Are you planning a holiday on Rhodes, Greece’s warmest island? We’ve put together a handy summary of all the essential information you need about getting there, getting around, accommodation, excursions and the best time to visit.
Whether you’re looking for a beach vacation, a hiking adventure, or a cultural trip, our Rhodes travel tips will ensure you’re fully prepared!
#1 Getting to Rhodes
The best way to reach the island of Rhodes is by direct flight—you’ll be on the Greek island in just three hours. Rhodes is served by several European airports and airlines.
Rhodes has an international airport located about 15 km from the city of Rhodes. Rhodes Diagoras Airport is one of Greece’s most important airports, second only to Athens and Crete. As a result, air traffic to Rhodes is particularly heavy.
In the summer, there are numerous direct flights to Rhodes (including Easyjet, TUI and Ryanair). For those who haven’t booked a rental car, we recommend a transfer from the airport to your hotel, which can be booked through our partner GetYourGuide*:
How long is the flight to the island of Rhodes?
- Flight time from Berlin to Rhodes: approx. 3 hrs 10 min.
- Flight time from London to Rhodes: approx. 4 hrs. 5 min.
- Flight time from Paris to Rhodes: approx. 3 hrs 40 min.
Through our partner Skyscanner*, you can find the best flight deals to Rhodes and compare airlines and prices as needed:
➲ Find cheap flights to the island*
✈️ Find flights to Rhodes
Affordable parking at Berlin Airport: From Berlin, you can find real flight bargains to Rhodes with Ryanair & Co. If you’re driving your own car to the airport, we recommend the reliable service from Dein Stellplatz*. Your car will be safe and affordable here during your vacation—including a free shuttle to the airport.
➲ To the BER Airport parking lot*
🏖️ Dream beaches & hidden bays
🍽️ Restaurants, tavernas & cafés
🏛️ Must-see highlights & ancient sites
🗺️ Worthwhile spots & insider tips
🚘 Practical info like rentals & parking
♾️ Lifetime access & updates
Ferry Connections to Rhodes
Rhodes is also an ideal starting point for island hopping. To the south, you can explore the islands of Karpathos and Kasos. To the north, it’s worth hopping over to Symi and Tilos.
The Dodecanese islands are regularly served by ferries from Blue Star and Dodekanisos Seaways. Through our partner Ferryhopper*, you can find current ferry connections to Rhodes and book your tickets right away:
➲ Search for ferries with Ferryhopper*
⛴️ Find a ferry to Rhodes
#2 Best Time to Visit Rhodes
The best time to visit Rhodes is from April through October. Rhodes is one of the warmest regions in Greece. As early as mid-April, some days can already feel like summer. However, if you want to spend plenty of time swimming in the sea, you’ll probably have the most fun starting in June.
→ Learn more about the weather in Rhodes in our separate post: Weather in Greece
Our experience with the best time to visit
We’ve been to Rhodes several times, both in the spring and in the summer. Both seasons have their charms. In the summer, the north and east of the island are absolutely packed. The beaches are crowded, and cruise ship tourists stream through the narrow alleys of the Old Town. On the other hand, sunshine and warm water temperatures are guaranteed in Rhodes.
In spring, Rhodes is in full bloom, and nature shows itself at its most beautiful. Rhodes’ season starts in April, but not all shops, beach bars, and restaurants are open yet. Short rain showers can occur sporadically well into May, and the sea, at under 20 °C, is still quite cool for swimming.
The swimming season begins in June, and the beaches gradually fill up until they reach their peak in August. The high season is the epitome of mass tourism on Rhodes. Especially in the north and east, many beaches and resorts are bursting at the seams. If you can only travel during this time, it’s best to head to the southern part of the island. For everyone else, we recommend visiting during the off-season.
Starting in late September, the island regains some peace and quiet. Air and water temperatures remain pleasantly warm well into November. October is among the best times to visit Rhodes, as the crowds have dispersed and many attractions remain open. It’s ideal for an active vacation with occasional trips to the beach.
