RHODES TOWN
Rhodes is a jewel of the Dodecanese, blending the grandeur of a UNESCO-listed Medieval city with stunning ancient history and sun-drenched Aegean beaches.
It is a land of crusader castles, Hellenistic ruins, and idyllic coves. From the fortified Old Town to the picturesque south, Rhodes offers a captivating journey through time and nature.
Most Popular Attractions
Medieval Old Town Core:
- Medieval City of Rhodes: A UNESCO World Heritage site and the oldest continuously inhabited medieval city in Europe, encircled by massive 14th-century walls.
- Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes: An imposing castle and the island’s most dominant medieval structure, rebuilt by the Italians in the 1930s.
- Street of the Knights: A beautifully preserved cobblestone street that leads to the Palace, flanked by the Inns (Auberges) of the different ‘tongues’ of the Knights.
- Archaeological Museum of Rhodes: Housed in the grand Hospital of the Knights, it displays a rich collection of artifacts from the island, including the famous Crouching Venus.
- Fortifications of Rhodes: Walk along a section of the massive defensive walls, offering panoramic views of the Old Town and the surrounding area.
- Roloi Clock Tower: A Byzantine-era tower in the Old Town, offering excellent panoramic views for a small fee which often includes a drink.
- Kahal Shalom Synagogue: The oldest synagogue in Greece, located in the quiet former Jewish Quarter (La Juderia).
- Mosque of Suleiman the Magnificent: The first mosque built on the island after the Ottoman conquest, with its striking pink dome visible above the skyline.
Ancient Sites & New Town:
- Acropolis of Rhodes (Monte Smith): Located just outside the city, this Hellenistic site features the partially restored Temple of Apollo, a stadium, and a small theater.
- Mandraki Harbour: The main harbor, flanked by the Fort of St. Nicholas at the end of a pier and marked by the statues of the Rhodian deer (Elafos and Elafina) where the Colossus of Rhodes is believed to have stood.
- Rhodes Aquarium: Housed in an art-deco building near the northern tip of the island, doubling as a research center.
- New Town (Niohori): Explore the modern commercial heart, featuring elegant Italianate architecture and a vibrant atmosphere with shops and cafes.
Island Highlights & Beaches:
- Acropolis of Lindos: A stunning ancient citadel perched high above a picturesque village, offering breathtaking views of the coastline and St. Paul’s Bay.
- Village of Lindos: A dazzling cascade of whitewashed houses beneath the Acropolis, known for its traditional architecture and narrow, winding streets.
- Kallithea Springs: A beautiful, recently restored Italian-era thermal spa complex with stunning architecture and pebble mosaics, leading to clear swimming coves.
- Anthony Quinn Bay: A legendary, picturesque cove named after the actor, famed for its clear, emerald waters ideal for snorkeling.
- Tsambika Beach: A long stretch of fine golden sand with shallow, gentle waters, overlooked by the Tsambika Monastery perched on a hill above.
- Valley of the Butterflies (Petaloudes): A unique nature reserve and habitat for a rare species of butterfly (Jersey tiger moth), primarily seen in the summer months.
- Ancient Kamiros: The well-preserved ruins of one of the three Dorian city-states of ancient Rhodes, revealing a structured urban layout.
- Seven Springs (Epta Piges): A cool, shaded natural oasis where seven springs feed a small lake. Walk through the dark tunnel to reach the lake.
- Prassonissi: A unique double-sided sandy beach and peninsula on the southernmost tip of Rhodes, famous for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
- Faliraki: A lively coastal resort town known for its long, organized sandy beach and the large Rhodes Waterpark.
Activities & Experiences
Walk the Walls of the Old Town: Take a stroll along the magnificent -century defensive walls for unparalleled views over the UNESCO World Heritage site. The path is open on select days and times.
Explore the Palace of the Grand Master: Immerse yourself in the history of the Knights of St. John at this iconic, grand medieval fortress in the heart of Rhodes Old Town.
