Travel Guide for Rhodes, Greece: Everything First-Time Visitors Need to Know

Trying to figure out the best time to visit this massive Greek island?

Whether you need a car to get around?

Where to stay for easy access to both medieval history and gorgeous beaches?

The reality is that most Rhodes travel guides either treat it like a quick day-trip destination (it can be but won’t cover everything) or assume you have unlimited time and budget.

After navigating Rhodes with my own multi-generational family–including managing my mom’s post-surgery mobility limitations while still experiencing everything from Crusader castles to crystal-clear swimming coves–I’ve learned exactly what first-time visitors need to know.

Whether you’re history buffs, beach lovers, or families seeking the perfect blend of culture and relaxation, I’ll show you how to make the most of this incredible island without the trial-and-error mistakes that can derail your Greek adventure.

Best Time to Visit

I always highly recommend shoulder season visits, which means Spring and Fall are the best times to visit Rhodes.

My family and I originally planned for April, but since that was 2020, it didn’t go according to plan. However, we were able to rebook for September 2021 and it was a wonderful time to visit as it was still warm enough to warrant trips to the beach but it wasn’t overwhelming.

There also wasn’t loads of crowds. We definitely saw people at popular spots like Anthony Quinn Bay, but many of them seemed like locals and we weren’t battling for space on the beach.

Spring (April-May):

• Perfect weather: 68-77°F (20-25°C) – warm Mediterranean sunshine without the summer intensity
• Fewer crowds: Explore the Palace of the Grand Masters and Medieval Town without fighting for photos
• Pack layers: Sea breezes can be cool, but bring a light jacket for evenings
• Bonus: Wildflowers bloom across the island and ferry schedules increase

Fall (September-October):

• Still beach-worthy: Warm weather and the Aegean Sea is still warm from the summer
• Shoulder season prices: You’ll find better accommodation deals than in peak season
• Perfect for exploring: Ideal weather for visiting ancient Kamiros or hiking in the interior

Winter (November-March):

• Rock-bottom prices: 50-70% cheaper flights and hotels
• Zero crowds: Practically have the Old Town’s cobblestone streets to yourself
• Weather: Rainy
• Closures: Reduced ferry connections to other islands, some beach tavernas and attractions closed, due to the low number of tourists

Summer (June-August):

• Intense heat: 86-95°F (30-35°C) – the famous Meltemi winds provide some relief
• Tourist central: Long queues for popular sites such as Lindos Acropolis and the beaches will be packed so make sure to stake out some sand early
• Peak prices: Everything from hotels to boat trips costs significantly more
• Survival tips: Book early morning visits to archaeological sites, seek shade during 2-5 PM to avoid heat exhaustion

Any Holidays Coming Up?

Greece observes several public holidays, many of which coincide with religious festivals.

Be aware of these dates, as they may affect business hours, transportation schedules, and attraction availability.

Greek Public Holidays (2025):

• January 1st: New Year’s Day
• January 6th: Epiphany
• March 3rd: Clean Monday (Orthodox)
• March 25th: Greek Independence Day
• April 18th: Orthodox Good Friday
• April 20th: Orthodox Easter Sunday
• April 21st: Orthodox Easter Monday
• May 1st: Labor Day
• June 8th: Orthodox Whit Sunday
• June 9th: Orthodox Whit Monday
• August 15th: Assumption of Mary
• October 28th: Ochi Day
• December 25th: Christmas Day
• December 26th: Second Day of Christmas

This is the list for 2025. Please check the latest dates for the particular year you’re visiting.

Currency & Costs

Greece uses the Euro (€).

You can easily use a credit card instead of cash at many locations around the island.

However, if you plan to visit small locally owned stores or tavernas, it’s best to have some emergency cash for small purchases.

When using a credit card, always use the local currency, in this case, the €, as your bank will give you a better exchange rate.

Tipping in Greece isn’t required, but it’s common to tip for good service at restaurants, bars, and other service places, especially in tourist areas.

A small tip or rounding up the total is often enough and appreciated.

Sign Up for ETIAS

For those who haven’t traveled to Europe in a while, this will be new to you in this Rhodes travel guide.

ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is a new entry requirement for visa-exempt travelers visiting the 30 European countries that are part of the Schengen area.

As Greece is part of that area, it will be mandatory for nationals of visa-exempt countries, including the UK and the US, to apply for an ETIAS before traveling to Europe for short-term stays.

This is supposed to go into effect in the last quarter of 2026, but do check before your trip as they have been postponing its launch.

