Here are 10 great tips for first-time visitors to Rhodes

Rodos, also known as the Knights' Island, is the largest and central island of the Dodecanese in the Aegean Sea. The Bozburun Peninsula, within the boundaries of Marmaris, is the closest point to Rodos, being only 18 km away.

Getting to Rodos You can reach Rodos by daily ferry services from Fethiye, Bodrum, and Marmaris. Alternatively, you can travel by connecting flights from either Atatürk Airport or Sabiha Gökçen Airport, which takes about two and a half hours. To enter the island, you need a Schengen visa. If you plan to take the ferry, make sure to submit the required documents to the ferry company at least five days before your travel date to obtain your visa.

Rodos is one of the most popular Greek islands during the summer months, thanks to its well-preserved historical structure, delicious Greek cuisine, and vibrant nightlife. Therefore, it's beneficial to do thorough research before your first visit. We also have some suggestions for your trip to Rodos.

Plan Your Route When you arrive in Rodos, remember that the island is divided into Old Town and New Town. Old Town is more tourist-oriented and consequently a bit pricier. Most restaurants here are integrated into and preserve historical buildings. New Town is more budget-friendly and offers everything you could need.

Experience the Tavern Atmosphere You won't go hungry in Rodos. The cuisine is quite familiar due to the geographical proximity. Some of the best delicacies in Rodos include fresh seafood, especially grilled octopus with orange. Be sure to visit Odyssey Taverna on Sokrates Street in Old Town to try stuffed calamari and shrimp saganaki. Thomas Taverna and Koozina Restaurant are also popular spots in Rodos. If you're looking for more ethnic and local flavors, head to Koukos.

Spend a Day in Lindos If the image of white houses, cobblestone streets, and blue window frames conjures up the Greek Islands for you, then the ancient city of Lindos is a must-visit. The bell tower of the Church of Panagias is the tallest structure in this town. You can either walk or ride donkeys to reach the castle and acropolis on the hill, situated 116 meters above sea level. Lindos is one of the most significant archaeological sites on the island and offers some of the most beautiful views.

Visit the Temple of Athena While in Lindos, missing the Temple of Athena would be a miss. Visited by many historical figures from Alexander the Great to Helen of Troy, make sure to enjoy the view from this temple before leaving Rodos.

Swim at St. Paul's Beach

 Don't even think about leaving Rhodes without taking a break at St. Paul's Beach near Lindos to enjoy the sun and sea. This small beach, where the hill of the ancient city meets the sea, can be accessed through narrow streets or again by donkeys. St. Paul's Beach has crystal-clear waters, much like a pool.

Visit the Famous Rhodes Beaches 

Rhodes offers a plethora of beach options, but you should definitely prioritize Elli, Ladiko, Lindos, and Anthony Quinn beaches. The clear waters at these beaches make snorkeling a breeze, or for something more, you can go diving at Kallithea Beach. Generally, you'll need to rent a sunbed on these beaches, with an average rental cost of about 5 Euros.

Trace the Deep History of Rhodes 

One of the most iconic symbols of Rhodes is the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, built during the time of the Greek kingdoms. Although it's not possible to see the original statue, one of its columns stands at the entrance of Mandraki Harbor, and the other near the windmills. Today, two symbolic columns have been erected where the statue's feet were located, each topped with a deer statue. The remains of the statue are displayed in the island’s museum. It is believed that the statue stood about 32 meters high before it was destroyed by an earthquake around 250 BC.

Walk Around Old Town

 Enclosed by its walls, the Old Town of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, includes the imposing Castle of Rhodes. After seeing the site where the Colossus of Rhodes once stood at Mandraki Harbor, just turn around to see this massive fortress. These walls stretch for about 4 km, offering a journey back to the Middle Ages.

Capture Memories on the Street of the Knights 

When it comes to Rhodes, mentioning the knights is essential. Located in Old Town, the Street of the Knights is a must-see with its perfectly preserved medieval street and buildings that once housed knights. Today, some of these buildings are used by government offices and cultural institutions. Before touring, you can purchase a combined ticket at the Palace of the Grand Master, which offers a more affordable option than paying separately at each site. This ticket includes entry to the Archaeological Museum, the Decorative Arts Collection, and Our Lady of the Castle.

The Palace of the Grand Master, known for being the central hub of the Knights of Rhodes, is a prime example of Gothic architecture in Greece, and it’s also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inside, the knight’s armor is certainly worth seeing. The Decorative Arts Museum, located at the start of the Street of the Knights, displays famous plates from Lindos, traditional costumes, wood carvings, and ceramics.

The Archaeological Museum, located at the beginning of the Street of the Knights on the left side, was once used as a hospital by the Knights of Saint John during the Middle Ages. Now, the museum exhibits artifacts found in various archaeological digs around the island.

The last site accessible with the combined ticket is Our Lady of the Castle, directly across from the Archaeological Museum. Originally a church, the museum now showcases ancient arches and wall paintings.

Discover Rhodes' Nightlife 

Rhodes is well-known for its vibrant nightlife. If you're looking for a lively place, Bar Street in New Town is just the spot, with popular venues like Colorado Club, Inmonopolet, and Captain Hook Bar. Entry fees in New Town are around 10 Euros, sometimes including the first drink.

For a quieter evening, Old Town offers a more relaxed nightlife. Macao Cocktail Bar and Mozaik Bar are among the favored spots in Old Town. If you're with friends and want to unwind after a day's exploration, the cafes and bars around Hippocrates Square in Old Town are ideal, with cocktail prices ranging between 8-10 Euros.

Spend Time in Rhodes' Squares To truly experience the essence of the city, don't miss spending time in its squares. Hippocrates Square in Rhodes is one such place. Looking up, you'll see a minaret belonging to the Suleymaniye Mosque, built during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent and closed to worship after a 2005 restoration. The street leading down from this mosque takes you to the famous Socrates Street, which ends at Hippocrates Square, Rhodes' busiest and most famous square. Spend ample time in the cafes and bars, and pick up souvenirs from the gift shops to bring Rhodes memories back home. To fully enjoy Rhodes, consider staying at least 4-5 days.

Accommodations in Rhodes: We have some recommendations for places to stay in Rhodes. Click the link to check out our suggestions for Rhodes hotels! http://www.thesmallhotels.com/rhodes-hotels

Spend Time in Rhodes' Squares

 To truly experience the essence of the city, don't miss spending time in its squares. Hippocrates Square in Rhodes is one such place. Looking up, you'll see a minaret belonging to the Suleymaniye Mosque, built during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent and closed to worship after a 2005 restoration. The street leading down from this mosque takes you to the famous Socrates Street, which ends at Hippocrates Square, Rhodes' busiest and most famous square. Spend ample time in the cafes and bars, and pick up souvenirs from the gift shops to bring Rhodes memories back home. To fully enjoy Rhodes, consider staying at least 4-5 days.

Accommodations in Rhodes: We have some recommendations for places to stay in Rhodes. Click the link to check out our suggestions for Rhodes hotels! http://www.thesmallhotels.com/rhodes-hotels