Travel guide of Rhodes - Greece
Rhodes, in the Aegean Sea, is the largest island of the Dodecanese archipelago, located in the southeast of Greece, with an area of around 1,400 km² and over 115,000 inhabitants.
Its landscape is a mix of hills, mountains, and stunning coastlines, with a green interior dotted with olive groves and traditional villages. The highest point is Mount Attavyros, which rises to 1,215 meters, and from the top you can see almost the entire island (and even the coast of Turkey on clear days!).
The island combines history, landscapes, and a less crowded atmosphere than other Greek islands like Mykonos or Santorini. Although it is not known for its beaches, its strengths include medieval architecture (walls, palaces, and fortresses), a varied nature ranging from beaches to mountains, and a cultural heritage that mixes Byzantine, Ottoman, and Italian influences.
Table of content
1. Must see in Rhodes
2. How to get to Rhodes
3. Climate in Rhodes
4. Other tips
4.1. Best time to go
4.2. How much time to spend in Rhodes
4.3. Where to sleep
4.4. How to go around the island
4.5. Typical cuisine – Restaurant recommendations
1. Must see in Rhodes
In Rhodes, you have a wide variety of possibilities in terms of things to do. You can relax at Fourni Beach or Traganou Beach, explore the sea caves at Grande Blue Beach, visit a butterfly valley, go kitesurfing, stroll through streets with medieval architecture, visit castles, snorkeling in bays… We recommend you take a look at our post where we talk more about the different options you have in Rhodes!
2. How to get to Rhodes
Rhodes has an airport, so it is well connected to the main national cities (Athens and Thessaloniki). In addition, it has connections with other islands such as Karpathos, Kastelorizo, Crete, Mykonos, or Santorini, among others.
Internationally, you have direct flights from many European airports (Rome, Pisa, Berlin, Nuremberg, Sofia, Budapest… and many more!).
If you prefer to go by ferry, there is a line from Piraeus that takes about 13 hours. You also have connections from other islands such as Santorini or Crete, among others.
If you need more info, leave us a comment and we’ll get in touch with you!
3. Climate in Rhodes
The island offers a typically Mediterranean climate, with long, warm, and dry summers, and mild, wetter winters. Between May and September, it hardly rains and maximum temperatures exceed 28°C, which makes these months the best time to enjoy the beach and sea.
On the other hand, the months from December to February concentrate most of the rainfall, although temperatures rarely drop below 11°C, which makes the island a pleasant destination even in the low season.
Finally, here is a table with the average sea temperature each month.
4. Other tips
4.1. Best time to go
The high season runs from June to September, ideal if you are looking for sun, sea, and lively atmosphere. Spring (April–May) and autumn (October) are quieter, with mild temperatures, fewer tourists, and more affordable prices (as with most islands). In our opinion, mid-May or late September are the best options, since the water is not too cold and you can enjoy the most touristy places without crowds.
4.2. How much time to spend in Rhodes
It’s true that Rhodes does not have as much variety as Crete, Zakynthos, or Corfu. Still, if you want to visit the island in a relaxed way and do the day trip to Symi, we recommend spending at least 5 full days (4 + 1).
On the contrary, if you're a restless adventurer who never stops, with 2–3 full days you will have seen almost the entire island (count one extra day to visit Symi).
4.3. Where to sleep
Most of the island's points of interest are spread between the north and the center. Rhodes Town, for example, is at the northernmost tip, while places like Lindos or Prasonisi are further south. Keep in mind that the drive from Rhodes Town to Lindos is about 50 minutes, and to Prasonisi (the southernmost point) it can take up to an hour and a half.
If you are looking to have peace, good prices, and a strategic location to explore the center of the island, we recommend the area of Archangelos. It’s a more local area, with less mass tourism and easy access both to the east and inland.
On the other hand, if nightlife is your thing, your place is Faliraki. There you’ll find the largest offering of bars and clubs. But be warned, the atmosphere is very touristy.
If you prefer city life, then you have to stay in Rhodes Town.
Ideally, if you plan to stay around 5 days in Rhodes, you can divide it as follows:
- 2 nights in the south or center (for example, near Lindos or Archangelos), to explore the more remote beaches and villages.
- 3 nights in Rhodes Town or its surroundings, to enjoy the old town, its history, and a more urban atmosphere.
Another option is to swap Rhodes Town for Faliraki, since it’s also quite close and that way you'll have the party scene nearby.
4.4. How to go around the island
The best way to get around the island is without a doubt by rental car or scooter. The roads are generally in good condition, so it shouldn’t be a problem. We recommend Record Go, they are located quite close to the airport and include transport from the airport to the office.
If you don’t want to drive, you can opt for the bus (KTEL is the company). They have routes to the main destinations. Here's the link to check the schedules.
Finally, you can take a taxi for some specific trips, although we warn you they are not cheap.
4.5. Typical cuisine – Restaurant recommendations
The cuisine of Rhodes is a delicious sample of traditional Greek cooking, with Ottoman and Eastern influences.
Some typical dishes of the island include:
- Melekouni (a honey and sesame sweet offered at weddings and celebrations)
- Pitaroudia (chickpea or zucchini fritters)
- Syglino (cured pork).
- Giaprakia:typical dolmades (dolmadakia)
- Kouneli Stifado: rabbit stew with onion, tomato, and wine
- Synoro, one of the many local cheeses.
- Wines (locally produced, especially in the mountainous interior)
Regarding As for restaurants, we recommend Mimakos Tavern. The views are very nice and the quality is quite good. It stands out for its grilled meat.
Near Faliraki, you'll find Mousikorama (here). You’ll find seafood at a fair price. The calamari is amazing.
The best moussaka we’ve had was at Golfer (here). It must be said it's a bit pricier than average, but the moussaka is spectacular.
If you're looking for something more local and affordable, we recommend one of the taverns in Apolakkia, for example Amalia (here). Ta Mantala (here) also offers good value for money. Another very special place is Pepos Cookery (here), where the menu changes daily depending on what the owner wants to cook!
And last but not least… Where to eat the best pita gyros?
Our favorite pita gyros is in Rhodes Town, specifically at Bahar Souvlakeri (here). They are big and quite tender. Very close by, you’ll find Steki fast food (here), which is also good.
We hope this guide about Rhodes has been useful. If you have any questions, leave us a comment and we’ll get in touch to try to help you!