Rhodes is one of those rare cruise ports where you can walk straight off the ship and into a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The medieval walled city : built by the Knights of St John in the 14th century : is just minutes from where your ship docks, and it is genuinely extraordinary: three kilometres of intact walls enclosing a labyrinth of cobbled streets, Ottoman mosques, Byzantine churches, and Crusader-era palaces. Few places anywhere in the world pack this much history into a single afternoon’s wander.
The main decision you will face in Rhodes is whether to spend your time in the Old Town or make the journey south to Lindos : the clifftop village with its own ancient acropolis and a beautiful sandy beach below. Both are excellent; doing both thoroughly in a single day is ambitious unless your ship is in port for ten hours or more. Most cruisers prioritise the Old Town and save Lindos for a separate trip.
This guide covers the walk into the Old Town, transport to Lindos, the best areas for lunch, and everything else you need to plan a great day in Rhodes.
Port Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Port Type | Dock |
| Distance to Town | Ships dock at the Commercial Harbour, a 5-min walk from the Old Town gates |
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Language | Greek (English very widely spoken) |
| Best Known For | A UNESCO-listed medieval walled city that is arguably the best-preserved in Europe, plus the clifftop village of Lindos. |
- Cruise Terminal , Commercial Harbour, Rhodes
- Old Town Gate , Liberty Gate entrance
- Grand Masters , Palace of the Grand Masters
- Lindos Village , Clifftop acropolis u0026 beach
Rhodes : Dock Port (Commercial Harbour) · View larger map
Getting From the Port to Town
Walking: The Best Option
Free- Walk time: 5 min from cruise terminal to Old Town gates; fully walkable inside
- Rhodes is one of the most walkable cruise ports in the Mediterranean. The Commercial Harbour where ships dock is directly adjacent to the medieval walls : Liberty Gate or Mandraki Harbour are just a few minutes on foot. Once inside the Old Town, everything is on foot along cobbled streets. Wear comfortable shoes as the cobbles are uneven.
Local Bus
€2.50 to Lindos (approx)- KTEL buses to Lindos leave from the East Side Bus Station, about a 10-minute walk from the cruise terminal along the waterfront. The journey takes roughly 1 hour and buses run roughly hourly in season. This is the most economical way to reach Lindos if you want to go independently, but factor in the return journey carefully against your ship's departure time.
Taxi
€40–€55 one way to Lindos; €5–€10 around Rhodes Town- Taxis wait at Rimini Square near Mandraki Harbour, a 10-minute walk from the cruise terminal. The fare to Lindos is fixed at approximately €45–€55 one way : a taxi there and back shared between two or three people often makes more sense than the bus if time is tight. In town, short rides are €5–€10.
Top Excursions
Milos oneiro-kleftiko west Milos
Tour with a sailing boat like a semi private trip with a small group of people. Our local skipper offers a slow close-up approach of the west coast of Milos and gives you a detailed presentation of what you see. He shares with you the historical and geological significance of the island.
Book This ExcursionPrivate Full-Day Cruise in Rhodes with Lunch and Drinks
We organise daily cruises,along the eastern coast of Rhodes Island.Our trip is one of the most relaxing and adventurous tours on the island.We have three stops,so you can do swimming and snorkelling and you can also enjoy lunch and cold drinks.We take maximum 14 guests. THE DISPLAYED PRICE IS FOR 10
Book This ExcursionSailing trip to the Top Coasts of Crete, Daily/Multi-day
We are the only Sailing Yacht in the area,so you will enjoy isolated turquoise coasts with no crowds.Our daily sailing trip take place in the crystal clear waters of southern Crete. We will visit Loutro village, Marmara beach, Sweet Water beach, Saint Paul and a private spot⛵
Book This ExcursionHalf day adventure to Kleftiko bay and Open Bar with Lunch
Kleftiko Boat Tour an unforgettable journey to Milos’ hidden gems, where adventure meets tranquility on the crystal clear waters of the Aegean. Embark on an extraordinary adventure along the stunning west coast of Milos, accessible only by sea, with plenty of opportunities for swimming and snorkelin
Book This ExcursionMore Experiences in Rhodes
Rock Climbing at Kardamili- West Mani
Once in a lifetime experience! Try your vertical steps at the climbing site of Kardamili. Live the experience on a half-day tour even as a first time climber. Climbing for all grades and ages with a spectacular view of the Messinian Gulf.