#3 Car Rental in Rhodes
We recommend renting a car on Rhodes for a few days so you can explore the island’s diverse inland areas and mountainous regions. In the north, we really enjoyed Filerimos Hill, along with its park and monastery. Don’t miss the Rhodes miniature horses at Faethon Farm in the center and Rhodescape Park at the Apolakkia Dam in the south.
The best way to explore Rhodes is by taking an extended road trip in a rental car. If you’re traveling on your own, you can also discover some beautiful spots far away from the tourist crowds. During peak season, the island highway in eastern Rhodes gets very busy. Stick to the speed limits and avoid passing in areas with limited visibility.
Rhodes rental cars are available from international rental companies right at the airport. Regional providers are often cheaper and will also deliver your chosen vehicle to the airport. Compact cars start at around 25 euros per day, depending on the season and model. The longer you rent, the lower the daily rate becomes. We use the Discover Cars* portal to search for rental cars:
➲ Book a rental car for the island*
Since most roads on Rhodes are paved, an off-road vehicle isn’t strictly necessary. During the peak season in July and August, we recommend reserving a car in advance before your holiday.
✓ Full coverage & unlimited mileage included
✓ Free cancellation until 24h before pickup
✓ Best price guarantee via Discover Cars
Scooters, ATVs, and Taxis on Rhodes
You can also rent plenty of scooters and quads locally on Rhodes, but due to the distances involved, they’re only suitable to a limited extent for longer island tours. If you want to explore a lot of Rhodes, you’re better off choosing a small car. For short distances and trips to the nearest beach, a scooter is definitely sufficient.
Taxi service on Rhodes: Do you need a taxi to get from A to B on Rhodes? Or would you like to book a shuttle service from Rhodes Airport to your hotel? We recommend the taxi service Rhodes Cabs. The positive online reviews and track record speak for themselves. Visit the provider: Rhodes Cabs
You can also conveniently book your taxi in Rhodes online. You can reserve your taxi here.*.
#4 Hotel Tips in Rhodes
Rhodes is one of the most popular vacation destinations in Europe. Numerous hotels on Rhodes are vying for vacationers’ business. Thanks to the wide selection, you can also find very affordable accommodations for your Rhodes vacation. Independent travelers who book a vacation rental away from the tourist centers usually end up paying less than vacationers who prefer an all-inclusive package.
It doesn’t always have to be all-inclusive in Rhodes. There are so many beautiful apartments and family-run hotels. And you’ll usually eat better at Greek taverns than at the hotel buffet. Rhodes also has plenty of cozy vacation rentals to offer for independent travelers.
🛏️ Find hotels in Rhodes
All hotels at a glance, check prices & availability directly:
💡 Our money-saving tip for Rhodes hotels: Whether it’s a reliable hotel, a chic apartment near the beach, or a cozy vacation home in the Rhodes hinterland. The island offers a wide selection to suit every budget. In our experience, the farther south and the farther from the sea you go, the more affordable the accommodation prices tend to be.
Our Hotel Recommendations for Rhodes
We’ve selected the following accommodations with excellent guest reviews via the Booking.com* platform. There’s a wide range to choose from, ranging from simple apartments and studios to family hotels, boutique villas, and luxury resorts:
10 GR Hotel & Wine Bar (Rhodes Town)
A 5-star hotel and bar complex in the heart of the Old Town. Lovingly restored rooms with an appealing design. An ideal base for exploring the city.
➲ More info on the 10GR Hotel*
Atrium Prestige Thalasso Spa Resort & Villas (Plimmiri)
A top-class hotel located in the south of Rhodes near Plimmiri (Lachania), away from the tourist crowds. Exclusive villas right on the sea, peaceful seclusion, and exceptional service.
➲ More info on the Atrium Prestige Resort*
Limeri Traditional Guest House (Monolithos)
A very affordable 3-star hotel in the west of the island with lovingly furnished guest rooms. Good cuisine and friendly hosts.
➲ More info on the Limeri Guest House*
Lindos Blu Luxury Hotel & Suites (Theotokos)
A luxurious 5-star hotel in Theotokos, just about 2 km from Lindos. Modern rooms, friendly staff, and a beautiful view of the nearby Vlycha Bay.
