Rhodes

Rhodes

Plan Rhodes with Haqqi Tours: day tours, private airport transfers, attraction tickets and packages, run by our own team and confirmed on WhatsApp in Arabic or English.

Step out of your hotel in Rhodes and the first thing you notice is the light: a hard, clean Aegean brightness bouncing off honey-coloured stone. Inside the medieval walls, swifts wheel above the Street of the Knights, a bakery on Sokratous Street pushes out trays of warm sesame bread, and the minaret of the Suleymaniye Mosque rises beside Byzantine church domes. Down at Mandraki harbour, bronze deer stand on their columns where legend places the Colossus, and ferries load for Symi under a sky that rarely clouds over.

Rhodes Day Tours

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Rhodes Attraction Tickets

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Rhodes Airport Transfers

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Rhodes Flight Tickets

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Rhodes Ferry Tickets

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Rhodes at first sight

Rhodes has been a crossroads for three thousand years: a great Hellenistic sea power, the fortress of the Knights of Saint John, an Ottoman province and finally part of Greece in 1947. That layered past, wrapped in beaches and pine-clad hills, makes Rhodes the cultural capital of the Dodecanese.

Why include Rhodes in your itinerary?

  • One of Europe’s finest living medieval towns. The UNESCO-listed Old Town of Rhodes is still inhabited, ringed by four kilometres of walls, with Gothic inns, Ottoman fountains and mosques and Byzantine chapels sharing the same cobbled lanes.
  • Lindos and its clifftop acropolis. Few views in Greece match the whitewashed village of Lindos tumbling below a Doric temple of Athena, with the turquoise curve of Saint Paul’s Bay far beneath the ancient columns.
  • Sun almost all year. Rhodes is among the sunniest islands in the Mediterranean, with a long swimming season, both calm and wind-swept coasts, and easy ferry links to Symi and the rest of the Dodecanese.

Signature experiences in Rhodes

The Palace of the Grand Master and the Street of the Knights

Begin at the top of Rhodes Old Town, where the Palace of the Grand Master guards the walls with its towers, mosaic floors and vaulted halls. Below it, the Street of the Knights runs downhill past the inns of the different ‘tongues’ of the Order, each with its own coat of arms. Our guided day tours bring the sieges, the knights and the Ottoman centuries to life, and our guide handles the entry so you skip the guesswork at the gates.

Island Flavours and an Ottoman Hammam

Rhodian food is simple and generous: pitaroudia chickpea fritters, giaprakia stuffed vine leaves, slow-baked lamb, fresh grilled fish at Kamiros Skala and loukoumades soaked in honey. Find melekouni, the sesame-and-honey sweet given at island weddings, in Old Town bakeries. Then step into the restored Mustafa Pasha hammam for steam and marble. Our team can include these stops in a private day with a car and driver arranged around your appetite.

Wandering the Old Town Lanes

Leave the main shopping streets and the Old Town of Rhodes turns quiet and intimate. Arched alleys lead past the Hafiz Ahmed Agha Library, the pink-domed Suleymaniye Mosque, the old Jewish quarter and tiny squares shaded by plane trees. Walk the moat between the double walls for a different perspective on the fortifications. Our guided day tours explain what you are seeing, then leave you free time to explore on foot at your own pace.

Lindos, the Valley of the Butterflies and Symi

The classic day trip from Rhodes town is Lindos, an hour south, where the acropolis stands above sugar-cube houses and two sheltered bays. Inland, Petaloudes valley fills with butterflies in summer, and Seven Springs hides a cool tunnel stream in the pines. By sea, Symi’s neoclassical harbour is one of the prettiest in Greece. We run guided day tours, arrange a private car with driver, and issue the ferry tickets to Symi.

Ancient Kamiros and the Wild West Coast

On the west coast, ancient Kamiros spreads across a hillside like an open-air map of a Hellenistic town, with streets, houses and a temple overlooking the sea. Further south, the crusader castle of Kritinia watches the water, and the mountain villages around Embonas keep their traditions alive. This side of Rhodes is quieter and harder to reach by bus, so a private car with driver arranged by our team or our guided day tour is the most comfortable way to see it.

Neighbourhoods and quarters to know in Rhodes

Old Town

The medieval heart of Rhodes, inside the walls, with boutique hotels in restored mansions, courtyard restaurants and atmospheric evenings. It is safe and lively until late in summer, though the lanes are cobbled and some are car-free, so pack light luggage. Ideal for history lovers and couples who want to wake up inside a UNESCO monument.

New Town and Mandraki

Just north of the walls, the New Town of Rhodes holds the Italian-era buildings around Mandraki harbour, the market hall, cafés, shops and the town beach of Elli. It is practical, well connected for day tours and ferries, and easy to walk. Choose it if you want city convenience with the sea at the end of the street.

