Posted by Rhodes is the main island of the Dodecanese. Around 150,000 people live on the 1400 km² island. Geographically, Rhodes is located in the southeast of Greece, just a few kilometers off the Turkish coast. After Crete, Rhodes is the second most important Greek island in the Aegean. Overall, Rhodes is the fourth largest island in Greece. Besides Crete, Lesbos and Euboea are also slightly larger. Euboea is, however, connected to the mainland by bridges in two places.
Our articles about the island of Rhodes |
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| Rhodes Overview | City Rhodes |
| Old Town Rhodes | Lindos |
| Faliraki | Ialyssos |
Tours by boat, bus and submarineWe have selected the best tours and day trips from Rhodes for you, which can be booked online on a well-known website: 1. Boat tour from Rhodes Town to Lindos (8 hours): More information and booking (very popular tour) 2. Boat trip from Rhodes to the island of Symi (10 hours): More information and booking (great tour to an interesting island) 3. Sailing tour around Rhodes with swimming and lunch (6 hours): More information and booking (very popular trip) 4. Bus tour to Lindos from Rhodes Town (7 hours): More information and booking (Lindos with the famous Acropolis) If you are travelling by yourself: Due to the large number of tourists, it is better to buy the tickets for Lindos online in advance: Link to the booking page 5. Submarine trip from Rhodes (45 min): More information and booking (great insight into life in water) |
Sights on Rhodes
The siege of Rhodes by the Turks went down in history. With 60,000 inhabitants, Rhodes Town is the largest city in the southern Dodecanese region and has a very interesting old town, which is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The old town of Rhodes is surrounded by a city wall up to 12 m thick. The city is one of the top sights in Greece.
The island is world-famous for the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Unfortunately, this no longer exists. Rodini Park, the large city park in Rhodes Town, is beautifully laid out. Here you will find plenty of shade from the many tall trees and peace and quiet. The Acropolis of Lindos is Rhodes’ most popular tourist destination (about 50 km from the city). The most beautiful beaches in Rhodes are in the east of the island, especially around the holiday resort of Faliraki, which is very touristy. The further south you go, the more Greek the island becomes. There is hardly any tourism in the south. A small exception is the town of Prassonissi on the southern tip of the island. This place is an insider tip for surfers. Many surf fans say that it is the best place to surf in all of Greece. A few tavernas and holiday homes have now settled in Prassonissi. Nevertheless, the beautiful beach is still one of the quieter ones on Rhodes. The north-west of the island is also very popular with surfers, especially the communities of Ialyssos and Kremasti.
A “must” for almost every holidaymaker is a tour of the Grand Master’s Palace, a gigantic fortress in the old town of Rhodes Town. It was the headquarters of the Order of St. John (entrance fee around 11 euros at the beginning of 2024, free on Sundays in winter. Opening times in summer from 9 a.m. to after 7 p.m., in winter only until around 3 p.m.). Due to the large number of tourists, it is better to buy tickets for the Palace of Rhodes online in advance: Link to the booking page
A very important tourist attraction is the Acropolis of Lindos. The beautiful, car-free town is dominated by a mighty ancient Greek acropolis (4th century BC), which can be visited. In summer, thousands of tourists come to Lindos every day. The Acropolis of Lindos is one of the most visited ancient sights in Greece.
Tip: Due to the large number of tourists, it is better to buy the entrance tickets for Lindos online in advance: Link to the booking page
Village of Lindos
(Lindos on Rhodes; in the picture above the Acropolis)
Great ARD documentary about Rhodes
Buses on Rhodes
There is a good bus network on the island. In summer, the most important places such as Faliraki, Lindos and the airport are served at least every hour during the day from Rhodes Town. However, there are only a few bus connections to the sparsely populated south of the island. Clear timetables are posted at the bus station in Rhodes Town. Rhodes’ climate is one of the warmest in Greece. That’s why a few tourists come even in winter. Others spend the winter on the island. The winter guests usually stay in the capital.
