Rhodes Town

The Old and the New Town

Located within a 4-kilometer wall, the Old, or Medieval, Town was built in the 13th century by the Knights of Saint John in a semicircle around the main harbor. Yet despite its historical nature, it is far from a dilapidated monument from the past. The once strongly fortified city, able to withstand even the most terrible of sieges, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988.

Rather, the Old Town is a lively neighborhood of about 6000 people, full of busy commercial streets and quiet alleys, all characterized by an extraordinary medieval aesthetic. The streets, still the same ones trailing the town as back in the Middle Ages, are very well preserved, while the medieval buildings, mosques and other such architecture provide a picturesque walk through its rich history. Sokratous Street is perhaps the closest the Old Town has to a main street and is located in the heart of the town, while another 200 streets or alleys, some without a name, will take you through a remarkable tour of its different sites and landmarks.

Outside the city walls lies the New Town, first established in 1522 after the Greeks were forced out of the Old Town by the Ottomans. It now features an interesting mixture of more modern architecture along with a wide array of some impressive old Italian buildings, dating back to the Italian rule of the island during the First and Second World Wars. A walk along Mandraki, one of the three ports of the city, is sure to unlock the beauty that lies within it. And one is sure not to miss the statues of the Dama dama deer on either side of the port’s entrance, in reminiscence of the once abundant species of animals that grew to be the island’s emblem. The rest of the town boasts a variety of activities to try out and places to visit, with modern tourist amenities readily available.

Sightseeing

In Rhodes Town, you have the chance to visit plenty of ancient monuments, churches, museums and other points of interest, making the history and culture of the island unfold right before your eyes

For those looking to explore the diverse history of Rhodes, it may not come as a surprise that the Old Town is full of some of the island’s most awe-inspiring landmarks. Entering the town, one should first make sure to walk along the Street of the Knights, an immaculately preserved cobblestone path that will transport you right back to medieval times.

At the end of the street lies the Palace of the Grand Master, also known as the Kastello. Probably the most significant monument in the island’s medieval history, this magnificent structure once served as the administrative center of the Order of the Knights of Saint John. Inside, one will find spacious halls featuring immaculate architecture and authentic medieval decor, including intricate mosaics along the floor. On the ground floor, there are also two permanent exhibitions showcasing Christian and Ottoman artifacts.

Another must-visit is the imposing Acropolis of Rhodes, which used to constitute a monumental zone hosting temples and public buildings among others, dating back to the 2nd and 3rd century BC. The site was severely damaged during World War II, but fortunately, restoration and maintenance works have been carried out since 1945.

Lastly, the Archaeological Museum boasts a vast display of heritage items and finds that encapsulate the deep and varied history of Rhodes, while one can pay a visit to the Municipal Art Gallery, the Modern Art Museum and the Jewish Museum as well.

Experiences

As previously mentioned, the New Town provides visitors looking to make the most out of their stay on the island with many enjoyable and unique experiences.

Perfect for family visits, the Rhodes Aquarium is located in the northernmost part of the island and is a required visit for those willing to make the trip. The interior of the Aquarium has been fashioned in the form of an underwater sea cave, delivering an ambiance that is not to be found anywhere else. It also provides natural living conditions for some of the most interesting specimens of the Mediterranean, from reefs and sea flowers to fish and octopuses. For a more leisurely type of experience, one can spend some time walking through the beautiful Rodini Park on the south side of town, which is notable for the peacocks that live there.

Alternatively, visitors can spend their day at one of the area's beaches. Elli Beach for example is just a short walking distance from the city center, featuring crystal clear waters, a sandy shore and a variety of top-of-the-line beach bars. Its neighboring beaches, Kanari Beach and Miaouli Beach are just as well organized and together form a vast beach that is partly pebbly and partly sandy. Another popular choice is Aquarium Beach, located near the Aquarium. It is organized with sunbeds and umbrellas, but its waters run deep pretty quickly, making it a bit risky for families with small kids. Finally, Kato Petres Beach is a much more humble option, with no sunbeds or other amenities to be found. However, its pebbly shores and almost secluded, hidden away nature, make for a most romantic spot, perfect for when the sun begins to set.

Last but certainly not least, both the Old and New Town offer a wide array of restaurants that are sure to satisfy different tastes.

Hotels

With many tourists visiting yearly, Rhodes Town has many hotels in a relatively short distance from the town’s prominent points of interest. Options for all budgets are available, from simple and neat rooms and apartments to opulent hotels with several amenities. Accommodations can be found throughout the Town, both in the Old and the New areas, as well as close to the sea.

Ways to move around

While in Rhodes Town, you can make your way around the different spots of interest by bus, with frequent bus routes coming and going from the central bus stop located inside the town. There are also car rental agencies available, which should be contacted in advance as rental cars are in high demand, especially during peak season. Of course, walking is always an option and may be the best way to move around thanks to the lovely views you can get; yet, you need to be careful when the temperature is high, especially during the morning hours.