Rhodes

Rhodes is the largest island of the Dodecanese, Greece. It’s a cosmopolitan destination with amazing nature and many attractions, while it's also the perfect starting point for island hopping in the Dodecanese!

Learn all about holidays in Rhodes and find local tips about the best beaches, sights, entertainment options and delicacies on the island. Compare all ferry routes to Rhodes, select the one that suits you best and book cheap ferry tickets on Ferryhopper.

The magnificent deer statues at the harbor of Mandraki

Holidays in Rhodes

The island of Rhodes is the fourth largest in Greece and it’s one of the most popular holiday destinations in the country. Rhodes boasts a rich history and modern amenities, combining cultural tourism with amazing nightlife, as well as plenty of shopping, gastronomy and entertainment options.

You can visit impressive ancient and medieval sites, relax on exceptional beaches, eat delicious seafood, stroll in the Old Town and try out water sports. There are interesting sights and cute villages all over the island and once night falls, that’s when the real fun starts!

Thanks to the advanced services of the island, Rhodes is also one of the best destinations for sustainable holidays in the Dodecanese! Check out our dedicated article for more information and discover the rest of the eco-friendly islands in the archipelagos.

How to get to Rhodes

You can easily travel by ferry from mainland Greece to Rhodes throughout the year. There are daily ferry routes from the port of Piraeus in Athens and the journey duration is 15-17 hours on average. There are also ferries from the Greek islands of the Aegean Sea, as well as the coast of Turkey. On Ferryhopper, you can find more information about ferries to Rhodes.

What to do in Rhodes

In Rhodes, you can visit beaches with plenty of visitor amenities, as well as secluded coasts that are perfect for relaxation. You can try water sports, explore sea caves and have fun at a beach bar all day and night long.

As for cultural sightseeing, there are numerous monuments and archaeological sites of great historical interest. You can hike to medieval castles and walk through lush forests by the sea.

At night, you can choose to dance your heart out, enjoy cocktails at energetic clubs and lounge bars or listen to traditional Greek music at a local restaurant. Don’t forget to try some of the staples of the local cuisine at one of the tavernas.

Beaches in Rhodes

The charming beaches of Rhodes are some of the best in Greece. Most of the popular beaches are on the east and south coasts of the island. There are remote beaches, as well as popular spots with umbrellas and sun loungers. Here are 11 great beaches in Rhodes:

• Vlycha: it’s a sandy beach with crystal-clear waters. The beach is popular with families, as there are umbrellas, sun loungers and a food truck.
• Glistra: Glistra is a beach with thin sand, umbrellas, sun loungers and a food truck.
• Elli: this sandy beach with blue waters is in the town of Rhodes. It’s considered one of the best beaches in the Mediterranean Sea, making it one of the most popular on the island. There are umbrellas, sun loungers and a beach bar.
• Afandou: it is a large pebble beach with crystal-clear waters. There are some umbrellas, sun loungers and food trucks, as well as beach volleyball and beach soccer courts.
• Anthony Quinn Bay: this beach is named after the famous actor Anthony Quinn who starred in the movie Guns of Navarone that was filmed there. The quaint bay is great for diving and exploration, as it has crystal-clear waters and a beautiful seabed.
• Ialysos: the large beach of Ialysos stretches across Iraklidon Street, where some of the largest hotel units in Rhodes are located. The beach is covered with sand and pebbles, and there are plenty of visitor amenities. It’s great for surfing enthusiasts, as there are frequent strong winds.
• Traganou: Traganou is a beautiful beach with pebbles and clear emerald waters. It’s known for its impressive caves.
• Fourni: it is a small untamed beach with pebbles, sand and emerald-green waters. There are no visitor amenities, so make sure you bring an umbrella, some snacks and water.
• Ladiko: Ladiko is a peaceful sandy cove with emerald waters surrounded by rocks. There are umbrellas and sun loungers on the beach.
• Saint Paul’s: Saint Paul’s is a beautiful sandy bay surrounded by tall rocks and shrubs. There are visitor amenities such as umbrellas, sun loungers, tavernas and easy parking.
• Prasonisi: Prasonisi is a magical rocky islet at the southern tip of Rhodes. It’s connected with the island of Rhodes with a sandy strip of land, creating two beaches of exceptional beauty. The islet is a great destination for windsurfing, as there are strong winds in the area.