➲ More info on the Lindos Blu Hotel*
Lindos Mare Seaside Hotel (Theotokos)
A hotel in the town next to Lindos, located below Vlycha Beach. Stunning ocean views from the pool terrace and helpful staff. The resort is popular with families.
→ Looking for the perfect hotel for your Rhodes vacation? Then check out our post: The Best Hotels in Rhodes
Here’s where we stayed in Rhodes
Aesthisis Kolympia Garden (Kolymbia)
In a quiet location at the entrance to Kolymbia (about a 20-minute walk to the beach), Anthoula and her warm and welcoming family rent out four tastefully furnished vacation apartments. They are very well-equipped and furnished with great attention to detail; each apartment is one-of-a-kind, and the wooden furniture and beds are handcrafted by the family’s father.
On the large, landscaped grounds (a former olive and fruit orchard), several cozy seating areas with BBQ grills have been set up, and parking spaces are available. We felt right at home at Aesthisis Kolympia Garden from the very beginning and can wholeheartedly recommend the apartments!
On Booking.com*, you can find more information about the accommodation and check prices and availability:
➲ More info on Aesthisis Apartments*
Our Favorite Places to Stay on Rhodes
We spent our most recent stays in the towns of Stegna, Afantou, and Asklipio (Kiotari). For one week each time, we stayed in beautiful vacation apartments away from the tourist hustle and bustle. These towns have largely retained their authentic character; you won’t find any large hotel complexes here. Afantou Beach is also one of the largest on the island.
Rhodes Vacation Homes and Villas
The island offers charming vacation homes for a personalized Rhodes getaway. If you prefer a quieter setting, we recommend a vacation home south of Lindos. That way, you’ll avoid the heavy traffic and the hustle and bustle of day-trippers. Almost every town on Rhodes has a small supermarket and a tavern. You’ll find a wide selection of vacation homes on Rhodes at Booking.com*:
➲ Beautiful vacation homes and villas*
Rhodes Package Tours and All-Inclusive
There are countless deals on package tours to Rhodes. Along with Crete and Kos, Rhodes is the most popular package tour destination in Greece. Hotels in Faliraki, Ialysos, Kolympia, and Lindos offer package tours to suit almost any budget.
Rhodes is a beautiful vacation destination for independent travelers. However, those looking for a completely carefree vacation will find great deals on the Check24* portal:
➲ Find affordable package tours*
#5 Things to See on Rhodes
Rhodes Town: the island’s capital
The island’s capital is Rhodes Town. It’s located on the northern tip of the island and has a population of about 50,000. Rhodes Town is a very lively city with a long and eventful history. For an initial overview, we recommend a city tour—either on foot, by Segway, or by e-bike—which can be booked through GetYourGuide*:
The New Town is home to numerous shops, bars, and restaurants. The medieval Old Town of Rhodes has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988 and is home to numerous historical treasures. The famous Grand Master’s Palace of Rhodes, a large fortress dating back to the era of the Knights, is always bustling with activity.
→ You can find our tips for the capital of Rhodes here: Rhodes Town
Ancient Sites, Nature, and Family Outings
History buffs will also find plenty to enjoy on Rhodes. Several archaeological sites, including the Acropolis of Lindos and ancient Kamiros, are waiting to be discovered on Rhodes. But there’s also plenty to experience on a Rhodes vacation with kids, from water parks to the bee museum.
→ You can find tips for a successful family vacation in Rhodes in our article: Rhodes with Kids
Hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers are drawn to the unspoiled south of Rhodes or to the forested center of the island, including the areas around Eleousa and the Seven Springs. For the adventurous, the area around Monolithos at Cape Fourni is particularly ideal.
Personally, we like the southern part of Rhodes best. Lush coniferous forests dot this part of the island, and unspoiled villages like Apollona, Laerma, Lachania, and Mesanagros exude charm and have so far been spared from mass tourism. Another special highlight is the trip from Rhodes to the neighboring island of Symi.
