A majestic island famous for its spectacular medieval walled city, golden beaches and rich history spanning from ancient times to the Knights of St John.
About Rhodes (Rhodos) - Culture, History & Character
Acropolis of Lindos
Greek is spoken. English is universal in the tourism sector, and German, Swedish and Italian are also widely spoken.
Explore the fascinating past of Rhodes (Rhodos) and discover how it has developed over the centuries.
In ancient times, Rhodes was a major naval and commercial power, famous for being home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World: the Colossus of Rhodes, a gigantic bronze statue of the god Helios believed to have stood at the entrance to the port. The island was also a center of learning, especially in rhetoric and sculpture.
The era that defined Rhodes was the rule of the Knights of the Order of Saint John (1309-1522). After being expelled from the Holy Land, they turned the island into their stronghold, building the formidable walled city, the Grand Master's Palace and the Street of Knights that we see today. After a long siege, it was conquered by the Ottoman Empire, which added mosques and Turkish baths. At the beginning of the 20th century, the island passed into Italian hands, who carried out extensive restorations and built Art Deco-style buildings in the new town.
Rhodes formally joined Greece in 1947. It quickly became one of the pioneers of tourism in Greece, developing world-class infrastructure that has kept it one of the country's most popular and visited destinations for decades. Today, it balances its immense historical heritage with modern beach resorts.
The historical timeline shows the key moments that have defined the development of Rhodes (Rhodos) through the centuries.
Discover what makes this city special with our comprehensive scoring system
Very safe.
Very safe.
Rhodes Old Town and Lindos Town are pedestrian paradises. The island as a whole is not walkable.
Rhodes Old Town and Lindos Town are pedestrian paradises. The island as a whole is not walkable.
The bus network is extensive and connects most places, but to explore the island freely you need a car.
The bus network is extensive and connects most places, but to explore the island freely you need a car.
Mid-range prices: plan lodging and meals carefully in tourist areas.
Mid-range prices: plan lodging and meals carefully in tourist areas.
Something for everyone: from the wild partying of Faliraki to the sophisticated bars of the Old Town and Lindos.
Something for everyone: from the wild partying of Faliraki to the sophisticated bars of the Old Town and Lindos.
A culture forged by centuries of history, from ancient times to the era of the Knights.
A culture forged by centuries of history, from ancient times to the era of the Knights.
Excellent Dodecanese cuisine with medieval and local influences.
Excellent Dodecanese cuisine with medieval and local influences.
The New Town of Rhodes is a large shopping centre, while the Old Town is ideal for crafts.
The New Town of Rhodes is a large shopping centre, while the Old Town is ideal for crafts.
Perfect Mediterranean climate, with one of the longest summer seasons in Greece.
Perfect Mediterranean climate, with one of the longest summer seasons in Greece.
One of the Greek islands best prepared for tourism, with a highly developed infrastructure.
One of the Greek islands best prepared for tourism, with a highly developed infrastructure.
A first-class family destination, with safe beaches, history of castles and resorts with all the comforts.
A first-class family destination, with safe beaches, history of castles and resorts with all the comforts.
A very popular international destination, safe and welcoming for everyone.
A very popular international destination, safe and welcoming for everyone.
A long and successful history in tourism has made the Rhodians professional and welcoming.
A long and successful history in tourism has made the Rhodians professional and welcoming.
An island of great beauty, which combines a spectacular coast with a green and mountainous interior.
An island of great beauty, which combines a spectacular coast with a green and mountainous interior.
An open-air architectural museum, with the medieval city of the Knights as its crown jewel.
An open-air architectural museum, with the medieval city of the Knights as its crown jewel.
Of global importance for housing one of the Seven Wonders, for being the fortress of the Knights of San Juan and a crossroads of civilizations.
Of global importance for housing one of the Seven Wonders, for being the fortress of the Knights of San Juan and a crossroads of civilizations.
Surprisingly green for a Dodecanese island, with a forested interior.
Surprisingly green for a Dodecanese island, with a forested interior.
The tourist areas, and especially the Old City, are very well maintained.
The tourist areas, and especially the Old City, are very well maintained.
Non-existent.
Non-existent.
Good infrastructure in Rhodes Town, but strong seasonality makes it less ideal for long stays.
Good infrastructure in Rhodes Town, but strong seasonality makes it less ideal for long stays.
Comprehensive assessment of this destination
Descubre las mejores épocas para visitar Rhodes (Rhodos) y qué esperar durante todo el año.
Perfect Mediterranean climate, with one of the longest summer seasons in Greece.
Lots of sun guaranteed in summer.
Mild winters.
Rhodes is one of the sunniest islands in Europe, with more than 300 days of sunshine a year.
The tourist season is very long, comfortably extending from April to October.
Ideal weather to explore the archaeological sites and see the island flourish. Fewer crowds.
Very hot and sunny. High beach and tourism season. The island is in full swing.
Excellent climate, the sea is very warm. Crowds thin out starting in mid-September.
Mild but it is the rainiest season. Many tourist businesses close, but the Old City lives on.
Plan your expenses and discover the best shopping areas
Daily spending per person
A very versatile destination. It can be affordable if you're looking for local food and simple accommodation, but it also offers extreme luxury options. Overall, it is good value for money.
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Best Areas
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Explore the most fascinating places this city has to offer
An ancient acropolis crowned by a temple, surrounded by the walls of a Knights' castle, above the picturesque white town of Lindos.
The largest medieval walled city in Europe and a World Heritage Site. A labyrinth of streets, walls, palaces and mosques built by the Knights of Saint John.
The imposing citadel and palace of the Knights of San Juan, at the highest point of the Old City. It houses a museum with spectacular mosaics.
A perfectly preserved cobblestone street in the Old City, where the 'inns' of the different nationalities of the Knights of Saint John were located.
A small and spectacular cove with emerald waters and rocks, which received its name from the actor after the filming of 'The Canyons of Navarone'.
The southernmost point of the island, a peninsula joined by a strip of sand where the Mediterranean Sea and the Aegean Sea meet. A paradise for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
A unique biotope where thousands of butterflies of the 'Panaxia quadripunctaria' species congregate during the summer months.
The ruins of a Knights castle built on a huge monolithic rock on the west coast. It offers one of the best sunsets on the island.
Rhodes Main Square, an essential place to visit.
Rhodes Local Market, an essential place to visit.
Rhodes Central Park, an essential place to visit.
Rhodes Art Museum, an essential place to visit.
Rhodes Panoramic Viewpoint, an essential place to visit.
Rhodes Commercial Area, an essential place to visit.
Traditional Neighborhood of Rhodes, an essential place to visit.
Essential advice and local insights to make your trip memorable and safe
Dinner in a courtyard of the Old City
Look for restaurants with interior patios ('avli') in the Old City for an atmospheric dinner away from the hustle and bustle of the main squares.
Visit a winery in Embonas
The Embonas region, on the slopes of Mount Attavyros, is the wine-growing heart of Rhodes. Visit one of their family-owned wineries to try local wines.
Rent a car
Rhodes is a large island with a lot to see. Renting a car for at least a few days is the only way to really explore its diversity.
Wear shoes with good soles
The cobbled streets ('choklakia') of the Old Town and Lindos are slippery and can be difficult to walk on. Comfortable footwear is essential.
tap water
Tap water is drinkable, but most tourists (and many locals) prefer to drink bottled water.
Walk along the walls
On certain days and times, it is possible to walk along the top of the medieval walls of the Old City. It offers a unique perspective and views.
Look for Fourni beach
Near Monolithos Castle on the west coast is this quiet pebble beach with interesting rock formations, ideal for escaping the crowds.
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