Tip: the beaches of Rhodes are great for water sports and outdoor activities! Prasonisi is the ultimate destination for surfing and windsurfing, Afandou is the place to be for beach volleyball, beach soccer and golf, Traganou is a fantastic place for underwater cave exploration, while in Kiotari you can try kayaking, wakeboarding and surfing.

Beautiful rock formations at Saint Paul’s Beach in Rhodes

Sightseeing and activities in Rhodes

The grand past of Rhodes is visible in its many monuments from the Medieval era and ancient times. If you’re in the mood for an adventure, you can explore the historical wealth of the island by hiking on amazing trails. Here are some of the best attractions in Rhodes:

• The Old Medieval Town of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• The Street of the Knights and the town fortifications
• The Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes
• The legendary site of the Colossus of Rhodes and its deer statues
• The Archaeological Museum of Rhodes, housed in the medieval Hospital of the Knights
• The Acropolis of Lindos
• The archaeological site of Necropolis in Korakonero
• The casino of Rhodes, housed in the magnificent hotel Grande Albergo delle Rose that was built in 1927
• The Holy Monastery of Panagia Tsambika

If you’re in the mood for more outdoor exploration, you can also visit the following amazing sites in Rhodes:

• Valley of the Butterflies: it’s an amazing natural site with lush vegetation and hiking trails, where butterflies stay during the summer.
• Epta Piges: this is an oasis with springs, tall trees, hidden trails and a lake.
• Monte Smith Hill: it’s a perfect spot for an early evening walk with amazing views.
• Kallithea Springs: these are thermal baths known for their healing properties since ancient times.
• Profitis Ilias: it’s a quaint village with amazing hiking trails and historical buildings, such as Elafos Hotel and Villa de Vecchi.
• Monastery of Panagia Filerimos: this monastery was built on a hill, home to wild peacocks.
• Lake of Apolakkia: home to the Rhodescape Adventure Park, you can try outdoor sports and admire a half-sunken chapel emerging from the lake.

Tip: don’t forget to visit the beach of the town of Rhodes, where you can dive into the blue sea from the diving platform at Elli Beach and take photos with the beautiful windmills at Mandraki Harbor.

The impressive Acropolis of Lindos by the sea

Nightlife in Rhodes

Is Rhodes good for nightlife? You bet! The island is famous for its intense nightlife and many entertainment and food options. There are various clubs and bars for dancing and drinking till morning, as well as lounge bars, where you can enjoy a laid-back night with a glass of wine in hand.

Most clubs and bars are in Rhodes, Faliraki, Lindos and the Old Town. You can try the bars at Hippocrates Square in the town of Rhodes and all major beach resorts on the island. For a 24/7 party atmosphere, Faliraki is the top choice. It’s particularly popular with young travelers and it’s the perfect place for drinks and dance.

In Rhodes, you can find many restaurants and tavernas too. Both the traditional and modern restaurants are great for families and friends, serving amazing food.

Tip: for an easy-going night out to try delicious dishes in peace with a beautiful view, we recommend that you try the hippie kafeneio at the Castle of Kritinia!

Food in Rhodes

There are many local delicacies to try in Rhodes. The island produces amazing ingredients of superb quality, combining a handful of culinary traditions. Ferryhopper suggests you try the following delicious dishes and products:

• Pitaroudia (deep-fried chickpea balls)
• Symiako garidaki (fried shrimp from the island of Symi)
• Lakani (goat and chickpea stew)
• Ladopita (thin pita bread with olive oil used for wraps and souvlaki)
• Giaprakia (vine leaves stuffed with rice or minced meat)
• Koulouria (traditional pasta)
• Tahinopita (sweet tahini pie)
• Melekouni (honey, sesame and almonds brittle)
• Souma (strong alcoholic drink)
• Cuttlefish ink risotto
• Olive oil and wine
• Sodas and beers by VAP

Villages in Rhodes

Rhodes is a large island with more than 40 villages. If you want to experience the traditional lifestyle and discover hidden gems away from the crowds, then visiting some of the villages is a must! Here are some of the most picturesque villages in Rhodes:

• Embonas
• Apollona
• Afantou
• Archangelos
• Kritinia
• Salakos
• Monolithos
• Kattavia
• Vati
• Lindos
• Eleousa

Tip: from the castle at the village of Monolithos, you can enjoy the best sunset in Rhodes! Wander around the quaint alleys of the village and taste local delicacies.

