How to Spend a Short Weekend in the Old Town of Rhodes
Everyone has a destination they’ve visited in childhood that holds a special place in their heart. The kind that brings a Cheshire-cat grin to their face and a warm, fuzzy feeling when reminiscing about those treasured memories. For me, one of those places is where sparkling azure waters crash against the ancient landscape of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Crumbling ruins, cobblestone alleyways, traditional shops with local arts and crafts and silent sailing boats gently bobbing away all make Rhodes an intoxicating place. It is the largest of the Dodecanese islands in Greece and was its historical capital. The Greek island of Rhodes is also an incredible foodie destination – I’ll never forget my first pancake with layers of chocolate spread, chocolate sauce, chocolate ice cream and strawberries. Don’t judge unless you’ve tried it! So that you can create your own tales on this island, here is my guide to making the most of a short weekend in the Old Town of Rhodes.
How to get to the Old Town of Rhodes
To reach Rhodes Old Town, you’ll first need to fly into Rhodes International Airport. Thankfully, this airport is well-connected to many European destinations, with airlines such as easyJet, TUI, and British Airways operating regular flights here. To find the most affordable flights, use Skyscanner. I swear by it!
From the airport, if you haven’t arranged a transfer with your hotel, you can take a taxi or rent a car. Both journeys will take around 20-30 minutes.
Another way to reach the Old Town of Rhodes is by ferry. This is the only way I’ve travelled to Rhodes, always getting the ferry from Fethiye Harbour to Rhodes Town (Main Port). If you’re coming from Turkey, the ferry takes around an hour or an hour and a half and can cost from 19.50 to 45.00 euros, depending on whether you’re travelling on a conventional or high-speed ferry. If you’d like to learn more about Turkey, I’ve created a blog featuring the top 15 things to do in Fethiye.
Where to Stay in Rhodes?
There are many places to stay in Rhodes Old Town, from charming boutique hotels to luxury apartments. What you end up being happy with depends entirely on your preferences. One of the best places to find accommodation in the Old Town of Rhodes is Booking.com.
How to Get Around the Old Town of Rhodes?
Navigating the Old Town is like stepping back in time, and the best way to explore Rhode’s history is by walking. All the main sites are within easy access of each other, and walking will often reveal hidden gems. For those more energetic travellers, you can hire a bike.
How to Spend a Weekend in Rhodes
Day 1 – Soak Up the Sun & Local Culture
After landing at Rhodes International Airport, make your way to your chosen hotel, and if you’re in time, fuel up on a hearty breakfast to set your pace for the day. Being located in the Old Town makes discovering the best things to do in Rhodes an absolute breeze.
Mandraki Harbour
You can personalise the day according to your preferences; however, if you must pick somewhere, soak up the sun at Mandraki Harbour. This is the main harbour of Rhodes, where the Colossus of Rhodes once stood, a statue of the Greek sun god Helios. Today, two deer statues, named Elefos and Elafina, stand in their place. While in the harbour, if you’re a photographer, look out for the trio of medieval windmills, which used to grind the grains unloaded from merchant ships coming into Rhodes. A dolphin sculpture and the Fort of St. Nicholas, built by the Knights of St. John in the 15th century, can also be seen.
Palace of the Grand Master
Then step back in time at the Palace of the Grand Master, which is one of the best things to do in Rhodes. This well-preserved 14th-century palace was once the administrative centre of the Knights of St. John and the residence of the Grand Master. The palace revels in the Knights’ military victories and its vital role as Rhodes’ primary defence, with its spherical towers and 12 m-thick walls. The colossal granite cannonballs, triumphantly used against the Turks, litter the bastion’s extensive grounds.
Twenty-four rooms are open to the public, including the Grand Reception Hall and the Grand Master’s private chambers. These display 16th-17th century furniture, hand-woven medieval textiles, multi-coloured marbles, ornately carved seats, and mosaics depicting Medusa. The oriental vases are a wonder and speak volumes about the Knight’s intercontinental activities, but they feel jarringly out of place.
