Medieval magic meets modern beach resort. Rhodes Town is where you'll find UNESCO-listed cobbled streets, a massive crusader castle, and proper buzzing nightlife – all within walking distance of a brilliant Blue Flag beach. History by day, cocktails by night? Sorted.

Rhodes Town Holiday Highlights 2026 / 2027

  • 🏰 A proper medieval city you can walk through β€” Rhodes Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site with 4km of fortress walls, the Palace of the Grand Master, the cobbled Street of the Knights, and hidden squares with cafΓ© tables tucked into ancient doorways. It's one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe and it's your evening stroll

  • πŸ–οΈ Elli Beach right on your doorstep β€” a Blue Flag stretch of sand and pebble in New Town with sunbeds, beach bars, volleyball, and crystal-clear swimming. Walk from your hotel in flip-flops, swim till sunset, and you're at dinner five minutes later

  • 🍹 Nightlife that actually delivers β€” Bar Street (Orfanidou Street) goes off after midnight with clubs and drink deals, the Old Town has atmospheric cocktail bars in candlelit squares, and Mandraki Harbour does sunset drinks with views. Something for every speed

  • πŸ—ΊοΈ Best base for exploring Rhodes β€” ferries to Symi, buses to Lindos and Faliraki, the airport 15km away, and the whole island connected by road from here. Everything starts from Rhodes Town

  • πŸ’Ά Brilliant value for a city break β€” Mythos for €3-4, a proper taverna meal for two with wine for €30-50, and accommodation ranging from budget studios to 5-star boutiques. You get UNESCO history, beaches, and nightlife without the city-break price tag

πŸŽ‰ 3 Fun Facts About Rhodes Town

  • β˜€οΈ Sunshine Central: Rhodes gets around 3,000 hours of sunshine a year β€” one of the sunniest spots in Greece. Peak summer hits 28-32Β°C, and even October's warm enough for beach days at 20-25Β°C.

  • 🦌 Deer Guardians: Legend says deer were brought to Rhodes to kill snakes, and now statues of them guard Mandraki Harbour where the Colossus of Rhodes once stood. No snakes these days, just tourists with ice creams and flakes.

  • 🍦🍺 Cheap Pints Alert: A local Mythos beer in Rhodes Town's tavernas will set you back around €3-€4. Your wallet will thank you after those London prices.


πŸ–οΈ Best Beaches in Rhodes Town

Rhodes Town's not just about history and medieval walls – it's got some proper decent beaches too. Here's where to get your towel down:

Elli Beach 🌊

The main event. Right in New Town, this Blue Flag beach is basically Rhodes Town's front garden. It's organized (sunbeds, umbrellas, the works), the water's crystal clear, and there are beach bars for when you fancy a cold one. 🍹 Gets busy in peak summer but it's convenient as hell – you can literally walk from your hotel in flip-flops. Perfect for families and anyone who likes their beach days with full facilities.

Psaropoula Beach 🀿

Just north of Elli and way quieter. It's rockier but the snorkelling's better, and you'll actually find a spot to yourself even in August. There's a little beach bar, but it's more low-key than Elli's scene. Good shout if you want beach vibes without the crowds.

Akti Miaouli Beach β›΅

The locals' choice, right by Mandraki Harbour. It's small, pebbly, and not much to write home about facility-wise, but if you're staying near the Old Town and can't be arsed to walk to Elli, it gives you a quieter, more authentic beach experience. Plus the harbour views are lovely.


🏨 Where to Stay on Your Rhodes Town Holidays 2026 / 2027

Rhodes Town's accommodation is split across two worlds. New Town has the beachfront hotels, modern boutiques, and easy access to Elli Beach and Bar Street β€” it's flat, walkable, and where most visitors base themselves. The atmospheric Old Town is all cobbled lanes and fortress walls β€” romantic and magical, but hillier and harder with luggage. The Mandraki Harbour area sits between the two, giving you the best of both. Most of the OTB hotels are in or near New Town.

For Families πŸ‘¨β€πŸ‘©β€πŸ‘§β€πŸ‘¦

  • Parthenon Hotel – Just 100m from Elli Beach with an outdoor pool, continental breakfast, and a brilliant location within walking distance of Bar Street, the Old Town, and the shopping centre. Simple rooms with balconies, plus bike hire available. Solid value for families who want to be in the thick of it.

  • Castellum Suites – Stylish 4-star with a pool, kids' pool, buffet restaurant, and live entertainment in summer (June–September). About 1.7km from the beach β€” a bit further out but lovely modern rooms, themed nights, and a peaceful setting that families appreciate after a day exploring.

