Chapter 1 of 7
Don’t treat churches as ordinary sightseeing stops
I see this happen quite often. Many of our beautiful churches and monasteries are active places of worship, not just tourist attractions. My advice is to always approach them with that in mind. People may be praying, so please treat these spaces with the reverence they deserve.
Cover up before entering
Before you enter any church, you need to cover up. This means covering your shoulders and knees. Swimwear, crop tops, and very short shorts are not appropriate. I always suggest carrying a light scarf for your shoulders, but frankly, that won't make a bikini top acceptable. If you're coming from the beach, it's best to bring a proper change of clothes.
Don't assume the dress code is the same everywhere. Always follow the specific instructions posted at the entrance of the church you're visiting. For more general tips on what to bring, take a look at my guide on what to wear in Rhodes.
Let worship take priority
This should go without saying, but please silence your phone, lower your voice, and be mindful of your surroundings. If a service is in progress and you're not sure if visitors are welcome, I'd recommend waiting or asking quietly before you walk in. And on photography: check if it's permitted. Never make someone's private prayer or a religious ceremony your holiday photo op.
Chapter 2 of 7
Don’t climb on monuments for a better photograph
It really frustrates me when I see people climbing on ancient ruins for a selfie. Our historic walls, castles, and archaeological sites are fragile, not climbing frames. Even if a surface looks solid, sitting or standing on it can cause irreversible damage.
Please stick to the designated paths and viewing platforms. A staircase built for visitors is one thing; an unmarked wall is another. I see people ignoring barriers just because someone else did, but those signs are there for a reason—to protect both you and the monument.
My advice for photographers is simple: change your camera angle, don't climb on the history. Keep your bags and water bottles off delicate surfaces. If you're unsure whether access is allowed, find a site attendant and ask. It's much better than causing damage by mistake.
Chapter 3 of 7
Don’t treat villages and residential streets as a stage
I love that visitors enjoy our picturesque villages, but you have to remember that these are people's homes. A charming, narrow lane is also the path to someone's front door. Please keep your voices and any music down, especially late at night, and don't block doorways while your group debates where to go next.
The same goes for when you leave a lively bar or restaurant. The party atmosphere belongs inside the venue, not shouted down the quiet residential streets on your way home.
- Step aside for locals and others using narrow streets.
- Keep doorways clear when you stop for photos or to check your phone.
- Always ask before making a person the main subject of your photograph.
- Don't just wander into a private courtyard or doorway because it looks nice. If it feels private, it probably is.
Chapter 4 of 7
Don’t leave small rubbish behind
This is a big one for me. Leaving behind bottles and food wrappers is obviously wrong, but so is leaving cigarette butts, bottle caps, and other small bits of plastic. Please don't bury your rubbish in the sand, stuff it into rock crevices, or leave it next to a full bin.
My advice is to always carry a small bag for your own waste. That way, if you can't find a bin, you can take it with you. Before you leave a beach or a picnic spot, do a quick final check of the ground around you. It's a simple act of respect that keeps Rhodes beautiful for everyone.
Chapter 5 of 7
Don’t handle or disturb animals for photos
Please, enjoy our local wildlife from a respectful distance. If getting a photo means you have to chase, touch, or move an animal, then just don't take the photo. You don't need to know if an animal is harmless to know you should give it space.
Picking things up is just not a good idea. This hands-off approach applies just as much to marine life when you're snorkeling—look, don't touch. You'll also see many cats around villages and tavernas. Don't assume they want to be picked up, and please resist feeding them from your table. For what to do in an encounter, see my guide on wildlife safety in Rhodes.
Chapter 6 of 7
Don’t confuse polite requests with demands
A little courtesy goes a long way here. I always tell visitors to start any interaction with a simple greeting like 'Hello' or 'Yassas'. You don't need to be fluent in Greek, but the effort is always appreciated.
Check a shop's opening hours rather than just expecting it to be open for you. If something is unavailable or taking time, ask a clear question politely instead of raising your voice. Being considerate doesn't mean you can't question a confusing bill or make a reasonable complaint—it's all about your approach. These points cover daily respect; for other common holiday slip-ups, read my guide to tourist mistakes in Rhodes.
Respect prices and keep tipping optional
In my experience, haggling isn't really done here. Prices in most restaurants and shops are fixed. Asking for the price before you commit is smart, but please don't repeatedly pressure a shopkeeper for a discount after they've said no.
As for tipping, I tell people to think of it as a genuine 'thank you' for good service, not a requirement. You don't need to import the tipping culture from your home country. I break down all the details in my guide on tipping in Rhodes.
Chapter 7 of 7
A quick respect check before you enter or leave
If I can leave you with one piece of advice, it's this: when in doubt, just pause. Ask for permission rather than assuming an open door, an accessible wall, or another tourist's behaviour makes something okay.
Still have questions about your trip? I've probably answered them in my full index of Rhodes practical travel questions.
- Entering a church: Check your clothes, silence your phone, and read any signs.
- Taking a photograph: Stay in permitted areas and respect people's privacy.
- Passing homes: Keep your voice down and don't block doorways.
- Seeing an animal: Look from a distance; don't touch or disturb it.
- Leaving a stop: Do a final check for any rubbish, big or small.
Frequently asked questions
What should you do if someone corrects your behaviour?
My advice is to just stop, listen, and say sorry. A brief apology is all that's needed. The worst thing you can do is get defensive or argue that you saw other people doing it. Just accept the correction graciously.
Is swimwear appropriate in shops and restaurants?
No, it generally isn't. When you move from the beach into a town, shop, or restaurant, my advice is to always put on a T-shirt, cover-up, or some casual clothing. While specific places have their own rules, the general expectation is that you're dressed.
Can you ask for a discount in a souvenir shop?
You can always ask politely, but I wouldn't expect a discount. Bargaining isn't standard practice in most shops here, as prices are typically fixed. If the answer is no, please just accept it.