Our tip: Bus tour to Lindos, the most visited attraction on the island: Can be booked on the website Getyourguide
Accommodation on Rhodes
The cheap classic for several decades was the good old “Rhodes Youth Hostel” in the old town. Nowadays, some private guesthouses on Rhodes offer inexpensive overnight stays in dormitories. Vivian Studios in Ialyssos (beach resort just a few kilometers from the capital, good bus connections) or the Stay Hostel Apartments right in the island’s capital are very popular for this.
➔ Book cheap hotels for 2025 on Rhodes now
Our favorite hotel in the center of Rhodes is the Hotel City Center: Book here
In the tourist hotspot of Faliraki, prices have fallen significantly in recent years, especially in spring and autumn. In accommodations such as the very good Dolphins Apartments, with a bit of luck you can get a small vacation apartment for under 20 euros in May or October.
At Booking.com you can find at least 1,000 accommodations on the island of Rhodes. Due in part to the serious economic crisis in Greece, many hotels and guesthouses have cost significantly less outside of the season in recent years.
Ferries and excursions
In summer, there are daily ferries from Rhodes to Marmaris in Turkey (quite expensive for the short distance). In winter, there are only a few connections per week. The port of Rhodes Town is the largest ferry port in the Dodecanese. There are frequent ferry connections to all the islands in the area, such as Kos and Kalymnos, to the Cyclades and of course to Piraeus, the port of Athens. One or two ferries per week travel via Kassos and Karpathos to Crete. The ferry connection to Limassol (Cyprus) and Haifa (Israel) has unfortunately been discontinued for over 10 years.
➔ To book ferries within Greece, we recommend the reputable website Ferryscanner.com
Flights to Rhodes
The busy airport has many daily flights to Athens and the surrounding islands. Except in the winter months, there are daily flights to and from Germany. In total, around 17 German airports offer direct flights to Rhodes. These include major airports such as Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, Munich, Berlin, Hamburg, Stuttgart, Hanover, Cologne and Nuremberg. But there are also more and more, often very inexpensive, flights to Rhodes from smaller airports such as Baden-Baden, Bremen, Leipzig, Erfurt, Rostock, Dresden, Münster and Saarbrücken (as of 2024, some older).
There are domestic flights to Athens several times a day all year round. Sky Express, for example, often flies to Heraklion Airport on Crete and to the island of Karpathos. Other flights connect Rhodes with the island of Kos and the city of Thessaloniki in winter and summer.
During the season, you can fly directly to Rhodes from many countries in Europe. Intercontinental, direct flights are only available to geographically very close countries in the Middle East, such as Israel or Egypt.
(Taxi prices on Rhodes a few years ago)
Insel Rhodos (german version)
Rhodes Island: Tours by boat, bus and submarineWe have selected the best tours and day trips from Rhodes for you, which can be booked online on a well-known website: 1. Boat tour from Rhodes Town to Lindos (8 hours): More information and booking (very popular tour) 2. Boat trip from Rhodes to the island of Symi (10 hours): More information and booking (great tour to an interesting island) 3. Sailing tour around Rhodes with swimming and lunch (6 hours): More information and booking (very popular trip) 4. Bus tour to Lindos from Rhodes Town (7 hours): More information and booking (Lindos with the famous Acropolis) If you are travelling by yourself: Due to the large number of tourists, it is better to buy the tickets for Lindos online in advance: Link to the booking page 5. Submarine trip from Rhodes (45 min): More information and booking (great insight into life in water) |
Another good German TV documentary
Top 10 Rhodes
What to see on a holiday:
Rhodes Old Town
This medieval town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is surrounded by fortified walls. It features narrow streets, ancient buildings and the famous Grand Master’s Palace. It is a great place to explore the history and enjoy the local cafes and shops. One of the most interesting towns in all of Greece!
Lindos
Lindos is a picturesque village with narrow streets and stunning views, known for its charming whitewashed houses. The Lindos Acropolis sits on a hill and offers panoramic views and fascinating ancient ruins.
Tip: Due to the large number of tourists, it is better to buy the entrance tickets for Lindos online in advance: Link to the booking page
Tsambika Beach
A beautiful sandy beach with crystal clear waters, ideal for swimming, sunbathing and water sports. It is one of the most popular beaches on the island and ideal for families.
