Is Rhodes worth it? How to Visit on a Budget

Rhodes Budget Guide: What to Expect and How to Save Money

Welcome to Rhodes: The largest of 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.

A Breakdown of Average Travel Costs in Rhodes

How Much Do Things Cost in Rhodes

Category	Average Cost
Taxi	Average starting tariff: €3.50
Bus	€1.50
Coffee	€3
Bottle of Water	€0.60
Local Beer	€4 for 1 pint
Local Wine	€3
Meal at a Mid-Range Restaurant	€20 for two
Meal at an Upscale Restaurant	€45 for two
Accommodation	€22 - €50 per night for a budget hotel €45 - €150 per night for a mid-range hotel €150 - €300 per night for a luxury hotel

Where to Stay in Rhodes on a Budget

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.

The Best Options for Finding 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.

What to Expect from Staying in Rhodes and How to Find a Good Deal

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.
• Sign up for the Enjoy Travel newsletter: Stay in the know about upcoming deals, promotions, and discounts when you sign up for the Enjoy Travel newsletter.

How to Get Around Rhodes Easily and Cheaply

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. 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.

How to Eat Well in Rhodes Without Spending a Fortune

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.
• Gyros and souvlaki: 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.

Our Top Picks for Free and Cheap Activities 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:
• 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.

How to Enjoy the Nightlife and Culture in Rhodes on a Budget

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:

• Go where the locals go: 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)
• Make the most of happy hours in Faliraki: 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.

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Tourist Board Info For Rhodes

Rhodes Car Hire	Rhodes Hotels
Rhodes Airport Hotels	Rhodes Airport Parking