Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese archipelago and the 4th largest island in Greece (after Crete, Evia and Lesvos), is a sun-soaked paradise that combines ancient history, stunning beaches, and vibrant culture. Whether you’re a history buff, a beach lover, or a food enthusiast, Rhodes offers something for everyone.

Rhodes has a rich history that stretches back thousands of years. In ancient times, it was known for the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The island has been influenced by the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and the Knights of St. John, who fortified the city and left behind impressive medieval architecture. Today, the Old Town of Rhodes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reflecting the island’s multicultural past. The Knights of the Order of St. John or the Knights Hospitaller ruled the island of Rhodes for approximately 200 years and would later become the famous Knights of Malta, as they moved to the small Maltese islands after Rhodes was conquered by the Ottomans in 1522, under the command of Suleiman the Magnificient and a six months siege.

How to Get to Rhodes

Reaching Rhodes is easy and convenient. The island’s main airport, Diagoras International Airport (RHO), offers direct flights from major European cities, especially during the summer months. Ferries also run regularly from Athens (Piraeus port), other Dodecanese islands, and even Turkey. If you prefer scenic travel, the ferry ride offers beautiful views of the Aegean Sea.

If you cannot travel by plane, keep in mind the following:

• ferry from Athens (Piraeus) takes between 16h (the most expensive – 93 euros) and 25h (the cheapest – 60 euros) and the price for a medium size car is between 130 and 150 euros. The prices are for an adult, deck seat (no cabin) and a standard vehicle, ONE WAY
• ferry from Heraklion takes around 13h and the schedule varies between low and high season
• ferry from Turkey (Marmaris) operates on a daily base only for passengers (no cars). During summer months they add some trips with car ferries, but you need to check the schedule and they operate only on certain days.

Important Landmarks – they will be detailed in separate articles 🙂

• Palace of the Grand Master: This imposing medieval fortress in the Old Town is a must-see, showcasing the legacy of the Knights of St. John.
• Ancient Kamiros: Explore the ruins of this ancient city for a glimpse into Rhodes’ classical past.
• Lindos Acropolis: Perched on a cliff above the Aegean Sea, the Lindos Acropolis offers breathtaking views and well-preserved ancient temples.
• Street of the Knights: Walk down this historic avenue where knights once lived and worked.
• Butterfly Valley: A lush nature reserve that’s especially beautiful in summer when thousands of butterflies flock here.
• Prasonisi Beach: A unique spot where the Aegean and Mediterranean seas meet, popular for windsurfing and kiteboarding.
• Seven Springs: A green oasis worth the hike

Good to know before you go 🙂

• It is a Greek island. Hence, the official currency is Euro, the language is Greek and it is part of EU and Schengen area
• Visit in Shoulder Season. Late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer months are extremely hot, with temperatures that can go up to 40 degrees Celsius.
• Rent a Car or Scooter. To explore the island’s hidden beaches and remote villages, renting a vehicle is highly recommended. Keep in mind that parking spaces are limited in tourist areas and Lindos is only for pedestrians
• Public Transport is well organized, main hub is Rhodes Town. You can buy tickets from local shops, main bus stations or online on KTEL Rhodes official website. Check there the updated timetables or any change in the bus routes.
• Main Tourist Areas are Faliraki, Lindos, Ialyssos and Rhodes Town. Faliraki is known for the All inclusive and luxury hotels, Lindos for its charming streets and the Acropolis and Ialyssos is more laid back, but great for plane spotting, as it is close to the airport.
• Beaches: In Rhodes you can find sandy beaches as well as pebbled, so make sure you pack watershoes too
• Climate: Rhodes has the typical Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. It is a windy island, too
• Precautions: It is prone to wildfires which can be very difficult to control due to strong winds and earthquakes. The aftermath of the 2023 wildfire is still visible and an earthquake destroyed the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world.
• Lyndos is a pedestrian only village. Cars can be left in the large parking area near the main road and then walk or take a shuttle bus to the Main Square
• Donkeys are used to take tourist to and from the Acropolis. Please don’t! Unless you have a medical condition, mobility issues or it’s a child, using the donkeys should NOT be seen as an easy way to get there. It’s a 20 mins walk from the center. If you cannot walk, then enjoy a freddo or a gyros and spare the poor souls. A new law has been proposed to forbid riding a donkey those that weight over 100kg. If you ask me, I would have forbidden riding them at all, no matter if the tourist has 50kg or 120. And well, donkeys don’t have a specific time to go to the toilet and they don’t care if it’s a tourist area, so the streets on their path are quite smelly.
• Try Local Cuisine: Don’t miss out on specialties like “pitaroudia” (chickpea fritters) and fresh seafood at seaside tavernas.
• Respect the Heritage: Many sites are protected, so follow all posted guidelines and avoid touching ancient artifacts.
• Pack Sunscreen and Comfortable Shoes: Rhodes is sunny and best explored on foot, especially in the Old Town and archaeological sites.
• The main port is Rhodes. This is where local ferries and cruise ships will anchor. Rhodes is included in the Eastern Mediterranean cruise routes (those that include Mykonos, Santorini, Heraklion and Istanbul) and during high season expect 4-6 cruise ships to be docked, daily. Hence, a very crowded Rhodes Town and Lindos, as most passengers book day trips there
• Important: if you plan to go on a day trip to Turkey (Marmaris), make sure you have all the necessary travel documents to enter such as: National ID card for citizens of 21 countries: Germany, Belgium, France, Georgia, The Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Italy, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Portugal, Ukraine, Greece, Poland, Bulgaria, Hungary, Moldova, Azerbaijan and Romania, passport and tourist visa (if your country is not exempted). Turkey is NOT part of EU and Schengen, so passport control will be performed.
• Port tax is NOT included in the ferry ticket to Turkey. The tax is 20 euros for adults and children over 3 years and 10 euros for children under 3. Yes, 4 month old babies will have to pay the 10 euros tax.

From legendary ruins to sun-kissed beaches, Rhodes is a destination that promises unforgettable experiences. Plan your trip well, immerse yourself in its rich history, and enjoy the unique flavors and landscapes this island has to offer!