  • Agla – Proper 3-star-superior with 110 renovated rooms, just 50m from the beach. A la carte restaurant, pool bar, snack grill, and that traditional Aegean character. Named after one of the Greek Graces β€” walking distance to most major sights. Works well for families and couples.

  • Aquamare City & Beach Hotel – Vibrant modern hotel in the heart of New Town with sea or city view rooms, an Italian restaurant (Basilico), pool and snack bar, and a short walk to the beach. Suites available for families who want a bit more space. Colourful, fun, and well-positioned.

For Couples πŸ’‘

  • Blue Sky City Beach Hotel – Adults-only beachfront hotel with Deluxe rooms (sea or inland views), three bars, spa facilities, and a rooftop terrace for sunset cocktails. The restaurant does proper Greek and international cuisine. Right across from the beach and a short walk into town. Proper treat.

  • Atlantis Boutique Hotel & Spa – Stylish boutique in central Rhodes Town, about 350m from the beach. Rooftop Sky Bar with cocktails and sushi, rooftop pool and jacuzzi, spa, and the Ampelos restaurant using fresh local ingredients. Junior suites with private jacuzzis if you're feeling fancy.

  • Oktober Downtown Boutique Hotel – 47 stylish rooms with city or pool views, 300m from the beach. Outdoor pool, breakfast buffet, and a lobby bar. Clean, modern, boutique feel without the boutique price tag. Smart base for couples who want to explore.

  • Semiramis – Seasonal pool, sun terrace, live Greek and international music on the terrace, and a lobby bar with cocktails and sea views. Just 14km from the airport and walkable to the beach. The evening music nights under the stars are a highlight.

Luxury 🌟

  • Rodos Park – 5-star boutique and member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Just steps from the Old Town walls with 75 elegant rooms and suites, aromatic gardens, a wellness spa, rooftop restaurant, and three bars including the rooftop for sunset drinks. Two restaurants, pool, and that discreet-luxury feel. The best hotel in Rhodes Town on OTB β€” period.

Budget πŸ’°

  • Vassilia – Simple, comfortable, and 150m from the beach on the northern tip of Rhodes Town. Alexandra Restaurant on-site doing homemade pizzas and steaks, lounge area, and a friendly no-frills atmosphere. Great for anyone who wants a budget-friendly base with easy beach access.

  • City Center Hotel – Does what it says on the tin. 100m from the beach, slap-bang in the centre of Rhodes Town. Basic rooms with balconies and town views. No pool or restaurant fuss β€” just a perfectly positioned, affordable base for exploring. Sometimes simple is exactly what you need.

πŸ‘‰ See all Rhodes Town hotels πŸ‘‰ Browse all-inclusive Rhodes holidays


πŸŽ’ Rhodes Town Travel Guide

Things to Do in Rhodes Town for Families πŸ‘¨β€πŸ‘©β€πŸ‘§β€πŸ‘¦

Rhodes Town's brilliant for kids – there's proper history they can actually see and touch, beaches that aren't too wild, and enough ice cream shops to keep everyone happy.

  • 🍦Palace of the Grand Master 🏰 – It's a massive medieval castle with towers and rooms to explore. Kids love it because it feels like a real-life fortress (because it is). Open daily 08:00-20:00 in summer (April-October), 08:30-15:30 in winter (November-March).

  • Elli Beach πŸ–οΈ – Shallow, safe waters and full facilities including beach volleyball and water sports. The kids can splash about while you relax for five minutes.

  • Rhodes Aquarium 🐠 – Small but perfectly formed. It's in an art deco building right by the sea, and it's got enough fish, turtles, and seahorses to keep little ones entertained for an hour or so.

Things to Do in Rhodes Town for Couples πŸ’‘

Rhodes Town's got serious romantic credentials – sunset walks along medieval walls, candlelit tavernas in hidden squares, and that whole "we're in a Greek island paradise" vibe going on.

  • ❀️Sunset walk along the medieval walls πŸŒ… – Access the walls from the Old Town and walk the fortifications at golden hour. The views over the harbour and sea are absolutely stunning, and it's properly romantic.

  • Dinner in the Old Town 🍷 – Pick a taverna in one of the quiet squares (avoid the main tourist drags) and enjoy slow-cooked lamb, local wine, and that Mediterranean atmosphere.

  • Mandraki Harbour stroll β›΅ – Evening walks along the harbour where the Colossus once stood, with the windmills lit up and boats bobbing about. Grab a cocktail at one of the waterfront bars after. 🍹

Things to Do in Rhodes Town for Groups πŸ₯³

On a mates' trip or celebrating something? Rhodes Town knows how to party, plus there's enough culture and activities to keep everyone happy between the hangovers.

