Rhodes Cruise Port lies at the northeastern tip of Rhodes island, and you can walk to the Old Town‘s main gate in about 5 minutes. Ships either dock at the Commercial Harbour‘s eastern pier or drop anchor at Mandraki Harbour – both spots put you right where you need to be for seeing the sights. Getting there is simple: grab a 30-minute taxi from Rhodes International Airport (RHO), or save money by hopping on a local bus. The port has everything you might need, with car parks charging £5-15 per day, cash machines, and good transport links nearby. Thanks to its prime spot and centuries of history, the port makes a brilliant starting point for exploring Rhodes’ ancient sites.

Where is The Port Located?

The Rhodes cruise port lies at the northeastern end of Rhodes island, right next to the medieval Old Town.

It’s between the Commercial Harbour and Mandraki Harbour, with most cruise ships pulling into the eastern pier of the Commercial Harbour.

You’ll love how close everything is – it’s only a 5-minute stroll from the port to the impressive medieval walls and the main gate of Rhodes Old Town.

When you’re at the cruise terminal, you can easily see the famous deer statues of Mandraki Harbour and the mighty fortress walls that have guarded the city through the ages.

If you’re coming in by tender boat, you’ll land at Mandraki Harbour, which puts you even nearer to the Old Town entrance and the shops of New Town.

Map of Rhodes Cruise Ship Port

How to get to the port, by air, train, road

Getting to Rhodes port is straightforward since there aren’t any trains on the island. Most people fly into Rhodes International Airport (RHO) or drive from other parts of the island.

From the airport, you’ll spot plenty of taxis outside the terminal – it’s about a 30-minute ride to the port. If you prefer, you can book a private shuttle or hop on a public bus that goes between the airport and Rhodes Town.

If you’re coming by road, getting to the port is simple by taxi or your own car from anywhere on the island. All major towns are connected to Rhodes Town (where you’ll find the port) by the main roads.

Staying in Rhodes Town? You can walk to the port from the Old Town in about 10-15 minutes, or grab a quick taxi if you’re in other parts of the city.

Port Parking Options

The port in Rhodes has several car parks you’ll want to know about. Right at the cruise terminal, you’ve got two main options: the port’s own car park and the council-run one.

If you fancy keeping your car in the official port car park, it’ll cost you €10-15 per day, and you can get better rates for longer stays.

Looking to save a bit of money? The council car park sits about 400 metres from the terminal and charges €5-8 daily, though it can get quite full during busy months.

For extended stays, you might want to think about the private car parks in Rhodes Town – they’re roughly a 10-minute walk away. These places have covered spaces with round-the-clock security, usually costing €8-12 per day.

If you need it, they can sort out a shuttle service to the port.

Local Transport & Transfers

Getting around from Rhodes cruise port is straightforward.

You’ll see taxis waiting outside the terminal with set prices for Rhodes Town and other spots. If you fancy walking to Rhodes Town, it’ll take roughly 20 minutes along the harbour front.

Local buses run from the nearby stop every half hour – they’re a good budget-friendly way to reach Rhodes Town and the beaches.

For larger groups, you can book a private shuttle or minibus ahead of time. Cruise lines run their own transfer services too, but they’re usually more expensive than local transport.

If you’re up for it, you can hire a bike from shops near the port or take the tourist train that goes round the main sights in Rhodes Town.

Port Terminal Facilities

The Rhodes cruise terminal has all the essential bits and pieces you need when getting off your ship.

There’s a modern building with tourist info desks, places to change money, and free Wi-Fi. The whole place is air-conditioned with proper loos, plenty of places to sit, and a nice little café for drinks and local nibbles.

You’ll spot several duty-free shops inside selling Greek keepsakes, local goods, and travel basics.

There are cash machines about, a first aid point, and you can store your luggage if you fancy wandering around Rhodes before you leave.

The staff know their English and can help you find your way around.

