animal welfare reasons).

5. Mandraki Harbour

The harbour where the Colossus is said to have stood. Today, deer statues mark the entrance, along with three medieval windmills and the Fort of St Nicholas.

6. Anthony Quinn Bay

A small, picturesque cove with emerald water, named after the actor who filmed The Guns of Navarone here.

7. Butterfly Valley (Petaloudes)

A green valley with streams and waterfalls, home to thousands of Jersey tiger moths in summer.

Also worth visiting: the Archaeological Museum, the Acropolis of Rhodes on Monte Smith hill, Kallithea Springs, the Seven Springs, Filerimos Monastery, Kamiros ancient city and Prasonisi, a windsurfing hotspot at the southern tip where two seas meet.

Beyond the Island

• Symi: A colourful neoclassical harbour town, about 1 hour by boat.
• Turkey: Day trips by ferry to Marmaris or Fethiye (passport required).
• Halki: A small, peaceful island off the west coast.
• Kos: Another Dodecanese island with beaches and history.

Suggested 4-Day Rhodes Itinerary

Day 1 – Rhodes Old Town: Explore the Old Town, the Palace of the Grand Master and the Street of the Knights, then walk the walls and enjoy dinner in a taverna.

Day 2 – Lindos: Visit the Acropolis of Lindos early, swim at St Paul's Bay, and stop at Anthony Quinn Bay on the way back.

Day 3 – Inland Rhodes: Visit Butterfly Valley, the Seven Springs and Filerimos, then the ancient city of Kamiros.

Day 4 – Symi: Take a boat trip to Symi for its colourful harbour and the Panormitis Monastery.

Rhodes Food Scene

Rhodian cuisine combines Greek and Eastern Mediterranean flavours. Try pitaroudia (chickpea fritters), matsi (handmade pasta), lakani (slow-cooked goat or lamb), melekouni (sesame and honey bars) and fresh seafood. Rhodes also produces wine, especially in the village of Embonas, and souma, a local spirit.

The Knights of St John

In 1309, the Knights Hospitaller of St John, a religious military order formed during the Crusades, conquered Rhodes and ruled the island for more than 200 years. They built the massive fortifications, the Palace of the Grand Master and the hospital that now houses the Archaeological Museum. The Knights were divided into "tongues" by language, such as France, Italy, Spain and England, and each group had its own inn on the Street of the Knights. In 1522, after a long siege, Suleiman the Magnificent captured Rhodes, and the Knights moved to Malta. Rhodes remained under Ottoman rule until 1912, then Italian rule, before joining Greece in 1947.

Best Beaches in Rhodes

• Tsambika: Golden sand below a hilltop monastery.
• St Paul's Bay: A sheltered cove below the Lindos acropolis.
• Anthony Quinn Bay: Emerald water and rocks, ideal for snorkelling.
• Faliraki: A long beach with water sports.
• Prasonisi: Where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean; perfect for windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Where to Stay in Rhodes

• Rhodes Old Town: Atmospheric boutique hotels inside the walls.
• Rhodes New Town: Convenient, with beaches and restaurants.
• Lindos: Romantic whitewashed houses and views.
• Faliraki: Lively, with nightlife and a long beach.
• Ialyssos and Ixia: Resorts close to the airport, known for windsurfing.
• Kiotari and Lardos: Quieter resorts on the southeast coast.

Greece charges a climate resilience fee per room per night, from €2 for 1–2 star hotels to €15 for 5-star hotels in high season. Compare hotel prices and availability in Rhodes here.

Getting There & Around

Flying to Rhodes

Rhodes International Airport (RHO) is about 14 km southwest of Rhodes Town, with many seasonal flights from Europe and year-round flights from Athens. Search and compare cheap flights to Rhodes to find the best fares.

Buses and taxis connect the airport with Rhodes Town in about 20–30 minutes.

By Ferry

Ferries connect Rhodes with Piraeus (about 13–15 hours), the Dodecanese islands and Turkey.

Getting Around

• KTEL and RODA buses: Connect Rhodes Town with resorts and villages.
• Car rental: Recommended for exploring the island.
• Boats: Day trips from Mandraki Harbour.
• Walking: The Old Town is best explored on foot.

Travel Costs in Rhodes

Rhodes is good value compared with the Cyclades. Greece uses the euro (EUR).

Visa & Entry Requirements

Greece is part of the Schengen Area.

• EU/EEA and Swiss citizens: Travel freely with a valid ID card or passport.
• Visa-free visitors: Citizens of the US, UK, Canada, Australia and many other countries can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
• EES: Non-EU travellers register fingerprints and a facial image at their first Schengen entry.
• ETIAS: Officially expected in the last quarter of 2026 (expected fee €20), with reports of a possible delay to 2027. Check the official EU ETIAS website.
• Turkey day trips: Turkey is outside the Schengen Area; bring your passport and check visa requirements.

Local Tips for Rhodes

• Wildfire safety: Rhodes was hit by major wildfires in July 2023. In summer, follow fire bans and register for emergency alerts (112).
• Start early: Visit Lindos early in the morning to avoid heat and crowds.
• Beaches: The east coast is calmer; the west coast is windier.
• Toilet paper: Put toilet paper in the bin.
• Tipping: Around 5–10% in restaurants is appreciated.
• Staying connected: EU roaming applies to EU SIM cards; non-EU visitors can use a travel eSIM. Get your Greece eSIM here.

Tours & Experiences

• Old Town walking tour: Discover the Knights' history.
• Lindos boat trip: Sail along the east coast.
• Symi day trip: Visit the colourful island.
• Island tour by jeep: Explore inland villages.
• Wine tasting in Embonas: Taste local wines.

Browse and book the best tours in Rhodes here.

FAQ

What is Rhodes famous for?

Its medieval Old Town, the Palace of the Grand Master, Lindos and the ancient Colossus of Rhodes.

How do I get from Rhodes Airport to the Old Town?

By bus or taxi in about 20–30 minutes.

Can I visit Turkey from Rhodes?

Yes. Ferries go to Marmaris and Fethiye; bring your passport.

How many days do you need in Rhodes?

Five to seven days to explore the island.

Is Rhodes good for families?

Yes. It has calm beaches, resorts and historic sites.

Conclusion

Rhodes layers crusader history over Greek-island sunshine, from the walled Old Town and Lindos acropolis to windsurfing at Prasonisi. Few islands combine this much history with this much beach.

Plan ahead: book your tours and activities on GetYourGuide, and get ready to discover Rhodes.