Rhodes
Rhodes, the largest of Greece’s Dodecanese islands, is a mountainous gem in the Aegean Sea and a popular tourist destination. With human settlement dating back to the Neolithic era, the island has a rich and varied history, including Minoan and Dorian influences. It was once home to the famed Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Due to its strategic location, Rhodes attracted numerous conquerors over the centuries—from the Romans and Byzantines to the Knights Hospitallers, who heavily fortified the island. The Ottomans seized control in 1523, followed by Italian rule in the early 20th century, before Rhodes was officially united with Greece in 1947. Today, its medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stands as a striking reminder of its complex and storied past, featuring remarkably preserved Gothic and Ottoman architecture.
💡Rhodes: Good to Know
🛂 Visa: most European countries plus Canada, Australia, the US, Korea, and Japan are visa-exempt for a stay of up to 90 days
✈️ Closest Airport: Diagoras International Airport (RHO)
💬 Language: Greek, but English is widely spoken
🏷️ Price Level: It is said that Greece is about 30% cheaper than the US
🍔 Big Mac Index: US: US$5.69 / Greece US$ 5.68
💰 Currency: Euro (EUR)| 1 USD = ca. 0.90 EUR)
☀️ Best Times to Visit: The best months to visit are May to June and September to October
🚘 Transportation: buses and taxis
🔌 Adapter: Greece uses type C and F plugs. No adapter is needed if you are from Europe, but it is needed when coming from the US
🛜 WiFi: widely available; “Rhodes Island” is a free, government-provided public WiFi service that can be accessed
🏧💰ATM and “Cash or Card”: While some small stores take only cash, payments with cards are generally accepted; ATMs are available throughout the city
💸 Tipping: Tipping is customary but modest; round up or leave 5–10% in restaurants. A small change is appreciated by taxi drivers, hotel staff, and café staff.
🚢 Cruise Terminal Address: Port of Rhodes, 85100 Rhodes, Greece (docked)
✈️ 🚇 🚕 Getting There and Around
🎟️ In Rhodes, you can pay for public transportation, specifically buses, with cash directly to the driver for most routes, or at kiosks located in certain areas like Rhodes Town and Lindos. Online purchase options are also available for some routes through Busbud.
✈️ Diagoras International Airport (RHO) is located around 11 miles (18 km) south-west of the old town of Rhodes city. Buses connecting the airport and Rhodes Town travel several times a day, and a one-way ticket costs 2,50 EUR.
🚇 To get from Rhodes cruise port to the old town, there are two options: a taxi that typically costs 10-15 EUR for the 5-10 minute ride, or take a 20-minute walk along the harbor front.
🚌 The Rhodes City Tour hop-on-hop-off buses that connect the main sights throughout the city (more info here)
⭐️ Top Sights in Rhodes
"Rhodes is home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World."
📸 Medieval City: The Medieval City of Rhodes, situated on the Greek island of Rhodes, is an exceptional and remarkably preserved historical site. Constructed primarily by the Knights of St. John between the 14th and 16th centuries, it stands as one of the finest examples of Gothic urban design and reflects the military strength and legacy of the order. Surrounded by imposing walls, the city features notable landmarks such as the Palace of the Grand Master, the Street of the Knights, and numerous medieval structures and fortifications. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it showcases a unique blend of architectural influences from the Knights, Ottoman, and Italian eras.
📸 Mandraki Harbour: Mandraki Harbour is a charming and historic port famed for its two bronze deer statues that stand at the entrance, believed to mark the spot of the ancient Colossus of Rhodes—one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The harbor is home to medieval windmills and the Fort of St. Nicholas, and features a vibrant promenade lined with shops, cafes, and boats offering excursions to nearby islands. This lively harbor serves as both a cultural landmark and a popular gathering place for visitors and locals alike.
📸 Elli Beach: Elli Beach, situated at the northern tip of Rhodes, Greece, is a lively and well-loved beach famous for its clear, azure waters and pebble-covered shoreline. Extending from the renowned casino to the Rhodes Aquarium, the beach offers a vibrant atmosphere complete with sun loungers, umbrellas, beach bars, and restaurants. Guests can also take part in a variety of water sports, such as jet skiing, parasailing, and snorkeling.
📸 Archaeological Museum: The Archaeological Museum of Rhodes, located within the Medieval City, is housed in the historic 15th-century Hospital of the Knights, a remarkable example of Gothic architecture. The museum showcases an extensive collection of archaeological treasures from Rhodes and the surrounding islands, covering periods from the Classical and Hellenistic to the Roman era. Notable exhibits include a celebrated statue of Aphrodite, the striking head of Helios, as well as a variety of ceramics, jewelry, coins, and funerary items, all set against the stunning backdrop of the historic building.
📸 Jewish Quarter: The Jewish Quarter of Rhodes, known as "La Juderia," is a historic district within the Old Town that was home to a vibrant Jewish community for centuries. This community was deeply shaped by Sephardic Jews who arrived after fleeing Spain during the 1492 Inquisition, bringing their distinct culture and the Ladino language. Although the Jewish population has significantly decreased due to the Holocaust, the area still preserves important sites such as the Kahal Shalom Synagogue—the oldest in Greece—and the Jewish Museum of Rhodes, which together celebrate the island’s rich Jewish heritage and traditions.