Ialyssos and Ixia

On the west coast, a short drive from town and close to the airport, Ialyssos and Ixia line a long pebbly beach with large resort hotels. The breezes here attract windsurfers, and sunsets are spectacular. It suits families and travellers who want space and a pool, with Rhodes town a quick taxi or private transfer away.

Lindos

The most picturesque village on Rhodes, an hour south of town. Whitewashed captains’ houses, pebble-mosaic courtyards and two beautiful bays sit beneath the acropolis. Lindos is calm and safe, but busy at midday when day visitors arrive. Stay overnight to enjoy it in the quiet morning and evening hours, when the lanes belong to residents again.

How long to stay in Rhodes and how to pair it

Recommended stay

Plan three to four nights in Rhodes for a first visit: one full day for the Old Town, one for Lindos and the east coast, one for Symi by ferry or the west coast, and a beach day. A week lets you slow down and combine island culture with real rest.

How to pair it

Rhodes links easily by air or ferry to the rest of Greece. In a seven-day loop, combine three nights in Athens for the Acropolis with four in Rhodes. In ten days, add Santorini or Mykonos for Cycladic sunsets. Over fourteen days, continue to Crete for Heraklion and Chania, or end in Zakynthos. We issue the flight and ferry tickets and arrange private airport transfers at each stop.

Best time to visit Rhodes and the rhythm of the day

Best months

The best months to visit Rhodes are May, June, September and October, when the sea is warm, the sun is reliable and the Old Town is comfortable to explore. July and August are hot, bright and busy, perfect for beach lovers. April and early November are mild and quiet, ideal for sightseeing, though some resort hotels may still be closed.

The daily rhythm

A day in Rhodes starts early, with Greek coffee and bougatsa before the heat. Mornings are for monuments and the Lindos acropolis, while midday belongs to the beach or a long lunch in a shaded taverna. Shops close briefly in the afternoon in smaller villages. As the light softens, the Old Town fills with strolling families, and dinner rarely begins before nine.

On-the-ground logistics in Rhodes

Arrival

Rhodes Diagoras International Airport lies about fifteen kilometres southwest of Rhodes town, roughly twenty to thirty minutes by car to the Old Town and Mandraki, and about an hour to Lindos. Ferries from Piraeus and the islands dock at the main port beside the walls. Our private airport transfers meet you at arrivals and drive you straight to your hotel door.

Getting around

Rhodes Old Town and the New Town are best explored on foot, but cars cannot enter much of the walled city. Public buses connect town with Lindos and the coastal resorts, and licensed taxis and ride-hailing apps work in town. To reach Kamiros, Seven Springs or the remote south comfortably, a private car with driver arranged by our team saves time.

Local etiquette tip

Visitors often forget that churches and monasteries on Rhodes, including Panagia of Lindos and Tsambika, expect covered shoulders and knees, even in the summer heat. Carry a light scarf. Greeks also value a friendly greeting: a simple ‘kalimera’ when entering a shop or taverna is warmly received and sets the tone.

Must-do things in Rhodes

  • Explore the Palace of the Grand Master at the top of the Old Town
  • Walk down the Street of the Knights and spot each inn’s coat of arms
  • Climb to the acropolis of Lindos for views over Saint Paul’s Bay
  • Take the ferry to Symi and see its colourful neoclassical harbour
  • Stroll the moat between the double walls of Rhodes Old Town
  • Visit ancient Kamiros on the quieter west coast
  • Walk the shaded paths of the Valley of the Butterflies in summer
  • Swim at Tsambika or Agathi beach on the east coast
  • Taste pitaroudia, loukoumades and melekouni in Old Town tavernas
  • Watch sunset over Mandraki harbour where the Colossus once stood

Do’s and don’ts in Rhodes

Do

  • Start sightseeing early to beat the midday heat and the cruise crowds
  • Wear comfortable shoes with grip for cobbles and the Lindos steps
  • Carry a scarf for churches and monasteries
  • Book ferry tickets to Symi ahead in high season
  • Drink plenty of water and use strong sun protection

Don’t

  • Don’t try to drive into the walled Old Town
  • Don’t climb the Lindos acropolis at noon in July or August
  • Don’t wear swimwear away from the beach in villages
  • Don’t remove pebbles or stones from archaeological sites
  • Don’t leave Rhodes without exploring beyond the resort strip

Rhodes at a glance

Plan Rhodes with Haqqi Tours

Every option is confirmed by our team on WhatsApp before you pay, and delivered by our own people or by trusted local partners we work with in every city. Because we send travellers from all over the world, our partners give us special rates and priority, so you always receive the best. Prices are per person unless marked per vehicle.