  • 🍻Bar Street (Orfanidou Street) πŸŽ‰ – The main nightlife strip in New Town. It's packed with bars, clubs, and enough drink deals to make your wallet smile. Gets absolutely bouncing after midnight.

  • Boat trip to Lindos β›΅ – Day trips leave from Mandraki Harbour. You get swimming stops, drinks on board, and a visit to stunning Lindos. Perfect group day out that's not too intense.

  • Scooter rental πŸ›΅ – Hire scooters and explore the coast together. Freedom, sunshine, and the inevitable stories about Dave nearly driving into the sea. πŸ˜‚

Things to Do in Rhodes Town for Foodies 🍽️

Rhodes Town's food scene is absolutely banging – from proper traditional tavernas to modern Greek cuisine, you're eating well here.

  • πŸ˜‹Old Town taverna crawl 🍴 – Skip the tourist traps on the main streets and dive into the backstreets. Places serve proper Greek home cooking – slow-cooked lamb, fresh fish, and meze that'll ruin your diet plans.

  • Fresh fish at Mandraki 🐟 – Restaurants along the harbour serve fish that was probably swimming that morning. Go for grilled octopus, sea bream, or whatever the catch of the day is.

  • Souvlaki from street vendors πŸ₯™ – The best souvlaki comes from the little places near Sokratous Street. Pork gyros, tzatziki, and chips wrapped in pitta for about €3. Perfection.


🚌 Getting Around in Rhodes Town

Rhodes Town's pretty compact, but here's how to navigate it:

🚢 Walking

Honestly? Your feet will do most of the work. Old Town to New Town is about 10 minutes' walk, and Elli Beach is maybe 15 minutes from the harbour. The Old Town itself is pedestrianized, so walking's your only option anyway. Comfortable shoes are essential – those cobbles aren't messing about. πŸ‘Ÿ

πŸš• Taxis

Black with a blue stripe, and they're everywhere in Rhodes Town. From the airport to town centre is about 20 minutes and should cost around €25-30 (make sure the meter's on). Within town, most trips are €5-10. They're reliable but can be scarce late at night when everyone's leaving the clubs.

🚌 Buses

The main bus station is at Rimini Square (near New Market). Buses connect Rhodes Town to everywhere else on the island – Lindos, Faliraki, the airport, you name it. They're cheap (€2-5 for most journeys), reliable, and run regularly in summer. Less frequent in winter though. 🎫


🏝️ Other Holidays to Rhodes & Greece 2026 / 2027

Fancy exploring more of Rhodes or island-hopping? Here are some top picks:

More Rhodes Resorts

  • πŸ›οΈ Lindos β€” Just 3km away. Whitewashed lanes, a 3,000-year-old Acropolis, rooftop restaurants, and St Paul's Bay. One of Greece's most photographed villages.

  • πŸŽ‰ Faliraki β€” 35km north with a 4km Blue Flag beach, legendary nightlife on Bar Street, and one of Europe's biggest water parks.

  • 🌿 Kolymbia β€” Peaceful eucalyptus-lined avenue, horseshoe bay, and the magical Seven Springs. 25km north and a smart central base.

  • 🏑 Lardos β€” Traditional village with a proper Greek square, Blue Flag beach, and Lindos just ten minutes away. Even more chilled than Pefkos.

  • 🏨 Kiotari β€” Rhodes' all-inclusive capital with big modern resorts, multiple pools, and a long Blue Flag beach. About 20 minutes south.

Other Greek Islands

  • β˜€οΈ Kos β€” Sandy beaches, ancient ruins, and a buzzing old town. Similar vibes to Rhodes but smaller and more laid-back.

  • πŸŽ‰ Zante β€” Shipwreck Beach, turtle-spotting boat trips, and Laganas for nightlife.

  • πŸ–οΈ Crete β€” Greece's biggest island with gorge hikes, ancient palaces, and some of the best food in the Med.

  • πŸ’™ Corfu β€” Lush green hills, Venetian old town, and gorgeous west coast beaches. A different flavour of Greek island.

Popular Rhodes Town hotels

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Weather in Rhodes Town

JAN

12Β°C

FEB

12Β°C

MAR

14Β°C

APR

19Β°C

MAY

23Β°C

JUN

26Β°C

JUL

30Β°C

AUG

30Β°C

SEP

24Β°C

OCT

20Β°C

NOV

15Β°C

DEC

13Β°C

🌞June to August is peak perfection. We're talking 28-32Β°C daily, about 12-13 hours of sunshine, and sea temperatures around 24-26Β°C. It's hot πŸ”₯ but there's usually a breeze to keep things bearable.

