Rhodes, Greece cruises
Rhodes port guide
Warm locals welcome you to this Grecian Island, which you’re invited to enjoy as you wish during your stay. Maybe you’ll seek out a hidden taverna, where you can blend into the atmosphere nursing a cold glass of beer as the sun beams down. Or would you prefer to see as much as possible of the island’s historic landmarks, or pretty beaches? Discover what’s in store in Rhodes with our guide.
Top landmarks and sights in Rhodes
Rhodes is an island with a long and varied history, and there are plenty of relics still to be seen today. From the ancient acropolis in Lindos to the Ottoman-era Suleymaniye Mosque, discover many important landmarks that help to illustrate what’s made Rhodes the place it is today.
Palace of the Grand Master
During the Crusades, the Knights of King John converted this 7th century Byzantine fortress into a palace for their Grand Master. From then on, throughout history, it was used as an administrative centre for those occupying the island, including the Ottomans and Italians. It’s been destroyed and rebuilt many times, and today holds exhibitions that shed a light on the history of Rhodes.
Suleymaniye Mosque
Sadly closed to the public, Suleymaniye Mosque is still worth a visit to admire its exterior. It was built in 1522, when Rhodes became part of the Ottoman Empire. With its striking minaret and pink dome, Suleymaniye Mosque is named after Sultan Suleiman, the sultan who led the invasion against the occupying knights.
Lindos Acropolis
If you don’t mind travelling further out, the Acropolis in Lindos is well worth a visit. Located halfway down the east coast of the island, it’s roughly an hour’s drive from the cruise port. It’s one of the oldest landmarks in Rhodes, dating back to around the 10th century BC, and can be reached on foot via almost 300 steps and cobbled paths.
Things to do in Rhodes
After exploring the architectural landmarks of the island or, indeed, if you’d prefer to skip these, you’ll find a variety of other ways to spend your time here.
Go to the beach
The shores of Rhodes are full of pretty beaches. You’ll find a mix of sandy and stoney, but all of them boast tranquil turquoise waters that beg to be paddled in. In Rhodes Town, close to the cruise port, is Elli beach. Here there are sun loungers, beach bars, and local restaurants, making for an idyllic day on the island. Should you prefer to find a quieter spot, Kato Petres Beach is often all but empty. It’s about a 15-minute taxi drive from the cruise port.
Wander around Rhodes Old Town
The cruise port in Rhodes is a short five-minute walk from Rhodes Old Town; a quaint oasis complete with old stone arches, cobbled streets, and centuries of history to ponder. Encased in stone walls with seven gates, you could begin at Gate D’Amboise, from which you’ll find yourself on the Street of the Knights. Now known as Ippoton, this street was once home to inns built for the seven nationalities of knights who ruled Rhodes in Medieval times.
Visit Hafiz Ahmed Agha Library
Opposite Suleymaniye Mosque is a small Ottoman library that dates back to the late 18th century. Within, there are around 2,000 books in Persian, Arabic, and Turkish, as well as 15th and 16th century copies of the Koran, which are handwritten and hand illustrated. Why not peek inside and see the ancient manuscripts, for something a little different in historic Rhodes?
Eating and drinking near Rhodes
Owing to its varied history under Turkish, Italian, and Ottoman rule, you’ll discover a blend of cultural influences have shaped the food scene in Rhodes.
Some favourites to try include moussaka, a Greek dish that uses minced meat, aubergine, and a bechamel sauce. Then there’s gyros – a popular street food. Gyros are pitta breads usually stuffed with chicken or pork, salad, tzatziki, and chips, making for a filling, flavoursome lunch. Should you wish to try a few different flavours, you could opt for meze. Comprised of lots of smaller dishes, a meze lunch is an ideal way to sample a variety of Rhodes’ cuisine.
Many cafes and restaurants in Rhodes have a wonderful selection of pastries such as baklava that offer a superb sweetness at the end of your meal. These might use ingredients like honey, hazelnuts, dates, and pistachios. You could top it off with a measure of the local liquor, souma. Similar to ouzo, this grape-based spirit is strong and warming.
Shopping in Rhodes
There are many lovely shops and stalls in Rhodes selling handcrafted souvenirs and local produce. From baskets and pottery to olive oil and homemade biscuits, find gifts for all your friends and family at home, as well as mementos for yourself.
In Rhodes Town you could go to Cyprus Square (Platia Kyprou), where you’ll discover luxury boutiques, jewellers, bookshops, and more. Plus, the nearby Nea Agora (New Market) is always bustling. It was built in the 1920s and features a wonderful blend of Italian and Arabic styles.
Getting around: Rhodes transport
From the cruise port, you’re just a five-minute walk from the Old Town and many of the city’s main attractions. The area is walker-friendly and allows you the chance to peek down side streets and in decorative shop windows that you might otherwise have missed. Should you wish to travel elsewhere in the island, there are taxis available as well as our own Cunard Shore Experiences to choose from.
Rhodes port facilities
Rhodes cruise port can cater for up to six cruise ships and offers basic amenities like toilets and tourist information. There is also a good-sized duty-free shop here.
Top tips for Rhodes
Currency
The currency used in Rhodes is the Euro. You’ll find ATMs throughout Rhodes Town and the old town, or you can purchase Euros on board your ship. Most bigger establishments will accept card payments, however, cash may be useful for smaller purchases.
Tipping
It is common to leave a tip in cafes and restaurants in Rhodes, of around 10 to 15% of your overall bill, as a sign of appreciation for good service.
Weather
The weather in Rhodes is usually mild and comfortable. The coolest months are January and February, when temperatures range between roughly 9 and 15°C, and the warmest months are July and August, when you can expect between 24 and 30°C. Most rain falls between October and March, with January and February being the wettest months.