10 Best Things to Do in Rhodes Town

The Palace of the Grand Masters is a palatial stronghold perched on the highest hill in the Old Town. Featuring a square plan revolving around a spacious courtyard, the castle offers a rare example of Gothic architecture in Greece. After admiring its crenellated ramparts, head to the history museums downstairs.

The Knights Hospitaller constructed the original castle in the 14th century. However, a munitions stockpile exploded inside 500 years later, destroying vast swathes of the interior. A crew of hardworking Italian labourers rebuilt the wreckage to become a holiday house for King Emmanuel III. The fascist dictator Mussolini would later move in.

The Rhodes Old Town is the largest fortified settlement in Europe, known for its 4 km of well-preserved medieval walls. Visitors can stroll across the reinforced ramparts of the Old Town walls, pausing to admire its towers, bastions, and gates.

Inside the UNESCO World Heritage-listed site lies a labyrinth of alleyways and narrow cobblestone streets. As tourism is the primary industry in the Old Town, you will encounter a bewildering array of restaurants, taverns, and shops. Many of the city's top historical attractions are located here. Highlights include the Palace of the Grand Masters, the Roloi Clock Tower, and the Suleman Mosque.

The Street of the Knights is a lavish cobblestoned avenue branching off from the Palace of the Grand Masters. This historic strip served as the residence of the Knights Hospitaller, who ruled Rhodes from the 14th century. Despite renovations in the 1930s, strolling down the street still reveals many of the imposing stone buildings and Gothic arches of that era.

The knights were divided into seven distinct "tongues" based on their country of origin. Each group defended specific fortifications and would socialize and dine in separate taverns. Look out for signs that indicate the different groups.

The Archaeological Museum of Rhodes is housed in a striking castle-like structure in the Old Town. Built in the 15th century by the Knights of St. John, the building was originally used as a hospital for the sick and poor. Nowadays, it showcases an impressive collection of ancient artefacts sourced from all corners of Rhodes.

Some exhibits in the museum date back as far as 7,000 years. Highlights include a pavilion displaying wall-mounted mosaics, the marble statue of Aphrodite Bathing, and a reconstructed burial site that is thousands of years old. If you're interested in learning more about the Mycenaean era, you can also visit the annexe.

Mandraki Harbour is a lovely little port straddling the Old Town’s eastern edge. A stroll across its long break wall sees you pass disused windmills towards 2 stone columns flanking its entrance. On top of each column sits a bronze statue of a stag and doe, the heraldic symbols of Rhodes.

At the corner of the break wall lies Saint Nicholas Fortress, a 15th-century bastion now serving as a lighthouse. The port dates back to 400 BC, around the time of the city’s foundation. Nowadays, it shelters tourist boats offering day trips to a trio of nearby Turkish islands: Symi, Halki, and Marmaris.

Elli Beach is a lively coastal reserve located at the northern tip of the town. Despite its coarse, pebbly surface, the beach attracts a large number of sun-seekers during the warmer months. Many visitors choose to hire a lounger and umbrella and spend the day basking in the warm Mediterranean sun. The water here is a bit too deep for small children, although those young at heart will enjoy the daredevil diving platforms.

The beach curves around Gavriil Harito's Square, a palm tree-lined plaza with a variety of seaside hotels. Scattered around the square are several attractions, including the Rhodes Aquarium, Rhodes Casino, and the Modern Greek Art Museum of Rhodes.

The Acropolis of Rhodes is situated on the site of an ancient Hellenistic city, located approximately 1 km west of Rhodes Old Town. Constructed on the slope of Monte Smith, the site contains several ancient ruins, although only a few have undergone restoration.

Among the most visually striking is the Ancient Stadium of Rhodes, a tree-lined area that dates back to the 2nd century BC. Another notable landmark is the Odeon Theatre, which used to host lectures from the Rhodes School of Rhetoric (renowned alumni include Cicero and Julius Caesar). Entry is free.

Rodini Park is a leafy green space approximately 2 km south of the Old Town. Spanning a shaded waterway, this peaceful park provides a tranquil setting to unwind and seek respite from the summer heat. The serene atmosphere is amplified by a symphony of chirping bird species, including vibrant and flamboyant peacocks.

A picturesque wooden bridge extends over the park's emerald-green central canal, presenting an ideal photo opportunity. Glimpses into its murky waters reveal sightings of turtles and various fish species. Don't forget to explore the nearby small caves, which contain the tomb of one of the Ptolemies.

The Roloi Clock Tower is a robust ancient structure that provides panoramic vistas of the Old Town. Built in the 7th century, the tower endured significant damage from an explosion in 1856 but was promptly reconstructed with graceful Baroque-style embellishments.

While its exterior is a sight to behold, it is worth ascending the 53 wooden steps to reach the upper chamber. From this lofty vantage point, you can indulge in a 360-degree view of the surrounding Old Town. It is advisable to visit during the early morning or late afternoon to benefit from optimal lighting conditions and fewer crowds. The entry fee also includes a complimentary drink at the cafe located below.

Kahal Shalom Synagogue is a charming Sephardic-style construction hidden away in the eastern end of the Old Town. Constructed in 1577, its whitewashed interiors feature intricate stonework, vibrant mosaic tiles, and an assortment of religious artworks.

Passing through the synagogue leads you to the Jewish Museum of Rhodes. This intriguing museum outlines the history of Jewish settlement on the island, from early 2nd century BC arrivals to large-scale migration from Spain in the 13th century. One sombre exhibit details the tragic mass deportations to Auschwitz in 1944.