Getting to Rhodes

You can get to Rhodes by ferry or flight.

Flights are faster, but you might prefer the ferry if you’re not in a rush and want a relaxed way to explore the Greek islands.

Additionally, you can bring a vehicle on the ferry, making it ideal if you have a car or have rented one.

However, if you get seasick or think you might, you should avoid the ferry because there are sometimes rough seas that can upset some travelers.

During our Greek island-hopping trip, we flew with Aegean Airlines from Athens to Rhodes International Airport (RHO), which took 1 hour.

However, if you’re coming from another island, note that it’ll likely take a connecting flight through Athens to get to Rhodes.

Athens to Rhodes

By air: 1 hour
Average price: $100-150/pp

By ferry: 15–18 hours
Average price: $50 (foot passenger)/pp

Getting Around Rhodes

Public Buses (RODA/KTEL): The most economical option. Buses connect Rhodes Town to most villages and beaches around the island. Routes run regularly to popular destinations like Lindos, Faliraki, and Ixia.

• RODA: runs on the west side of the island
• KTEL: runs on the east side of the island

Car Rental: Gives you the most flexibility to explore at your own pace, as Rhodes is a rather large island, which is why my family and I rented a car. The island has good roads, and driving distances are manageable, as it takes about an hour to drive from north to south. I recommend booking a car in advance, especially if you’re visiting during peak season. An international driving license is required, which is easy enough to get at AAA for $20.

Scooter/Motorcycle Rental: Popular for shorter trips and beach hopping, just make sure you have proper licensing and always wear a helmet.

Taxis: Available but can be expensive for longer distances. Useful for airport transfers or when buses don’t run (late evenings). There are taxi stands in Rhodes Town and at major hotels.

Ridesharing: You can use the Uber app in Rhodes to book licensed taxis, though the service is limited to Uber Taxi, which partners with local drivers rather than employing its own. Or you can use FREENOW, which is the leading taxi app in Greece that allows you to pre-book rides through its app.

Walking/Cycling: Perfect for exploring Rhodes Old Town, which is quite compact. Some hotels rent bicycles, and the relatively flat coastal roads are bike-friendly.

A Note on Car Hires

I got insurance at the car rental place.

You can use your insurance (check with your provider about this option), but I’m glad I got it there because when I returned the car, they seemed to think I had damaged it and gave me a hard time until one employee pointed out I had their insurance, and suddenly, it was a non-issue.

Because I pre-booked and communicated when we’d be landing, they had transport waiting for us at the airport to go to the car rental facility.

However, when we landed, it was nighttime. We’d also never been to Rhodes, so we had no idea where they took us to get the car, other than it was near the airport.

Luckily, while driving around, we passed the car rental place, and I was able to note it down on my map because I couldn’t find it online or in our paperwork, where we were supposed to return the car.

💡 Travel Tip: Maps.me is a great offline navigation tool if you have no data or Wi-Fi.

Where to Stay in Rhodes

Rhodes offers a variety of accommodation options, including hotels, hostels, and vacation rentals near popular beaches and attractions.

The main areas to stay in are:

Rhodes Old Town

• Best for: History lovers, first-time visitors
• Vibe: Medieval atmosphere, UNESCO World Heritage
• Cons: Limited parking, tourist crowds

Rhodes New Town

• Best for: Modern amenities, nightlife, shopping
• Vibe: Contemporary Greek city life
• Cons: Maybe be noisy in some areas due to nightlife

Beach Areas

• Lindos: Picturesque village, iconic Acropolis
• Faliraki: Family resorts, water sports
• Ixia/Ialyssos: Windsurfing, sunset views

My family and I stayed in Rhodes New Town at the Mitsis La Vita Beach Hotel, as it was affordable enough that we were able to actually get two rooms with an unobstructed beachfront view.

I still think about the breakfast we had there. It was included in the price, which is rare these days, and it was delicious!

They also have a charming bar on the ground floor of the hotel that we visited several times, to the point that we got on a first-name basis with the bartender. Hi Pythagoras!

The beds were comfy, and my cousin, who has trouble sleeping, really appreciated that the only noise we heard was the rustling of the waves while we slept.

Parking is available at the hotel, but it comes at an additional cost. Public parking wasn’t too bad, so we chose to search for it instead of paying.

Click here for the latest prices and reviews.

