The sun-drenched island in the eastern Aegean Sea presents itself as scenic and varied. Picturesque bays invite you to jump into the turquoise-blue sea, amid lush nature you will discover old churches and castle ruins, and in the authentic villages of the island you can enjoy traditional Greek cuisine during your Rhodes holiday.
Rhodes is one of the most popular Greek islands among European holidaymakers, and especially among German visitors. In many places – including restaurants and hotels on Rhodes – German is spoken. The perfect conditions for a great holiday!
To help you prepare well for your time in the Greek sun, here are 11 essential Rhodes tips for planning your holiday:
- #1 Where is the island of Rhodes?
- #2 Airport of Rhodes
- #3 Size of Rhodes Island
- #4 Are there beautiful beaches in Rhodes?
- #5 Capital of Rhodes
- #6 Who is a Rhodes holiday suitable for?
- #7 Our Experience on Rhodes Holidays
- #8 Rhodes Hotels: Tips & Recommendations
- #9 Rhodes Holiday Homes and Villas
- #10 Rhodes Vacation Packages and All-Inclusive
- #11 Our travel tips for your Rhodes holiday
🏖️ Dream beaches & hidden bays
🍽️ Restaurants, tavernas & cafés
🏛️ Must-see highlights & ancient sites
🗺️ Worthwhile spots & insider tips
🚘 Practical info like rentals & parking
♾️ Lifetime access & updates
#1 Where is the island of Rhodes?
Rhodes is located in the southeastern Aegean Sea and, like Kos, belongs to the Dodecanese archipelago, a group of islands off the Turkish coast. Neighbouring islands worth visiting include Symi to the north, Chalki to the west and Karpathos to the south. Rhodes is a wonderfully diverse island and, thanks to its location, is ideal for island hopping in Greece.
When is the best time to visit Rhodes?
The best time to visit Rhodes is from May to September. Rhodes is one of the warmest regions in Greece. From mid-April onwards, temperatures are already reliably warm and sunny. However, if you want to swim extensively in the sea, you may find the water a little cool for comfortable swimming until June.
→ More about the weather in Rhodes in our separate article: Weather in Greece
#2 Airport of Rhodes
Rhodes has an international airport located about 15 km from Rhodes Town. Rhodes Diagoras Airport is one of the most important airports in Greece, and air traffic on Rhodes is correspondingly high.
In summer, there are numerous direct flights from Germany to Rhodes, including with TUI and Ryanair. For those who have not booked a rental car, a transfer from the airport to the hotel is recommended, bookable through our partner GetYourGuide*:
➲ To the airport hotel transfer*
How long does it take to fly to Rhodes?
- Berlin to Rhodes: approx. 3 hours 15 minutes
- Frankfurt to Rhodes: approx. 3 hours 5 minutes
- Munich to Rhodes: approx. 2 hours 50 minutes
Via our partner Skyscanner*, you will find the best flight deals to Rhodes:
➲ To the flight search via Skyscanner*
→ Travelling to Rhodes by ferry? This article has all the information you need: Ferries in Greece
#3 Size of Rhodes Island
The island of Rhodes is about 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. Driving from north to south takes about 1.5 hours.
🗺️ 10 road trip routes with maps
🏖️ Beautiful beaches & swimming spots
🏛️ All top sights & attractions
🤫 Unpublished insider tips
🍽️ Accommodation, tavernas & cafés
#4 Are there beautiful beaches in Rhodes?
Rhodes has many beautiful beaches, both pebble and sandy, shimmering in shades of golden to grey. In the north of the island, you will struggle to find a sandy beach in high season that is not completely packed. The further south you go, the quieter the beaches become.
→ We reveal the most beautiful beaches in Rhodes in this article: Rhodes Beaches
In the west there are still some quiet bays, such as at Cape Fourni. At the very southern tip lies the Prasonisi Lagoon, a popular spot for kitesurfers and windsurfers with a wide sandy beach. Some of the darker sand and pebble beaches in the east of Rhodes (such as Afandou and Kalathos) remain relatively quiet even in high season.
Popular beaches on Rhodes:
- Agathi Beach
- Agios Georgios Beach (southeast)
- Anthony Quinn Bay
- Glystra Beach
- Grand Blue Beach
- Kopria Beach
- St. Paul’s Bay (Agios Pavlos)
- Red Sand Beach
- Stegna Beach
#5 Capital of Rhodes
The capital of the island is Rhodes Town, located on the northern tip of the island with around 50,000 inhabitants. Rhodes Town is a lively city with a rich and fascinating history. For a first overview, we recommend a guided tour of the city – on foot, by Segway or e-bike – bookable via GetYourGuide*:
There are numerous shops, bars and restaurants in the new town. The medieval Old Town of Rhodes has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988 and is home to countless historical treasures. The famous Grand Master’s Palace of Rhodes – a grand fortress dating from the age of the Knights – is always a hive of activity.
→ More tips for the capital of Rhodes can be found here: Rhodes Town
#6 Who is a Rhodes holiday suitable for?
Rhodes is for everyone, whether you are a beach lover or a history enthusiast. The island has been an important force in Greek tourism for many years. Countless hotels line the north coast and draw sun-seekers from all over Europe. Rhodes is also well known for its affordable package holidays in Greece.
History lovers will find plenty to satisfy their curiosity on Rhodes. Several archaeological sites – including the Acropolis of Lindos and ancient Kamiros – are waiting to be discovered. And for a Rhodes holiday with children, there is also no shortage of things to do, from water parks to the bee museum.
