Rhodes (Greece)
Cruise Port
Guide and Review (2023)

Photo  of Mandráki Harbor in Rhodes(Greece)  Cruise Port

Essential guide to the cruise port in Rhodes (Greece): the piers where cruise ships dock, top things to do, how to get around, shops and shoppinng, dining and restaurants, basic and essential Info.

By:
Updated: May 23, 2023

The island of Rhodes has a rich history that goes back as far as 4,000 BC, and cruise visitors can see the marks of past occupants everywhere.

Ruins of Greek and Roman temples and acropolises dot the countryside, while the inns left by the Knights of Saint John line the cobbled streets of the walled Rhodes Old Town.

Photo  of Palace of the Grand Master in Rhodes Cruise Port

Palace of the Grand Master in Rhodes

Photo © IQCruising.com

The elegant minarets of mosques built by the Ottomans lend an exotic touch to the skyline, while the Italians’ renovations add a more modern feel to the city.

But a visit for a day on a cruise to Rhodes is not just about history, archeology, religious sites, and ancient monuments. Rhodes Cruise Port can also be a fun place to frolic in the sun.

Photo  of Elli Beach in Rhodes Cruise Port

Elli Beach in Rhodes

Photo © IQCruising.com

Rhodes receives about 300 days of sunshine a year, so it is no wonder that the Greek city chose Helios as their divine patron.

The Cruise Port in Rhodes is great to work on your tan and enjoy the wealth of water sports available at the pristine, sun-drenched beaches.

The northeastern part of the island of Rhodes, where the cruise port is located, is an especially great place for windsurfing and kiteboarding.

Where is Rhodes

Rhodes, a (UNESCO World Heritage Site), is a regularly visited cruise port of call in the Eastern Mediterranean itineraries during the Spring-Summer season, with as many as 258 ship calls and 300,000 passengers per year (2019).

Rhodes (or Rodos) is part of the Dodecanese island group, in the Aegean Sea, on the eastern Mediterranean, no more than 6 miles (9 to 10 kilometers) from the coast of Turkey.

With a population of 50,000, Rhodes is an historical city and capital of the eponymous Greek island, and has a medium-sized mixed (ferry and cruise) port.

Where is the Cruise Port in Rhodes

The cruise port is on large bay with a breakwater, North of the historical center of Rhodes, a stone's throw away.

The Virgin Mary's Gate is one of the main entrances to the medieval walled city and is around 1/4 mile (400 meters) to the right of the cruise port exit gates.

Where Cruise Ships Dock in Rhodes

The cruise port in Rhodes has six berths for as many cruise ships moor (including large cruise ships up to 380m in length and up to 10m draft).

There is a small terminal for cruise passengers with a few shops and a tourist info booth right by the exit gates of the port.

The area around the port is a pleasant touristic area, but you should watch out for pushy locals.

Photo  of Ships Docked in Rhodes Cruise Port

Cruise Ships Docked in Rhodes Port

Photo Courtesy of Greek Cruise

Almost all cruise lines visit the port of Rhodes including luxury, upper-premium, premium and resort-like cruise ships of lines such as AIDA, Azamara, Celebrity, Celestyal, Costa, Crystal, Fred Olsen, HAL, Hapag Lloyd, Marella, MSC, NCL, Oceania, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Regent, Seabourn, SeaDream, Silversea, Star Clippers, TUI or Windstar.

Things to do and see

Amongst Rhodes highlights and main attractions, cruise travelers should not miss a walking visit to the Old Medieval City.

The Medieval City Highlights

In the walled city of Rhodes you will find stunning historical landmarks that are well worth a visit. Here is a list of the main attractions in the Old Town to visit on a cruise to Rhodes:

  • Palace of the Grand Masters
  • The cobbled Street of the Knights
  • The City Walls,
  • The Ottoman Quarter
  • The Jewish Quarter with its Synagogue and Museum
  • The Evreon Martiron Square
  • Sokratous Street
Photo  of Sokratous Street in Rhodes Cruise Port

Sokratous Street in Rhodes

Photo © IQCruising.com

Rhodes Museums

In the Old City you there are two museums that should not be missed: the Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Modern Greek Art.