Address: Geor. Papanikolaou 28, Rodos 851 00, Greece

Must-See Attractions & Activities

I have a dedicated post on what to see in Rhodes, but as a quick reference Rhodes travel guide, here are the highlights:

Rhodes Old Town (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

• Castle of the Old Town: A medieval fortress that boasts impressive walls and a moat, creating one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities.
• Palace of the Grand Masters: A magnificent example of medieval architecture, housing exhibits about Rhodes’ crusader history.
• Street of the Knights: Cobblestone street lined with medieval inns represents one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the world.
• Archaeological Museum of Rhodes (Hospital of the Knights): This former medieval hospital now displays a collection of ancient artifacts, including the famous Aphrodite of Rhodes statue.
• Mosque of Suleiman the Magnificent: This Ottoman-era mosque with its distinctive pink exterior stands as a beautiful reminder of Rhodes’ diverse cultural heritage.
• Hippocrates Square: A charming square with shops and eateries centered around an ornate fountain.
• New Market (Nea Agora): Houses shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it an ideal place to sample local products and cuisine.

Ancient Rhodes

• Acropolis of Rhodes: Hilltop ruins that offer stunning panoramic views over the island, and are also home to remains of ancient temples and theaters.
• Ancient Kamiros: This remarkably well-preserved ancient city gives visitors a fascinating glimpse into daily life in classical Greece.
• The Colossus of Rhodes: Though the original wonder of the ancient world no longer stands, the harbor entrance where it once stood remains.

Lindos

• Acropolis of Lindos: This dramatic clifftop temple complex combines ancient ruins with breathtaking views over the Aegean Sea.
• Lindos Village: This picture-perfect whitewashed village with its narrow streets and traditional captain’s houses epitomizes Greek island charm.

Natural Wonders

• Valley of the Butterflies (Petaloudes): This lush nature reserve comes alive with thousands of colorful butterflies during the summer months.
• Seven Springs (Epta Piges): This cool oasis features natural springs, a small lake, and shaded walking paths perfect for escaping the summer heat.
• Rodini Park: This peaceful park with its ancient aqueduct, small bridges, and peacocks offers a tranquil retreat near Rhodes Town.

Beaches to Explore

• Anthony Quinn Bay: This small, sheltered cove with crystal-clear emerald waters and excellent snorkeling opportunities was named after the famous actor.
• Ladiko Bay: This picturesque bay, surrounded by pine trees and rocks, provides a more secluded alternative to the busier resort beaches.
• Kallithea Thermal Springs: The restored Art Deco spa complex boasts a beautiful swimming cove, but the therapeutic hot springs are smaller than you’d expect.
• Faliraki Beach: This long, sandy beach offers every water sport imaginable along with vibrant nightlife, making it perfect for active beach lovers.

How Many Days to Spend in Rhodes?

My family and I spent 3 days in Rhodes.

This is the minimum amount of time I’d spend as there is much more we could have accomplished on our trip if we’d have the time.

If you’re more flexible with your schedule, I’d recommend at least 4 or 5 days, as with that amount of time, we could have seen more ancient sites such as the Acropolis of Lindos.

I will note, however, that I purposely left Lindos off our itinerary as my mom had just had knee surgery and I didn’t want her to have to traverse uneven terrain, so if you have any mobility concerns, please be aware that not all sites in Rhodes are easy to access.

Practical Travel Tips

Communication

While I traveled around Rhodes, I didn’t need to speak Greek because almost everyone, especially at tourist spots, spoke English.

However, like with visiting any country, it’s nice to try speaking some of the local language, so I’ll highly recommend it on the Rhodes travel guide.

Hello and Goodbye

• Hello/Hi – Γεια σας (YAH-sas) – formal, or Γεια σου (YAH-soo) – informal
• Good morning – Καλημέρα (kah-lee-MEH-rah)
• Good evening – Καλησπέρα (kah-lee-SPEH-rah)
• Good night – Καληνύχτα (kah-lee-NEEKH-tah)
• Goodbye – Αντίο (an-DEE-oh)

Essential Courtesies

• Please – Παρακαλώ (pah-rah-kah-LOH)
• Thank you – Ευχαριστώ (ef-khah-ree-STOH)
• Excuse me – Με συγχωρείτε (meh seen-kho-REE-teh)

To learn basic Greek phrases, download the Mango Languages app; it’s usually free with a library card.

For visual learners, use Lingopie, which utilizes streaming platforms like Netflix to teach.

