Welcome to The City Of Rhodes In Greece, one of the most beautiful places in all of the Mediterranean, and with good reason too.
After living here now for over the last 10 years, I am still surprised by how amazing the City of Rhodes is. I see something new every time I go and there is always things to do and something going on.
A lot of people refer to Rhodes as a city, and some also prefer to call it a town. I guess if you compare it to the size of London or New York for example, you would understand that the Town/City of Rhodes is small, but it certainly makes up for it with its beauty. You will find this area at the most northern point on the island!
Naturally it has everything you need when visiting ranging from sites to see, shopping, views, restaurants, clubs, Rodini Park and so forth. It is also famous for the Mandraki Harbor.
If you stand at The Marine Gate (One of the Eleven Gates to The Medieval City) you can enjoy watching the huge cruise ships coming in and out, as well as the traditional Blue Star Ferries carrying their passengers and goods.
This service feeds the island (and other islands) from the mainland and they come in and out on daily basis.
Take a perfect blue sky, the shining sun, the beautiful blue waters and the clean fresh air while watching these huge ships coming and going is a real treat. As we say in English, it is postcard material 🙂
The City of Rhodes in Greece – The Stag And The Doe
One of the more famous spots on the harbor is the entrance itself. As you approach,
you are welcomed by the bronze Stag and Doe columns. This is a very important location, as it is said that The Colossus of Rhodes Statue once stood there.
Different stories suggest that he stood with one foot on each side of the harbor entrance, allowing ships to arrive and depart by sailing under the legs of the enormous statue.
To the side of the main entrance, the St Nicholas tower stands there which was in place to guard the harbor. This tower was constructed around 1460 – 1470 and really is a wonderful place to visit.
See The Video For Some Really Amazing Aerial Views Of The City Of Rhodes
The City of Rhodes in Greece – The Windmills Of Mandraki
Just a few meters away from St Nicholas Church you will see the Mandraki Windmills. There are three in place now, but there were many more in the past. It is believed there were up to 15 all together, but they have sadly disappeared as time has passed.
They were designed to process the grain which arrived on the ships that came in and out of the harbor.
Although they are now not in use, they still provide a beautiful location for photographs, and tourists visit them in their thousands every year.
The City of Rhodes in Greece – The Views
While standing at Mandraki Harbor, you will see all around you places of interest. The Italian Forces constructed The Evangelismos Church in 1925, and now it stands as a beautiful, lavish Orthodox Christian Church.
You can see the old market entrance and lots of structures that date back many years.
It can be a strange feeling, as when you sit and look around, you can see a very up to date place with all the latest shopping outlets, modern cars and a very city like atmosphere.
But it all blends together with ancient structures with The Palace Of The Grand Masters standing tall, overlooking and protecting its surroundings!
This has come about as the original Ancient Town/City of Rhodes was build in 408 BC. That is 2500 years ago. Since then, developers have built Rhodes New Town, resulting in new structures standing side by side with some of the old ones.
I think this is what I love about Rhodes Town the most. Being able to visit, and see daily life taking place in an area that has been populated for thousands of years.
Standing in the streets and appreciating that The Knights Of Saint John once resided here. It is quite a feeling!
The Beach And The Casino
Like I have said, Rhodes Town has everything you need. There is always something to do. Whether you prefer going out and enjoying the night-life, or you prefer to take your book and relax on the beach – you will find it here.
Incidentally the main beach in Rhodes Town is called Elli Beach, and it is a beautiful sandy beach with crystal clear blue waters. Sitting just off the beach is the huge Casino Of Rhodes. This is extremely famous and lot of people fly around the world simply to visit and play at this casino.
Although I am not a gambling man myself, I have one friend who works in here. He says that people play the games extensively, and there’s also a hotel and restaurant inside. He mentioned a few big winners as well as some who have left in tears. Consider yourself warned!