Mandráki Harbor

Outside the Medieval City of Rhodes, between the Port and Elli Beach, the Mandráki Harbor is an area where you will find two symbols of the island: a stag and a hind on two columns overlooking the entrance of the marina and the fortress of Agios Nikolaos.

This is the site where the mythical Colossus of Rhodes is said to have stand.

Photo  of Windmills in Mandraki, Rhodes Cruise Port

The famous Windmills in Mandraki, the site where the mythical Colossus of Rhodes is said to have stand

Photo © IQCruising.com

The Archeological sites of Rhodes

The archeological site of Lindos with its Acropolis and nearby St Paul's Bay where the apostle allegedly landed during a storm, and the ancient ruins of Kameiros (Kamiros) are another must-see sites.

Photo  of Lindos Acropolis in Rhodes Cruise Port

Lindos Acropolis, a highlight of Rhodes

Photo © IQCruising.com

Beaches

For those that prefer to spend a day in port basking in the sun, there are famous beaches like Kalithea and Faliraki or Elli Beach. Elli Beach is the closest to the cruise port: around 1 mile (1,600 meters).

Been There Done That

For those that have visited Rhodes before there are a few off the beaten track sites worth exploring such as Aquarium, the New City or the Acropolis of Rhodes.

Getting Around

Considering that the Medieval City is entirely pedestrian and within walking distance of the cruise port, the main landmarks and historical sites of this UNESCO World Heritage Site are very easy to explore on your own.

Taxis

For those that want to explore beaches and farther away sites like Lindos on your own, there are taxis available right outside the cruise port exit gates.

You will also find taxis by the gangway for those that pre-booked a taxi tour online. Check the Official Website of Rhodes Taxis Tours for Prices and to Book Online..

Official taxi fares in Rhodes are priced one way only, per car - up to 4 passengers. To give you an idea of official taxi fares, these are the prices displayed by the taxi rank next to the pier in December 2022:

  • Lindos Archeological Site: €72
  • Kamiros Archeological Site: €52
  • Kalithea Beach: €20
  • Faliraki Beach: €25

Sightseeing

Like in may European ports, there is a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus that is a great way to explore Rhodes. The Rhodes City Tour bus stop is conveniently located right by the Cruise Port, departing every on the hour. Check the Official Website of Rhodes City Tour Bus for Prices, Stops, Details, Map, and to Book Online.

Shore excursions (Shorex) and tours in PortNAME

As you would expect when on a cruise to Rhodes, all cruise lines offer many and diverse shore excursions. Celebrity Cruises offers as many 48 shore excursions and Royal Caribbean has 43 cruise excursions.

Carnival lists 32 shore excursions. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has available 26 shore excursions.

Oceania Cruises organizes 19 shore excursions, Holland America offers 19 cruise excursions, and Princess has 19 excursions available.

Besides the cruise excursions organized by cruise liens, there are also shore excursions and tours offered by the following reputable private online services:

Shopping

Aside from the souvenirs, of which there are more than one could possibly imagine on Sokratous Street, the walled Old Town of Rhodes has quite a few local specialty items for cruise travelers to bring home. These are best-buys for cruise travelers visiting Rhodes:

  • Silverwork
  • Carpets
  • Ceramics
  • Wines
  • Embroidery
  • Olive oil
  • Ouzo
  • Honey
Photo  of Shopping Street in Rhodes Cruise Port

Shopping Street in Rhodes

Photo © IQCruising.com

Well known shops in Greece like Ilias Lalaounis or Kounakis jewelry stores are impossible to miss. The more modern trendy shops and all major European brands are in the New Town.

Lunch, Restaurants, Local Cuisine, and Flavors

Although the cruise port is within walking distance of Rhodes Old Town, where many restaurants are located, you shouldn't return to your ship for a free lunch and instead enjoy genuine local cuisine al fresco.

Most restaurant menus serve traditional Mediterranean dishes with strong, earthy flavors. Olive oil is a component of every dish and most chefs use garlic, onions, basil, thyme, and oregano when cooking. Local specialties often include fish and tiny Symi shrimp.

