Rhodes Cruise Port Guide (Greece)
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Rhodes is one of my favorite Greek islands.
I’ve visited both on a cruise with Odyssey of the Seas and later during a longer stay, and each time I appreciated how easy it is to explore, even with limited time.
For cruisers, the key advantage is simple: the ship docks right next to Rhodes Old Town.
You can walk off the ship and be inside one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe within minutes.
This Rhodes cruise port guide focuses on what actually matters during a port day — where the ship docks, how easy it is to get around, and what to see and do in Rhodes Town without rushing.
💡 If you’ve already explored Rhodes Town and want to go further, see my guide to the best beaches in Rhodes and day trips from the cruise port.
Where Cruise Ships Dock in Rhodes
The port of Rhodes sits right in Rhodes Town, at the northern tip of the island.
Ships dock at a long, deepwater quay, so there is no tendering.
You arrive directly next to the medieval walls of Rhodes Old Town, a UNESCO-listed site and one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe.
The modern side of town stretches toward Mandraki Harbour, just a short walk from the port.
From the terminal, it’s less than a 10-minute walk to the Old Town.
Several gates are located directly across the street once you exit the port area, making access straightforward even on a short stop.
If you turn right after leaving the port, you’ll reach Virgin Mary’s Gate, one of the main entrances into the Old Town.
The terminal itself is simple but functional, with a tourist information desk, taxi stand, small shops, and car rental options.
Rhodes is also an active ferry hub, with regular connections to nearby islands such as Kos, Symi, Samos, and Chalki.
Can You Explore Rhodes on Your Own?
Yes — Rhodes is very easy to explore independently.
The Old Town is less than a 10-minute walk from the port, so you can start exploring right away without needing transport.
If you plan to go beyond Rhodes Town, such as visiting Lindos or beaches further away, you’ll need to arrange transport or consider a tour.
Inside the Old Town, streets are narrow and maze-like, and it can get crowded in summer — just allow a bit of extra time to find your way back to the ship.
🎥 I visited Rhodes on a Mediterranean cruise — here’s a quick overview of the port, getting around, and exploring Rhodes Town.
Getting Around from the Port
On Foot
Walking is the easiest way to get around Rhodes Town.
Most cruisers explore the Old Town and then continue along the seafront toward Mandraki Harbour.
From there, it’s a short walk to Mandraki Marina and, if you want a quick break by the sea, Elli Beach is just a few minutes further.
Taxi
Taxis are available near the port and are a convenient option if you plan to visit beaches or places outside Rhodes Town.
Fares are usually fixed for common routes.
Car Rental
Renting a car makes sense if you plan to leave Rhodes Town and explore the island.
Rhodes is relatively compact, so you can reach places like Kallithea Springs, Anthony Quinn Bay, or Lindos within a day.
💡 If you want to explore beyond Rhodes Town at your own pace, see my 3-day Rhodes itinerary by car (Day 1 is cruise-friendly).
Rental companies are available near the port and throughout town, but availability can be limited in summer, so booking in advance is recommended.
Public Bus
Rhodes has a public bus system, but it’s less practical for a short port stop due to limited frequency.
The main bus station is near Mandraki, about a 15-minute walk from the port.
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
The sightseeing bus circles the main highlights around the northern part of Rhodes Town.
It does not enter the Old Town, which is pedestrian-only, but can be useful for a quick overview without much walking.
Shore Excursions from Rhodes
Shore excursions are the easiest way to visit places outside Rhodes Town without worrying about timing or transport.
Popular options include guided Old Town tours or trips to Lindos and nearby beaches.
👉 Browse shore excursions on Viator or GetYourGuide — trusted platforms widely used by cruisers
🛳️ Planning more Mediterranean ports?
My Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide eBook covers 45 ports with practical tips on getting around, walking routes, shore excursions, and what you can see and do during a cruise stop.
👉 Get the guide here
How Much Time You Need in Rhodes
Most cruise ships stay in Rhodes for 6–8 hours, which is enough time to explore Rhodes Town at a relaxed pace.
Short stops (4–5 hours)
Focus on Rhodes Old Town. You’ll have enough time to walk through the medieval streets, see key landmarks, and return to the ship without rushing.
Typical stops (6–8 hours)
You can explore the Old Town in depth, walk along Mandraki Harbour, and still have time for a short break at Elli Beach.
Longer stops (8+ hours)
With more time, you can explore at a slower pace or consider going beyond Rhodes Town, such as visiting Lindos or a nearby beach.
What to Do in Rhodes Cruise Port
If it’s your first visit, these are the top things to do in Rhodes on a cruise stop, with most cruisers staying in Rhodes Town and exploring the old town on foot.
💡 If you want to go beyond Rhodes Town, see my guide to the best beaches in Rhodes and day trips from the cruise port.
Explore Rhodes Old Town on Foot
This is the main reason cruise ships stop in Rhodes.
Rhodes Old Town is a UNESCO-listed medieval city built by the Knights of St. John in the 14th century, surrounded by massive stone walls that are still intact today.
Once inside, you’re walking through one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe.
In my experience, this is where you’ll spend most of your time — simply wandering through narrow streets, squares, and historic landmarks.
You can easily see:
- The Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes — a 14th-century fortress-palace built on a former Byzantine citadel
- The Street of the Knights — one of the most intact medieval streets in Europe, once home to different knightly orders
- The Archaeological Museum — located in the former Knights’ hospital, with artifacts from Rhodes and nearby islands
- Socratous Street and Hippocrates Square — the main lively area with shops and cafés
- Suleymaniye Mosque — built after the Ottoman conquest in 1522
- Roloi Clock Tower — one of the highest points in the Old Town, offering views over the city
🍴 Where to Eat in Rhodes Old Town
Rhodes Old Town has plenty of cafés and restaurants, so it’s easy to stop for a break while exploring.
