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Overview
Rhodes is the largest island of the Dodecanese archipelago in the southeastern Aegean Sea and one of Greece's most visited destinations. Its capital, also called Rhodes, sits at the island's northern tip and combines one of the best-preserved medieval urban complexes in Europe with a busy modern port city.
The city's layered history is immediately visible: a walled medieval Old Town built largely by the Knights of St John (14th–16th centuries), traces of Ottoman and Jewish presence, and a lively modern New Town just outside the walls. That Old Town was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1988 and remains the cultural heart of any visit.
Beyond history, the city functions as a practical hub. Ferries connect to Athens, other Dodecanese islands, and the Turkish coast; an international airport receives direct flights from across Europe; and the local economy is geared toward accommodating visitors of widely varying budgets and interests.
Before You Go
Visas
Rhodes is part of Greece and therefore part of the Schengen Area. Visa requirements vary significantly by nationality. Do not rely on this guide for visa rules — check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official website of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs or your nearest Greek consulate well before travel.
Health
No vaccinations are specifically required for Greece, but keeping routine immunisations current is advisable. EU/EEA citizens should carry a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Non-EU visitors should carry comprehensive travel health insurance. Pharmacies (marked with a green cross) are plentiful in Rhodes city and can assist with minor ailments.
What to Pack
- Sunscreen with high SPF — the summer sun is intense
- Comfortable walking shoes; the Old Town's cobblestone Street of the Knights and surrounding lanes are uneven
- A light layer for evenings, especially in shoulder seasons
- Modest clothing if you plan to visit churches or monasteries
Money
ATMs are readily available in the New Town and near the main Old Town gates. Many establishments accept cards, but smaller tavernas and market stalls may prefer cash. Verify current exchange rates and any foreign transaction fees with your bank before departure.
Getting There
By Air
Diagoras International Airport (IATA: RHO) is located approximately 14 km southwest of Rhodes city. It receives direct scheduled and charter flights from Athens (year-round, roughly 45 minutes) and numerous European cities, particularly during the April–October season. For flight times and schedules, check with airlines or booking platforms directly.
By Sea
Rhodes is well connected by ferry to Piraeus (Athens' main port), other Dodecanese islands (Kos, Patmos, Kalymnos, Symi, and more), and Crete. High-speed and conventional ferry services operate, with journey times varying considerably. Ferry timetables change seasonally — verify current schedules and book ahead in peak summer months via ferry operators or aggregator sites. There are also regular passenger and car-ferry connections to Marmaris, Turkey (verify current service status and Turkish entry requirements before planning this crossing).
From the Airport
Taxis, local buses, and pre-booked private transfers connect the airport to the city. Confirm current fares and bus route numbers locally or on the official Rhodes municipal transport website before arrival.
Getting Around
On Foot
The Old Town is compact and best explored on foot, though its cobblestones require sensible footwear. Most major sites within the walled city are within a short walk of one another.
Local Buses
KTEL Rhodes operates bus services connecting Rhodes city to the island's main towns and beaches. The two main bus terminals in Rhodes city (one for the east coast, one for the west) are located near the New Market. Timetables and fares should be confirmed at the terminal or on the operator's official channels, as they change seasonally.
Taxis
Taxis are available at stands near the port, the main squares, and the airport. Agree on the fare or ensure the meter is running before setting off. A radio taxi service operates in the city — ask your accommodation for the current number.
Car and Scooter Rental
Renting a car or scooter is a practical way to explore the wider island. Numerous rental agencies operate in the New Town and near the airport. Carry a full driving licence; EU licences are accepted, and non-EU visitors should check whether an International Driving Permit is required. Scooter rental carries real accident risk — wear a helmet and ride cautiously on unfamiliar roads.
Cycling
Electric bikes and bicycle rentals are available from several outlets in the New Town, though the city's traffic and summer heat make cycling more practical for leisurely coastal rides than for commuting.
Things to See & Do
The Old Town
The UNESCO-listed Old Town is the primary reason many visitors come to Rhodes city. The Street of the Knights (Ippoton), one of the best-preserved medieval streets in the world, leads to the Palace of the Grand Master — a 14th-century fortress reconstructed in the early 20th century that today houses two permanent archaeological exhibitions. The Archaeological Museum, housed in the former Hospital of the Knights, displays finds spanning the prehistoric through Byzantine periods, including notable Hellenistic sculpture. Admission fees and opening hours are set by the Greek Ministry of Culture; verify current details on their official website or at the entrance.
The Old Town's Neighbourhoods
Within the walls, the Turkish Quarter (Muslum Agha Mosque, Ottoman baths) and the historically significant Jewish Quarter (Kahal Kadosh Shalom Synagogue, one of the oldest in Europe still in use) reward slow, curious walking. The Plateia Evraion Martyron (Square of the Jewish Martyrs) holds quiet historical weight.
Monte Smith and Ancient Acropolis
A short distance southwest of the New Town, Monte Smith hill carries remains of the ancient city of Rhodes — a Hellenistic acropolis with partially restored columns of the Temple of Apollo, a stadium, and an odeon. Entry is generally free and the hilltop offers good views over the city and sea. Verify access locally.
Mandraki Harbour
The New Town's historic harbour is lined with windmills and guarded by the fortress of St Nicholas. The spot traditionally identified as where the Colossus of Rhodes once stood (marked by two bronze deer columns) makes for a pleasant waterfront walk. The harbour is also the departure point for many boat excursions.