Packing Essentials

• Comfortable walking shoes: The best shoe types for cobblestones are those with arch support and grip. Use arch support because none of those pathways are even, so you’ll want to give your feet some cushion. Use grip because those stones can be slippery as heck, especially if it’s rained a bit and you don’t want to be falling down a hill! Dr. Scholl’s shoes are great for on-the-go use, as they come with built-in arch support, eliminating the need for separate insoles.
• Sandals and water shoes: At Rhodes beaches, you may run into a few rocks, which makes wading into the water a bit treacherous. I unfortunately didn’t have water shoes when I visited, but I wished I had!
• Flat-bottomed dress shoes: Given Rhodes’ numerous cobblestone streets, I wore flat-bottomed platform sandals (these are a similar pair) for nights when I wanted to dress up.
• Snorkel gear: You can rent gear at some places, but if you have a favorite set, now’s the time to use it!
• Sun hat and sunscreen: Any hat with a brim that provides shade for your face will suffice. However, I recommend choosing one that fits snugly on your head, as a sudden gust of wind can cause it to fly off if you’re not careful. Even if you don’t plan to snorkel or scuba dive, I highly recommend reef-safe sunscreen that is created with protecting the marine life in mind.
• Sunglasses: Many stylish sunglasses have minimal tint, making them cute but ineffective for protecting your eyes from the sun. To find suitable shades, look for the words “polarized” or “UV Protection,” as seen in this two-pack pair from FIMILU.
• Light layers for evening: Bring a cardigan or some sort of light jacket in case the wind kicks up at night and you get a bit chilly.
• Beach gear: I prefer a foldable bag over a dedicated fancy beach bag, as it’s also helpful for shopping and groceries.
• Portable charger and waterproof case: Bring along an external battery pack. And don’t forget the cable, as battery packs don’t often include one! If you plan to take photos from the water or while on a boat trip, get a waterproof case to protect your phone from getting wet.
• International adapter: You’ll need an international power adapter, unless your items are Type C or Type F. Before traveling, verify that your items fit correctly into the adapter. I once packed a hair dryer that didn’t fit the adapter properly, so I couldn’t use it. Additionally, check that the adapter has enough charging ports for your needs.
• Dramamine: If you take the ferry to get to Rhodes or plan on taking any of the boat tours, bring Dramamine in case you get seasick.

🇬🇷 For the ultimate packing guide, check out my What to Pack for Greece post!

Day Trips & Nearby Islands

Athens

It’s very likely that if you’re coming from abroad that you’ll have to fly through Athens.

Even if you don’t have a big desire to see Athens, it’s a good place to consider in case your flight to Rhodes gets delayed and you have to spend a day there.

There are tons of things to see in Athens (that aren’t just the Acropolis), especially if you’re a big history buff!

Santorini

Another popular island to check out is Santorini.

But is Santorini worth visiting?

While it is very touristy, I still loved getting to see this famed volcanic island for its epic views, unique beaches, and ancient city!

It’s easiest to fly to Santorini rather than take the ferry since Rhodes is closer to Turkey than most of the other Greek islands.

Mainland Turkey

Rhodes is only 22 nautical miles from Turkey, which is just over 25 miles.

While you can’t drive there, you can see Turkey clearly from Rhodes and can easily take a boat over to an area such as Dalyan, which is a charming riverside town on Turkey’s southwest coast.

It is known for its natural beauty, the ancient city of Kaunos with Lycian rock tombs, and the İztuzu Beach, a protected nesting ground for loggerhead turtles.

Further east is Antalya, Turkey’s biggest international sea resort on the Turkish Riviera.

Common First-Timer Mistakes to Avoid

• Underestimating travel time between sites: The #1 thing I’ll remind you of on this Rhodes travel guide is that while Rhodes is an island, it is not tiny, so make sure to properly budget time for traveling between sites, especially if you’re taking public transportation
• Not booking in advance: Especially if you’re visiting during peak season, it is highly recommended to book accommodations, dinner reservations, and any excursions you’d like to do in advance.
• Overpacking the itinerary: Try not to overpack your itinerary, as not everything runs on time in Rhodes. It’s on ‘island time’ as I’ve been told in the Caribbean, which means that you can’t be beholden to the minute.
• Forgetting sun protection: I know, not everyone likes slathering on sunscreen, but since the sun is SO powerful in Rhodes, it’s really important to go in prepared, whether that means hats, long sleeve sun shirts, or whatever makes you comfortable but protected.

Rhodes Travel Guide FAQs

Related Rhodes Travel Guides

• 14 of the Best Things to Do in Rhodes Greece
• Rhodes Travel Guide: Everything First-Time Visitors Need to Know
• How to Spend 3 Days in Rhodes, Greece’s Medieval Island
• How to Spend a Day in Rhodes, Greece: Old Town and Beach Itineraries

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