If you’ve got mobility needs, the terminal is properly set up with wheelchair access, ramps, and suitable toilets.

Things to Do Before Your Cruise in a Day

Take it easy before your cruise with a relaxed day in Rhodes!

Start at the Medieval City – it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site where you’ll come across the Palace of the Grand Masters and Street of the Knights. A walk along the ancient walls gives you brilliant harbour views.

Pop over to Mandraki Harbour to see where the famous Colossus of Rhodes once stood, and grab some photos of the lovely windmills and deer statues.

Fancy a swim? Head to Elli Beach for a splash or some sun before having lunch at a proper Greek taverna in the Old Town.

The Archaeological Museum is worth visiting – it’s in the old Hospital of the Knights.

Round off your day wandering through the Jewish Quarter with its historic synagogues and lovely little local shops.

Walks near the port

Great walks start right at Rhodes cruise port, giving you simple access to the island’s best bits.

The medieval Old Town is just a 5-minute walk away, where you can ramble along its ancient walls and through the Street of Knights. It’s only 10 minutes to Mandraki Harbor, where you can see the spot where the Colossus of Rhodes once stood.

Walk east along the harbour for 15 minutes to reach Elli Beach, passing lovely cafes and shops on your way.

For a longer walk, take the 30-minute path up to Monte Smith Hill – you’ll find ancient ruins and brilliant views across the city.

If you fancy something shorter, the Commercial Harbor promenade is perfect for seeing the modern part of Rhodes whilst watching the boats bobbing about.

Dining and Shopping

Near Rhodes cruise port, you’ll find loads of places to eat and shop for all budgets.

The New Market has lovely Greek tavernas serving fresh seafood, souvlaki and proper mezedes. Make sure you try pitaroudia – these chickpea fritters are a Rhodes favourite.

For shopping, wander down Socrates Street, the main shopping area, packed with leather goods, ceramics, local honey and olive oil.

Gold Street is brilliant for jewellery, while the Turkish Quarter has craftspeople making carpets and textiles by hand.

If you want souvenirs, pop into the boutiques around Symi Square for spices, natural sponges and traditional Rhodes pottery.

Most shops take credit cards, and if you’re from outside the EU, you can get tax-free shopping.

Accommodation near the port

Looking for a place to stay near Rhodes cruise port? You’ll find plenty of good spots within an easy walk.

The Spirit of the Knights Boutique Hotel and Oktober Down Town Rooms are both posh choices less than 10 minutes from the terminal, mixing modern comforts with historical character.

If you fancy something mid-range, Hotel Athena and Aggelos Hotel are solid choices with nice rooms and brilliant port access.

For those watching their pennies, STAY Hostel and Paris Hotel both give you clean rooms at fair prices.

It’s worth booking ahead if you’re coming in the busy months (June-September) when cruise ships pop in and out regularly.

Most places near the port sit close to the Medieval City too, making them brilliant starting points for seeing Rhodes’ main sights.

Tips for First-Time Cruisers from The Port

Getting through Rhodes cruise port is easier when you plan ahead.

It’s best to turn up at least 30 minutes before your ship leaves and keep your cruise papers and passport within reach. The port gets quite busy in summer, so sorting out your transport beforehand is a good idea.

Pop to the bank for some euros before you arrive – lots of local shops don’t take cards.

Bring comfy shoes, as you can walk to Rhodes’ Old Town in about 10 minutes from the port. You’ll want a hat and suncream too, since the Mediterranean sun can be strong even in spring and autumn.

Save the port’s emergency number (+30 22410 27853) in your mobile, and grab an offline map of Rhodes – the internet can be a bit rubbish near the port.

Customs & Immigration at The Port

Getting through customs at Rhodes port is pretty simple and usually takes 15-20 minutes.

You’ll need your passport, cruise card and filled-in immigration form when you arrive in Greece through the port. If you’re from the EU, you can use the quick lane, whilst non-EU visitors need to go through the regular immigration counters.