Picturesque medieval alley at the Old Town of Rhodes

Useful information for Rhodes

Rhodes is a large modern island, where you can enjoy comfortable holidays with all the necessary amenities. When it comes to accommodation options, there are small and large hotels, all-inclusive resorts and villas. You can find visitor amenities in the town of Rhodes and most of the eastern coast of the island.

There are ATMs, shops, pharmacies, supermarkets, gas stations and regional medical centers. There’s also a hospital in the town of Rhodes. If you want to fly there, there’s an international airport in the northern part of the island.

Important phone numbers for your stay in Rhodes

Here are some useful phone numbers for your vacation in Rhodes:

• Rhodes Port Authority: +302241028666, +302241028888
• General Hospital of Rhodes: +302241360000
• International Airport of Rhodes: +302241088700
• Police station: +302241023849
• Citizen Service Center (KEP): +302241043707
• Municipality of Rhodes: +302241361200
• Public bus service of Rhodes (KTEL): +302241027706

Transportation in Rhodes

You can easily get around Rhodes, as there are public buses and taxis on the island. As it’s a large island, the best way to explore it is with your own vehicle, at your leisure. You can bring your car or motorcycle on the ferry to Rhodes or rent one there.

The public bus station is located 20 minutes on foot from the port of Rhodes. You can catch a bus to the major villages, attractions and beaches on the island.

Good to know: Bear in mind that taxis are kind of pricey, so if you’re visiting Rhodes on a budget, your best option is to use public transport.

Ports in Rhodes

The port of Rhodes (known as Rhodes Tourist Port) is by the Old Town and you can get there on foot. Most ferries depart from the 3 docks of the main port of Rhodes. There, you can find tourist information offices, parking lots, bus stations, restaurants, cafés, car rentals, hotels and other traveler amenities. There are also cute beaches and interesting monuments you can visit while waiting for your ferry.

Good to know: the port of Rhodes, as well as the small port at Kamiros Skala, connect Rhodes and Chalki by ferry. Learn more about the Rhodes - Chalki ferry route on Ferryhopper!

Island hopping from Rhodes

Rhodes is a great island-hopping destination! There are regular ferry routes from Rhodes to more islands in the Dodecanese all year round. In the summer months, there are also ferries to the Cyclades, Crete and the coast of Turkey. From Rhodes you can travel by ferry directly to the following ports:

• Kalymnos
• Kos
• Karpathos
• Symi
• Tilos
• Chalki
• Kastellorizo
• Kasos
• Patmos
• Nisyros
• Agathonisi
• Arkioi
• Leipsoi
• Leros
• Astypalaia
• Samos
• Milos
• Santorini
• Syros
• Anafi
• Sitia
• Heraklion
• Fethiye
• Marmaris

Not sure how to plan your island-hopping trip in the Aegean Sea? On Ferryhopper’s Map of ferries, you can discover all ferry routes from Rhodes and find info about fares and schedules. Choose your destinations and easily book island-hopping tickets!

Note: the ferry companies mainly serving routes from Rhodes to the rest of the Dodecanese are Saos Ferries, Blue Star Ferries, Dodekanisos Seaways, Seajets, Alko Ferries, Nissos Chalki, Sea Dreams, and Sebeco Lines.

The Archaeological Museum of Rhodes, housed in the medieval Hospital of the Knights

Rhodes ferry: schedules and tickets

There are daily ferry routes from Athens to Rhodes. Ferries depart from the port of Piraeus throughout the year and normally travel overnight. The Piraeus - Rhodes crossing lasts around 15-17 hours. We recommend that you book a cabin or a numbered seat for maximum comfort and privacy during the long trip.

Note: are you thinking of getting to Rhodes this year? Find all travel info in our relevant Ferryhopper guide and travel like a pro!

Book your ferry tickets to Rhodes online

Do you want to see the medieval castles of Rhodes? Are you excited about dancing in Faliraki? Maybe you’re hungry for some fresh seafood! Whatever the occasion, you can book cheap ferry tickets to Rhodes online on Ferryhopper, compare prices and ferry companies, and plan your trip hassle-free!