Travel Guide Rhodos
Rhodes culminates at Mount Attavyros (1,216 m). Its rocky coasts surround strips of arable land where citrus fruits, olive trees, vines, etc. grow. The city of Rhodes is located at the northern end of this island dotted with small villages and seaside resorts, including Faliraki, Lindos, Kremasti, Haraki, Pefkos, Archangelos, Koskinou, Kiotari, Embona (Attavyros), Paradisi, etc. 18 km south of Turkey, Rhodes is, in fact, the largest island in the Greek archipelago of Dodecanese, marked by the presence in medieval times of the Knights of the Order of St John during the Crusades. The old town of Rhodes, to be discovered with a tourist guide, shelters the medieval street of the Knights and the Palace of the Grand Masters which was besieged by the Ottomans then occupied by the Italians. The former Knights' Palace is now a historical museum. But the most famous site on the island remains the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, of which unfortunately there is nothing left to observe today. Located on a promontory 55 km south of the city of Rhodes, Lindos is a classic Greek village of white houses, overlooked by an acropolis dedicated to Athena Lidia and overlooking the magnificent sandy beach of Agios Pavlos. As in the city of Rhodes, tourism has taken a considerable place there. However, Lindos remains an exceptional site, without cars. Come out of tourist season or early in the morning to enjoy the alleys and atmosphere of this timeless destination (and always with your travel guide in hand). Finally, Rhodes is a gateway to discover the other islands of the Dodecanese.
What to visit Rhodos?
Suggested addresses Rhodos
When to go to Rhodos?
When to go to Rhodes? With a mild and dry climate until late in the year and a tourist and sports infrastructure that allows for a multitude of activities, the island of Rhodes is a pleasant destination almost all year round. Summer is, of course, the peak tourist season and if you don't like crowds, especially at the beach, avoid the months of July and August, especially before August 15. In Rhodes itself, there is a yearly rush. In the seaside resorts, some facilities are closed in winter. In May, there is the Rose Festival and in September, the Arts and Culture Festival with a remarkable program of concerts and shows.
Weather at the moment
The weather forecast announces each year 3,000 hours of sunshine in most of the Greek islands... In fact, the climate is very hot in July and August and pleasant from May until October. Of course, the further south you go, the hotter it gets: in Rhodes, in the Dodecanese, you can still swim in November...
The Greek islands, like Greece, are part of the Euro zone. In the tourist areas, you can expect prices to be high, more so than in mainland Greece. Rhodes is not one of the lesser-known islands and prices are not considered affordable, except perhaps in small isolated villages. Theoretically, service is included in the bill. It is customary to leave 5-10%.
For European Union citizens, an identity card or passport is sufficient. For unaccompanied minors, an authorization to leave the country is required (forms can be obtained at the town hall or police station). No visa is required for Canadian nationals if their stay is less than three months. For Swiss nationals, a valid identity card or passport is required.
The Greek islands, like mainland Greece, do not present any major health risks. Tap water is drinkable and hygiene is equivalent to France. No vaccination is recommended before leaving. However, beware of mosquito and tick bites when camping, and especially of sunburn.
Practical information
- When to travel?
- Weather forecast
- Budget
- Formalities
- Health
- How to travel by yourself?
- How to get organized?
- Getting around
Media
How to go to Rhodos? Our advice & tips
The agencies offer all types of services on the islands: excursions, visits to archaeological sites, diving, luxury villa rentals, hotels, cruises, hiking, wine tasting and local products. Organized tours often allow you to combine several islands in the same geographical area.
This destination is very often proposed all inclusive by the tourist agencies. However, going alone to Rhodes is not a problem. You can easily find accommodation, food and entertainment. No need to book in advance to discover the heritage, to hike, to dive or even to sail.
You can rent a car on the spot, but you will have less trouble if you take cabs or public transport. Many bus tours are organized to discover the richness of the island. You should know that the site of Lindos is pedestrian. Here, as in the old town of Rhodes, the Segway formula is becoming more and more widespread. The courageous can leave by bike (the electric bike is ideal). Scooter rental is an option. Shuttles from the airport. You can also embark on a sailboat, a catamaran or a cruise boat to sail around the island or to link small neighboring islands such as Symi Island.