Overall
Overall you will love Rhodes Town should you choose to visit. There is nothing quite like sitting outside one of the cafeterias here, with a nice cold beer, the beautiful sun and the amazing views. Life does not get better than that 🙂
Have you had the pleasure of seeing The Town Of Rhodes for yourself? How did you find it? I would love to know what your thoughts are.
Also, if you plan a visit here, and want to know more, just leave me a comment below and I will get back to you.
Learn More About The City Of Rhodes. Click From Below For Further Reading.
Hey Chris! Thanks for your review of Rhodes.
My wife and I spent 24 nights in Greece for our honeymoon and it was amazing. Unfortunately, we didn’t get a chance to go to Rhodes.
Have you seen other parts of Greece? I liked different islands/cities for different reasons. Mykonos was one of my favorite islands as it offers a great party if that’s what you’re into, or you can enjoy a day at the beach or time in the old town with all the narrow walking streets.
We enjoyed Naxos for the food, Santorini for the views, Milos for the relative lack of tourism, and Athens for the history.
Do you plan on continuing to live in Rhodes or would you move to a different part of the world?
Hello Justin, nice to hear from you my friend.
Yes I have also visited some of the other islands and of course Athens and Thessaloniki. I actually really enjoyed cruising around and it is quite amazing how all the different locations have a completely different feel.
Personally I liked Crete very much and you are right, the views in Santorini are extremely beautiful too.
I am a lover of history though, so Rhodes is perfect for me. There is so much here to see and appreciate. I think this is why I loved Athens so much too. The history really does capture you don’t you think?
As for me, I am in Greece to stay for sure. I love Rhodes. It is my home now, and it is not something I am going to give up. While other places in the world are certainly interesting for me to see, I will keep Rhodes as my foundation 🙂
Thanks Justin.
Chris
The city of Rhodes is a wonderful place full of history that along with the current buildings offers visitors great opportunities for fun and relaxation.
I must confess that I love places with a past because I share your same thoughts: “Being able to visit, and see daily life taking place in an area that has been populated for thousands of years.”
Besides, its beach with crystal-clear waters complements this beautiful place.
I hope to be there soon
Hello Karol and thank you for reading.
I will also admit that I love walking around the old streets knowing that so much history lies where I am standing. It is a great place to see.
What I adore, is that all of the city of Rhodes has a unique feel to it. You can witness both new and old structures and you really get the feel of a more modern life in an ancient setting. It is quite magnificent.
The crystal clear waters also add that but more of an edge to it all too 🙂
Thanks Karol, and I hope you manage a visit soon!
Chris
Hello Chris. It was nice to see such a beautiful place. I have always wanted to go to Greece.
Is it true now it is very inexpensive to go there? I see Rhodes is close to Cyprus, are they the same type of island? As I was reading one of your pages The City of Rhodes and you wrote about if it is a city or town.
I was curious what is the population there?
Hello Rod and thanks for getting in touch.
Rhodes is relatively close to Cyprus I suppose yes. It looks close on the map anyway, but in reality there is approximately a 500 Kilometer distance between the two islands.
A lot of people refer to Rhodes Town as a City. Some call it a city and some call it a town. Originally, I am from a big city, so to hear people refer to Rhodes in the same way is strange for me. Compared to cities Such as London, Milan or New York for example, Rhodes is very small. But each to their own I suppose 🙂
As for the population, in the town (city) itself, there is a population of around 90,000 people. Across all of the island, the total population sits at around 100,000 (including me) 🙂
Hope this helps Rod.
Thanks for passing by. Let me know if you need something more.
By the way, if you ever have the chance to visit Greece, I really recommend it. You will not regret it 🙂
Chris
I have been to Greece 3 times as I have a Greek friend. Greece is amazing and I fall in love with it more and more each time I visit.
I haven’t yet been to Rhodes but I will definitely go there especially after reading your amazing stories.
I have been to Pelion, Thessaloniki, Thassos Island and each of these places are wonderful just as the rest of Greece.
What I love about Greece the most is its people. They are so hospitable, friendly and so passionate about their country.