Anthony Quinn Bay
A magnificent bay with emerald waters and rocky surroundings. Named after the famous actor who fell in love with Rhodes while filming The Guns of Navarone, it is perfect for diving and relaxing by the sea.
Butterfly Valley (Petaloudes)
A unique nature reserve where thousands of butterflies gather during the summer months. It is a peaceful place to stroll and enjoy the natural scenery.
Kallithea Springs
A historic spa with beautiful architecture and landscaped gardens, known for its healing waters. It is a great place to relax, swim and admire the surroundings.
Prasonisi
The southernmost tip of Rhodes where the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas meet. It is a popular spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing and has a unique landscape that changes with the tides.
Seven Springs (Epta Piges)
A peaceful place with natural springs surrounded by lush greenery. There is a charming walking trail and a small lake, making it a pleasant retreat from the crowded areas.
Monolithos Castle
A medieval castle on a cliff with stunning views of the sea and surrounding islands. Although it is now only a ruin, it is a fascinating place for history buffs and hikers.
Kamiros
An ancient city with well-preserved ruins that offers insight into the island’s past. It is less crowded than some of the other historical sites, making it a great place for history buffs.
Snakes Rhodes
There is at least one poisonous snake on Rhodes. It is the Asia Minor mountain viper (Montivipera xanthina). The venom often leads to serious complications in humans after a bite, and rapid treatment in a hospital with antivenom is necessary. We were unable to find out whether there is another poisonous snake species on Rhodes besides the mountain viper. However, there are some non-venomous snakes on the largest island in the region.
Sharks Rhodes
We are constantly asked questions about sharks around Rhodes. There are certainly sharks, and even rare species of shark that attack people. But actual attacks by a shark are very rare in Rhodes and all of Greece.
Hiking
Many tourists also come to the sunny island for hiking. There are many hiking trails, enough for a whole hiking holiday:
Mount Attavyros
Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Length: 7-8 km (round trip)
Description: This hike takes you to the highest peak of Rhodes, Mount Attavyros, which is 1,215 meters high. The trail offers panoramic views over the island and the surrounding sea. At the summit you will find the ruins of a temple of Zeus. The hike is steep in places but is worth it with spectacular scenery. As is often the case on islands, climbing the island’s highest mountain is a terrific hike just for the views.
Butterfly Valley (Petaloudes)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Length: 5 km (round trip)
Description: This trail is ideal for nature lovers. It winds through a lush valley where thousands of butterflies gather in summer. Wooden walkways and small bridges lead through the deciduous forest, making for a pleasant and peaceful walk.
Seven Springs (Epta Piges) to Tsambika Monastery
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 6km (one way)
Description: The trail starts at Seven Springs, a beautiful natural area, and leads through a pine forest to Tsambika Monastery. The walk offers great views and ends at a stunning viewpoint above Tsambika Beach. There are some steep sections, but the views are worth it.
Lindos to Acropolis
Difficulty: Easy, more of a walk
Length: 1.5km (one way)
Description: A short but rewarding hike that takes you from Lindos village to the Acropolis of Lindos. The trail winds through narrow streets and up stairs to reach the ancient ruins. The views from the top of the whitewashed village and the sea are breathtaking.
Profitis Ilias Mountain
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 5-6km (round trip)
Description: This trail takes you through great forests and past historical sites such as the Villa de Vecchi, an old Italian governor’s palace, on the way up to the summit of Profitis Ilias. The views from the summit are magnificent, overlooking the sea and the surrounding villages.
Kritinia to Kritinia Castle
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Length: 2km (round trip)
Description: A gentle hike from the village of Kritinia to the nearby Kritinia Castle. The trail offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and the Aegean Sea, with a mix of shaded paths and open terrain.9.
Fourni Beach to Monolithos
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 7km (round trip)
Description: This trail starts at the secluded Fourni Beach and takes you through picturesque landscapes to Monolithos Castle. The hike offers breathtaking views of the coast, cliffs and castle ruins.
There are of course also longer and more difficult hikes on the large island of Rhodes. We have selected shorter, popular hiking trails.
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