Rhodes is one of those cruise ports that exceeds expectations almost every time. The ship docks directly beside the medieval walls of Rhodes Old Town, and within five minutes you can be walking the Street of the Knights, one of the best-preserved medieval streets anywhere in Europe. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is large and layered enough to absorb a full day without effort.
Lindos, the island’s clifftop village with its ancient acropolis, is the other headline draw, a genuine rival for your attention, though the journey takes an hour each way and the timing needs to work around your ship’s departure. For shorter calls, the Old Town alone is more than enough.
If you want to enjoy Rhodes without watching the clock all day, the Port Day Planner is a good place to start.
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 u0026amp; 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 and genuine conversation. Inspired by our love for the city, good food and meeting new people. On this most delicious tour, you will have the chance to try the BEST local food from the BEST vendors.
Athens Greek Cooking Class Pita Gyros from Scratch with a Local
Forget Chefs' Hat! Taste the authentic Mama's Greek Cuisine. Leave formalities out, grab a beer or a wine from the fridge and let's have fun. If you are looking for the real Greek hospitality and customs, you are in the right spot. Have you ever tasted the real tomato from the fields?
Popular excursions from Rhodes fill up ahead of peak sailings. Compare tours and prices before you sail.
Things to Do in Rhodes
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 limited 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 Inside the Walls. 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 around €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
#17 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 the 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 at their best 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.
Nearby cruise ports: Santorini and Mykonos.
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 to €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 if you have the time.
Rhodes cruise port is directly beside Liberty Gate, the main entrance to the medieval Old Town. From the gangway you are a five-minute walk from the Street of the Knights and the heart of the largest inhabited medieval city in Europe. No transport required.
One of the Great Medieval Cities, Five Minutes From the Ship
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 and a generous port window. Walk off the ship, turn left, and let the medieval walls take it from there.
How We Verify Port-Day Details
We aim for practical, low-risk guidance. Before publishing and during updates, we check core planning details against official sources and current operator information.
What We Check
- Berth and terminal details, including whether the port is walkable or requires a transfer
- Transport options and realistic return timing for different port types
- Details that change frequently, such as fares and schedules, with up-to-date notes where relevant
Typical Sources
- Official port authority and terminal updates
- Cruise line port notes and day-of-call instructions
- Local transport operators and official tourism resources