One of the largest islands in Greece, and also the easternmost, facing Turkey, Rhodes is one of the most unique tourist destinations. It is not as crowded as its eastern sister islands, but it attracts culture and history enthusiasts because, along with the beautiful beaches, there are dozens of majestic monuments. Eighty km long and about 40 km wide, the island is made up of limestone hills, wooded coasts and towns overlooking long, romantic beaches that alternate rocks and fine sand. Rhodes, the capital, is located in the north. People come to Rhodes above all to admire the ruins and ancient buildings. But also to enjoy life outdoors in a different Greece.
Best period to visit Rhodes
The best period for a holiday in Rhodes is from May to October. The summer months – July and August – are the liveliest but also the most crowded, everywhere in the Greek archipelago and therefore also in Rhodes. Those looking for more tranquility can book in May or September, while those who just want to have fun can take advantage of the entire season.
Travel documents
Rhodes is in Greece, which is also a member of the Schengen Agreement Area. The nations belonging to this agreement allow their own citizens to travel free from one country to the other, as if they were traveling their own homeland. In this case, ID paper is enough. But if you belong to non-Schengen nations, though, you shall show your passport as soon as you arrive at the local airport.
What to pack for your trip to Rhodes
If you want to enjoy a holiday in Rhodes you should think of two main activities: walking and swimming. So, in your bags you will put: comfortable shoes, light and sporty clothes, bathing suits, snorkeling equipment, sunscreen and hats.
You better also pack generic medicines (paracetamol, moment, buscopan, cortisone, etc.) and first-aid elements. Do not forget photocamera, battery recharger, one or two jackets (for the cool nights) and – if you like – some elegant clothes too.
How to get to Rhodes
Getting to Rhodes is quick and easy. Thanks to the airport of Rhodes located just 15 km from the capital, connections are guaranteed with almost all European and Middle Eastern capitals. Naturally, there are also direct domestic flights from Athens. Those arriving by ship will depart from the ports of Piraeus, Mykonos and Crete.
How to move through Rhodes
On the island of Rhodes there are public transports that can easily cover the entire perimeter of the territory. The regional taxis and buses of the KTEL company are ideal for those who like to immerse themselves immediately in the local culture. Alternatively, you can rent cars, scooters, quads or rely on private transport. Transfeero guarantees tailor-made transports with professional drivers and shuttles. If you will remain on the coast, you can also rent a bike and enjoy the island at your own pace.
What to see
Rhodes is very close to Turkey. Its fame is linked to the mythologies of the past and in particular to Poseidon, the god of the sea. Today Rhodes is a tourist center full of archaeological treasures and splendid nature.
The main urban center and UNESCO Heritage is precisely Rhodes, which gathers around itself millenary and medieval testimonies, with architecture that recalls both the ancient Greeks and the Genoese and Hospitaller Knights dominations. From the Palace of the Grand Masters, to the Catholic cathedral, the Ancient Walls, passing through Odòn Ipotòn Street and the many museums, the acropolis and the golden beaches, Rhodes welcomes thousands of tourists in love with its colours.
Visiting it is easy and convenient, thanks to the many well-coordinated transport systems, both public and private, which cover the entire territory, connecting it with the airport. These means will help you explore all the hidden corners of the island.
Places you will admire: Filerimos Monastery, Baths of Kalithea, Faliraki, Lindos ruins, Kamiros ruins, Ialysos, Ixia beach, Prassonissi beach, Stegna beach, Kiotari, Campochiaro, Paralia Tsampika.
What to do and NOT to do in Rhodes
Come enjoy the beaches, the wonderful seabed, the ruins and monuments of Rhodes. Go explore the villages, the wild hills of the inner island, the white cliffs, and the natural spots. You shall walk a lot and do a lot of sports. Feel free to do what you want to do, but … respect some of the island’s rules.
What you shall never do in Rhodes: enter in low-cut clothes into churches and monasteries, leave papers, bottles, trash in the streets or on the fence walls, ruin nature around you, expect to eat typical Greek food … here dishes are much more international style!