Chapter 1 of 7
1. Choose your base around your everyday priorities
Don't make the mistake of thinking Rhodes is a tiny island where everything is a short hop away. It's not. Your base in Rhodes Town, Lindos, or the southern coast defines your trip.
My advice is simple: book your accommodation based on where you'll spend most of your time. If you dream of evenings in the Old Town, staying in the far south means long, repetitive journeys. If you want peace and quiet by the sea, it makes more sense to accept a longer drive for a day trip or two.
Not sure if Rhodes is the right island for you at all? My guide on is Rhodes worth visiting can help you decide. Come back here once you're set.
- Rhodes Town: I'd choose this for culture, nightlife, and having a city at your doorstep.
- Lindos: Perfect for that classic village scenery and beautiful bays, but please, check the walk to your room first.
- Stegna or Haraki: My picks for a smaller, traditional seaside vibe with great tavernas.
- Kiotari or Gennadi: Look here if your main goal is a quiet southern base, not constant trips to Rhodes Town.
Chapter 2 of 7
2. Check services for your dates, not just the destination
Here's a piece of advice I give everyone: good weather in April or October doesn't guarantee everything is open. Always check service availability separately from the weather forecast.
This is crucial if you're travelling outside the peak July-August window. I recommend you ask your hotel directly what will be open during your stay, from their own facilities to nearby restaurants. If a specific boat trip or tour is a dealbreaker for you, confirm its operating dates with the company before you book your flights.
For seasonal conditions, you can use my Rhodes month-by-month weather guide. But for everything else, check with the specific property or business you plan to use.
- Will all the hotel facilities that made you book actually be open?
- Can you physically get to your accommodation when your flight lands?
- Are your must-do tours running on your dates, and what happens if they cancel?
Chapter 3 of 7
3. Decide how much travelling you want to do
My first piece of transport advice? You don't automatically need a rental car. Think about what your holiday looks like. Do you want lazy days by the pool with a few organised tours, or are you planning to explore remote villages on your own? Match your transport to that vision.
Just because a bus goes to your resort doesn't mean it's practical for every trip you want to make. Equally, choosing a quiet base doesn't force you into driving every day. Check the specific journeys you care about instead of assuming one rule fits all.
I also tell visitors to look carefully at arrival transfers. A 'shared transfer' can mean a long wait and a tour of a dozen hotels before you reach yours, especially if you're staying south. Ask about the meeting point and what happens if your flight is late. For a full breakdown, my Rhodes transport guide has all the details.
Chapter 4 of 7
4. Look beyond the room photographs
I can't stress this enough: look past the pretty room photos and check the real-world setting. How will you get there from the taxi drop-off? Are there steps? Where's the nearest place to eat? In Rhodes Old Town, the cobbled streets can be a challenge; in Lindos, it's all about the hills and steps.
If you have mobility concerns or heavy bags, please ask for a description of the final approach to your room. A pin on a map won't tell you if it's manageable.
On drinking water, you should ask your accommodation about their supply. Personally, I stick to bottled water for taste, but that's just a preference and doesn't mean tap water is unsafe. When in doubt, buying bottled water is an easy solution.
Chapter 5 of 7
5. Prepare a payment backup and phone access
Cards plus a little cash
You will find cards are accepted almost everywhere, so please don't bring your entire holiday budget in cash. My advice is to have a small cash reserve in euro notes for minor purchases or tips. Before you leave, check your bank's fees for overseas use and find out how your taxi or transfer wants to be paid on arrival. I cover this properly in my guide to cash and card payments in Rhodes.
Check roaming before departure
Don't get caught out by phone charges. Check your provider’s roaming policy for Greece, paying close attention to any 'fair use' caps. If you're travelling from the UK or outside the EU, you can't assume free roaming applies. Hotel Wi-Fi is great, but I always recommend saving your accommodation address and maps offline before you fly. You might not need a new SIM, so check my thoughts on internet, roaming and SIM cards in Rhodes before you buy one.
Chapter 6 of 7
6. Pack for your plans and organise essential documents
When you pack, think beyond the beach and pool. You'll need comfortable shoes for exploring the Old Town's cobbled lanes and climbing the steps in Lindos—trust me on this. Sun protection is non-negotiable, and a light layer for the evenings is always a good idea; the Rhodes packing checklist covers everything.
On the practical side, check all travel document rules for your nationality. I recommend keeping booking confirmations and insurance details saved offline. If you're renting a car, confirm exactly which documents the company needs before you pay.
And please, bring your prescription medications with any necessary paperwork. Travel insurance is essential; an EHIC card is useful but only covers specific state-provided care, not private treatment or getting you home in an emergency.
Chapter 7 of 7
7. Finish with this pre-arrival decision checklist
Once you've sorted these key points, my best advice is to leave some empty space in your schedule for spontaneous discoveries. For tips on making your daily life here easier, have a look at my Rhodes travel tips for making your days work better.
If you're still choosing where to go, my Rhodes Island Guide will help you build your itinerary. And if you have any other practical questions, I've probably answered them in the Rhodes practical travel questions section.
- Choose your dates, then double-check that essential services are open.
- Pick a base that fits your daily and nightly plans.
- Sort out your arrival journey and transport for key outings.
- Confirm your accommodation's access, check-in process, and facilities.
- Get your payment sorted: cards, a bit of cash, and a working phone.
- Save your documents offline and pack for the trip you're actually taking.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to speak Greek before visiting Rhodes?
Not at all. English is spoken in almost every hotel, restaurant, and shop aimed at visitors. I do recommend saving your accommodation's name and address in Greek just in case, and of course, a few friendly Greek greetings are always appreciated.
Should I book every activity before travelling?
Definitely not. My advice is to only pre-book things that are absolutely essential for your holiday, and only once you're clear on the dates and cancellation policy. For everything else, stay flexible. You'll discover things when you get here, and it's a shame to have every minute scheduled.
Can I buy forgotten essentials after arriving?
Yes, you can find shops and pharmacies in the main towns and tourist areas, but the selection can be limited. If there's a specific brand or essential item you can't do without, I strongly recommend you bring it with you rather than hoping to find it near your hotel.