Go Scuba Diving or Snorkeling: The waters off the coast, particularly around Kallithea Springs or the bays near Faliraki, offer clear visibility and interesting underwater caves and reefs.
Take a Day Trip to Symi Island: Catch a ferry to the nearby, incredibly picturesque island of Symi to see its colorful neoclassical harbor and swim in its pristine bays.
Sunbathe at Elli Beach: Relax on the famous beach right next to Rhodes Town, known for its deep blue water, the diving board structure, and the iconic Rhodes Casino.
Sail to the Anthony Quinn Bay: Rent a small boat or join a cruise to this stunning, secluded cove named after the famous actor who fell in love with the area while filming The Guns of Navarone.
Hike up to the Acropolis of Lindos: Drive or take a bus to Lindos, then make the climb (or take a ‘Donkey Taxi’) to the ancient clifftop acropolis for breathtaking views and impressive ruins.
Windsurf or Kitesurf in Fanes or Ialysos: Head to the west coast, known for its reliable afternoon winds, to take a lesson or rent gear at one of the main windsurfing centers.
Visit the Valley of the Butterflies (Petaloudes): Wander through the lush, shaded valley in the summer months (typically June to September) to witness thousands of Panaxia Quadripunctaria butterflies.
Take a Pottery Workshop in the Village of Archangelos: Engage with local artisans and try your hand at creating traditional Rodian ceramics, known for their unique designs and colors.
Enjoy a Sunset Dinner in Lindos: Reserve a rooftop table at a restaurant in the beautiful village of Lindos for a spectacular view of the acropolis and the bay as the sun goes down.
Local Tips & Transport
Walking is Essential in the Old Town: The Medieval City is a car-free zone with cobblestone streets, so be prepared to explore entirely on foot. Wear comfortable shoes, as the stones can be uneven.
Buses for the Island: Rhodes has an excellent and affordable public bus system.
Roda (Blue & White Buses): Serve Rhodes Town and its immediate surroundings (e.g., Ialysos, Faliraki).
KTEL (Orange Buses): Connect Rhodes Town with the rest of the island, including major destinations like Lindos, the airport, and the southern villages. Bus terminals are near the New Market (Nea Agora).
Scooters and ATVs for Freedom: Renting a scooter, moped, or a small ATV is a very popular way to explore the island, especially for visiting the many beaches and smaller villages at your own pace. Ensure you have the appropriate license for the vehicle type.
Taxis: Taxis are readily available, especially in Rhodes Town and at the airport. Fares from the airport to the major tourist resorts are often fixed; confirm the price before you start the journey.
Ferry Connections: The main port in Rhodes Town is a hub for island hopping. You can easily catch ferries for day trips to nearby islands like Symi or longer journeys to other Greek islands (e.g., Kos, Crete) and even the Turkish coast (Marmaris).
Embrace the Greek Dining Experience: Dinner is a late affair, often starting after 9:00 PM. Don’t rush your meal; Greek dining is a social event, and it’s customary to linger over conversation. Waiters will generally not bring the check until you explicitly ask for it (“To logariasmo, parakaló”).
Try the Local Wine and Suma: Rhodes has a long winemaking tradition; look for local varieties like Athiri (white) and Mandilaria (red). Also, try Suma, a strong, clear spirit similar to Grappa, often home-distilled and enjoyed as a digestif in the villages.
The “Two Sides” of Rhodes Town:
The Medieval Old Town: Historical, enclosed by walls, a mix of ancient architecture and modern shops/restaurants. It’s a magical place to get lost in, but tourist crowds can be intense during the day.
The New Town: Modern, grid-like streets, home to the main port, designer shops, banks, and the casino. This is where most of the island’s commercial life takes place.
The Turkish/Ottoman Influence: As part of the Ottoman Empire for centuries, Rhodes’ culture and architecture bear a strong Turkish influence. Explore the Süleyman Mosque and the Turkish baths (Hammam) within the Old Town for a taste of this history.
