Old town and historic sights in Rhodes
The medieval walled town of Rhodes is the main reason to visit the old town. Built by the Knights, it is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Most of the time is spent on foot among the Knights' streets, the Jewish Quarter and the old market.
Places to go
Lindos village
Lindos is a whitewashed village on the east side of Rhodes, known for its winding backstreets and historic houses. Most visitors come to wander the lanes and see the churches and Captains' houses.
Medieval City of Rhodes
The walled Old Town of the Knights sits right beside the port at Mandraki. You can walk from the berth into its streets and squares.
Tours to book
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
What to expect
Most visitors go through the old gate and first see the outer walls, then turn into the back streets. The Street of the Knights and the Knights' Quarter give a sense of the medieval heart of the place, and the Palace of the Grand Master is a museum that is worth a short visit.
Plan to spend the morning or early afternoon in the walled town. Walk the back streets slowly, stop for coffee or lunch in the market area, and look for the Jewish Quarter, known locally as La Juderia. A guide can explain the long history of the island, which is useful if you want more context than the signs give. The core of the old town is compact and easy to reach.
Where to go
- Palace of the Grand Master. A medieval palace inside the walled town, now a museum of the Knights' era. By walk. A trip that goes here: Medieval Old Town Rhodes Walking Tour, 3 Hours, $108 a person
- Jewish Quarter (La Juderia). A historic area of narrow lanes that traces the island's Jewish community. By walk. A trip that goes here: Medieval Old Town Rhodes Walking Tour, 3 Hours, $108 a person
- Lindos village. A whitewashed village with Captains' houses, mostly from the 16th to 18th centuries, reached for a longer day out. About 50 minutes' drive from Rhodes Town, by tour or taxi. A trip that goes here: Private Lindos and Beach, 5 Hours 30 Minutes
Getting there
For a longer outing to Lindos, a tour or taxi takes about 50 minutes each way. Bus line 5 climbs to the Acropolis in Rhodes town for a short trip out.
When to go
Mornings are the most comfortable time to walk the old town in summer, when the heat builds through the day. The town is open through the year, and the walking is the same in every season.
Good to know
- Wear comfortable shoes with good grip, since the old streets are cobbled and uneven.
- Carry water and a hat, especially in summer when the midday heat is strong.
- The tourist information kiosk is at Great Alexander Square and the Street of the Knights.
Questions
Can you walk around the old town of Rhodes?
Yes. Most of the old town is on foot, with narrow streets and some steps.
Is it worth going to the Palace of the Grand Master in Rhodes?
The palace is impressive from the outside and is now a museum. Many visitors see the exterior walls and then spend more time in the back streets, the Jewish Quarter and the Knights' Quarter.
Is the old town of Rhodes easy to walk around?
The old town is compact and mostly flat, but the paving is cobbled and some lanes are steep or narrow. A road network for disabled visitors was completed in 2023.