I would love to come and visit Rhodes and see what it has to offer. Thank you for sharing your experiences.
Arta
Hello Arta, it is really great to meet you 🙂
Out of the places you mention I have visited Thessaloniki. The other two I am yet to experience, so we both have places we need to go!
If you have a friend here who you visit, Rhodes is not a long stretch away. You can land in the city of Rhodes at the harbor if you come by boat. There is a good service from the mainland and from some of the other islands.
There is a lot to see and do here. The island is packed with history and culture and the friendly people you mention. The city of Rhodes alone can keep you occupied for days!
I hope you get here soon Arta.
Thanks for your message.
PS. I have one friend here with the same name as you – Arta. Would I be correct in saying you are from Albania the same as she is? Just being nosey 🙂
Chris
Why is it that when the skies are grey outside, pictures of sunny islands really appeal to me?
I would love to click my fingers and transport myself there right now!
Seriously though, this is a great piece that highlights something for everyone – whether it’s cultural or relaxing. Rhodes looks like a gorgeous setting.
You’ve covered a lot, and I’ve added this to my “to visit” list!
Hello Mara, I am happy to have wet your appetite for the sunny islands 🙂
Grey skies? What are they? 🙂 It is not so often you see grey skies here in Rhodes to be honest. In fact, at the time of replying to you now, I have not seen rain for over 5 months, so I am not complaining.
I know what you mean though. Originally I am from Manchester in the UK, and the only thing I remember from there is rain. Very depressing.
I find Rhodes much better. The sun and the warm weather gives me energy. I love going out and taking photographs and building this site for others to see.
The city of Rhodes is really magnificent and I am happy to say it is only 15 minutes from where I live by car.
If you ever get to transport yourself here, let me know. I will buy you a cold beer and watch the boats come in and out of Madraki Harbor and let the world pass by!
Thanks Mara, nice too hear from you.
Chris
The city of Rhodes is a beautiful city for sure!
I keep coming back to your website for more information, and it just keeps getting me closer and closer to planning a trip there.
I love the Mandraki Windmills. What a great sight!
I was wondering if you can tell me the average temperatures here and when the best time to travel is, as far as hotel prices go.
I would love to visit, but also need to be budget conscious.
Hey Leahrae, thanks once again for your visit and your interest. It is always nice to see you here 🙂
You keep promising me you will visit, but it never happens 🙁 … I know, money can be an issue – for sure it effects most of our decisions – but to be honest you do not need to go overboard.
If you come out of the high season (May/June and September/October) you can still have some really beautiful weather, but not so hot to make you feel uncomfortable. I prefer this time of year as I see the tourists a lot more relaxed.
In July and August the temperatures can soar over 45 degrees Celsius, which in my opinion can be borderline torture. It can take all the fun away when it is so hot. There is more on The Climate Of Rhodes here if you want to check it out. It might answer some of your questions 🙂
As for prices of hotels and accommodation, this can be difficult to pin down. Again, out of the high season you will find the prices cheaper than you will if you decided to come in July or August. A lot of the time you can find good package deals from your tour operator where you will get a decent price for the flight and the accommodation combined.
I will be doing some hard work this winter time too going around all the hotels here and making some reviews. So I am hoping this will answer your questions on prices/where to stay etc. 🙂
Thanks again Leahrae, and you know where I am. 🙂 If you need something just give me a shout!
Chris
I’ve only been to Greece once and unfortunately missed Rhodes!
I was on a cruise, and visited Athens and Santorini. Sorry to have missed this beautiful location you are talking about here.. It sounds pretty cool. The Medieval City looks awesome. I love cities with fortified walls, and I didn’t realize that Rhodes was a Unesco World Heritage Site!
Thanks for this informative article.
Hey there Mary.
Athens and Santorini are indeed beautiful locations too, so do not be too disappointed. But Rhodes is a very special place and it is sad that you missed out on it last time around.