→ You can find all the island’s highlights and our personal favorite spots here: Things to do in Rhodes
#6 Beautiful Beaches on Rhodes
Rhodes has many beautiful beaches, both pebble and sand, that shimmer in shades of gold or gray. In the north of the island, during peak season, you’ll hardly find a sandy beach that isn’t completely overcrowded. The further south you go, the quieter the beaches on Rhodes become.
While pebble and stone beaches dominate the west, the east coast offers numerous sheltered coves with sandy beaches and crystal-clear water. But it’s only truly quiet in the south, where you can swim undisturbed even in summer—our favorite is Agios Georgios Beach.
In the west, there are still a few quiet swimming coves, such as at Cape Fourni. At the very southern tip of Rhodes lies the Prasonisi Lagoon, a popular spot for kitesurfers and windsurfers with a wide sandy beach. The partly dark sand and pebble beaches in eastern Rhodes (including Afantou and Kalathos) are rarely visited, even during peak season.
Popular beaches on Rhodes:
- Agathi Beach
- Agios Georgios Beach (southeast)
- Anthony Quinn Bay
- Glistra Beach
- Grand Blue Beach
- Kopria Beach
- Paulus Bay (Agios Pavlos)
- Red Sand Beach
- Stegna Beach
→ In this post, we’ll tell you which 12 beaches on Rhodes we especially liked: Rhodes Beaches
🗺️ 10 road trip routes with maps
🏖️ Beautiful beaches & swimming spots
🏛️ All top sights & attractions
🤫 Unpublished insider tips
🍽️ Accommodation, tavernas & cafés
#7 Rhodes Excursions and Tours
Here, we’ve handpicked some popular Rhodes tours and experiences for you. If you have enough time on Rhodes, you definitely shouldn’t miss a trip to the neighboring island of Symi! For families, the pirate boat tours—which include lunch—are a great option. Click on the GetYourGuide* links for details such as availability and tour prices:
➲ Take the bus tour to Lindos*
➲ Take the pirate boat tour including a BBQ*
🗺️ Find tours in Rhodes
Rhodes Town is also an excellent starting point for island hopping in Greece; its large harbor is considered the most important port of call in the Eastern Aegean. Excursions to the neighboring islands of Symi and Chalki depart from here. If you’d like, you can join a guided tour to the neighboring islands via GetYourGuide*:
➲ Excursions to the neighboring islands*
💡 Our Rhodes tour tip: For unforgettable excursions into the hinterland and to the neighboring islands of Rhodes, we recommend Vicky’s “Faliraki Tours Travel Agency.” With a personal touch, German-speaking support, perfect organization, and a lot of passion, every excursion becomes a unique experience—ideal for those exploring Rhodes! More info at: faliraki tours
#8 Restaurants on Rhodes
Rhodes attracts vacationers from all over Europe, so the variety of dining options is correspondingly vast. Especially in Rhodes Town, there’s something for everyone: whether you prefer Greek cuisine, burgers and the like, or sushi, you’ll find it all here. You’ll also find plenty of cafés, bars, and taverns along the island’s beaches. We’ve put together a small selection for you below.
Amethystos Gastronomy Meze Bar, in Archangelos
A rustic mezedopoleion (Greek tapas bar) in the heart of Archangelos. Owner Angelos and his friendly team offer an original blend of Greek cuisine with surprising flavors. In short: All the dishes we tried were absolutely delicious. It doesn’t open until 5 p.m., so reservations are recommended in the summer!
Sundalia on the beach, at Afandou Beach
Right behind Afandou Beach (also known as Afantiou Beach), Giannis and his team serve not only cocktails and specialty coffees but also delicious crêpes, pizzas, salads, and other snacks in a relaxed atmosphere. Sun loungers are also available for rent on the beach. The beach bar is never crowded, even during peak season.
→ You can find more tips for cafés and restaurants on Rhodes in this post: Rhodes Restaurants
#9 More Rhodes Travel Tips
With 115,000 residents, Rhodes is one of the most populous islands in Greece. Where there’s light, there’s also shadow. Keep an eye on your valuables in Rhodes Town and always lock your rental car. In remote areas, you shouldn’t leave a cell phone, camera, or similar items visible inside the car.
