Shopping on Rhodes: where to shop and what to bring home
From Sokratous Street in the Old Town to the lanes of Lindos: where to shop on Rhodes and what's worth buying.
- Sokratous Street in the Old Town is the main shopping street: leather, jewellery, ceramics and souvenirs.
- Fashion chains and everyday shopping are in the New Town, outside the walls.
- Worth buying: ceramics, leather, Rhodian wine, honey and olive oil.
Shopping on Rhodes pairs well with an Old Town walk. Go in the morning or evening, compare prices and keep receipts for a VAT refund.
Where to shop on Rhodes
Most shopping on Rhodes is in two parts of Rhodes Town: the Old Town, with souvenir, leather and jewellery shops, and the New Town, with fashion chains and cafés. Outside town there are shops in the resorts, especially in Lindos.
The Old Town
The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the island's favourite shopping area. The main shopping street is Sokratous Street, running from Hippocrates Square up towards the Suleiman Mosque and packed with shops: souvenirs, leather bags and sandals, gold and silver jewellery, natural sponges and ceramics. In the side lanes away from the main street, shops are usually quieter and prices friendlier.
Tip: in summer go in the morning or after sunset, when it is cooler and less crowded. On days when cruise ships are in port, the Old Town is especially busy.
The New Town
Outside the walls, around Mandraki and the surrounding streets, you'll find fashion stores, international and Greek chains, shoe shops and pharmacies. It's also the place for everyday shopping at local prices.
What to buy on Rhodes
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Ceramics | A long island tradition: painted plates and jugs, including Lindos style |
| Leather | Bags, wallets and sandals, mostly in the Old Town |
| Jewellery | Handmade gold and silver |
| Rhodian wine | From island vineyards, for example around Embonas |
| Honey, olive oil and herbs | Good gifts to take home |
| Natural sponges | A traditional Dodecanese product |
Shopping in Lindos
The white lanes of Lindos have small shops selling linen clothing, jewellery, ceramics and souvenirs. Prices are usually higher than in Rhodes Town, but the selection is pleasant. See our Lindos guide.
Shopping tips
- Prices: in small Old Town shops you can sometimes ask for a discount, especially when buying several items.
- Authenticity: some souvenirs are made outside Greece. If a local product matters to you, ask where it was made.
- Opening hours: most tourist shops in the Old Town stay open into the evening in season; out of season some close or keep shorter hours.
- VAT refund: non-EU residents can claim VAT back at participating shops. Ask for a Tax Free form and keep receipts.
- Shabbat: if you keep Shabbat, plan shopping for weekdays and visit the Kahal Shalom synagogue and Chabad on Shabbat.
More ideas in our Rhodes travel guide.
FAQ
What is the best shopping street on Rhodes? Sokratous Street in the Old Town, with dozens of souvenir, leather and jewellery shops.
What should I buy on Rhodes? Ceramics, leather goods, jewellery, local wine, honey and olive oil.
Where are fashion stores and chains on Rhodes? In the New Town, outside the Old Town walls, around Mandraki.
Is shopping in Lindos expensive? Usually more than in Rhodes Town, but there is a nice selection of small shops.
