The modern Marina near the medieval city of Rhodes is a gem in the local harbor. It offers yachting, a serene view of the Aegean Sea, and unique local crafts for sale.
The ambitious marina project on Rhodes faced skepticism due to initial construction halts caused by governmental issues. Surprisingly, it commenced operations in the summer of 2015, despite ongoing development. Initially barren, the harbor now boasts bars, eateries, boutiques, a gym with a spa, souvenir shops, and vehicle rental services.
The newly established Rhodes yacht marina takes pride in its capacity to accommodate 382 yachts and has plans to expand for up to 563 sailing vessels. This isn’t limited to smaller pleasure boats either; with water depths ranging from 5 to 6.5 meters, even mega yachts and cruise ships can dock during their sea voyages. Interestingly, it’s the only marina in Greece that can house boats up to 150 meters long, which is quite impressive for a marina in a relatively small city.
The port area boasts a shipyard and a dry dock, while a state-of-the-art control tower ensures continuous oversight and integrated management of the premises. The port aims to be one of the few yacht harbors globally to earn the «Green Flag» distinction. To achieve this, the port has initiatives to: — Generate power from renewable sources such as solar panels, coastal generators, and hydrogen electrolysis plants.
The marina has implemented a series of green initiatives:
Enthusiasts can hire various sized yachts for a short few hours or extend to several days. Smaller vessels can be rented starting at €100 per day. For the most luxurious and sizable yachts, expect to pay from €2,500 to €3,000 per day. Typically, the cost includes the services of a captain, eliminating the need for a personal boating license. Each dock has its offerings.
Modern marinas offer a range of services including digital connectivity and essential utilities. Guests can enjoy advanced Wi-Fi, ample parking, and well-maintained hygiene facilities, along with options for fueling their vessels. For those preferring smaller craft, there are alternatives to chartering large yachts, with the opportunity to venture out to sea in a modest boat. Vessels regularly depart from Piraeus, servicing various Aegean destinations such as Patmos, Leros, Kalymnos, and Kos. The journey to Rhodes can span 12 to 17 hours, depending on the number of port calls. Additionally, ferries from neighboring Turkish locales like Simi, Tilos, Bodrum, Fethiye, Datca, and Marmaris provide routes to and from Rhodes. Luxury cruise ships also frequent the marina situated east of the Old Town.
The marina is situated around 2.5 kilometers from the historical part of the town and 4 kilometers from the city center of Rhodes. Access to the island is convenient via charter flights from various countries to Diagoras International Airport or budget airlines from Athens. It’s a 30-minute journey from the airport to the marina, which can be reached by taxi, rental vehicle, or local bus services. A stroll through the marina and the old town is a must-do, where the contrast between the modern, gleaming yachts and the ancient architecture creates a striking and exotic scene.