Maybe another trip in the future? 🙂
The Medieval City is absolutely awesome. If you like the old stone fortress walls and ancient times, you will love it here. It is a UNESCO designated site too yes. This was established in 1988 and it is documented as been one of the best and well kept Medieval Cities in all of Europe.
Definitely worth a visit next time around Mary 🙂
Thanks for getting in touch!
Chris
I have never even been to Europe, but it sounds like Rhodes is a beautiful place and a must see, if I ever get there.
I love old towns like this, but I also like modern amenities, which this town also has.
When would you say is the best time to visit?
Hello Gary, thanks for getting in touch and for your question.
Rhodes town as it is today really does offer all that you need. It offers the latest stores, fashions, electronics and other outlets which you may need and at the same time you can witness all of the old structures.
It is amazing to see. It is a unique setting and being able to see the old with the new combines is quite extraordinary.
When it comes to choosing the best time to visit, it all depends on your likes and needs. People that like to see the sites and have a good look around may like it when the temperatures are more cool. With this you may find it a little more quiet. For example May/June and September/October are the best times for these activities.
If you prefer it hot and you like the scorching weather, the sun and the beaches, then for sure August is the best time for you as the temperatures can hit in excess of 45 degrees Celsius. It really is personal choice.
When visiting it is always important to consider the weather. Sometimes the temperatures can be too much for some people, whereas others love it.
Check out The Climate Of Rhodes page along with the comments, and you will see a lot more information there.
What is your preference? If you let me know I can offer you some more information 🙂
Thanks Gary
I really liked reading this site.
It’s always interesting to find out new things about the world. I know Greece is known for its beauty, but I love reading about the history and I think this site provides just that. I have never been to Rhodes before, but it is once place I would love to see for myself.
My only question is is, are you from Rhodes Greece?
Hello Sybrena, thank you for visiting.
I am happy you liked the information here, and there is a lot more coming don’t worry 🙂
There is a lot of history here so if this is something you like then you will love it here!
I am not originally from Rhodes no. In fact I am not Greek at all. Originally I am from the UK 🙂 If you take a look at the About Me – Chris Towers page, you can learn a lot more about me and how and why I ended up here in Rhodes 🙂
Thanks Sybrena, hope to see you here again soon.
Chris
I am not too fond of travelling but after reading your post on the city of Rhodes in Greece, I fee like going to Greece now and having a look around. It looks like an excellent place!
I didn’t know that the Colossus once stood at the bronze Stag and Doe columns.
I really like the Beach and Casino too, must be a great place to enjoy oneself.
Thanks for sharing 🙂
Hello Haider, nice to meet you and thanks for having a look around my website.
You know something, I am also not a lover of actually travelling. Seeing new places and checking out different cultures and history I love, but the actual travelling – Not for me. I hate flying too, it terrifies me. But hey, this is the way of the world now, and the world is a small place with all the technology available. So why not make the most of it 🙂
I am happy my information here gave you a nice taste of what Rhodes has to offer. There is tons to see and do and it is a great location to take a look around.
There is a lot of history here, for example The Colossus which once stood before the great earthquake. The beaches are beautiful too and certainly a great place to relax 🙂
The Casino yeah, beautiful, amazing, dazzling – call it what you will, it is still an expensive place 🙂 I have been inside and it is absolutely breathtaking. I love it inside there. I have one friend who works there as a manager on the gambling tables. He has always told me there is only one winner, and that is the casino!
I like it, but I avoid it too 🙂
Thanks Haider, great to have you here. I hope you make it to the island some day!
Chris
I was in Europe 3 years back but had no chance of visiting Greece. Europe is just too huge to travel.
Initially, Greece was shortlisted in my plans, but due to time constraints my friend and I decided to skip that part of the trip.
I am sure that I will definitely visit Greece, especially the city of Rhodes some day. Elli beach seems nice too, and I like the beach. Lol
Thanks
Hey Maxx
it is sad you did not manage to fit Greece into your plans during your European Tour.
