Europe·Greece

Is Rhodes Safe for Tourists in 2026?

Rhodes is generally safe for tourists relative to other popular destinations. Our database documents 13 scams, with only 1 rated high severity. Standard travel awareness applies — staying alert in crowded areas and using vetted transport covers the majority of documented risks.

Generally Safe

Overall verdict

13

Scams documented

1

High severity

Overall verdict

Generally Safe

Lower scam risk compared to similar destinations

Scams documented

13

High severity

1

Medium severity

12

Top risk type

Street Scams

Priority warnings

High-severity risks in Rhodes

These are the most serious documented scams — rated high severity based on frequency, financial impact, and confirmation across multiple sources.

Fake Online Villa and Apartment Rental Listings

high

Fraudulent rental listings for holiday apartments and villas in Rhodes Old Town and Lindos Village are posted on third-party sites, often using stolen photos from legitimate properties. Victims pay deposits or full amounts upfront only to discover the property does not exist or is already booked on arrival. Losses typically range from €150–€600 for peak-season bookings.

How to avoid: Only book through verified platforms such as Booking.com, Airbnb, or directly through properties with verifiable phone numbers and reviews. Never transfer money via bank wire or Western Union for a rental deposit. Call the property directly before paying.

Where: Listings claim to be near Rhodes Old Town walls, Lindos Village, or Faliraki beach resorts

By traveler type

Is Rhodes safe for you specifically?

Scam risk varies by traveler profile. Different types of visitors face different documented threats in Rhodes.

Solo travelers

Higher risk

Solo travelers are more frequently targeted because they lack the deterrent of a group. Stay in well-reviewed accommodation, share itineraries with someone at home, and avoid deserted areas at night.

First-time visitors

Higher risk

Unfamiliarity with local pricing, transport, and norms makes first-time visitors prime targets. Read the full scam database for Rhodes before arrival — knowing what scams exist is the single most effective protection.

Families with children

Lower risk

Families with children are less commonly targeted for scams involving nightlife or bar areas. Standard precautions apply: use vetted transport, keep documents secured, and brief children on not accepting gifts from strangers.

Budget travelers

Higher risk

Budget travelers spending time in hostels, using street food, and booking last-minute tours face increased exposure to accommodation scams, fake tour operators, and currency exchange fraud.

Where risk concentrates

Areas to be cautious in Rhodes

These locations are specifically cited in documented scam reports for Rhodes. Exercise heightened awareness in these areas.

ATV and Quad Bike Damage Claim

Rental shops along Diagoridon Street in Rhodes Town and the main strip in Faliraki resort village

medium

Taxi Meter Manipulation

Taxi ranks outside Rhodes Town bus station (KTEL) on Averof Street, outside the main gates of Rhodes Old Town, at the ferry and cruise terminal at Kolona Harbour, and at Rhodes International Airport Diagoras.

medium

Unlicensed Taxi Overcharging at Diagoras Airport

Outside the arrivals hall at Rhodes Diagoras Airport (RHO), approximately 14km southwest of Rhodes town

medium

Bar Overcharging in the Old Town

Bars and tavernas lining the narrow cobblestone lanes inside Rhodes Old Town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), particularly around the Street of the Knights (Ippoton), the Hippocrates Square area, and near the entrance gates of the Medieval Town.

medium

No-Price Restaurant Menu Trap

Restaurants and cafes immediately outside and along the approach to the Palace of the Grand Master in Rhodes Old Town, as well as on the main tourist drag of Sokratous Street leading through the Medieval City.

medium
Risk breakdown

What types of scams occur in Rhodes?

Street Scams

Pickpockets, distraction thieves, fake petitions, and street hustles in tourist areas.

3

23% of reports

Taxi & Transport

Overcharging, meter tampering, fake taxis, and transport cons targeting tourists.

2

15% of reports

Restaurant Scams

Inflated bills, hidden charges, tourist menus, and food service tricks.

2

15% of reports

Tour & Activities

Unlicensed guides, fake tickets, bait-and-switch excursions, and ticket scalping.

2

15% of reports

Accommodation Scams

Fake listings, bait-and-switch hotels, ghost rentals, and check-in fraud.