Hidden Gems:
The Rodini Park: A peaceful, green escape just outside Rhodes Town. It’s one of the oldest parks in the world, with small streams, bridges, and walking paths.
Monastery of Filerimos: Located on the hill above Ialysos, this is a serene spot with a -century monastery and a scenic “Golgotha” path lined with the Stations of the Cross that leads to a massive cross viewpoint.
Kallithea Springs: While the original healing waters no longer flow, the beautifully restored Italian thermal spa complex is a stunning place to relax, swim, and enjoy the architecture.
Mandraki Harbor Statues: Don’t miss the spot where the legendary Colossus of Rhodes once stood, now marked by two columns topped with bronze statues of a deer (the island’s symbol).
Language: While English is widely spoken in all tourist areas, learning a few basic Greek phrases will be appreciated: Yassas (Hello/Goodbye – formal), Efharistó (Thank you), and Parakaló (Please/You’re welcome).
Top Restaurants
To Posperi [$15-$30] – Highly praised by locals for authentic, home-cooked Greek food with generous portions, located slightly outside the main tourist paths for a more genuine experience.
Meli Restaurant [$15-$30] – A traditional Greek taverna in the Old Town with a contemporary touch, featuring a lovely alfresco setting in a quiet, cobblestone backstreet.
Yiannis Home Cooking [$15-$30] – An authentic family-run taverna in the Old Town, offering fresh, homemade Greek recipes passed down through generations, including excellent moussaka and lamb kleftiko.
Kostas Taverna [$15-$30] – A simple, budget-friendly taverna in the Old Town, popular with locals for home-cooked Greek meals like moussaka and beef stifado.
Ta Kardasia [$15-$30] – A hidden gem in the Old Town, serving rustic, authentic Greek cuisine with generous portions and warm hospitality in a charming alleyway.
Niohori Restaurant [$20-$35] – A traditional, family-run taverna-style spot in the New Town with a rustic vibe, known for sourcing its meat from its own butcher shop.
SARRIS Tavern [$20-$35] – A local favorite, unpretentious tavern, mentioned as a go-to spot for traditional Greek dining.
Thomas Taverna [$20-$35] – A family-run spot in the New Town known for its homemade food, including excellent dolmades, pork sausage, and kleftiko.
Hatzikelis Fish Taverna [$25-$45] – A cosy seafood taverna in the Old Town known for fresh seafood mezes and dishes like smoked aubergine and shrimp in ouzo sauce.
Mama Sofia Restaurant [$25-$45] – A historical restaurant in the Medieval Town since 1967, offering traditional and healthy Greek and Mediterranean cuisine.
Pizania fish tavern [$25-$45] – Located in a quiet part of the Old Town, this taverna is known for fresh fish and seafood in a family-friendly, traditional setting.
Ouzeri Tapedaladika [$20-$35] – Located in Menekleous square in the Old Town, offering a simple environment, great service, and a classic ouzeri experience.
Koykos [$20-$35] – A popular tavern-ouzeri in the New Town, built in a beautiful traditional house with a garden, very busy mostly with local people.
Mageirotechneio Taverna Paraga (Apollona Village) [$20-$35] – Located in the village of Apollona (about 45km from Rhodes Town), this taverna is a meeting point for locals and visitors, focusing on authentic Rhodian dishes like pitaroudia (chickpea fritters).
Mavrikos (Lindos Village) [$30-$50] – A historic culinary institution in Lindos (about 55km from Rhodes Town), known for its traditional Greek cuisine and elegant setting.
Tamam Restaurant [$25-$45] – An award-winning, small restaurant in the heart of the New Town, renowned for unique dishes blending Greek, Mediterranean, and international influences.
Kerasma Restaurant [$30-$50] – A modern restaurant in the New Town that offers a contemporary culinary experience with slightly twisted creations always based on traditional Greek recipes.
Romios Restaurant [$30-$50] – Serves modern Rhodian dishes, reviving forgotten recipes into contemporary plates, and offering a unique gastronomic touch in a romantic setting.