Private Overview of Santorini: Full-Day Customizable Experience!
Experience an overview of Santorini with a private tour especially focused on the basic attractions of the island. Embrace the scenic views and the postcard blue domed churches in Oia, Visit the ancient town of Akrotiri, one of the most important pre-historic sites in Greece. Continue with a photo s
The Greek Food Experience (Max 8 persons)
More than just a food tour, rather travelling in a mindful way through food, storytelling u0026 genuine conversation. Inspired by our love for the city, good food and meeting new people.nnOn this most delicious tour, you will have the chance to try the BEST local food from the BEST vendors. Enjoy mouthw
Athens Greek Cooking Class Pita Gyros from Scratch with a Local
Forget Chefs' Hat!nTaste the authentic Mama's Greek CuisinennLeave formalities out, grab a beer or a wine from the fridge and let's have fun.nnIf you are looking for the real Greek hospitality and customs, you are in the right spot.nnHave you ever tasted the real tomato from the fields?nDo you know
Popular excursions in Rhodes sell out fast : especially in peak summer months. Compare tours and prices before you sail.
Things to Do Without an Excursion
The cruise terminal sits directly against the medieval walls of Rhodes Old Town : you can walk through the nearest gate in under five minutes, no transport needed. Rhodes Old Town is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site; you could easily fill a full day inside the walls without covering everything.
Lindos, the island’s other headline attraction, is roughly 1 hour 45 minutes each way by public bus, so it is a genuine half-day commitment with little time at the site itself. If your ship is in for less than eight hours, stay in Rhodes Town : there is more than enough here.
- Palace of the Grand Masters. The most impressive building in the Old Town: a vast medieval fortress-palace built by the Knights of St John, filled with Roman and Byzantine mosaics. Entry is €20 (reduced for seniors; free for EU citizens under 25); allow at least an hour inside.
- Street of the Knights (Ippoton). The most intact medieval street in Europe, running arrow-straight from the harbour gate up to the Palace : the stone inns of each national tongue of the Knights line both sides. It is free to walk and takes about ten minutes end to end; slow down and look at the carved coats of arms above every doorway.
- Mandraki Harbour. A 15-minute walk north along the waterfront from the cruise terminal brings you to Mandraki, where three restored medieval windmills stand on the breakwater alongside the bronze stag and doe statues marking where the Colossus of Rhodes supposedly stood. The whole harbourfront stroll is free.
- Elli Beach. The main town beach is a 20-minute walk from the port along the seafront promenade, just beyond Mandraki : a long shingle-and-sand stretch with clear water, sunbed hire, and beach bars. Free to use and ideal if the weather is good and you want a swim before returning to the ship.
- Archaeological Museum (Hospital of the Knights). The Knights’ 15th-century hospital on Museum Square has been restored and houses the island’s main archaeological collection, including the marble Aphrodite of Rhodes. Entry around €8; the courtyard alone is worth stepping inside.
- Socratous Street & the Turkish Quarter. The main bazaar street of the Old Town runs from the Jewish Quarter up toward the pink Mosque of Suleiman : lined with jewellery, leather, and spice shops. Duck into the side lanes off Socratous to find quieter squares where locals actually eat and drink, well away from the tourist flow.
- Roloi Clock Tower. Less visited than the Palace but arguably better views: €5 entry includes a drink (beer, wine, or soft drink) and the 53-step climb gives a 360-degree panorama over the Old Town rooftops and the sea. A very good-value stop.
