Welcome to Rhodes: The largest of the Dodecanese islands. The sun-soaked island is loved for its golden sand beaches, mountaintop villages, charming woodlands, and ancient history. It’s no wonder that Rhodes is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Greece. While Rhodes isn’t as expensive as Mykonos, it also isn’t as affordable as Crete, and prices hugely increase during the peak summer season. However, if you know how to budget wisely, there are ways to keep costs low.
Rhodes Cost Breakdown 2025: Food, Transport, Accommodation and More
How Much Do Things Cost in Rhodes
Taxi: From €3.50
Bus: €1.60
Coffee: €3-€4
Bottle of Water: €0.60
Local Beer: €4
Local Wine: €3
Meal at a Mid-Range Restaurant: €20 for two
Meal at an Upscale Restaurant: €50 for two
Accommodation:
- Budget Hotel: €30 per night
- Mid-Range Hotel: €100 per night
- Luxury Hotel: €225 per night
Rhodes on a Budget: Accommodation Suggestions
While Rhodes is full of dazzling luxury hotels, like the Mitsis Alila Resort & Spa or the Lindos Village Resort & Spa, there are plenty of budget-friendly options too.
Self-catering apartments
Save money when staying in a self-catering apartment. Maritina Apartments and Stay Helios Apartments and Pool Suites also have outdoor swimming pools, while the self-catering rooms at Anastasia Studios Apartments & Suites have a sea view – perfect for home-cooked breakfasts on the balcony.
Pensions
Pensions are affordable accommodations in Greece, similar to guest houses or B&Bs – although, they don’t always offer breakfast. They’re typically fuss-free, small, cosy, and family-owned and best suited to people who are more focused on exploring than relaxing in a hotel. Some of the best and most budget-friendly pensions in Rhodes are Olympos Pension, Minos Pension, and Stavros Pension.
Where to Find Affordable Accommodation in Rhodes
Ialyssos
This laid-back beach town is one of the best options for those visiting Rhodes on a budget. Its chilled-out beach is lined with a few beach bars and the town is full of supermarkets, local tavernas, and international restaurants. There are plenty of budget-friendly hotels and pensions in Ialyssos.
Faliraki
With golden sands stretching for three miles, buzzing nightlife, and a range of restaurants. It has a good mix of hotels to suit all budgets, with a high concentration of all-inclusive hotels. While all-inclusive hotels are initially pricey, you can save on food, drinks, and entertainment.
Tips for a Budget-Friendly Stay in Rhodes in 2025
Rhodes offers a huge range of accommodation options, from tiny family-run pensions to upscale luxury resorts. On the east coast, you can expect lavish resorts set on sandy bays. There’s a high concentration of adults-only resorts in the area, too. For classic bucket-and-spade holiday fun, you’ll find long stretches of all-inclusive, family-friendly hotels in the northwest of the island. Or you can add a slice of history to your trip and stay in medieval Rhodes Town. Whatever your preference or budget, you’ll find the getaway to suit you in Rhodes. Here’s how to find a good deal:
Book in advance
Many of the hotels on the island shut in October and re-open in either April or May. This increases demand and means you can’t take advantage of off-season prices for those seasonal hotels. Book at least six months in advance to ensure you’re getting a good deal.
Off-season travel
If you choose to visit during the off-season, you will have fewer hotels to choose from. However, flights and hotel prices will still be lower than the peak season. Some restaurants and bars also close for the winter, but it’s a good time to take advantage of Rhodes’ hiking trails and historical sites.
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Affordable Transport Options in Rhodes
Bus
Rhodes is one of the most popular destinations in Greece, so it has a well-connected public transport infrastructure. The main bus stop is in Rhodes Town, with buses regularly going to popular tourist destinations, including Lindos, Seven Springs, Anthony Quinn Bay, Tsambika Beach, and more.
Hire Car
However, some areas of Rhodes aren’t served by tourist buses. The southern tip is wild and remote, while the southwest is characterised by lush green hills and small fishing villages on the coast. To explore these less-trodden areas with ease, we recommend hiring a car. The roads are smooth, the scenery is beautiful, traffic is light, and there are sufficient road signs.
