How much do hotels in Rhodes cost?

Budget and three-star hotels in Rhodes start around $105 per night, particularly in the newer town area around Mandraki Harbor or along Elli Beach. Mid-range four-star options typically run $160 to $220 per night, while five-star properties and boutique hotels inside or near the Old Town can reach $300 or more. Prices climb sharply in July and August and drop noticeably if you book for May, June, or September.

When is the best time to visit Rhodes?

Late April through June and September through mid-October offer the most balanced conditions, with sea temperatures warm enough to swim, daytime highs in the mid-20s Celsius, and significantly fewer crowds than peak summer. July and August are busy and hot, with temperatures regularly exceeding 35 degrees Celsius and beaches at Faliraki and Tsambika filling up quickly. Winter months are quiet and mild but many beach-facing restaurants and smaller hotels close seasonally.

How many days do I need in Rhodes?

Four to five days covers the main bases comfortably: one to two days for the Old Town, a day trip to Lindos, an afternoon at Tsambika or Anthony Quinn Bay, and time to explore the inland villages around Embonas. If you want to add boat excursions to nearby Symi island or spend more time at quieter beaches on the west coast near Ialyssos, a full week makes sense. Three days is workable but will feel rushed if you want both the historic and beach sides of the island.

Is Rhodes safe for tourists?

Rhodes has a low rate of serious crime and is considered a safe destination for solo travelers, couples, and families. The Old Town can get crowded and pickpocketing around busy market streets is the main practical concern, so standard precautions with bags and valuables apply. The beaches at Faliraki have historically had a reputation for a louder nightlife scene, which may not suit all travelers, but the rest of the island is relaxed and family-friendly.

What area should I stay in?

Staying inside or just outside the walls of the Old Town puts you closest to the medieval sights and evening dining in the Socratous Street area, though rooms here book up early and can be noisy at night. The northern tip of Rhodes Town near Mandraki Harbor and Elli Beach balances easy access to both the Old Town and the sea, and is where most mid-range hotels are concentrated. Families often prefer the resort strip around Ixia and Ialyssos a few kilometers west of town, where larger hotels have pools and direct beach access.

How do I get around Rhodes?

The island has a public bus network run by KTEL with two main terminals in Rhodes Town: one serving the eastern coastal villages including Lindos, and one covering the western side toward Ialyssos and Kameiros. A bus to Lindos costs around 5 euros each way and takes about 90 minutes. Renting a car or scooter opens up the inland areas and less-visited beaches significantly, with car rentals starting around 35 to 50 euros per day from agencies near the harbor. Taxis are available but can be difficult to find during peak season without prearranging.

What food should I try in Rhodes?

Pitaroudia, crispy chickpea and herb fritters, are a local specialty that shows up as a mezze starter across tavernas in the Old Town and is worth ordering early. Fresh grilled fish and octopus dried on outdoor lines before cooking are staples along the harbor areas in both Rhodes Town and Lindos. Locally produced honey from the island's interior and soumada, a sweet almond-based drink, are sold at the covered market near Mandraki. For wine, bottles from the Emery winery in Embonas village appear on most local menus and pair well with seafood meze platters.

Things to Do in Rhodes (2026)

Alex CarterTravel Research EditorUpdated June 6, 2026

Quick Answer

For most visitors, Rhodes offers a mix of must-see landmarks, free walking experiences, and easy day trips within an hour of the city. Pricing for paid tours and skip-the-line passes typically runs $25 to $85 based on our partner listings. Combining one or two paid tours with free attractions tends to deliver the best balance of cost and coverage.

Top Attractions in Rhodes

#1 Must-see

Rhodes Old Town Medieval Walking Tour

A guided walk through the Old Town's Street of the Knights, the Palace of the Grand Master, and the Ottoman-era Suleiman Mosque, with context on the island's layered…

#2 Must-see

Lindos Village and Acropolis Day Trip from Rhodes Town

Guided coach transfer to Lindos, time at the clifftop Acropolis overlooking St. Paul's Bay, and a free afternoon to explore the whitewashed village lanes and grab lunch at…

#3 Must-see

Rhodes Street Food and Taverna Tasting Tour

Small-group evening tour through the Old Town market and Nea Agora area sampling pitaroudia, grilled octopus meze, and local Emery white wine, with stops at family-run spots off…

Free Things to Do in Rhodes

You can experience a lot of Rhodes without spending money. These free activities punch well above their weight.

🚶

Self-guided walking tours

Free downloadable PDF routes and audio walks cover most major neighborhoods.

🏛️

Free museum days

Many Rhodes museums offer free admission on the first Sunday or a specific weekday.

🌳

Public parks & gardens

World-class parks and green spaces are always free to enter and great for people-watching.

🏞️

Scenic viewpoints

Hill-top overlooks and free observation decks deliver postcard views without the queue.

⛪

Historic churches

Most cathedrals and historic religious sites are free to enter; donations welcome.

🎨

Street art & markets

Wander artist districts and weekend markets for free local culture and food samples.

Day Trips from Rhodes

If you have an extra day, several worthwhile destinations are within 1 to 2 hours of Rhodes. Most can be done as a guided tour or self-driven from a rental car.

Nearby Historic Town

Travel time: ~1 hour
Typical: $45 – $95 group tour

Wine Region or Vineyard

Travel time: ~1.5 hours
Typical: $85 – $150 with tasting

Coastal Day Trip

Travel time: ~2 hours
Typical: $95 – $175 with transport

Natural Wonder / Park

Travel time: ~1.5 hours
Typical: $65 – $135 group tour

Best Things to Do by Traveler Type

👨‍👩‍👧

Families with Kids

Parks, hands-on museums, ferry rides, and free outdoor spaces work better than packed historical tours.

💑

Couples & Romance

Sunset rooftop bars, river cruises, intimate food tours, and boutique hotel stays.

🎒

Solo Travelers

Free walking tours and group activities are the fastest way to meet people. Cafe culture rewards lingering.

💰

Budget Travelers

Combine free museum days, public transit passes, and street food markets to keep daily spend under $50.

Map View — Attractions in Rhodes

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top 3 must-see things in Rhodes?

Every first-time visitor should prioritize the city's flagship landmark, one major museum or cultural site, and a leisurely walk through the most historic or scenic neighborhood. These three together give you the best read of the city and usually fit comfortably into two days.

How many days do I need to see Rhodes?

Most travelers cover the highlights of Rhodes in 3 to 4 days. Five days lets you add a day trip and one slower neighborhood day. Stay 6+ days if you're traveling with kids, prefer a slower pace, or want to take a multi-day day trip.

What are the best free things to do in Rhodes?

Self-guided walking tours, public parks, historic churches, scenic viewpoints, weekend markets, and free museum days (often the first Sunday of the month) all cost nothing and deliver excellent value. Combine 2 or 3 free activities per day to keep your budget tight.

Is Rhodes good for kids?

Yes — most major cities have at least 3 to 5 kid-friendly attractions including hands-on science or interactive museums, large parks, ferry or boat rides, and family-focused food halls. Plan shorter outings with breaks; kids tire quickly on long walking days.

What are the best day trips from Rhodes?

Most worthwhile day trips from Rhodes are within 1 to 2 hours by train, bus, or car. Options usually include a nearby historic town, a wine region or vineyard, a coastal escape, or a notable natural area. Book a group tour for stress-free transport.

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Full Rhodes Travel Guide

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