If you want a good local spot, I’ve shared a few places I personally recommend in my Rhodes restaurant guide.
Allow around 2–3 hours, or longer if you want to enter sites or take breaks.
👉 Browse Rhodes Old Town walking tours and activities
Walk Mandraki Harbour
Just outside the Old Town, Mandraki Harbour is the main waterfront area of Rhodes Town.
The harbor was rebuilt during the Italian period in the early 20th century, and many of the buildings along the promenade date from that time.
Today, it’s lined with yachts, tour boats, and some of the island’s most recognizable landmarks.
At the entrance to the harbor, you’ll see the famous deer statues, marking the legendary site of the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
You can also walk out toward the windmills and the 15th-century St. Nicholas Fortress, which once protected the harbor.
Allow about 30–60 minutes for a relaxed walk.
👉 Explore Mandraki Harbour tours and activities
Visit the Palace of the Grand Master (Optional)
If you want to go beyond walking and step inside a major landmark, this is the best choice.
The Palace of the Grand Master was originally built by the Knights of St. John in the 14th century and later restored by the Italians.
Today, it functions as a museum with reconstructed halls, mosaics, and exhibitions.
Visiting takes about 1–1.5 hours, so it’s best included in a longer port day or if you’re particularly interested in history.
👉 Check the Palace of the Grand Master guided tours and tickets
Take a Break at Elli Beach
If you want to combine sightseeing with some time by the sea, Elli Beach is the easiest option.
Located at the northern tip of Rhodes Town, it’s a well-organized beach with clear water, sunbeds, and beach bars.
It’s also known for its diving platform, a popular spot for photos.
From Mandraki Harbour, it’s just a short walk, so it’s easy to fit into your day without rushing.
Allow 1–2 hours if you plan to swim or relax.
Should You Book a Shore Excursion in Rhodes?
In most cases, you don’t need a shore excursion in Rhodes.
If you plan to stay in Rhodes Town, everything is within walking distance, and exploring on your own is simple.
Consider a tour if you want to visit places outside town, such as Lindos, or prefer a guided experience without planning.
For most visitors, exploring independently is the easiest option.
Practical Tips for Cruise Visitors
- The local currency is the Euro (€), and most places accept cards, but it’s useful to carry some cash for small purchases.
- Rhodes Old Town has uneven cobblestone streets, so comfortable shoes are essential.
- In summer, temperatures can be very high, especially inside the Old Town where there is limited shade. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat.
- The Old Town can get crowded when multiple ships are in port, so expect busy streets during peak hours.
- Rhodes is generally safe, but keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas, especially around busy streets and squares.
- Allow extra time to return to the ship, as navigating the Old Town gates can take longer than expected.
Is It Worth Staying in Rhodes Town?
Yes — Rhodes Town is one of the best places to stay during a cruise stop.
The Old Town is right next to the port, easy to explore on foot, and packed with history.
If you’ve already been to Rhodes or prefer beaches and quieter spots, then heading outside town to places like Lindos can be a good alternative.
For most cruisers, though, staying in Rhodes Town is the easiest and most rewarding way to spend the day.
FAQ
❓ Is Rhodes cruise port walkable?
Yes, Rhodes cruise port is very walkable. The Old Town is less than a 10-minute walk from the ship, and most main sights are within walking distance.
❓ Do you need to tender in Rhodes cruise port?
No, cruise ships dock directly at the port in Rhodes, so there is no tendering required.
❓ How far is Rhodes Old Town from the cruise port?
Rhodes Old Town is located just across from the port entrance and can be reached in about 5–10 minutes on foot.
❓ How much time do you need in Rhodes cruise port?
Most cruise stops last 6–8 hours, which is enough time to explore Rhodes Town at a relaxed pace. Shorter stays are still enough for the Old Town.
❓ Is Rhodes Old Town worth visiting on a cruise?
Yes, Rhodes Old Town is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe and a highlight of any cruise stop.
❓ Can you go to Lindos from a cruise stop in Rhodes?
Yes, you can visit Lindos during a cruise stop, but it requires about 1 hour each way, so it’s best planned with enough time or as part of a tour.
Helpful Resources
- Rhodes tourism website — opening hours, landmarks, and visitor information for Rhodes Town and Old Town
- Palace of the Grand Master — ticket details and visiting information for planning your entry
- Local bus routes and timetables — useful if you plan to travel outside Rhodes Town
- Rhodes port information — terminal details, port map, and local services
Ports Often Included with Rhodes
Rhodes is usually part of Eastern Mediterranean and Greek Islands itineraries, often combined with nearby islands and coastal cities on the same route.
- Santorini — known for its caldera views and cliffside villages, typically visited as a tender port
- Mykonos — a mix of beaches and town exploration, famous for its whitewashed streets and windmills
- Kusadasi — the gateway to Ephesus, one of the most important ancient sites in the region
- Heraklion — the main port of Crete, known for access to the Palace of Knossos
- Athens (Piraeus) — a major embarkation port and stop for visiting the Acropolis and historic landmarks
- Chania — known for its Venetian harbor and Old Town, often visited via Souda cruise port
- Katakolon — a popular stop for visiting Ancient Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games
Planning more cruises? You can browse all my regional cruise port guides here: Mediterranean • Caribbean • Northern Europe • USA & Canada • Australia & New Zealand • Middle East
Are there deep sea fishing charter boats in Mandraki Marina?
If yes, any recommendations?
Hi! I think there are, but I haven’t done it so I can’t recommend any specific company.