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On a cruise to Rhodes, you’ll discover the island’s long, sandy beaches, vibrant culture, and thousands of years of history that unfold as you explore. Experience winding Byzantine streets in Old Town. See the magnificent palaces built by the medieval Knights of St. John. Venture further afield to beautiful Lindos, a whitewashed hill town dominated by a dramatic acropolis and an ancient temple.
Discover the diverse faces of the island, from sleepy country villages nestled amidst olive groves to its stunning beaches. All around the coast, you’ll find long stretches of sand, buzzing beach cafés, and watersports galore. Embark on an unforgettable Greek Islands cruise with Celebrity and let the timeless allure of Rhodes captivate you.
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Rhodes’ Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most beautifully preserved walled cities in Greece. Wander among its tangled alleys, splashing fountains, and Gothic arches during your day here. Plentiful shops, tavernas and cool cafés line the narrow streets. Marvel at the mosques and minarets from the days when Turkey ruled. The greatest legacy, though, is the mansions and palaces built by the Knights of St. John in the Middle Ages.
Enchanting Lindos spills over a steep hillside that’s dominated by a dramatic acropolis. Walk up, breathing in the scent of wild herbs, and enjoy the sweeping views over the town below and the sparkling Aegean beyond. The village itself bears distinct Byzantine and Arab influences in its whitewashed houses built around pretty courtyards. Close by is St. Paul’s Bay, a sheltered cove where the apostle is said to have landed in AD51 to preach Christianity.
Looking for a therapeutic experience while on your Rhodes cruise? Look no further than Kalithea Springs, a thermal spring located a little over five miles from Rhodes Town. The ancient complex has been beautifully renovated with manicured gardens and mosaics and is a delightful place to spend a day. You can bathe in the warm, crystal-clear water that fizzes out of natural springs along the rocky shore; for centuries, locals have vowed by its healing properties.
The Palace of the Grand Master is without doubt the most impressive of all Rhodes Town’s medieval monuments. Built on the site of an ancient temple, the palace now stands as a museum and testament to Gothic architecture in Rhodes. It was built in the 14th century by the Knights of St. John and restored by the ruling Italians in the early 20th century after a devastating explosion. Visit to admire dazzling mosaics and frescoes, and see the sarcophagi of former Grand Masters who lived here.
Faliraki Beach, one of the most famous on the island, is a three-mile sweep of golden sand, fringed by low hills and shaded by feathery pine trees. You’ll find everything you need here, from beach chairs to watersports, dozens of places to eat, shops, and rustic tavernas. Faliraki is also the location of one of the biggest waterparks in Europe, packed with twisting slides, kamikaze drops, and lazy river rides, all bound to be a hit with teens.
Southwest from Rhodes Town, the Valley of Butterflies is a 600-acre nature reserve with walking trails, rustic bridges, and natural pools. Every year, from May to July, thousands of Jersey tiger moths, in dramatic orange and black plumage, migrate to the oriental sweetgum trees here to reproduce. You can wander the woodland trails among clouds of these beautiful creatures, feeling as though you’ve wandered into a scene from a fairytale.
Cruises to Rhodes are a chance to try fresh, traditional Greek food. Ingredients are locally sourced, from organic fruits and vegetables to fish from the Aegean Sea. Greek cuisine incorporates ingredients like fresh garlic, onion, fennel, zucchini, grapes, apples, dates, and figs. Mezze is a typical meal, in the form of a set of appetizers that range from tzatziki, hummus, and eggplant dips to spicy sausages, grilled halloumi, and olives.
There’s usually a Greek salad, tangy with salty feta cheese, followed by fish or meat. Chicken souvlaki is a favorite and is served with fries. Just when you think you can’t eat any more, slices of chilled watermelon arrive, accompanied by melt-in-your-mouth baklava, dripping with syrup.
Rhodes has been inhabited since the Neolithic era. There’s evidence of Minoan settlers in the 15th century BC. Since then, because of the island’s strategically important position, waves of invaders from east and west have crisscrossed the island.
Rhodes gained independence from Macedonian rule in 305 BC, a period of prosperity during which the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was built. This vast statue, of which you’ll see many miniature models today, straddled the harbor but was toppled by a massive earthquake.
Rhodes fell under Roman rule in 70 AD and later, the Byzantine Empire and many others. The settlers who made the most significant impact were the Knights of Saint John, who arrived in 1305 and stayed for 200 years, fortifying Rhodes Town with solid walls, castles, and palaces. Then, in 1523, the island fell under the control of the Ottomans, and after the First World War, Italy. The island became part of Greece in 1947.
You will find a warm welcome in Rhodes, where locals are proud of their rich history and magnificent medieval palaces. Greeks are typically hospitable by nature and will always make time to chat. Learning a few words of the language is both polite and appreciated.
Ships dock at a long pier just to the east of the Old Town. You can walk from the pier to the nearest gate in the walls in around 10 minutes, or take a taxi if you want to travel further afield. There’s little in the way of facilities at the pier, but the minute you reach the Old Town, you’re immersed in shops, tavernas, cafés, and ATMs.
The cruise port in Rhodes is within walking distance from the historic Old Town. Taxis wait at the port if you prefer not to walk. A network of bus routes runs all over the island and can be a fun way to get around; Lindos is about an hour and 20 minutes away by bus. A shore excursion is the best and most reliable way to get around.
All around the Old Town and in coastal towns, souvenir and gift shops are abundant. Look out for artisan and craft shops where you can find ceramics, leather goods, floaty beach clothes, and locally produced olive oil. Olive wood bowls are good value, while silver and gold jewelry that recreates ancient Greek designs makes for a memorable memento. Handmade cosmetics and soaps make a good gift, while painted icons are an unusual souvenir.
Greece uses the Euro. Credit cards are widely accepted on the island. Service is usually included in restaurants, but you can leave a few coins behind for exceptional service. Tip good tour guides between €5 and €10. Greece does not, however, have a big tipping culture and it’s not expected.
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