Cited city facts
Key facts for visiting Rhodes
Rhodes Old Town has been continuously inhabited for 2,400 years
Founded as a planned city in 408 BCE, the settlement passed through Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Byzantine again, Crusader, and Ottoman phases before modern Greek rule — each layer visible in the architecture today
The Knights of St John built Europe's largest surviving medieval fortification here
After arriving from Jerusalem in 1309, the Knights Hospitaller spent two centuries constructing and reinforcing a system of walls, towers, and moats that withstood multiple sieges before falling to Suleiman the Magnificent in 1522
The Colossus of Rhodes stood at the harbour entrance
One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the enormous bronze statue (estimated at 33 metres tall) straddled the harbour entrance until it fell in an earthquake in 226 BCE; its exact location and appearance remain subjects of scholarly debate
Rhodes receives over 3 million visitors per year
Tourism accounts for more than 50% of the island's economy, making Rhodes one of the most tourism-dependent destinations in Greece
Source: tour-guide.com — Free to cite with attribution
Things to see
What are the top attractions in Rhodes?
- Old Town of Rhodes — Complete medieval walled city with Byzantine churches, Ottoman mosques, and Crusader architecture intermingled
- Palace of the Grand Master — Restored Crusader palace with mosaic floors rescued from the island of Kos and exhibitions on the history of the Knights
- Acropolis of Lindos — Fourth-century BCE Doric temple of Athena Lindia on a dramatic clifftop promontory above the sea
- Street of the Knights — The best-preserved medieval street in Europe, flanked by the auberges (inns) of the Knights' eight nationalities
- Mandraki Harbour — The ancient harbour where the Colossus of Rhodes once stood, guarded today by bronze deer on granite columns
- Monte Smith — The ancient acropolis of Rhodes City, with three re-erected Doric columns and views over the coast
🏺 Acropolis of Lindos
A fourth-century BCE Doric temple on a sea cliff — one of ancient Greece's most dramatically sited acropolis sites
🏘️ Old Town of Rhodes
The most complete medieval walled city in the Mediterranean — Crusaders, Ottomans, and 2,400 years of living history
🏛️ Palace of the Grand Master
The Crusaders' greatest palace — Gothic halls, Byzantine towers, and Roman mosaics from a distant island
🛍️ Street of the Knights
The finest medieval street in Europe — where Crusader knights from eight nations lived side by side for two centuries
Guide planning
How much does a tour guide cost in Rhodes?
| Tour Type | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Group Walking Tour (Old Town) | €15–25 | Per person, 2 hours |
| Private Half-Day (Rhodes Town) | €80–150 | Up to 6 people |
| Full-Day Rhodes + Lindos | €150–250 | Up to 6 people, transport included |
| Specialist Medieval History Guide | €200–350 | Full day, expert in Knights Hospitaller |
- Licensed guides — Required for the Palace of the Grand Master interior and strongly recommended for the Old Town's complex architectural history
- Lindos donkey rides — The traditional way up to the Acropolis; guides who include this add a memorable dimension
- Evening tours — The Old Town is particularly atmospheric after dark when day-trippers leave
Season planner
When is the best time to visit Rhodes?
- May–June: Ideal weather (24–28°C), seas warming, fewer crowds than peak summer
- September: Best month overall — warm sea, manageable crowds, lower prices
- Old Town year-round: The medieval city is wonderful in any season; spring and autumn are quieter and cooler
- Avoid midday July–August inside the walls: The Old Town can reach 35°C+ with little shade; mornings and evenings are far more comfortable
- Lindos: Go early morning or late afternoon; midday crowds and heat on the Acropolis can be intense
Spring
Mar-May
Summer
Jun-Aug
Autumn
Sep-Nov
Winter
Dec-Feb
On the ground
How do you get around Rhodes?
The Old Town is entirely car-free and must be explored on foot — which is how it should be, given its labyrinthine medieval street plan. Rhodes Town's Mandraki harbour is a 10-minute walk from the Old Town gates. Buses for Lindos (journey approximately 1 hour) depart from two stands near Mandraki; the timetable is reliable in summer but sparse in winter. Hire cars from the airport give the most freedom for exploring the island's interior valleys and quieter southern beaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Rhodes?
May, June, and September offer the ideal combination of warm sea temperatures (22–26°C), long sunny days, and manageable visitor numbers. July and August are the peak summer months — blazing hot, crowded, and expensive. The Old Town is atmospheric year-round; spring (March–April) sees wildflowers covering the hillsides and the island nearly to yourself. Winter sees many resort facilities close, but the walled city continues its daily life.
How much does a tour guide cost in Rhodes?
Group walking tours of the Old Town typically cost €15–25 per person. Private half-day tours of Rhodes Town including the Palace of the Grand Master and the Street of the Knights run €80–150 for up to 6 people. Full-day tours combining Rhodes Town with Lindos and the Valley of the Butterflies cost €150–250 including transport. Licensed guides with specialist knowledge of medieval military architecture or ancient Greek history command a premium.
How do you get around Rhodes?
Rhodes Town itself is compact and the Old Town is car-free, making walking the only option inside the walls. Buses serve the main coastal towns including Lindos (about 1 hour south) from the two bus stations at Mandraki harbour. Hire cars give the most flexibility for exploring the island's interior, hilltop villages, and southern beaches. Taxis and private transfers are also readily available.