Trenvy Travel

We can’t all be lucky enough to stay in Old Town Rhodes for days on end. Sometimes, we visit a place with only a day or a few hours spare. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t experience exactly what Old Town Rhodes has to offer. In fact, a day at Old Town Rhodes, if done right, can be as enriching as staying there for a week or so. Old Town Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is enclosed with fortified walls. You’ll feel the heritage as soon as you walk through the medieval gate onto the cobbles. Here’s your Trenvy itinerary for one day in Old Town Rhodes.

1. Street of the knights
2. The Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes
3. The Medieval Clock Tower of Old Town Rhodes
4. Ιppokratous Square
5. Sokratous Street
6. Wander the Old Streets
7. Conclusion

Street of the knights

• Address: Ippoton 1-9, Rodos 851 00, Greece

You may arrive to Old Town Rhodes by car, or, if you’re like us, you’ll arrive via boat in the wonderful harbour, seeing just how historic Old Town Rhodes really is.

You might feel somewhat overwhelmed with what to see and do first. While we recommend you go at your own pace, we’re starting you off on the Street of the Knights.

This is a well-preserved medieval street. Short, it goes straight, and is full of cobbled stone and untouched buildings. It is like time has stood still in this part of the town.

600 metres long, you can walk this street as if nothing has changed.

It’s a fantastic way to see 14th century architecture. This street once was the home of the Knights Hospitaller. You’ll hear them referred to as Knights of St John. They were known for their medical work and their expert knowledge in military, as well as being Christians.

Along the walk you’ll find inns, seven of them, each one belonging to a division of the knights. The inns represent seven nations, which include England, Germany, France, Aragon, Italy, Provence and Auvergne.

We start you here because the Street of the Knights leads you to a square in front of the Knights Hospital, or leads you straight to the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes.

The Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes

• Address: Ippoton, Rodos 851 00, Greece
• Price: €30 (always check up to date prices)

Once you’ve explored the Street of the Knights, you will find yourself outside the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes.

Also known as the Kastello, this was the main hub of activity for the Knights of St John and one of the best preserved gothic buildings in Greece.

Rhodes was under occupation by the Knights, which is why they needed a place to show how influential they really were.

Restored in the 1930s, the exhibitions include the history of the City of Rhodes, which was founded in 408 BC, and tells the story of how it was captured by the Ottomans in 1522.

It was first built in the 14th century as a defence structure, and the location was chosen to keep an eye on the Old Town, but also to control trade in the harbour.

The Knights occupied the palace from 1310-1522. You’ll see stunning halls and chambers, maintained gardens and courtyards, and even see art and exhibitions.

You can’t go to Old Town Rhodes and miss this.

The Medieval Clock Tower of Old Town Rhodes

• Address: Orpheus, Rodos 851 00, Greece
• Price: €5 (always check up to date prices)

The great thing about Old Town Rhodes is that most places are within walking distance.

The medieval clock tower is hard to miss, seeing as it’s the highest point in the old town. Grand and imposing, the clock tower has literally stood the test of time, dating back to the 7th century, seeing all the historic changes that have hit Old Town Rhodes. You can enter the tower and go to the top, offering panoramic views of the old town and the harbour. Climb up 53 wooden steps, and then emerge to view the sparkling Aegean sea and all of the Old Town glory.

Ιppokratous Square

• Address: Ippokratous, Rodos 851 00, Greece

We’ll admit that Ippokratous Square in Old Town Rhodes is probably the most touristy part of your visit.

At Trenvy, we like to encourage you to step off the tourist path and travel like you live there, but there’s a reason a place is frequented with tourists, and Ippokratous Square is a perfect example of it.

It is the main focal point of Old Town Rhodes, being surrounded by shops, restaurants and cafes.

It’s the perfect spot to sit back and grab something to eat or a drink.

We recommend that you set yourself a challenge and grab yourself a boot beer.

This is beer served to you in a massive glass shaped like a boot. Honestly, if you can finish it, you’re a champ. Try to finish it, though. We don’t encourage waste at Trenvy!

In the centre of the square is an ornamental fountain, which looks great in a photo.

Be aware that it gets a bit pushy here with people trying to sell you something.

Whether it’s restauranteurs encouraging you in, or someone selling something on a stall, you’ll feel a little bit overwhelmed.

But don’t worry, people are nice, and simply saying no should work.

If crowds and too many tourists are not your thing, then simply pass through this square. We do recommend you see it.

Sokratous Street

If shopping is your thing, then Sokratous Street is the place to do it.

It is the hub of shopping in Old Town Rhodes, and well worth a visit.

You’ll find souveniers to take back home and remember your day trip to Old Town Rhodes, along with galleries and jewellers.

As you walk, you’ll see streets that split off from Sokratous Street. I recommend that you explore these, too, as you’ll find some hidden gems of independent traders selling unique gifts and items.

You’ll also find traditional and authentic items on these side streets, too.

I loved the clothes and the ceramics that were on sale, and felt as though I could have left with a lot of things.

Wander the Old Streets

I’m a firm believer in truly experiencing a location by simply walking, which is why I’m not giving you an address, but instead encouraging you.

When you reach a part of the town that seems like it has come to an end, keep going.

I found that walking took me down alleyways, streets and into courtyards I wouldn’t have seen if I had stayed in the tourist locations.

By walking, you’re not only seeing Old Town Rhodes, but you’re seeing authentic life.

For example, I met a few local cats who came to say hello. I also found myself outside independent coffee shops, and heard the sound of every day life coming from open kitchen windows and propped open doors.

The streets are colourful, cobbled, and full of blooming flowers and parked up bikes.

It makes you appreciate Old Town Rhodes for its natural architecture and its history, as well as seeing it as a place where people live their day-to-day lives.

It’s a reminder that when you travel, you should always be respectful and mindful of the place you are visiting.

Conclusion

A day in Old Town Rhodes never feels like enough.

Writing this has brought back the itch to go back and spend a night there to truly experience all it has to offer. A night time walk through the town would be a different experience in itself, and walking along the walls would be a fantastic experience, but I ran out of time on my visit.

There is so much history to see and experience that one day in Old Town Rhodes can’t fit it all in.

But you can see the main sites and still appreciate its core essence, and that is what really matters.

Let me know in the comments below what you did when you visited Old Town Rhodes, and drop your recommendations for a must visit when you’re there.

As always, stay Trenvy.