- Lunch at Socratous Garden or Taverna Kostas. Socratous Garden (just off Socratous Street) serves Greek mezedes in a shaded courtyard at reasonable prices; Taverna Kostas near Pythagora Square is a no-frills local favourite with generous portions of grilled fish and lamb. Both are within the walls and easy to reach on foot.
The Rhodes Old Town is large enough to absorb hours of wandering without repetition. Head for the Street of Knights (Ippoton) : one of the best-preserved medieval streets in existence and the Palace of the Grand Masters, which you can enter for about €12. Get off the main tourist drag and into the quieter Byzantine Quarter in the south of the old town for a completely different atmosphere.
Best Restaurants in Rhodes
Avocado Restaurant Rhodes
Avocado restaurant
#16 of 594 Places to Eat in Rhodes Town
View on TripAdvisorPaneri Restaurant, Creative Mediterranean Cuisine
Delicious Mediterranean cuisine made with a wonderful touch of creativeness. Taste the well-known dishes of our area, viewed from a different angle. Calm environment that will combine your gastronomic experience with a relaxed atmosphere.
#7 of 594 Places to Eat in Rhodes Town
View on TripAdvisorEros Restaurant
Small, family owned restaurant in the Old town of Rhodes. Enjoy freshly prepared, genuine Greek cuisine under the stars in a traffic free and unique environment.
#70 of 594 Places to Eat in Rhodes Town
View on TripAdvisorRatings & reviews powered by TripAdvisor
Getting Around
If you want to visit Lindos, check your ship's departure time before committing. The bus takes an hour each way, plus you need time in Lindos itself. A half-day in Lindos realistically requires at least five hours ashore. Many cruisers find an organised excursion the safest option as the coach handles timings.
Essential Travel Tips
Mandraki Harbour : the picturesque ancient harbour where the Colossus of Rhodes allegedly once stood : is a lovely 15-minute waterfront walk from the cruise terminal. The cafés along the harbour front are good value for breakfast or coffee before heading into the Old Town, and the views of the windmills and fort are excellent in the morning light.
In July and August the Old Town is a sun-trap : the tall walls trap heat and the cobbled streets have almost no shade. Start your visit as early as possible, carry plenty of water, and plan to duck into a café or restaurant for a shaded break in the middle of the day. Temperatures regularly exceed 35°C.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. This is one of the best cruise ports for walkability. The Commercial Harbour where ships dock is right next to the medieval walls and it is only a 5-minute walk to Liberty Gate or Mandraki Harbour. No transport needed to explore the Old Town.
Buses to Lindos depart from the East Side Bus Station, about 10 minutes walk from the cruise terminal. The journey takes around 1 hour and costs approximately €2.50 each way. Taxis from Rimini Square cost around €45–€55 one way. Allow at least 5 hours for a comfortable Lindos trip.
Absolutely : the medieval walled city of Rhodes is one of the finest in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Palace of the Grand Masters, the Street of Knights, and the Byzantine Museum alone could fill half a day. It is also easy to explore independently without a guide.
Rhodes New Town has a pleasant beach at Elli, and the Aquarium is nearby. Lindos is the main excursion destination with its acropolis and beach. The valley of the butterflies (Petaloudes) is another popular trip in summer, and the ancient site of Kamiros is worth visiting for archaeology fans.
Elli Beach in the New Town is about 15 minutes walk from the cruise terminal along the Mandraki waterfront : it is an organised, sandy beach that is perfectly decent for a quick swim. For something more scenic, the beach at Lindos is worth the journey.
Ready to Explore Rhodes?
Rhodes consistently rates among the best cruise port calls in the eastern Mediterranean, and it earns that reputation every time. The Old Town alone justifies a full day ashore, and Lindos adds another dimension if you have the time. Book your Lindos excursion early if that is your plan : they fill up fast on popular itineraries.