→ Tips for a successful family holiday in Rhodes can be found in our separate article: Rhodes with children
Hikers and nature lovers are drawn to the unspoilt south of Rhodes or to the forested interior of the island, including the area around Eleousa and the Seven Springs. For the more adventurous, the rugged landscape around Monolithos and Cape Fourni is particularly rewarding.
✓ Full coverage & unlimited mileage included
✓ Free cancellation until 24h before pickup
✓ Best price guarantee via Discover Cars
Rhodes or Crete?
Not feeling inspired by Rhodes? No problem – there are plenty of other beautiful islands waiting for you! Take a look at our island guide: Which Greek island is right for me?
#7 Our Experience on Rhodes Holidays
We have visited Rhodes several times, in both spring and summer. Each season has its own appeal. In summer, the north and east of the island are packed – the beaches are busy and cruise passengers flock through the narrow alleyways – but the sunshine and warm water temperatures on Rhodes more than make up for it.
In spring, Rhodes is in full bloom and nature shows its most beautiful side. At the start of the season on Rhodes, however, not all shops, beach bars and restaurants are open yet. Short rain showers are possible until May, and the sea can still be quite cool for swimming at below 18°C.
Personally, we love the south of Rhodes best. Green conifer forests cover this part of the island, and unspoilt villages such as Apollona, Laerma, Lachania and Mesanagros exude charm and have so far been spared from mass tourism. A real highlight is the boat trip from Rhodes to the neighbouring island of Symi.
Click the links to check prices and availability of the individual GetYourGuide* tours:
➲ To the mini-cruise around the island*
#8 Rhodes Hotels: Tips & Recommendations
Rhodes is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe. Numerous hotels on Rhodes compete for the favour of visitors. Thanks to the wide range on offer, you can also find very affordable accommodation for your Rhodes holiday. Travellers who book a holiday apartment away from the main tourist centres often find better value than those opting for an all-inclusive package.
→ On Booking.com* you will find a wide range of accommodation on Rhodes and can check prices directly:
Rhodes Hotel Recommendations
We booked our own accommodation through Booking.com* and have made a selection here – from simple apartments and studios to family hotels, boutique villas and luxury resorts:
➲ View all hotels on the island*
Aesthisis Kolympia Garden (Kolymbia)
Anthoula and her warm family rent tastefully furnished holiday apartments at the entrance to Kolymbia. Each apartment is unique and decorated with great attention to detail – the wooden furniture and beds are all handmade. For more information and to check prices and availability:
Atrium Prestige Thalasso Spa Resort & Villas
Near Plimmiri (Lachania) in the south of Rhodes, away from the tourist hustle and bustle, this is a top-class hotel offering exclusive villas directly on the sea, peaceful seclusion and excellent service. For more information and to check prices and availability:
➲ Book Atrium Prestige Resort*
Limeri Traditional Guest House (Monolithos)
A very affordable 3-star guesthouse in the west of the island with lovingly furnished rooms, good home cooking and friendly hosts. For more information and to check prices and availability:
➲ Book the Limeri Guest House*
Lindos Blu Luxury Hotel & Suites
Elegant 5-star hotel in Theotokos, just 2 km from Lindos. Modern rooms, friendly staff and a beautiful view over Vlycha Bay. For more information and to check prices and availability:
#9 Rhodes Holiday Homes and Villas
The island has some charming holiday homes for an individual Rhodes holiday. If you prefer somewhere quieter, we recommend renting a holiday home south of Lindos – a great way to escape the heavy traffic and the crowds of day-trippers. In almost every village on Rhodes there is a small supermarket and a taverna. A wide range of holiday homes on Rhodes can be found on Booking.com*:
➲ To beautiful holiday homes and villas*
#10 Rhodes Vacation Packages and All-Inclusive
There are countless offers for package holidays to Rhodes. Along with Crete and Kos, Rhodes is the most popular package holiday destination in Greece. Hotels in Faliraki, Ialysos, Kolympia and Lindos offer packages to suit almost every budget. On Check24* you can compare the best Rhodes holiday packages:
💡 Help with Rhodes holiday planning: Not sure where to start with planning your Rhodes trip? No problem – draw on our years of experience travelling to Greece and let us help. We answer all your questions and concerns, including via video chat. Book your consultation here: Travel Advice Greece
#11 Our travel tips for your Rhodes holiday
We recommend spending a few days exploring Rhodes with a rental car to discover the varied hinterland and mountainous interior. In the north, we were particularly taken with Filerimos Hill with its park and monastery. Don’t miss the miniature horses of Rhodes at Faethon Farm in the centre of the island, or the Rhodescape Park at the Apolakkia Dam in the south.
→ With a rental car you are flexible and independent on Rhodes. Click the link for affordable deals via Discover Cars*:
➲ To the rental car booking for the island*
Our last stays were in Stegna, Afandou and Asklipio near Kiotari. Each time, we settled into a lovely holiday apartment away from the tourist crowds for a week at a time. These villages have largely retained their authentic character – large hotel complexes are nowhere to be found. Afandou Beach is also one of the longest on the island.
Rhodes Youtube Video
Wonderful impressions of the island of Rhodes can be found in the video by Robert Polasek ©:
→ Here you can find more information and travel tips for your Rhodes holiday:
- Rhodes Highlights
- Best Rhodes Hotels
- Rhodes Excursions & Tours
- Rhodes Resorts – Top 11 resorts on the island
- Tsambika (Beach & Monastery)
- Springs of Kallithea
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