Paneri Restaurant [$35-$55] – Located in the Old Town, offering creative Mediterranean cuisine with simple recipes and a focus on quality Greek products, located in a tranquil alley.
Thassos Greek Cuisine [$30-$50] – Located in the narrow streets of the city center, offering authentic Greek and Mediterranean cuisine with modern touches in a sophisticated environment.
Iliokratoras [$35-$60] – A spot for “elevated pub food with a crazy twist” and an amazing selection of hundreds of craft beers, not fine dining but a unique, highly-rated food experience (known as Beerokouto).
Marco Polo Restaurant [$40-$70] – Located in a historic Venetian-era building in the Old Town, offering a cuisine that looks to the future while respecting the island’s traditions.
Noble Gourmet Restaurant (Faliraki) [$90-$150] – Located on the rooftop of the Elysium Resort & Spa (near Faliraki), offering progressive Rhodian cuisine with modernist re-interpretations of traditional recipes and breathtaking views.
Nomad Mediterranean Gastronomy [$80-$140] – A luxury gastronomy restaurant in a 15th-century mansion courtyard in the Old Town, offering a unique menu influenced by Mediterranean culture, with a focus on seasonal, local ingredients.
Lakani (Rhodes Center) [$60-$100] – Focused on “comfort fine dining,” it offers traditional Rhodian dishes elevated with modern techniques by a renowned local chef.
Hellas (Pefkos) [$60-$100] – Located in Pefkos (south of Lindos), offering a blend of tradition and fine dining with authentic Rhodian flavors and a focus on local ingredients from their own farm.
The Ritualist (Old Town) [$50-$80] – A fine-dining spot known for its creative and upscale atmosphere.
Ambrosia Restaurant (Lindos) [$60-$100] – Located in Lindos Bay, this restaurant blends tradition with modernity, offering classic Greek cuisine, with the fresh fish of the day being a favorite.
Fournariko Bakery [$5-$15] – Not a full restaurant, but a must-visit in the Old Town for traditional Greek pastries and bread, especially baklava.
George & Maria Art of Falafel [$10-$20] – A small, cheap eats place in the New Town, offering delicious, large-portioned meals and great service.
Porca Vacca [$15-$25] – Located in the Old Town, known for serving what many consider the biggest and best breakfast in town.
Indigo [$20-$35] – A friendly restaurant in the port of Madraki (New Market), offering a variety of Turkish and Greek dishes in an informal setting.
Symposio Restaurant [$25-$45] – Located in the Old Town, this restaurant blends history and flavor with dishes inspired by ancient Greek gastronomy.
Bonito art gallery [$30-$50] – Located in the San Francesco district, this enchanting place offers traditional dishes revisited by a South American chef, with live band entertainment.
STeena [$30-$50] – A local favorite that specializes in meats, offering good quality food and often frequented by locals.
Rattan (Faliraki) [$40-$70] – Located in Faliraki, offering a delicious tasting menu and a high-quality experience.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
The Last Butler: A sophisticated speakeasy in the New Town area, channeling the charm of 1920s New York. Its skilled bartenders craft inventive, artistic cocktails in an intimate setting with leather sofas and jazz music.
Macao Cocktail Bar: Nestled in the heart of the Medieval Old Town, this elegant spot is a cocktail and sushi bar by day, which transforms into a chic open-air club with electronic music and signature cocktails after 10:00 pm.
Socratous Garden: A hidden oasis located off the main street in the Old Town, offering a tranquil escape with a charming garden setting, lush greenery, and a fountain, perfect for enjoying classic and innovative cocktails.
Ronda Restaurant & Beach Bar: A chic and trendy establishment on the beautiful Elli Beach in Rhodes Town, offering a lively atmosphere with stylish decor and a great selection of cocktails, often featuring live music and DJ sets.
Stoa: A serene and rustic cafe/cocktail bar located within the beautiful walls of the Old Town, offering a perfect spot for a refreshing cocktail in a tranquil historical environment.
