Spreading over an area of 1400.68 km2, Rhodes is the largest island of the Dodecanese and the fourth largest in Greece. Rhodes is an ideal destination for families, offering many sights of great historical and cultural value, superb, clean and safe beaches, many options for sports and recreation and excellent tourist infrastructure. However long you may choose to stay in Rhodes, one thing is for sure: you'll never feel bored! The summer period lasts for many months, although the island of the Knights retains its charm and lively social life throughout the year.
The Dodecanese complex of islands is located in the south-east Aegean, towards the coast of Asia Minor. Rhodes epitomizes the beauty and importance of these islands, promoting the triptych of natural landscapes, beautiful beaches and rich cultural heritage.
The most noteworthy sights in Rhodes are its Old (medieval) Town, a perfectly preserved monument designated as an UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988, its lacy beaches and unique natural surrounding.
In addition, Rhodes is often called the Island of the Sun. According to mythology, God Helios (Sun) chose this place to rule over anywhere else in Greece. The famous gigantic statue of Colossus, which used to decorate the entrance of the Rhodes' harbour, was dedicated to Helios. More to the point, the countless sunny summer days in Rhodes are more than enough reason for the island to be identified with the sun, be it a god or just a hot and shiny planet.
Another famous name for Rhodes is the Island of the Knights. The explanation for this is quite clear, but the story behind it will surprise you. In 1309, Rhodes was sold to the Order of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem. The Order established its Headquarters on the island. During their rule, until 1522, Rhodes acquired a leading role in the Eastern Mediterranean, which ended when Suleiman the Magnificent conquered the island. In the meantime however, Rhodes flourished. Perhaps the most important and prestigious reminder of that period is the Palace of the Grand Master, built by the Knights to house their highest ranking officials.
Ideal for family holidays
Rhodes is an ideal destination for family vacations! Most luxury hotels in Rhodes, offer children facilities and are equipped to provide various forms of entertainment for kids.
In close co-operation with the Municipality of Rhodes, the extended tourist infrastructure, the wonderful sandy beaches and all kinds of watersport facilities on offer (water-skiing, windsurfing, parasailing and many more) throughout the island make for the best possible vacation combo for you and your kids!
You may reach Rhodes either by sea or air. There are daily ferries from Piraeus to the island, stopping over in Patmos, Leros, Kalymnos and Kos on the way. The journey lasts about 12 hours οr more depending on the ferry route. Once in Rhodes you may easily find a ferry connection to other islands of the Dodecanese available, as well as to Crete and some Cycladic islands such as Santorini (the route is Piraeus - Santorini - Kos - Rhodes).
During the high summer period (mid June until August), "Blue Star Ferries" lines depart from Piraeus to Rhodes every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 19:00, every Tuesday and Thursday at 15:00 and 21:30, every Sunday at 21:30 and every Saturday at 8:00, 19:00 and 23:55. Please always check times and ticket prices available for the exact period you wish to travel.
Alternatively, there are direct flights available daily, with flights departing from Athens to Rhodes taking about 40 minutes. Other flight destinations available from Rhodes are those to Kos, Karpathos, Kastellorizo, Mykonos, Santorini, Heraklion and Thessaloniki (Macedonia Airport serves travellers in Chalkidiki). Rhodes is also connected via aircarrier with other countries, especially during the summer period, and has been selected by low-cost carriers, such as Ryanair, which also operates flights from Chania, Thessaloniki, Volos, Kos, Zante, Kefalonia, Corfu, Kalamata and Araxos (Patras).
With Rhodes town as a base, there are many daily scheduled trips avalaible for those who wish to travel around the island. During the tourist season, the frequency of these services increases and you can check with your travel agent and hotel for details to arrange or book your local excursions.
If you want to move around the city and do not have a car, there is a wide network of city buses available.
There are also buses from Rhodes to:
*Before arranging your trip, please confirm daily bus schedule because times of departure change depending on the season.
Enjoy your trip and holidays on the beautiful island of Rhodes!
Boasting a unique mixture of picturesque vistas, ancient castles, magnificent beaches and a vivid night life scene, Rhodes is as versatile a vacation destination as it gets. And there is a hotel type on offer to suit every traveler’s needs.
Fun times with the mates or time to relax and romance your sweetheart? Travelling to Rhodes alone or with the whole family? Are you a back-packer looking for the basics or have you decided to go all-in and get yourself as pampered as it gets? Whatever you are looking for from your vacation in Rhodes, whomever you decide to spend your time on the island with and however small or exaggerated your budget is, you’ll definitely find the right accommodation to keep with your plans. And, if you choose wisely, you might even enjoy more from your stay that you originally planned.
A guide to Rhodes' beaches
The best beaches of Rhodes island, undoubtedly are on the east side. The west side of the island usually has fierce winds that makes bath difficult or impossible. On the other hand, this side of the island is irresistible for the fans of water sports that rely on wind, like surfing and parasailing. Click below to find a short list of the beaches must-visit during your holiday in Rhodes.
Rhodos guide to villages, museums or churches
Rhodes is literally a magic island in all aspects and it is in itself a huge attraction. Even if nothing did not exist in Rhodes as human intervention, no attraction that made by a human hand, Rhodes in the same way would be a magical place thanks to the excellent natural environment, the size and the geographical location.
The traditional recipes you just have to try in Rhodes
They may have imaginative names and weird ingredients, but the most distinctive dishes of the traditional cuisine of Rhodes have survived through the ages and still excite our palate today!
The roots of gastronomy in Rhodes reach out to many different directions. With the island standing at the crossroads of many different cultures, its local recipes present a rare mixture of tastes and ingredients coming from all four points of the horizon and reaching far back throughout its history.
Most traditional dishes derive from the Doric era, when cereal remained at the basis of the ancient Rhodes' diet. Other local culinary favourites reflect flavours that can also be found elsewhere around the Mediterranean, such as in Asia Minor, northern Africa or Southern Italy, attesting to the fact that Rhodes has always kept close communication with its neighbouring cultures.
Rhodes bars
Ranging from classic, slick bars to the neighbourhood friendly sports bar and from the lounging party vibe to some of the more alternative venues, there are plenty of places where you can enjoy a cocktail in Rhodes. We present to you ten really interesting choices.
As a true cosmopolitan, Rhodes offers a vivid night life for all tastes and fashions. Some of its most popular bars have been around for decades, others are newer additions to keep up with the zeitgeist. And then, there are those that have taken a rather bizzare idea and turned it into a unique night-out-in-the-town experience. So, take your pick and.... cheers!
Wherever you turn your head when walking around in Lindos, you will get a glimpse of history. From the times of Homer, all the way through to the ancient Greek, roman, hellenistic and medieval ages, Lindos has earned the spotlight because of its great achievements and wealth. So, wear your snickers and get ready to roam its streets and discover one of the most interesting sites in Greece.
Ialisos, Rhodes, Greece
The second largest town of Rhodes, Ialysos is located 8 klm to the south west of the city of Rhodes and boasts the largest – and in certain times, windiest – stretch of beach on the island. It has been developed as a tourist hot-spot since the 1970s and remains one of the places where you can find something exciting to do at any time of day and night.
5 ways to enjoy Rhodes with your kids
Being one of Greece's largest and best organized islands in terms of tourist services and all-inclusive resorts, Rhodes has traditionally been considered an ideal destination for people travelling with kids. But if you want to lure the little ones out of the hotel and into a family day of fun, here are five ways to do it!
Hollywood might have been the first film industry to truly appreciate the island's many unique locations back in the '60s, followed by many successful Greek productions, but Rhodes remains a worldwide destination for professional film-makers until this day!
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