For us, Rhodes Town in late October was a conscious part of a well planned island trip. After spending a week in the beach resort of Lindos, we deliberately moved on to the island’s capital. At this time of year, Rhodes Town works particularly well as a base for a holiday that combines city life and the sea.
Why we chose Rhodes Town in late October
From mid October onwards, many smaller places on Rhodes become noticeably quieter. Restaurants close earlier, shops shut down completely, and everyday life slows down significantly.
Rhodes Town, by contrast, remains lively and easy to navigate. For this very reason, Rhodes Town in late October often works better than many smaller resorts on the island. Even towards the end of the season, it still offers restaurants, shopping options, and major sights. After our week in Lindos, we therefore made a deliberate choice to stay in Rhodes Town. Short distances, sightseeing, and a reliable base for day trips played an important role for us.
Beach time in Rhodes Town in late October
Even in late October, swimming in Rhodes Town is still very enjoyable, especially at Elli Beach, which borders the city directly and is easy to reach. The beach is made up of large, rounded pebbles, giving it a very natural feel. At the same time, the water is exceptionally clear and shimmers in intense shades of turquoise, which is immediately noticeable.
After just a few steps, the water becomes noticeably deeper. This is exactly why many fish can already be seen close to the shore. We also found the water temperature in late October surprisingly pleasant. As a result, our days often started spontaneously with a swim in the sea, even before the city fully woke up. Elli Beach therefore remains very suitable for swimming at the end of October and continues to be a real asset to the city.
Hotel in Rhodes Town in October – our experience
We stayed at the Hotel Ibiscus*, located directly on Elli Beach. From our room, we enjoyed views of the sea and the sunrise in the morning, while large ferries and ships quietly entered the harbour.
Breakfast was varied, fresh, and well organised. The rooms felt well maintained and pleasantly quiet. Hotel Ibiscus is particularly well suited for a stay in Rhodes Town in late October, as the beach and the city are directly connected.
Tip for swimming at Elli Beach
Water shoes make walking on the coarse pebbles much easier. Entering the water also feels noticeably more comfortable with them. In beach shops, they usually cost between ten and twenty euros. We already had ours from a previous holiday in Tossa de Mar, as the beach there has a very similar surface.
Harbour, city life, and unexpected moments
From the beach, you can reach numerous restaurants within just a few minutes. From there, the path leads directly to Mandraki Harbour, one of the best known places in the city. This is where the famous deer statues stand, and many believe this to be the former location of the Colossus of Rhodes.
Here, history and modern city life meet directly. Yachts line the harbour, while historic windmills shape the scenery. In the background rises St Nicholas Fortress. The entire area feels open, lively, and at the same time relaxed. From here, we also started our trip to Symi, which can easily be combined with a stay in Rhodes Town.
Ochi Day parade in Rhodes Town
On 28 October, we unexpectedly experienced a large parade. It was Ochi Day, one of the most important national holidays in Greece.
Originally, we had planned to do some classic sightseeing that day. Instead, we suddenly found ourselves right in the middle of the celebrations. We stopped, watched, and spontaneously learned more about the meaning of this day. Unplanned moments like this often stay with you the longest. Visiting Rhodes Town in late October also means encountering cultural events quite naturally.
Shopping in Rhodes Town
Behind the harbour, the main shopping area begins. International brands mix with local shops. This area was almost always on our way to the hotel, so we passed through regularly and did a bit of shopping from time to time. Even getting from A to B became part of the experience.
Old Town of Rhodes in October
Just past the New Market begins the Old Town of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the atmosphere is immediately noticeable. The streets are wide and easy to walk, so it is easy to spend several hours here without realising it.
At the same time, this is where you will find the most activity, as day visitors from cruise ships often head straight to this area. This is hardly surprising, as the Old Town of Rhodes is one of the island’s most important sights. The Street of the Knights is particularly impressive, creating a strong medieval atmosphere. Stone facades dominate the scene, while modern influences fade almost completely into the background.
Archaeological Museum in the Old Town
Near the entrance to the Old Town lies the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes. Even the building itself and its inner courtyards are well worth seeing. Inside, you will find sculptures, mosaics, and numerous ancient artefacts. During our visit, a sudden heavy rain shower set in. We went to the museum café, had a cappuccino, and waited it out in a relaxed atmosphere.
More sights in the Old Town
Many highlights lie close together and are easy to explore on foot. These include the Palace of the Grand Master, the city walls, the Sea Gate, and Hippocrates Square with the Owl Fountain.
Several churches and mosques also shape the cityscape. Opposite the Suleiman Mosque stands the Clock Tower of Rhodes, which is well worth a visit. From the top, you get wide views across the entire Old Town.
Monte Smith – a quiet break above the city
Monte Smith lies slightly elevated above Rhodes Town. Several ancient sites are located here, offering wide views across the surroundings. The stadium and the Odeon are well preserved, while only a few columns remain from the Temple of Apollo. During our visit, the temple was partially covered by scaffolding.
Compared to the Old Town, there were far fewer visitors here. The area felt open and calm. After the bustle below, we found this atmosphere particularly pleasant. Monte Smith is not a must see, but it makes for a quiet and worthwhile addition to a stay in Rhodes Town.
Conclusion – is Rhodes Town worth visiting in late October
Yes, Rhodes Town is well worth visiting in late October for a full week. Not because of individual sights, but because of the overall mix. Beach, Old Town, and city life come together easily. Even with changing weather, the stay remains varied, and a full week can be enjoyed without boredom.
Frequently asked questions about Rhodes Town in late October
Yes, swimming in Rhodes Town in late October is usually still very possible. At Elli Beach in particular, we found the water pleasantly warm. The clear water and the quick drop off make for good swimming conditions.
Yes, Rhodes Town in late October works very well for a one week stay. You get the beach, the Old Town, and short walking distances in one place. Even with changing weather, there is plenty to do.
Rhodes Town is calmer in late October than in summer, but it still feels lively. Restaurants, shops, and major sights remain open. We found this relaxed balance ideal.
I’m Marie, and I write about our excursions and travel destinations. I love discovering new places and sharing my experiences and practical tips with you. My goal is to inspire you for your next adventure and help you find the best activities and must-see sights.