The most popular pick-up points are Rhodes International Airport, Rhodes Downtown, and Rhodes Port. Alternatively, Enjoy Travel can also arrange for your hire car to be dropped off at your hotel.
Budget-Friendly Dining in Rhodes: Tavernas, Self-Catering and More
While you can certainly splurge on a fine dining experience, eating in Rhodes is relatively affordable. Greek food is fresh, nourishing, homely, and delicious, using simple yet versatile ingredients. Meals are usually well-priced and come in good-sized portions.
Local Rhodes Dishes
Look out for small, family-run restaurants serving traditional Rhodian dishes, including lopada (Rhodian bean soup) and pitaroudia (chickpea fritters).
Greek Tavernas
The best way to eat cheaply in Rhodes is to stick to traditional tavernas. They’re affordable and have a warm, charming atmosphere. Some of the most affordable and wholesome dishes include stuffed vine leaves, filo pastries stuffed with feta, and giant beans in a fresh tomato sauce.
Street Food
Eating street food, such as gyros and souvlaki, is a great way to eat well while keeping costs low. While the two dishes are presented differently, they both include delicious spiced meat (usually chicken or lamb), salad, pita, and tzatziki.
Eat at Home
If you choose a self-catering accommodation option, you can cook at home using fresh and affordable ingredients from a local market.
Budget-Friendly and Free Things to Do in Rhodes
With abundant natural beauty and history, there is so much to do in Rhodes on a budget.
Beaches
Rhodes boasts some of Greece’s most beautiful beaches, and relaxing on a beach towel under the warm Grecian sun costs nothing. Some of the best beaches in Rhodes include:
- Tsambika Beach: Clean, golden sands and crystal clear waters make Tsambika an ideal beach for swimming and sunbathing. It’s free to visit, but you can rent two sunbeds and an umbrella for €15.
- Agathi Beach: This beautiful bay is perfect for families, with shallow, calm waters. You can rent two umbrellas and a sunbed for €20, or spread out your beach towel for free.
- Anthony Quinn Bay: Known for its incredible scenery and for featuring in the 1961 movie The Guns of Navarone, this is a beautiful beach on the island to visit.
- Stegna Beach: Azure waters, fine sands, and few tourists make Stegna Beach a wonderful place to relax. You can relax here for free, or rent two sunbeds and an umbrella for just €10.
Historical Landmarks
Rhodes has a long history, with several must-visit historical sites. The ancient village of Lindos is beautiful to explore, with the stunning Acropolis perched atop a hill offering incredible views. Entrance to the Acropolis is €12 for adults and children under 18 go free. Another must-visit historical destination is the Medieval City of Rhodes. As one of the last remaining inhabited medieval cities in the world, it’s a historical marvel. It’s free to explore, but museum entrance fees range from €3 to €15.
Outdoor Activities
Rhodes is rich in outdoor activities, including a visit to the unique Valley of the Butterflies. This nature reserve is home to thousands of butterflies and is just €5 to visit. A hike up the Monolithos Castle is completely free, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery. Entrance to the picturesque Seven Springs (Epta Piges) is also free, where you can explore the oasis swimming holes and pretty walking trails.
Budget-Friendly Nightlife and Culture in Rhodes
As well as being a hotspot for sun seekers and history lovers, Rhodes is known for its nightlife. From live music festivals to sprawling nightclubs, the island is buzzing with excitement. Here’s how to enjoy the nightlife and culture on a budget:
Follow the Locals
Ask bartenders or get chatting with locals to discover their favourite places. Those who live or work in the area always know the best places to go.
Traditional Tavernas
Soak up Greek culture and drink ouzo while listening to soulful live music, usually played with a bouzouki (a Greek string instrument)
Look Out for Happy Hours
Faliraki is the party capital of Rhodes, and there are so many bars and clubs that enjoying a night out on a budget is easy here. However, there are some great (and affordable) happy hours on the main strip to help kickstart your night.
Get ready to plan your trip to Rhodes