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Good to know

Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers to what travellers ask most about Rhodes.

Where should first-time visitors stay in Rhodes?

For a first visit, stay in Rhodes Old Town for atmosphere or the New Town near Mandraki for convenience and easy access to ferries and day tours. Families who want large pools often prefer Ialyssos or Faliraki, while couples love an overnight stay in Lindos. Our team can match the area to your plans.

Can Rhodes be done as a day trip, or does it need an overnight stay?

Cruise passengers often see Rhodes Old Town in a day, but the island deserves at least three nights. Lindos, Symi, ancient Kamiros and the beaches each need time, and the Old Town is magical in the evening once day visitors leave. We arrange private airport transfers and ferry tickets to make the stay effortless.

What is the dress code and etiquette in Rhodes?

Rhodes is relaxed: casual summer clothing is fine in town and resorts. Cover shoulders and knees in churches and monasteries, keep swimwear for the beach, and greet shopkeepers with a friendly ‘kalimera’. Tipping is appreciated in tavernas, around five to ten percent for good service, and photography is welcome at most sites.

Is Rhodes tourist friendly?

Very. Rhodes has welcomed travellers for generations, English is widely spoken, signs are clear and hospitality is warm. Beaches, hotels and restaurants suit every travel style, from families to couples to history lovers. Our guided day tours, private transfers and ferry tickets take care of logistics so you can simply enjoy the island.

Is it safe to travel to Rhodes now?

Rhodes is generally considered a safe and welcoming destination, with low street crime and a calm atmosphere. As anywhere, watch your belongings in crowded lanes and respect summer heat and fire warnings. Before departure, check the official travel advice of your own government, and keep our WhatsApp line handy for help during your trip.

What are the must-do things in Rhodes?

Explore the Palace of the Grand Master and the Street of the Knights, climb to the acropolis of Lindos, take the ferry to Symi, visit ancient Kamiros, walk the Valley of the Butterflies and swim on the east coast. Finish with sunset at Mandraki harbour and dinner in the Old Town.

How many days do you need in Rhodes?

Three to four days cover the essentials of Rhodes: the Old Town, Lindos, a ferry trip to Symi or the west coast, and some beach time. With a week, you can add the quiet south, mountain villages and slow afternoons by the sea. We can tailor the plan to your pace.

What can I book in Rhodes with Haqqi Tours?

Day tours, attraction tickets, private airport transfers, flight tickets and ferry tickets, including Filerimos Hill and Butterfly Valley Half Day Tour Rhodes, Lindos Caves and Bays Swim and Snorkel Boat Cruise Rhodes and Rhodes Dolphin Watching and Snorkelling Cruise with Marine Biologist. Each has its own page, and the WhatsApp desk combines any of them into one plan with one written price.

How do I get from the airport to my hotel in Rhodes?

Rhodes International Airport (RHO), also called Diagoras, is at Paradisi on the west coast, about 15 km from Rhodes Town, 18 km from Faliraki and 52 km from Lindos. Our private transfer meets you at arrivals with a name board, tracks your flight and takes you door to door at a fixed price for the whole vehicle; the transfer pages list every route.

Is there public transport from the airport to Rhodes?

Public buses run from the airport to Rhodes Town, and from there along both coasts, which suits a hotel in the capital; for Lindos, the south-east resorts, families with luggage or late arrivals a private car from the terminal is simpler and far quicker. With luggage, a family or a late flight, the private car is the simpler choice.

Which tours are available in Rhodes?

Among them: Filerimos Hill and Butterfly Valley Half Day Tour Rhodes, Lindos Caves and Bays Swim and Snorkel Boat Cruise Rhodes, Rhodes Dolphin Watching and Snorkelling Cruise with Marine Biologist, Off-Road Buggy Tour in Kremasti Rhodes and Symi Island Speedboat Day Trip from Rhodes. Each page says whether the day is private or small-group, what it includes and how long it lasts.

Are the tours private or in a group?

Both exist, and each tour page says which. A private tour has a vehicle and guide for your party alone; the desk can make most group tours private on request.

How do I book?

Fill in the form on any page or message us on WhatsApp with the date, the number of travellers and the hotel. A member of our team confirms the price and the details in writing within minutes.

Are the prices fixed?

Yes - every price is agreed in writing on WhatsApp before you travel and does not change on the day.

Do the drivers and guides speak Arabic or English?

It depends on the city and the day, so we do not promise a particular language; tell us your preference and we do our best. The WhatsApp desk always works in Arabic and English.

Can I change or cancel a booking in Rhodes?

Yes, in the same WhatsApp conversation. The terms depend on the product and on how close to the date the change comes; the desk states them before you pay.