→ Here you can find more information and travel tips for your Rhodes vacation:
- Rhodes Blog – All posts about the island at a glance
- Rhodes Holiday Resorts – The Island’s Top 11 Resorts
- Tsambika (Beach & Monastery)
- Kallithea Springs
FAQ: Rhodes Travel Tips
Where is the island of Rhodes located?
The island of Rhodes is located in the southeastern Aegean Sea and, like Kos, belongs to the Dodecanese archipelago, a group of islands off the Turkish coast. Notable neighboring islands include Symi to the north, Chalki to the west, and Karpathos to the south. Rhodes is a very diverse island and, thanks to its location, is ideal for island hopping in Greece.
How big is the island of Rhodes?
The island of Rhodes is approximately 80 km long and up to 35 km wide. With an area of 1,400 km², Rhodes is the fourth-largest island in Greece. An island highway connects the two main towns, Rhodes Town and Lindos. It takes about 1.5 hours to drive from north to south.
Who is a Rhodes vacation best suited for?
Rhodes has something for everyone, whether you’re a beach lover or a history buff. The island of Rhodes has been a major draw for Greek tourism for many years. Countless hotels have sprung up along the north coast and attract many sun-seekers from all over Europe. Rhodes is known for affordable package vacations in Greece.
How many days should you plan for Rhodes?
Rhodes is the fourth-largest Greek island and has a lot to offer. If you want to explore the island thoroughly, you should plan on staying at least a week. Two to three days are sufficient for a first impression or simply to visit the Old Town of Rhodes.
Do I need a rental car in Rhodes?
Since the distances on the island are quite long, a rental car is recommended. The various sights are scattered across the island, and some of the beautiful swimming coves can only be reached by car. However, if you’re staying in Rhodes Town and mainly want to explore the Old Town, you’ll get around just fine on foot or by bus.
How much does a vacation in Rhodes cost?
Compared to other Greek islands, Rhodes is still relatively affordable. There’s a wide range of accommodations on Rhodes. From simple studios to modern apartments and chic villas with pools, to family-run hotels and large all-inclusive resorts, there’s something for every budget. In the off-season, you can find a simple apartment starting at €45 per night. In the high season, everything is generally more expensive, so you should expect to pay at least €80 per night and up.
Where is the quietest part of Rhodes?
While the north coast is the heart of tourism, the south and the inland areas are much more laid-back. You’ll find peace and quiet away from the crowds, for example, in the artists’ village of Lachania, the village of Mesanagros (population 65), the tranquil mountain village of Asklipio, or on the secluded Agios Georgios Beach in the south of the island.
Which beaches are recommended on Rhodes?
The beaches are very diverse: In the west of the island, pebble and rocky beaches dominate, while the east coast features numerous sheltered coves with fine sandy beaches, such as Tsambika Beach or the beach at Afandou. In the very south, at the windswept Cape Prasonisi, there’s a large sandy area that’s a favorite spot for surfers and kiteboarders.
Is it worth taking a trip to the neighboring islands of Rhodes?
Yes, Rhodes Town is one of the main hubs in the Eastern Aegean for island hopping. Boat tours to Symi depart from there. From the small port of Kamiros Skala, you can also reach the very unspoiled island of Chalki in just under 40 minutes by ferry. It’s ideal for a day trip.
Which is better, Rhodes or Crete?
Crete can be visited during both the peak and off-peak seasons. Since Crete is the largest Greek island, you can still find a quiet spot away from the crowds even in the height of summer. We recommend Rhodes only during the off-season, however, as many places there get very crowded in the summer. Due to its size, Crete also offers a bit more variety and, in our opinion, has slightly nicer beaches. If you’re still unsure, check out our island guide: Which Greek island is right for me?
*Support our blog Greece-Moments
This post contains affiliate links marked with an asterisk (*). If you book or make a purchase through one of these links, we’ll receive a small commission. The price remains the same for you. This helps us continue to provide high-quality content for free. Did you enjoy this post and want to say thanks? Then just buy us the next Greek coffee ☕️ Go to the coffee fund
Be sure to save this post on Pinterest, too!
