We like Rhodes. In fact we like Rhodes so much we’ve been going back most years since our first visit in 2017. A return in 2024 wasn’t initially in last years holiday plans but an offer for a cheap, all inclusive, week away by tour operator, TUI tempted us in to returning last May.

We have toured the island by car but still always stay in the same little area of Ialyssos, at the Northern tip of the island. It might not suit everyone as its a good 4/5 mile walk into Rhodes City from the hotel although there is a regular bus service. A taxi will cost you €20 each way.

We both like the Ialyssos area and we’re both quite happy taking the walk into the city. It’s flat all the way, although there’s a quicker route in to the centre of town over a hill. Most of the way it follows a road and walkway running along the seafront.

Over the years, that we’ve being returning to Ialyssos and Rhodes City, we’ve explored more. These days we nearly always detour off the straight forward routes and dive into the more residential areas. I like to do that as it’s where I find a lot of my street photography. At the same time you’re in amongst local life, eating in their cafes, cake shops and markets. I love the fact that my photography takes me to places I’d otherwise probably miss and that most tourists don’t see.

Rhodes City itself is a great place to visit. The old town is interesting but usually very busy with tourists. It’s not unusual to see three, sometimes four, cruise ships docked in the cruise terminal. Later in the day it’s a little less crowded but I wouldn’t let the crowds put me off visiting.

The Old Town itself is full of the usual tourist tat shops and eateries. You get a bit of hassle from the hawkers trying to get you into restaurants or bars but it’s not too bad. Having said that, we were trained in Marrakesh so we don’t find them any problem at all!

There are plenty of tucked away cafes to search out and it’s always worth looking upwards as there are lots of rooftop tables available giving nice views across the Old Town. One we particularly like is in the central clock tower. A coffee is included in the reasonable €5 entry fee. It’s a good coffee as well.

You can climb to the top of the clock tower for a great view back over the Old Town towards the port and marina. As an added bonus the rooftop cafe, at the base of the clock tower but still in a raised area, is really nice and also has great views.

Outside of the Old Town there’s a new smart modern commercial shopping area, in the centre of town. You can find all the usual, well known, outlets there. If you’re in the city on a Saturday there’s also a large, local produce street market known locally as the Laiki Market. Its not to far from the Old Town and you can find it on a quick google search. My iphone Mapping App took us there with no problem.

It’s great for a few photographs and the local produce they sell is amazing. We saw it advertised as running on a Wednesday and Saturday. We went on a Wednesday and it was closed. However, every Saturday morning we’ve gone its been open and busy. The stall holders are friendly and everyone I’ve asked has been happy for me to photograph them and their stall. If you want a coffee and a great choice of cakes there’s a smart modern cafe on the main road at the top of the market.

Talking of cakes I reckon Rhodes is the best place we’ve ever visited for cakes and savouries. We’ve found some amazing bakeries as we’ve explored around Ialyssos and Rhodes City. I’m not so keen on the really sweet treats, like baklava, but I’m a convert to Greek Orange Pie. You can be spoilt for choice even in the most modest of cafes.

Photography wise Rhodes and the Greek people are great. I always ask before I take an image of anyone and I’ve never had anyone say no to me in Rhodes, and I’ve asked lots. There are great street photography opportunities everywhere and I always come back with a SD card full of images.

We’re going back again this May. Staying at the same hotel as last time in Ialyssos. I definitely have unfinished cake business in Rhodes.

All images: ©Stephen Hyde 2007-2025 – All rights reserved.