September and October are still lovely – around 20-25Β°C, which is perfect for exploring the medieval town without melting. The sea's still warm enough for swimming (20-22Β°C), there are way fewer tourists, and hotel prices drop. πŸ’° It's the sweet spot for couples or anyone who wants Rhodes without the peak season madness.

April and May are warming up nicely – think 18-24Β°C. The island's green, flowers are blooming 🌸, and it's gorgeous for sightseeing and beach days (though the sea's still a bit fresh at 18-20Β°C). Great for active holidays or if you're more interested in history than hardcore sunbathing.

November to March is off-season. It's mild (12-16Β°C) but quite wet 🌧️, and lots of tourist stuff is closed. Not really beach weather, but if you want Rhodes Town to yourself for exploring the Old Town and eating in local tavernas, it's actually quite atmospheric. Just pack a jacket. πŸ§₯

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FAQs

How far is Rhodes Town from the airport?

Rhodes International Airport (Diagoras) is about 15km from Rhodes Town, which is roughly a 20-minute drive. Taxis cost around €25-30, or you can get a bus for about €2.50 – they run regularly and drop you at Rimini Square in town. Most of our package holidays include transfers anyway, so you're probably sorted, but just in case you wanna sort your own, always good to have the info!

Is Rhodes Town good for families? πŸ‘¨β€πŸ‘©β€πŸ‘§β€πŸ‘¦

Absolutely. You've got safe beaches (Elli Beach is brilliant for kids), loads of history that's actually interesting (battles etc), and tons of ice cream shops to bribe them with. 🍦 The Old Town's like a massive outdoor museum they can explore, and there's an aquarium, mini train tours, and enough tavernas with kids' menus to keep everyone fed. Just be prepared for cobblestones if you've got a pushchair.

What's the best area to stay in Rhodes Town? 🏨

Depends what you're after. New Town's best for families and beach access – you're near Elli Beach, restaurants, and it's flat and easy to navigate. Old Town's brilliant for atmosphere and romance but it's cobbled, hilly, and you might have to lug suitcases. Couples often love it though. Near Mandraki Harbour gives you the best of both worlds but it's a bit harder to find a bargain.

Is there nightlife in Rhodes Town? πŸŽ‰

Yeah, loads. Bar Street (Orfanidou Street) in New Town is the main party zone with clubs and bars that go until stupid o'clock. 🍹 The Old Town has more chilled cocktail bars and atmospheric spots for evening drinks. It's not Ibiza-level madness, but there's definitely enough to keep you entertained. Mandraki Harbour area is lovely for sunset cocktails and dinner before you hit the livelier spots.

What currency is used in Rhodes Town? πŸ’Ά

It's the Euro. Most places take card these days, but it's worth having some cash for small tavernas, street food, and beach sunbed rentals. ATMs are everywhere in both Old and New Town.

Do I need to hire a car in Rhodes Town? πŸš—

Not if you're just staying in Rhodes Town itself – everything's walkable or a short taxi ride. But if you want to explore the rest of Rhodes island (and you should – Lindos is stunning), then hiring a car for a day or two is worth it. Alternatively, buses and organized day trips work well too. Just note that parking in Rhodes Town is a nightmare, especially in Old Town.

Do I need to pay tax on my holiday to Rhodes Town?

Greece charges a Climate Resilience Fee on all overnight stays, payable directly to your hotel (usually at check-out). During peak season (April–October), the rates per room per night are:

  • β˜€οΈ 5-star hotels β€” €15

  • β˜€οΈ 4-star hotels β€” €10

  • β˜€οΈ 3-star hotels β€” €5

  • β˜€οΈ Apartments, 1-2 star hotels β€” €2

Off-peak rates (November–March) drop to €4, €3, €1.50, and €0.50 respectively. It's per room, not per person.

How do I get from Rhodes Airport to Rhodes Town?

Rhodes Airport is about 15km from Rhodes Town β€” roughly a 20-minute drive. The easiest option is booking transfers through On the Beach with your package, so someone's waiting at arrivals and drops you at your hotel. Taxis from the rank cost around €25-30 (make sure the meter's on). Local buses run regularly from the airport to Rimini Square in town centre for about €2.50, which is proper cheap but takes a bit longer. If you're arriving late, book a transfer or taxi β€” the buses thin out after dark.