MartiniBlue Ixia: Located in Ixia, a suburb of Rhodes Town, this bar is known for its stylish ambiance, inventive cocktails (like the Blue Martini), and stunning views of the Aegean Sea from its indoor and outdoor seating areas.
The Union Bar: Found in the heart of the Old Town, this cozy and intimate cocktail bar blends historical charm with contemporary flair, known for its friendly staff and a strong assortment of craft beers alongside its cocktails.
Monte Smith Cocktail Bar: Perched atop Monte Smith hill, offering a unique setting with breathtaking panoramic views of the island and the Aegean Sea, ideal for sipping expertly crafted cocktails at sunset.
Bolero Cocktail Bar: A gem in the heart of Rhodes Town, this bar is celebrated for its chic ambiance and innovative cocktails, with skilled mixologists creating unique concoctions that elevate the art of the drink.
Panda Cocktail Bar: Found in the center of the Faliraki resort area, this trendy spot features a beautiful garden setting and offers a refreshing variety of highballs and classic cocktails.
Rainbird Cocktail Bar: A top spot in Rhodes Town for unwinding, known for its trendy vibe and extensive drink menu, making it a must-visit for experiencing the best of the city’s lively scene.
Cavo Tango Cocktail Bar: Located near the Rhodes Town harbor area, offering a sophisticated vibe perfect for pre-dinner aperitifs and post-dinner cocktails with a view of the water.
Patty’s Lounge Bar: Situated on Ialyssos Beach (close to Rhodes Town), this is an ideal place for sunset cocktails and enjoying dinner, celebrated for its delicious food and great drinks with a beachside view.
The Yachting Club Cafe: Located right at the Mandraki Harbour in Rhodes Town, it’s a popular spot open all day and late, offering great drinks and views of the boats.
Sissitio: A unique bar in the medieval part of Rhodes town, set within a historic building, blending traditional architecture with modern design. It offers a wide variety of high-quality cocktails in a magical setting surrounded by ancient walls.
Colorado Club: A hotspot for nightlife located on Orfanidou Street (Rhodes’ famous ‘Bar Street’ in the New Town). It’s a large venue offering a vibrant, electric setting and often hosts live music and international artists across its multiple party rooms.
Paradiso Beach Club: Arguably the biggest and one of the best nightclubs on the island, located a short drive south-east of Rhodes Town. It features a massive capacity, a sea view, and hosts world-renowned international DJs for upbeat dance nights.
Amphitheatre Club: A legendary open-air venue situated above the picturesque village of Lindos. It offers stunning panoramic views over Lindos Bay and the Acropolis, perfect for dancing until the early morning and catching a spectacular sunrise.
Arches Plus Open Air Club: A seasonal open-air nightclub next to Lindos Beach, offering a thrilling ambiance with a spacious dance area and VIP booths. It hosts well-known DJs with music ranging from Hip-Hop and R&B to electronic tunes.
Gazi Club Rhodes: Tucked within the medieval walls of the Old Town, this club is a local favorite offering an intimate, chic, and eclectic party experience. The music is a mix of contemporary Greek hits, R&B, Afrobeat, and electronic music.
Soho Bar: A vibrant and well-known spot located in the heart of the Medieval Old Town, offering a great ambiance to end a day of sightseeing with lively music and drinks.
Bedrock Club: A popular, late-night venue in Faliraki‘s bar strip, famous for its unique prehistoric cave-like interior inspired by the Flintstones cartoon. It hosts lively karaoke nights and ‘insomnia parties’ with DJs.
DC Club: Located on the lively Club Street in Faliraki, it’s a typical, high-energy nightclub environment with smoke, flashing lights, and a House DJ playing into the early hours.
Liquid Nightclub: A go-to club on the Faliraki strip for the early hours, known for its intense party atmosphere, bright flashing lights, and loud, good music, often promoted with leaflets offering drink deals.
Nor: A decent but sometimes pricey club in Rhodes Town known for booking touring international DJs, offering a proper club experience for electronic music fans.