📸 Monte Smith Hill: Monte Smith Hill, also known as the Acropolis of Rhodes, is a historic and picturesque landmark on the island of Rhodes, Greece. Named after British Admiral Sir Sydney Smith—who used the site in 1802 as a vantage point during the conflict with the Turks to observe Napoleon’s fleet—the hill contains the ruins of the ancient city’s Acropolis. Key archaeological features include the partially restored Temple of Pythian Apollo, an ancient stadium, and a small Roman-era Odeon. Visitors are rewarded with stunning panoramic views of Rhodes city, the Aegean Sea, and on clear days, even the Turkish coastline, making it a favorite destination for sightseeing and sunset watching.
🍽️😋 Regional Specialties
Rhodesian cuisine is a lively expression of Mediterranean flavors, deeply rooted in ancient Greek traditions and shaped by the island’s diverse history. The culinary landscape reflects the legacy of the ancient Dorians, as well as influences from medieval, Ottoman, and Italian periods. Central to the cuisine are fresh seafood, seasonal vegetables, olive oil, and aromatic local herbs and spices. Small shared dishes, known as meze, play a prominent role, highlighting the island’s emphasis on communal dining and bold, fresh flavors.
🍽️ Lanai: Lakani is a traditional dish from Rhodes, Greece, slow-cooked in a ceramic pot sealed with dough in a wood-fired oven. It typically features goat's meat, chickpeas, cracked wheat, and aromatic spices like cinnamon and cumin. This dish is often enjoyed during Easter and other significant feasts, embodying a rich part of the island's culinary heritage. Lakani is described as a flavorful and soulful experience, deeply rooted in Rhodian tradition. There are slight variations of Lakani found in different villages of Rhodes.
🍽️ Pitaroudia: Pitaroudia is a traditional Rhodian dish commonly known as chickpea fritters. Made from a mixture of chickpeas, onions, tomatoes, mint, and various seasonings, the batter is pan-fried to a crispy, golden brown. While chickpeas remain the star ingredient, regional and modern variations sometimes incorporate other vegetables like potatoes, pumpkin, or zucchini. Although seafood is popular in Rhodes’ restaurants, classic Pitaroudia is a vegetarian dish centered around chickpeas rather than fish.
🍽️ Trachanas with fish: Trachanas with fish is a traditional Greek dish, especially popular in areas such as Rhodes. This hearty soup or porridge features trachanas—a dried, fermented mixture made from wheat or semolina combined with dairy like milk or yogurt. The fish, commonly a white variety such as grouper, is usually cooked separately before being added to the soup, along with vegetables like onions, carrots, celery, and a splash of lemon. The dish offers a comforting blend of the distinctive tangy texture of trachanas paired with the fresh flavors of seafood, creating a nourishing and satisfying meal.
🍽️ Melekuni: Melekouni is a traditional sweet from the Greek island of Rhodes, known for its rich flavor and cultural significance. Made primarily with thyme honey and sesame seeds, it often includes almonds, citrus peel (orange or lemon), and a blend of aromatic spices. Traditionally served at weddings and christenings, melekouni symbolizes good fortune and prosperity. Thanks to its natural ingredients, it's also considered a healthy and nourishing snack. Unlike the firmer pasteli, melekouni stands out for its soft, chewy texture, despite sharing sesame as a key component.
🍽️ Giaprakia: Giaprakia is a beloved traditional Greek dish, especially popular in Rhodes and other parts of Greece. A variation of dolmades—meaning "stuffed"—this dish involves wrapping a flavorful filling in leaves. While vine leaves are commonly used throughout Greece, in Rhodes, cyclamen leaves are often chosen for a local twist. The filling typically consists of rice, minced meat (usually pork or beef), and aromatic herbs. The name "giaprakia" is derived from the Turkish word yaprak, meaning "leaf." Giaprakia can be enjoyed as a meze (appetizer) or served as a hearty main course.
🍽️ Supriorizo: Supriorizo is a traditional dish from the Greek island of Rhodes, resembling a risotto made with squid ink and tender pieces of squid. The preparation typically involves cleaning the squid, boiling it with its ink, and then slicing it before simmering it with sautéed onions, grated tomato, dill, and rice. This distinctive and flavorful dish highlights the essence of Rhodesian cuisine, celebrated for its fresh seafood and fragrant local herbs.
🥤 Ouzo: Ouzo is an anise-flavored spirit that tastes like a mix of licorice, anise, and sometimes other herbs or spices like fennel, cardamom, and coriander. It's often described as having a strong, distinct licorice flavor, similar to absinthe, but smoother.
🥤 Souma: Souma from Rhodes is a traditional, strong alcoholic beverage made predominantly from grape marc and wine. It's a type of grape spirit similar to Italian grappa or Cretan raki.
📍🗺️ Maps, Apps & Links
🌐 Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Tour
🚕 Uber Taxi
🚕 Rhodes Taxi App