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- Tickets: 20€
- Opening Times: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
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Climb the Medieval Roloi Clock Tower
For a bird’s-eye view of Rhodes Old Town, I suggest climbing to the top of the Roloi Clock Tower on Orfeos Street. Here, you’ll discover a carefully restored Byzantine-style tower dating back to the 7th century with baroque elements, a copper dome, a weathervane, and symmetrical columns. Please bear in mind there are 53 steps to climb, but the view of the Aegean Sea is breathtaking!
Shopping
Pause your tour of Rhodes’ historic sites and take a moment to soak in the charm of the Old Town’s vibrant streets. Wander through cobblestone alleys lined with quaint boutiques, artisan workshops, and inviting cafés tucked into centuries-old buildings. Whether you’re browsing for handcrafted souvenirs, sampling traditional Greek sweets, or simply enjoying a leisurely coffee under the shade of a stone archway, the Old Town offers a perfect blend of relaxation and cultural discovery.
The evening is yours to design as you please, and there are several award-winning restaurants within the town where you can become acquainted with the local cuisine. Make sure to try a pancake before leaving Rhodes!
Day 2 – Explore the heart of Rhodes Old Town
The Street of the Knights
Once again, fuel up on a hearty breakfast before heading out to discover more of the Order of the Knights of St John in Rhodes. Begin at The Street of the Knights, which housed the order’s European members, divided into seven inns for the seven countries from which they came.
It’s flanked by a splendid archway, complete with a bridge, turrets, and arched doors and windows. Take a moment to spot the original reliefs lining the street, showing off the patriotism, religion, and cultural sentiments of the 14th century. The most impressive features include the old hospital and the coats of arms honouring Grand Masters Philippe Villiers de L’Isle Adam and Raymond Bérenger, as well as the Pope and England.
Panagia tou Kastrou
Then walk to the most significant and oldest preserved church in the Old Town, the 11th-century Church of the Panagia tou Kastrou. This offers a fascinating insight into Greece’s religious history. Initially, it functioned as an Orthodox church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. But, during the 14th-15th centuries, Catholicism reigned under the Order of the Knights of St. John, who renamed the building Sancta Maria Castelli Rodi. Even later, during the time of the Ottoman Empire, it was converted into the Enderum Mosque. The rib vaulting, pointed-arched windows, and coats of arms celebrating Grand Master Villeneuve and Pope John XXII are must-sees. Next, try to identify the fragments of wall paintings that represent four saints and the Mother of God.
Archaeological Museum of Rhodes
Detour to the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes, housed in the medieval building once used as the hospital of the Knights. It was known as the Knights Hospitaller. Today, the main exhibition features finds from Ialissos and Kamiros, as well as artefacts such as sculptures, pottery, and relics that tell the story of Rhodes throughout the ages.
Church of Panagia tou Bourgou
End your trip in the Old Town of Rhodes at the 14th-century Church of Our Lady of the Burgh, which is a casualty of the Second World War. But its skeletal remains are perhaps one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the Old Town, offering a faint glimpse of its former glory. Its three aisles are bordered by four sturdy columns, topped with pointed archways and distinct rib-vaulting, backed by long, oval windows.
The site is more impressive at night, as it is illuminated by spotlights, evoking an overwhelming atmosphere of ecclesiastical grandeur. This feeling is only enhanced when the church’s steps and interior are filled with the sound of orchestral tunes during the music events frequently held here.
Final Thoughts on Spending a Weekend in Rhodes
There you have it, my travel guide to spending a weekend in the Old Town of Rhodes! I hope this blog has inspired you to visit Rhodes. As you can see, the town has everything you need: culture, history, excellent food and plenty of coastal views.
Have you been to Rhodes before? If so, please comment below about your favourite things to do there.
