Sightsee ancient windmills, dine at waterfront restaurants and shop for fresh produce at the principal seaport of Rhodes.
Rhodes Port is the main sea entrance to the island and the gateway to many of its attractions. With waterfront restaurants, medieval buildings and its close proximity to the old town, the transit hub is also worthy of exploration.
Rhodes Port is actually made up of several individual harbors. Ferries arriving from mainland Greece, Turkey and some of the other Dodecanese Islands dock at the Tourist Harbour. For most visitors, this is their first view of Rhodes Island and the historic old town.
Stroll along Akti Sachtouri Street, which has the Aegean Sea on one side and the medieval city walls on the other. Gaze up at the turreted ramparts of the city walls and then look at the collection of luxury yachts and old fishing trawlers moored in the harbour. Some boats are also floating shops that sell handicrafts, fresh fish and fruits.
At the end of the street is a tunnel that leads to Mandraki Harbour. Walk along its breakwater to see the three disused windmills that date back to medieval times. They used to grind the grains brought into Rhodes by merchant ships. Continue along the breakwater to the old lighthouse and its stone defensive structures. See the tall columns topped by figures of a stag and hind, emblems of the city. Some people believe they mark the spot where the legs of the Colossus of Rhodes stood, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
On the opposite side of the harbour, find restaurants and taverns. Sit at an outdoor terrace and sample traditional Greek cuisine while enjoying views of the harbour. From here, it is a short walk to the northernmost tip of Rhodes and Elli Beach. Alternatively, explore the Old Town’s labyrinth of alleyways.
Rhodes Port sits on the northeastern corner of the island of Rhodes. If you are arriving by car, find free parking on the streets around the Tourist Harbour and Commercial Harbour.