I know what you mean though, Europe as a whole has a lot to offer and there is so much to see and do. It is not possible to fit it all in.
If you manage to do another European Holiday, and you have not experienced Greece at all, I recommend you do it. Not only Rhodes, but try the mainland too. There is so much in the way of history and education. You would love it 🙂
And yes, there are many beaches in Greece. Rhodes has some of the nicest sandy beaches, not only Elli beach. You have a wide choice 🙂
Thanks Maxx
Chris
The City of Rhodes has just been put on my bucket list.
Your descriptions made me feel as if I was there. I could feel the warm breeze from the ocean while I sipped on a local brew.
Are there any good local brews? What a beautiful city and great photos. Y
ou are very lucky to be able to live there. Thank you for sharing
Linda
Hi there Linda and thanks so much for reading!
Rhodes does have that effect on you to be honest. The descriptions are one thing, but once you experience this place it is hard to forget, and this is why many thousands of people return here year after year.
There are many local brews here, and in all fairness a lot of things are made locally. Of course when it comes to food and drink there are a lot of imported products, but the local stuff is far better 🙂
Thanks for your kind words for my website. It is great to hear you like it!
Chris
Hi Chris!
I love this site!
I have been hoping to get to Greece for some time now. I’ve been to other countries in Europe, but Greece is the one that I still want to go back for!
I haven’t given much thought to the Island of Rhodes before, but now I am considering it!
Would you say that the city of Rhodes would be a good place to stop for a first time visitor to Greece?
Thanks!
Hi there Katie and thanks for getting in touch 🙂 Great to hear from you.
Staying in the city of Rhodes basically puts most things at your fingertips yes, but there are also many other places to stay on the island.
All around you will find hotels but it would depend on what you wanted. Some people prefer to spend time in a more quiet area and then go to the busy city when they choose.
Others prefer it the other way around.
For sure though, even if you are in Rhodes for a first time – you will find staying in the city very enjoyable. Just be ready for it being a little more noisy than other areas!
Hope this answers your questions and if you need more, just give me a shout 🙂
Thanks
Chris
I have always wanted to visit Greece and I will keep this city as one of the sites to see when I do finally get to visit.
There are so many things and places to see when traveling that it is nice to have some direction to determine where to go.
What other areas would you recommend in Greece?
Hi there and thanks for your question.
Although I am specifically talking about the island of Rhodes on this website, there are of course other places to visit in Greece.
The mainland is popular as Athens holds the wonder that is the Acropolis and Parthenon. Let’s not forget Thessaloniki too as this is another beautiful city with lots of history.
The islands are also well known to the tourism trade with places like Kos, Crete and Santorini (to name a couple).
If you browse the web, you will find lots of locations in Greece to spend time and make some amazing memories.
Hope this helps 🙂
Thanks
Chris
I visited Rhodes once for a 2 week holiday when I was just 18 years old, that was 33 years ago.
Oh, how time has passed. Though, I’ve also been several times afterward when I worked on the ships.
It is one of the most loveliest places in Europe, and yes I agree there’s so much to do. I’d definitely go there again. BTW Chris, why did you settle in Greece and not Spain where most people end up?
Hey Sharon, how are you doing?
33 years has passed for sure, but I can see a small image of you here while I am answering your questions, and you do not look a day over 20 🙂 .. OK that is my chat up line for the day, was it any good? haha!
It is the most amazing place here yes, and you know it is a good question when it comes to choosing Greece over other locations when it came to me relocating.
Over time I had made a lot of friends here. When you go to a place many times you get to know a few of the locals. I had a few holidays here over years gone by and I just fell in love with it.
I have also been to Spain, and I know a lot of people choose Spain as a place of escape, but for me it does not have the same zap as Greece. I am not saying I didn’t like it, but it is not somewhere I would go as a first choice. I guess that comes down to personal choice 🙂
Well, hopefully I will see you here again 🙂
Thanks for getting in touch!
Chris