Day Trips from the City
The village of Lindos (approximately 50 km south) with its clifftop ancient acropolis is the island's other major archaeological site and draws large crowds in summer. The Valley of the Butterflies (Petaloudes), Kameiros ancient site, and the thermal springs of Kallithea are other commonly visited attractions reachable by bus or rental vehicle.
Food & Drink
What to Eat
Rhodes has a distinct local culinary identity influenced by its long history. Look for pitaroudia (chickpea fritters), macarounes (hand-rolled pasta with onions and cheese, a Dodecanese speciality), fresh grilled fish, and melekouni (a sesame and honey sweet traditionally associated with Rhodes). Local olive oil is well regarded.
The Old Town has a high density of tourist-oriented restaurants along its main lanes — quality varies considerably. For more consistent and locally patronised eating, explore the side streets of the Old Town or the residential parts of the New Town away from the waterfront.
Where to Eat
- Fish tavernas near the fishing harbour at Mandraki and in the suburb of Zefyros tend to be fresher and less touristic than harbour-front spots
- The New Market (Nea Agora) building houses cafés and food stalls
- Several small family-run tavernas in the Jewish Quarter and Turkish Quarter of the Old Town offer quieter settings
Drinking
Greek coffee (prepared in the traditional manner), freddo espresso, and freddo cappuccino are ubiquitous café staples. Local wines — including varieties from Rhodes' own vineyards such as Athiri white grape — are worth trying. The island produces its own wine under a PDO designation. Ouzo and tsipouro are standard Greek spirits available throughout.
Practical Notes
Lunch is typically served from around noon to late afternoon; dinner rarely begins before 8 pm and often extends well past midnight. Tipping is customary but not mandatory — rounding up or leaving small change is common practice.
Shopping
The Old Town's main commercial street (Sokratous Street) is lined with shops selling jewellery, ceramics, leather goods, spices, and souvenirs. Quality and authenticity vary — take time to browse before committing to a purchase.
Items worth considering include locally produced ceramics with Rhodian decorative motifs, sponges (a traditional Dodecanese export), local honey, and bottled olive oil. Gold and silver jewellery workshops are plentiful; if purchasing, ask about hallmarking and provenance.
The New Town has a more everyday retail character with supermarkets, pharmacies, and clothing stores serving the local population year-round. The New Market building near Mandraki is a practical stop for provisions.
Practical Information
Emergency Numbers
The standard European emergency number 112 works in Greece and connects to police, ambulance, and fire services. The Greek tourist police (a dedicated service to assist visitors) can also be reached — ask your accommodation for the current local number or check on arrival.
Hospitals and Medical Care
Rhodes has a general hospital serving the island. For non-emergency medical needs, private clinics and English-speaking doctors are available in the city — your accommodation can recommend the nearest. Travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is strongly advised.
Internet and SIM Cards
Free Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafés, and restaurants. EU roaming rules allow EU-issued SIM cards to be used without extra charges. Non-EU visitors can purchase a Greek SIM card at mobile operator shops in the New Town; bring your passport.
Accessibility
The Old Town's uneven cobblestone streets and stepped lanes present significant challenges for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility. The New Town's flat grid is more navigable. Check with specific sites and hotels about current accessibility provisions before booking.
Electricity
Greece uses Type C and F plugs at 230V/50Hz. Bring a universal adaptor if needed.
Water
Tap water in Rhodes city is generally considered safe to drink, though many visitors and locals prefer bottled water. Verify locally if you have concerns.
Safety
Rhodes city is generally considered a safe destination for travellers. Petty theft (bag-snatching, pickpocketing) can occur in crowded tourist areas such as the Old Town's main lanes, around the port, and on busy beaches. Standard precautions apply: use a money belt or secure bag, don't leave valuables unattended at the beach, and be alert in busy markets.
Traffic safety is a genuine concern. Road accident rates in Greece are higher than the EU average. If renting a scooter or motorbike, wear a helmet (legally required) and exercise caution, especially on unfamiliar or poorly surfaced roads.
Summer heat can be extreme, particularly in July and August. Heatstroke and dehydration are real risks for visitors not acclimatised to Mediterranean summers. Stay hydrated, limit midday sun exposure, and take shelter during the hottest hours (roughly 1–4 pm).
Sea conditions can change quickly in the Aegean. Observe beach flag systems: green (safe), yellow (caution), red (do not enter). Rip currents and boat traffic near harbours require awareness.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Rhodes carries an exceptionally layered cultural identity: ancient Greek, Hellenistic, Byzantine, Knights Hospitaller, Ottoman, Italian (the island was under Italian administration 1912–1943), and modern Greek influences are all visible in its architecture, cuisine, place names, and social customs.
The active Jewish community maintains the Kahal Kadosh Shalom Synagogue in the Old Town; a small museum adjacent to it documents the history of the Rhodian Jewish community, including the devastating deportations of 1944. This history is treated with appropriate gravity and is worth understanding before visiting.
Orthodox Christian festivals shape the local calendar. Easter is the most significant religious event of the year and celebrated with considerable ceremony. The Feast of the Assumption (15 August) is another major holiday when many local businesses close and domestic tourism peaks sharply.
Dress modestly when entering churches, monasteries, or the synagogue — covered shoulders and knees are the norm. Loud or intrusive behaviour in religious sites is inappropriate. Generally, Rhodians are accustomed to international visitors and the city is relaxed in its social atmosphere, but respectful conduct in non-tourist neighbourhoods is appreciated.
