Best shore excursions when you cruise into Rhodes

Harriet Mallinson

Harriet Mallinson

Rhodes cruise excursions pack in both history and beaches, so there's something for everyone in the gang on a trip to this popular Greek island.

The historic centre of Rhodes Town
The historic centre of Rhodes Town © Viliam M - Shutterstock.com

A cruise to Rhodes takes you on a journey through sun-soaked beaches, exciting history and vibrant Greek culture. Among the sunniest of Greek islands, Rhodes, the largest in the Dodecanese archipelago (and not far from Turkey), is a popular stop on eastern Mediterranean itineraries.

Here, you'll find thousands of years of history lined with golden sands, so pack your swimmers and a guidebook for this port of call.

Getting to Rhodes: cruise into Rhodes with Marella Cruises*, which offers a variety of great value itineraries in the eastern Mediterranean throughout the summer months.

Rhodes Town

Rhodes Town, the island's capital, is where cruise ships dock and, luckily, the medieval Old Town is only a five-minute walk away. The Knights of St John (a renowned medieval Catholic military order) once roamed here, so expect an impressive fortress and a great archaeological museum, to name a few highlights.

Also popular in Rhodes is the village of Lindos, famous for its architectural styles from Gothic and Byzantine to Greek and Ottoman plus the impressive ancient acropolis towering above the town.

Nature lovers will appreciate the panoramas from Filerimos Hill, just outside Rhodes Town, where a Byzantine church sits amidst sweeping countryside views.

Meanwhile, for adventure seekers and tanning hopefuls, bustling Faliraki Beach offers parasailing, jet-skiing and banana boat rides, with lively beachside bars providing the perfect backdrop for relaxation. A pint of Mythos for us, please!

Early morning on Faliraki Beach
Early morning on Faliraki Beach © Marten House - Shutterstock.com

If you're unsure of where to start with your sightseeing, several shore excursions cram in a wealth of history and culture during visits to Rhodes. These excursions offer an easy solution to enjoying your time in port.

Lindos & Acropolis

Begin your journey in one of Greece's prettiest villages, Lindos, a 50-minute coach ride south from your cruise port along Rhodes' east coast.

It's not just about looks, though: Lindos was a significant trading hub as early as the 8th century BCE and thrived due to its strategic maritime position between Greece and the Middle East until the 19th century.

The Acropolis of Lindos, perched dramatically on a 116m cliff, is an archaeological marvel. One of Rhodes' most fortified ancient sites, the acropolis is protected by majestic castle walls added in the 14th century by the Knights of St John.

Temple of Athena in Lindos, Rhodes
Temple of Athena in Lindos, Rhodes © Byrdyak - Adobe Stock Image

This treasury of ancient structures is most notably home to the 4th-century Temple of Athena Lindia, built on the remains of an even older temple.

The sacred site was where worshippers offered sacrifices and prayers to the goddess Athena (among her specialities are wisdom and crafts, in case you fancy requesting anything in those departments).

The Byzantine Church of St John and a huge Hellenistic stoa further reflect the acropolis' layered history. Today, the Greek Ministry of Culture protects the acropolis, which is accessible by foot.

Elsewhere, Lindos offers a peaceful escape through narrow lanes lined with quaint, whitewashed stone houses. The Greek Orthodox Church of Panagia is worth a visit and Lindos Beach is a lovely spot too.

Maybe you'll even spot the Dama-Dama deer, native to Rhodes, during your visit (they have white stomachs with white patches spread throughout their body). Fun fact: in ancient times, Rhodes was known as Elafioussa, meaning "land of many deer".

Lindos & Acropolis >>

Discover Rhodes City

This half-day tour introduces you to Rhodes. Start at Mandraki Harbour, where luxury yachts gleam alongside Italian-era government buildings, colourful boats and lively pavement cafés.

It's also where the ancient wonder of the world, the Colossus of Rhodes (a whopping 33-metre-high bronze statue of the sun god Helios), once stood. Today, effigies of two deer, named "Elefos" and "Elafina," prance in the spot where the feet of the Colossus used to be (see, we told you they're heavy on the deer here).

Next is Monte Smith (named after an English admiral), home to the ancient Acropolis of Rhodes, the Temple of Apollo, and a historic stadium and amphitheatre.

Deer guarding the entrance to Mandraki Harbour
Deer guarding the entrance to Mandraki Harbour © Ian Woolcock - Shutterstock.com

Then, stroll through Rhodes' medieval old town, entering via the imposing Porte d'Amboise dating back to 1512 (you can't miss its two enormous concentric towers engineered to withstand Ottoman cannon fire) and follow the famed Street of the Knights.

This remarkably preserved medieval street, stretching 600 metres, follows an ancient path once linking the town to the Acropolis. Starting at the Hospital of the Knights and ending at the Palace of the Grand Master, the cobbled street is flanked by inns from the 15th and 16th centuries.

Crafted from chiselled sandstone, some buildings feature intricate carvings and plaques, with a double archway at the highest point and wide doorways for horses and carriages.

However, while it's considered one of the most intact medieval streets in the world its current appearance is largely the result of Italian restoration work in the 1930s.

Discover Rhodes City >>

Filerimos & City Tour

This tour begins at Mandraki Harbour and travels to Filerimos Hill, 12km outside Rhodes, where you'll enjoy sweeping views from the top.

The star attraction of Filerimos Hill is the 15th century, hilltop Monastery of Panagia Filerimos. Built by the Knights of St John in a Gothic style on the site of an older Byzantine monastery, it was later restored during Italian rule in the 20th century.

Its biggest claim to fame is that the monastery once housed a holy icon of the Virgin Mary; only, it was taken by the knights when they left Rhodes in 1523 and is now displayed in Montenegro's National Museum.

The 15th-century Monastery of Panagia Filerimos
The 15th-century Monastery of Panagia Filerimos © Mariusz Switulski - Adobe Stock Image

Religious art enthusiasts needn't go without though; the monastery leads to a hill with a large cross and engravings depicting the Passion of Jesus, plus excellent vistas.

Other fascinating landmarks here include the ruins of the Temple of Athena Polias, an early Christian basilica, and the subterranean Byzantine Church of St George.

Finally, a visit to Triantafyllou Winery offers a serene setting for a wine tasting led by a resident oenologist. Greek wine dates back over 6,000 years and offers a rich diversity of flavours, thanks to its unique indigenous grape varieties and varied regions.

In Rhodes, the local varieties comprise Athiri (a crisp white often used to make Retsina) and Mandilaria (a robust red). Bottoms up!

Filerimos & City Tour >>

Climate in Rhodes

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The above guide shows the climate in Rhodes Town. Find out more about conditions across the island in our complete guide to the climate in Rhodes.

Ready to explore Rhodes? Find the latest offers on itineraries with Marella Cruises to sail away for less.

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Harriet Mallinson

Harriet Mallinson

Posted on Wednesday 20th November 2024 in: Cruises Culture Europe Marella Cruises

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