Rhodes is one of the Mediterranean’s most captivating cruise stops — a sun-drenched island where a UNESCO-listed medieval city meets crystal-clear Aegean waters and centuries of layered history. Whether you have a few hours or a full day ashore, this island punches well above its weight. Here’s how to spend your time wisely.
Arriving by Ship
Cruise ships dock at the Commercial Harbour, just a short walk from the entrance to Rhodes Old Town. The famous bronze deer statues — said to mark the spot where the Colossus of Rhodes once stood — greet you as you step off the tender or gangway. The port itself is compact and easy to navigate, with taxis, local buses, and tour operators all within easy reach of the quayside. If you’re planning to explore beyond the Old Town, grab a taxi or book transport in advance — the island is larger than it looks on a map.
Things to Do
The Old Town of Rhodes is the star attraction, and for good reason. Enclosed by massive medieval walls built by the Knights of St John, this labyrinth of cobbled streets, Ottoman mosques, Byzantine churches, and Venetian mansions is extraordinary to wander. Don’t miss the Street of the Knights (Ippoton), one of the best-preserved medieval streets in Europe, and the Palace of the Grand Master, which towers over the northern end of the Old Town.
If you want to cover the island’s highlights efficiently, a guided excursion saves you valuable time. 🎟 Book: The Very Best of Rhodes For a deeper dive into local culture and history beyond the walls, consider booking a curated experience that takes in both the ancient city of Lindos and the more overlooked corners of the island.
For something more adventurous, the island of Symi is just a short ferry ride away — or you could hop across to Fethiye in Turkey if your itinerary allows for a spontaneous international detour. 🎟 Book: Ferry Tickets Between Rhodes (Greece) and Fethiye (Turkey)
Local Food
Rhodian cuisine is a delicious blend of Greek staples and influences from the island’s layered past. Look out for pitaroudia (chickpea fritters), moussaka, fresh grilled octopus, and loukoumades (honey-drenched doughnuts) from street vendors in the Old Town. Seafood is excellent here — find a taverna on one of the quieter squares and order whatever came in that morning.
Wine lovers will be pleasantly surprised by Rhodes. The island has its own wine-producing tradition, particularly around the Emery Winery in the interior, producing crisp whites from the Athiri grape. A dedicated tasting session is a lovely way to spend an hour away from the tourist crowds. 🎟 Book: Rhodes Wine Tasting Experience If you prefer a broader tasting experience covering local flavours beyond just wine, a food tour is equally worthwhile. 🎟 Book: Tasting Rhodes
Shopping
Rhodes Old Town is a treasure trove for shoppers, provided you know where to look. Skip the cheap souvenir shops on the main tourist drag and head deeper into the medieval streets, where you’ll find independent jewellers, ceramic artists, and small galleries selling hand-painted icons and traditional crafts. Rhodian gold jewellery is particularly renowned — the island has a long metalworking tradition, and quality pieces are widely available.
For local edibles to bring home, pick up jars of local honey, packets of dried herbs from the island’s hillsides, or bottles of Rhodian wine. The covered market near Sokratous Street is a good hunting ground for both food products and handmade goods. Bartering isn’t expected in most shops, but a friendly smile and genuine interest in the product often goes a long way.
Practical Tips
- Currency: Greece uses the euro. Most shops and restaurants in the Old Town accept cards, but carry some cash for smaller vendors and street food stalls.
- Walking shoes are essential: The Old Town’s cobblestones are beautiful but uneven — leave the sandals for the beach.
- Heat: In summer, temperatures regularly exceed 35°C. Carry water, wear sunscreen, and plan your walking for the morning when it’s cooler.
- Getting back: Make sure you know your ship’s all-aboard time before heading out. The walk from the Old Town gates back to the Commercial Harbour takes about 10–15 minutes — budget accordingly.
- Transfers: If you’re flying in or out of Rhodes separately from your cruise, private airport transfers are reliable and affordable. 🎟 Book: Rhodes Private Departure Transfer to Rhodes Airport
Rhodes rewards those who slow down and look beyond the obvious. Even a single day here leaves you with the sense that you’ve touched something genuinely ancient — and probably craving a return visit with more time to spare.
🎟️ Things to Book in Advance
These highly-rated experiences fill up fast — book before you arrive to avoid missing out.
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📍 Getting to Rhodes Greece
Use the interactive map below to explore the port area and plan your route from the terminal.
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