1

8% of reports

Online Scams

Fraudulent booking sites, phishing, fake reviews, and digital cons targeting travelers.

1

8% of reports

Money & ATM Scams

Card skimming, currency exchange fraud, dynamic currency conversion, and cash cons.

1

8% of reports

Other Scams

Timeshares, fake police, charity fraud, and miscellaneous scams targeting visitors.

1

8% of reports

How serious?

Severity breakdown for Rhodes

1 High — 8%
12 Medium — 92%
Before you go

Quick safety checklist for Rhodes

01

Before booking any tour or activity in Rhodes, verify the operator has verifiable reviews on multiple platforms.

02

Street Scams scams are the most documented risk in Rhodes — review those warnings specifically before you arrive.

03

Use app-based transport rather than street taxis, especially near Rhodes's main tourist attractions.

04

Keep a physical copy of your passport, travel insurance policy number, and embassy contact in a separate location from originals.

05

If you are approached by someone offering unsolicited help, tours, or currency exchange, politely decline and walk away.

06

Report any scam to local police and to your country's embassy. Even if recovery is unlikely, reports help maintain accurate travel advisories.

Common questions

Is Rhodes safe — answered

Is Rhodes safe for tourists in 2026?
Rhodes is generally safe for tourists based on our database of 13 documented scams. 1 of those are rated high severity. The most common risks are street scams, taxi & transport, restaurant scams. Millions of tourists visit Rhodes safely each year — preparedness is the key differentiator.
Is Rhodes safe for solo travelers?
Rhodes has documented scams that specifically target solo travelers. Key advice: stay in well-reviewed accommodation, share your itinerary with someone at home, use app-based transport at night, and avoid isolated areas after dark. Review the full scam list for Rhodes before traveling alone.
What are the most dangerous areas in Rhodes for tourists?
Based on documented incident reports, the highest-risk areas in Rhodes include: Rental shops along Diagoridon Street in Rhodes Town and the main strip in Faliraki resort village. Taxi ranks outside Rhodes Town bus station (KTEL) on Averof Street, outside the main gates of Rhodes Old Town, at the ferry and cruise terminal at Kolona Harbour, and at Rhodes International Airport Diagoras.. Outside the arrivals hall at Rhodes Diagoras Airport (RHO), approximately 14km southwest of Rhodes town. These areas are associated with other scams, taxi & transport, restaurant scams incidents.
Is Rhodes safe at night?
Nighttime risk in Rhodes is primarily concentrated around bar and nightlife districts, where overcharging, spiked drink incidents, and fake police are more common. Using official or app-based transport after dark and staying in well-lit, populated areas reduces risk significantly.
Is Rhodes safe for female travelers?
Rhodes has documented scams that disproportionately target women. General guidance: use verified accommodation with secure entry, avoid sharing ride details publicly, dress in line with local customs to reduce unwanted attention, and keep emergency contacts accessible. Travel communities like r/solotravel and r/TravelHacks have current firsthand reports.
What scams should I watch for in Rhodes?
The top documented scams in Rhodes are: ATV and Quad Bike Damage Claim, Taxi Meter Manipulation, Unlicensed Taxi Overcharging at Diagoras Airport, Bar Overcharging in the Old Town, No-Price Restaurant Menu Trap. The full database covers 13 individual scams across 8 categories. Reviewing each scam's description and avoidance tips is the most effective pre-trip preparation.
Should I get travel insurance for Rhodes?
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for any trip to Rhodes. Beyond scam-related losses, insurance covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and theft — all documented risk categories here. Look for policies that include 24/7 emergency assistance and explicit coverage for mugging or pickpocketing. Compare policies on comparison sites before purchasing.
Is Greece safe to visit in 2026?
Greece as a whole is a popular tourist destination with documented scam activity across multiple cities. Rhodes specifically has 13 documented scams with a generally safe safety rating. Check the full Greece country guide for a regional overview and safety comparisons across all covered cities.

Editorial note: This safety assessment for Rhodes is based on 13 verified scam reports in the Before You Go database, compiled from government travel advisories (US State Dept, UK FCDO, Australian DFAT), verified news sources, and traveler reports. Safety conditions change — always cross-reference with current government advisories before travel. Read our methodology →