It’s best to keep your documents handy and fill out your immigration form whilst you’re still aboard the ship – this will save you time.

The customs officers will put a stamp in your passport and might’ve a look in your bags. You only need to declare things if you’re carrying more than €10,000 in cash or any restricted items.

Once you’re through, you can head straight to the port exit or meet your shore trip group in the waiting area.

Local Currency & Payment Options

When you get through customs, you’ll need to sort out your money in Rhodes. Greece uses the euro (€), and you’ll spot plenty of ATMs near the cruise port and around Rhodes Town.

Most shops, restaurants and taxis take major credit cards, but it’s worth having some cash for smaller buys and local markets.

You can swap your money at banks, currency exchange offices, or get euros straight from ATMs using your debit card.

Banks tend to give better exchange rates than the tourist-area exchange spots. Quite a few places take US dollars too, but you’ll get more for your money using euros.

If you’re heading to smaller shops or traditional tavernas, they might only accept cash, so keep some euros in your pocket.

Emergency Contacts

Staying safe in Rhodes is pretty straightforward if you’ve got the right emergency numbers ready. The emergency services work much like they do in other European countries, and most staff speak English.

Pop these important numbers in your mobile and jot them down on a piece of paper for your wallet, too.

  1. General Emergency (European): 112
  2. Police Department: 100
  3. Ambulance Service: 166
  4. Rhodes Hospital: +30 2241 360000

If you’re travelling by cruise ship, remember to write down your ship’s local number and your tour guide’s contact details.

Need help in English? Ring the Rhodes Tourist Police on +30 2241 027423. For non-emergencies, there’s a police station near the cruise port in the Old Town area.

History of The Port

Rhodes Port has been a crucial Mediterranean trading spot since ancient Greek days. You can see bits of its sea-going past going right back to 408 BC when the ancient city-state built its first proper harbour.

The Byzantines made it much bigger, and when the Knights of St. John ran things (1309-1522), they turned it into one of the strongest ports you’d find in the Mediterranean.

When the Ottoman Empire took over, they added new warehouses and defence works.

In the early 1900s, while the Italians were in charge (1912-1947), the port got a proper modern makeover with new docks and facilities.

The cruise terminal you use nowadays opened in 2002, showing how Rhodes Port has grown into a major Mediterranean stop for cruise ships.

Environmental Initiatives at The Port

The port’s really stepped up its green efforts lately with some brilliant initiatives.

You’ll spot comprehensive environmental programmes working to keep Rhodes’ waters and coast clean, while keeping the port running smoothly.

What they’re doing for the environment:

  1. They’ve put in electric charging points for port vehicles and kit, cutting carbon emissions by 40% since 2019.
  2. Smart waste handling systems that process and recycle 85% of rubbish from cruise ships.
  3. Water testing stations doing daily checks with instant reporting.
  4. Protected zones for sea life with strict rules about where ships can drop anchor.

Pop into the port’s Environmental Centre to see digital screens showing how they’re getting on with their green targets and what eco-friendly projects are coming up next.

Accessibility Information for Disabled Passengers

The Rhodes cruise terminal has good facilities for disabled passengers.

You’ll spot wheelchair ramps, lifts, and accessible toilets all over the main building. Need help getting about? Just let them know a day before you arrive, and they’ll sort out a wheelchair or electric cart for you.

The terminal is easy to move around in, with broad doorways, flat floors and lower counters at the information points.

You can use priority boarding and special waiting spots. If you’re visually impaired, there are tactile paths and Braille signs in important areas.

Coming with a service animal? You’ll find dedicated relief areas near the entrance.

When planning your trips around Rhodes, you can pick from several wheelchair-friendly tours.

They use properly fitted vehicles and take routes through the historic parts of Rhodes that are easy to manage.

Cruise Insurance and Medical Facilities at The Port

When you visit Rhodes port, you’ll want proper travel insurance that covers both cruise-related problems and medical issues.