Photo  of Restaurant serving Lunch Al Fresco in Rhodes Cruise Port

Lunch Al Fresco in Rhodes

Photo © IQCruising.com

The best dining is found in the capital city of Rhodes where restaurants crowd around the main public squares in the Old Town – Plateia Rimini, Plateia Dorieos, and Plateia Damagitou. On these squares or nearby, cruise travelers should look for restaurants and tavernas like Ippotikon, Romeo, Alexis, Hatzikelis, Castello House, Iannis Taverna or Kafenio-Turkiko.

Must-know: tourist info, language and currency

Tourist Info

here is a Tourist Information Office situated just outside the city walls at the old port, usually maned all day, where you can get maps and attraction's brochures.

Language

Greek is the official language but English is widely spoken in all tourist areas and attractions.

Currency and purchases

The legal tender in Greece is the Euro (€) (EUR). US$ dollars are NOT accepted.

ATMs

There is an ATM close to the cruise port exit gates. You will find many ATMs in the historical city. Look for the National Bank of Greece, on Platia Mousiou (1 mile from cruise port).

Exchange bureau

Look for the National Bank of Greece, on Platia Mousiou (1 mile from cruise port).

Credit and debit cards

Credit and Debit Cards - Visa, MasterCard, and American Express - are widely accepted in most shops and restaurants in Rhodes. You should also be able to pay for touristic-related services with debit ort credit cards.

Haggling

On any shop, haggling is normal and expected, in particular, on duty-free shops. |

Tipping

When at a restaurant a tip is appropriate as in the US (15-20%). You can tip Taxi drivers but it is not expected. |

Rhodes Cruise Port Basics

Phone Code:Country Code: 30. T-Mobile offers calls at 25 cents/min. and text at no cost. Other US phone providers may work but is advisable to check with your provider to avoid roaming charges.  
Internet:Most cafes and bars in and around Rhodes offer free Wi-Fi but you are expected to be a client and order something. T-Mobile offers unlimited data at up to 2G speeds at no extra cost.
Post Office:Hellenic Post Bank, Karpathou 18 (1 mile from cruise port)
Electricity:The standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. Typical European two round prongs are used.
Phone Emergencies:Medical Emergency - 112 | Police - 100 | Tourist Police - 1571.
Pharmacies:There are several pharmacies located in the Medieval Town such as Pantazis Viktor on 26 Aristotelous Street (phone: +30 224 103 3910), and Ypsilantis Zacharias on 60 Agiou Fanouriou Street (phone: +30 224 102 6448).
Hospital:Geniki Kliniki Dodekanissou S.A., Lindou 6 (2 miles from the Cruise Port). +30 2241 045000.

Public Holidays

Many attractions, museums, and shops may be closed on the dates below. Transportation services will be less frequent.

January 01 - New Year's Day
January 06 - Epiphany
March 02 - Orthodox Shrove Day
March 25 - Greek Independence Day
March/April - Holy Friday and Easter Sunday
May 1 - Protomagia - Labor Day
June 8 - Holy Spirit Monday (Agios Pnevmatos)
August 14 - Assumption of Mary
October 28 - National Anniversary of Greek Independence
November 11 - Veteran's Day
November 19 - Discovery Day
December 25 - Christmas Day
December 26 - Synaxis of the Mother of God

Geo and Demographics

Italy Area: 116,350 sq miles (301,340 sq km)
Almost twice the size of Georgia. Slightly larger than Arizona.

Civitavecchia Population: 53,027 (2015)

Italy Population: 62,390,364 (July 2021 est.)

Civitavecchia Ethnic Groups: Predominantly Mediterranean.

Italy Ethnic Groups: Italians (91.5%). Other Ethnicities (8.5%)
Overwhelmingly Italian with small minorities of German-Italian, French-Italian, and Slovene-Italians in the north. South of Rome there are small minorities of Albanian-Italians and Greek-Italians.

Largest urban areas in Italy

Rome: 4.278 million
Milan: 3.144 million
Naples: 2.183 million
Turin: 1.795 million

Religion in Italy

Christian 83.3% (mainly Roman Catholic with small minorities of Jehovah's Witnesses and Protestants), Muslim 3.7%, unaffiliated 12.4%, other 0.6% (2010 est.)

Economy

GDP per capita: (Purchasing Power Parity) - $42,492 (2019 est.)

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