Food Tours in Rhodes

Greek food is synonymous with bursting flavors, fresh ingredients, and vibrant aromas. If you're looking to explore the best of Greek cuisine, then a food tour in Rhodes is the perfect way to do it.

With its traditional taverns, family-run restaurants and street vendors serving up delicious dishes like saganaki (fried cheese) and souvlaki (grilled meat skewers), Rhodes is the ideal destination to indulge in a flavor-filled journey.

Go beyond the restaurants and discover hidden gems like local markets, where you can sample traditional snacks such as loukoumades (Greek donuts) or koulouri (sesame seed bread rings). Get your hands on sweet treats like baklava, or dig into lesser-known specialties like mezedes.

If you're feeling peckish, tantalize your taste buds with a food tour, one of the most notorious gastronomic experiences in Rhodes.

What are the best food tours in Rhodes?

There are a few different food tours that you can take in Rhodes. Each focused on different themes or areas, these tours offer you a unique way to taste the best dishes that the city has to offer. Here’s a quick look at the most popular options.

Lunch with wine tasting and cooking class in Rhodes

This roughly-4-hour food tour allows you to sample a wide selection of (unlimited) Greek wines and traditional dishes as you venture away from the city's main streets, out to the picturesque Petaloudes Valley.

Along with a cooking class, you'll get to enjoy a 10-course lunch and sample a wide variety of drinks from a local winery and distillery.

Private Rhodes food and wine tour

Lasting around 2 hours, this Rhodes food tour lets you indulge in the island's very best cuisine and wine, while learning all about its culture and history and the most renowned Greek and Rhodian flavors.

After meeting your expert sommelier at the venue – usually somewhere in the Old Town – guests will be treated to a 5-course food paired with a wine tasting, featuring locally sourced ingredients and traditional recipes.

Expect to sample an amuse bouche, a salad, 2 appetizers, the main course and a desert, each alongside a prepared wine pairing.

Walking food tour in Rhodes Old Town

An excellent option for foodies who also want to check out some of the city's top attractions, this food walking tour takes you on a culinary journey through the cobblestone streets of Rhodian Old Town.

Led by a friendly and knowledgeable guide, you'll get to explore the city's most iconic monuments — such as the Palace of Grand Master of the Knights, the Chapel of Agios Georgios, and the Suleiman Mosque — while tasting traditional Greek dishes along the way, such as melekouni and loukoumades.

Which places are visited?

During a food tour in Rhodes, visitors can expect to visit various restaurants, cafes and attractions in the city — each tour is different, with some based in the Old Town and others in rural areas like Butterfly Valley.

Most tours, however, are based in the Old Town, which is home to some of Rhodes' most iconic monuments, such as the Street of the Knights and the Archeological Museum. Depending on your tour, you can also explore hidden gems like local markets or family-run restaurants for an authentic insight into Greek culture.

Some Rhodes food tours take place in a centrally-located wine bar, allowing you to wander through the medieval streets at your own pace after the tour is complete.

How much do food tours cost in Rhodes?

The cost of a food tour in Rhodes usually starts at around €115 per person but can vary depending on the type of tour you choose.

Private tours in the Petaloudes Valley and the Old Town, for example, can cost around €250 each - or €450 per group up to four people.

If you want to join one of the walking food tours in Rhodes Old Town, expect to pay around €245 per adult and €55 per child. However, prices become cheaper when you have more people in your group.

What is included?

A typical food tour in Rhodes includes a local guide who takes you to various foodie destinations, such as wineries, restaurants and bakeries to taste local specialties.

Of course, all of the food and wine tastings are included in the cost of your tour, as is transport if you're visiting rural areas or attractions outside the city center (such as Butterly Valley). Some tours also include a souvenir to take home, such as a bottle of local olive oil or an exclusive recipe book.

If you choose a walking tour, you'll also get to explore the city's most iconic monuments and learn about its culture, history and gastronomy. While taxes are all included in the booking price, optional gratuities are not.

Where does it start?

Food tours in Rhodes generally start at a central location in the Old Town or in the city center, where participants meet up with their guide at a local bar.

Some tours may also offer a hotel pickup option for an additional fee. It's important to check the specific details of the tour when booking to confirm the meeting location.

How long does it last?

The duration of food tours in Rhodes can vary depending on the specific tour and itinerary. Generally, they last from 2 hours up to around 4 hours.

When is the best time for a food tour in Rhodes?

The best time for a food tour in Rhodes is during the spring and summer months from April to September when many local markets and food festivals are held. It's also a great time to taste fresh, seasonal produce and seafood.

As for the time of day, book a tour in the late morning or late afternoon, so that you can line it up with lunch or dinner for the day.

Travel tips

• If you have dietary restrictions, be sure to let your tour guide know ahead of time.
• Be sure to come hungry; with so much to taste, you wouldn't want to have eaten prior.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing suitable for the weather conditions.
• Bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the tour, especially since you'll likely be drinking wine.
• Take note of your favorite dishes and ask your guide for recommendations on where to find them again.
• If you're interested in learning more about Greek cuisine, consider taking a cooking class.
• Food tours can be overwhelming with all the different dishes and flavors to try. Pace yourself and take breaks between tastings to avoid getting too full.