There’s a first-aid station near the main terminal, and during busy months you’ll find a clinic with doctors who speak English.

  1. Make sure your cruise insurance includes medical evacuation – it might set you back £40,000 without proper cover.
  2. The port’s medical station handles basic emergencies between 8 AM and 6 PM each day.
  3. For serious medical matters, Rhodes General Hospital is 3.5 kilometres from the port.
  4. You’ll need to show your insurance papers at the port clinic before they’ll treat you.

Keep your insurance documents and emergency phone numbers handy.

If you take regular medicines, bring spare supplies and copies of your prescriptions.

Families: Child-Friendly Services and Activities

Travelling with kids through Rhodes port? There’s plenty to keep the little ones happy.

You’ll spot baby changing rooms, play zones and family loos in the terminal building. The cafes serve proper children’s meals, so no worries about fussy eaters.

Getting around with pushchairs is easy thanks to smooth paths near the port, and you’ll find several playgrounds just a short walk away.

Kids love watching sea life at Rhodes Aquarium, whilst the Valley of Butterflies makes for a brilliant nature walk.

For swimming, both Elli Beach and Anthony Quinn Bay have gentle, shallow waters – perfect for families with young children.

If you need medical help, there’s a first-aid point with children’s supplies right in the port.

You’ll also find several chemists within five minutes’ walk from the terminal.

Local Cultural Highlights and Events

Throughout the year, Rhodes comes alive with brilliant festivals and events around the port area.

You’ll find wonderful Greek celebrations that show off the island’s heritage, from live folk music to fantastic food festivals.

Every June, the Medieval Rose Festival turns the Old Town into a proper historical spectacle.

  1. Medieval Rose Festival – See knights battling it out, old-world craftspeople at work, and performers filling the historic Old Town streets
  2. Rhodes International Film Festival – Watch brilliant local and international films at cinemas near the port
  3. Feast of the Virgin Mary (15th August) – Join in with religious processions and traditional celebrations at nearby churches
  4. Sound and Light Show – Take in evening shows that tell the story of the Palace of the Grand Masters through impressive lights and sounds

Best Times of Year to Cruise from The Port

Mediterranean sunshine lights up Rhodes between April and October, with the busiest period from June to September.

July and August see the hottest weather at 29-35°C, but you’ll find the port packed with visitors and prices at their highest.

If you prefer milder conditions, try going in April-May or September-October.

The weather sits at a lovely 21-27°C, with fewer people about and better value cruise deals.

Spring shows off its wildflowers and perfect walking weather, whilst autumn keeps the sea warm enough for swimming.

Winter cruises (November-March) are less common since many places close down, and the weather can be iffy with some rain and temperatures around 15°C.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Average Water Depth at Rhodes Cruise Port?

The water depth at Rhodes cruise port is roughly 11 metres (36 feet) near the main berthing spots, which suits most modern cruise ships nicely.

Are There Any Local Yacht Clubs That Offer Day Memberships?

Just like popping down to your local, you can get day passes at Mandraki Marina’s yacht club. The Rhodes Sailing Club and Mediterranean Yacht Club are happy to let you join for the day too – just ring ahead and bring your papers.

How Rough Are the Waters Typically Around Rhodes Port?

The waters near the port are pretty smooth sailing, particularly in summer. Thanks to the harbour’s tucked-away spot, you won’t face much wobble on the water. Things might get a bit choppy during winter, but it’s nothing too dramatic.

Which Cruise Lines Have the Most Frequent Departures From Rhodes?

More than 300 cruise ships stop at Rhodes each year. MSC Cruises and Costa Cruises make the most regular visits to the island, but they mainly pop in as a stopover spot rather than starting their journeys from here.

Can Passengers Swim at Beaches Directly Adjacent to the Port?

Swimming isn’t allowed at beaches next to the port area because of all the ships coming and going and security zones. But don’t worry – you’ll find lovely beaches just a quick taxi or bus journey from the cruise terminal.