Medieval Old Town of Rhodes
UNESCO World Heritage walled city (inscribed 1988) built by the Knights of St John, with Gothic, Ottoman and Italian-era buildings in a medieval street plan.
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About Rhodes
Rhodes lies in the south-east Aegean, about 18 km from the Turkish coast. Rhodes Town, at the northern tip, combines the walled Medieval Old Town with the New Town, Mandraki harbour and the city beaches. The east coast has Faliraki, Kallithea and Lindos, the west coast is windier with Ialyssos and Kamiros, and the south has Prasonisi. Diagoras Airport (RHO) is about 14 km south-west of the Old Town, and a rental car or the KTEL bus network covers the island.
- Capital
- Rhodes Town
- Largest city
- Rhodes Town
- Population
- ~125,000 (island, 2021 census); ~50,000 (Rhodes Town)
- Languages
- Greek, English, German, Italian
- Currency
- Euro
- Time zone
- EET/EEST (UTC+2, UTC+3 in summer)
Explore Rhodes by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Rhodes
The 18 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes
14th-century Knights' fortress, rebuilt in the 1930s as an Italian-era residence, with mosaic floors from Kos and exhibitions on ancient and medieval Rhodes.
Street of the Knights
Cobbled medieval street lined with the 15th- and 16th-century inns of the Knights' langues (France, Italy, Spain, England and others), among the best-preserved Gothic streets in Europe.
Acropolis of Rhodes (Monte Smith)
Hellenistic hilltop with a partly restored Temple of Pythian Apollo, a stadium and a small theatre, named after British admiral Sidney Smith.
Lindos Acropolis
Fortified acropolis 116 m above the sea with the Doric temple of Athena Lindia, a Hellenistic stoa and Knights' castle walls; views of St Paul's Bay.
Ancient Kamiros
Well-preserved Dorian-Hellenistic town on a terraced hillside, with house foundations, a Doric temple, an agora and a water cistern.
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Rhodes Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Rhodes, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Rhodes
- Days 1-2Rhodes city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Rhodes
- Days 1-3Rhodes comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Rhodes, departure
Where to stay in Rhodes
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget 70 EUR (80.5 USD)
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range 150 EUR (172.5 USD)
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury 350 EUR (402.5 USD)+
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Mercure Rhodes Alexia Hotel & Spa
4-star city hotel in Rhodes New Town, Rhodes, Greece. Guests rate it 8/10 on Booking.com; the property is listed with a spa.
Check rates on Booking.comBest Western Plus Hotel Plaza
4-star city hotel in Rhodes New Town, Rhodes, Greece. Guests rate it 8.7/10 on Booking.com.
Check rates on Booking.comCactus Hotel (Adults Only 21+)
city hotel in Rhodes New Town, Rhodes, Greece, open to adults only. Guests rate it 8.1/10 on Booking.com.
Check rates on Booking.comRhodos Horizon City (Adults Only)
4-star city hotel in Rhodes New Town, Rhodes, Greece, open to adults only. Guests rate it 9.2/10 on Booking.com.
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Rhodes
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Mavrikos
Long-established Lindos restaurant on the main square, known for refined island dishes and a wine list of Greek labels.
Nireas
Old Town seafood restaurant with seating under a vine-covered canopy, run by a chef from Symi.
Pizanias Fish Tavern "The Sea Star"
Family-run Old Town fish taverna first opened in 1970 and now run by the founder's grandson, known for charcoal-grilled dishes.
To Marouli
Small Old Town restaurant with an ever-changing menu of small and large plates and a low-priced tasting menu.
Taverna Kostas
Old Town taverna on Pythagora street serving all-day Greek taverna dishes.
Hatzikelis
Seafood tavern open since 1982 in the Jewish Quarter of the Old Town; reviews note that menu and bill prices should be checked.
Book a food tour in Rhodes We may earn a commission from bookings made through this link.
Getting around Rhodes
Rhodes Diagoras Airport (RHO) is about 14 km southwest of Rhodes Town. Ferries leave from Mandraki and the Commercial Port in Rhodes Town. KTEL and RODA buses run from the stations on Averof Street, and a rental car is the easiest way to reach the south and west of the island.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in EUR, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 25 EUR (28.75 USD) hostel or basic room | 80 EUR (92 USD) | 220 EUR (253 USD) |
| Food (per day) | 20 EUR (23 USD) | 35 EUR (40.25 USD) | 80 EUR (92 USD) |
| Transportation | 5 EUR (5.75 USD) | 15 EUR (17.25 USD) | 25 EUR (28.75 USD) |
| Activities | 20 EUR (23 USD) | 20 EUR (23 USD) | 25 EUR (28.75 USD) |
| Daily total | 70 EUR (80.5 USD) | 150 EUR (172.5 USD) | 350 EUR (402.5 USD)+ |
Best time to visit Rhodes
Weather through the year in Rhodes
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C.
Rhodes has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate. July and August highs are about 31C (88F), sea temperatures peak around 25C (77F) in August, and winter highs are about 14C (57F).
Strong meltemi winds blow in July and August, especially on the west coast. State sites close on 1 January, 25 March, 1 May, Orthodox Easter Sunday and 25-26 December.
Essential travel tips
- Cards are accepted in most places, but carry cash for small tavernas and buses
- Official tourism information and maps are at rhodes.gr
- Buy state-site tickets online at hhticket.gr to avoid queues
- Try pitaroudia (chickpea fritters), souma spirit and lamb with local wine at a family taverna
- Tipping of about 5-10% is customary if no service charge is added
- Greek is the official language; 'efharisto' means thank you
Safety information
Rhodes is a safe destination with low violent crime; the main risks are summer heat, wildfires, road and scooter accidents, sunburn, and overcharging in nightlife strips
Check the Greek Civil Protection daily fire-risk map (civilprotection.gov.gr) from May to October; on risk category 4 and 5 days forests and some trails close and open flames are banned
Register for 112 emergency alerts: Greek authorities send location-based 112 messages for evacuations, and hotels run their own evacuation plans
Rent scooters and quad bikes only with the correct licence and a helmet; accidents are one of the most common causes of tourist injury on the island
Carry water and sun protection: July and August highs reach 31-35°C and heatwaves above 40°C occur
Obey red and yellow beach flags and avoid swimming in strong meltemi winds on the west coast
Keep phones and wallets in front pockets in crowded Old Town lanes, on buses and on tour boats
Save 112 in the phone; it works across Greece with English-speaking operators
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Rhodes?
Greece is in the EU and Schengen area. Citizens of the EU, US, UK, Canada, Australia and many other countries can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. Check mfa.gr for other nationalities.
What currency is used in Rhodes?
The euro (EUR). About 1 EUR equals 1.15 USD. Cards are widely accepted.
Is Rhodes safe for tourists?
Yes, Rhodes is very safe. Watch for summer heat and wildfire alerts, and call 112 in an emergency.
How many days do visitors need in Rhodes?
Three days cover the Old Town, Lindos and one west-coast site; add days for beaches and a trip to Symi.