Welcome to Rhodes! As you step off your cruise ship, you are about to enter one of the few places in the world where history isn't just in a book—it's under your feet. The Medieval City of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a massive, living fortress located just a 5 to 10-minute walk from the pier.
A Living Time Capsule
Unlike many historic sites, this isn't a "museum town"; it’s a bustling community where people still live and work behind 4 kilometers of towering stone walls. As you explore, you'll see a unique blend of Gothic architecture from the Knights of St. John, Ottoman domes and minarets, and Byzantine churches.
Best of Rhodes Old town
If you have a few hours, prioritize these spots:
- Mandraki Harbour: Just outside the walls, this is where the legendary Colossus of Rhodes once stood. Today, you'll see the two bronze deer statues and the three iconic medieval windmills.
- Palace of the Grand Master: An imposing 14th-century fortress at the highest point of the town. Its courtyards and mosaic floors are breathtaking.
- Street of the Knights: Perhaps the most famous medieval street in Europe. It is perfectly preserved, lined with the "Inns" where the knights from different countries used to stay.
- Hippocrates Square: The heart of the Old Town. It’s perfect for people-watching by the fountain, grabbing a Greek coffee, or browsing for local leather goods and honey.
Pro-Tips for Your Visit
- The Entryway: Head for the Marine Gate (the one with the two round towers). It’s the most impressive entrance and leads you straight from the ship into the historical center.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: The streets are paved with "chozakia" (sea pebbles) and cobblestones. They are beautiful but very slippery and uneven!
- Beat the Rush: If your ship docks early, head straight to the Palace of the Grand Master first. It gets crowded by midday when the shore excursions arrive.
This map shows the Cruise Ship Dock, Gates to Medieval Old Town, and a Walking Tour Route
Rhodes Old Town Gates
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A |
St Catherine's Gate. |
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B |
Virgin Mary's Gate |
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C |
Marine Gate(Kolona Gate) |
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D |
Arnauld Gate |
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E |
Arsenal Gate |
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F |
St Paul's Gate |
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G |
Eleftherias (Liberty) |
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H |
D'Amboise Gate |
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I |
St Anthony's & Canon Gates |
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J |
St. Athanasius' Gate ( St. Francisco ) |
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K |
St John's Gate ( Red Gate ) |
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L |
Akandia Gate |
Here's the Google street view looking out of the port at Medieval Old Town
If you keep following that coastline past the Medieval City, you’ll transition into the New Town, eventually reaching the northernmost tip where Elli Beach is located.
Worth Seeing when visiting rhodes old town
1. Hippocrates Square (Platia Ippokratous)
Immediately inside the Marine Gate, this is the bustling heart of the Old Town.
Lively square with Castellania fountain in the center. Surrounded by cafes and shops, it’s the perfect spot to get your bearings. Look up at the Suleyman Mosque minaret in the distance to find your direction.
2. Socrates Street (Sokratous)
The main "shopping artery" of the Old Town. You will find it starting from Hippocrates Square uphill and on the other end will find the Mosque of Suleyman and teh Clock Tower. If you turn right there you will see the magnificent palace of the Grand Master.
3. The Palace of the Grand Master
The Palace of Grand Masters was constructed by the Knights of Saint John as a house for their leader – the Grand Master. The palace had 158 rooms, but today only 24 are open to visitors. The rooms have antique furniture of the 16th and the 17th century - marbles, sculptures, carpets and fine Oriental vases.
During the early years of their occupation, the Turks used it as a prison. Unfortunately, this magnificent building was largely destroyed in 1856 by explosives, hidden in the basement of the church of Saint John(across the palace). At the beginning of the 20th century, the palace was restored by the Italians who occupied the island that time. In the years that followed, it served as a holiday residence for the King of Italy Victor Emmanuel III and for Benito Mussolini. Today it is a museum inside.
4. The Street of the Knights (Ippoton)
It is the most important street of the Old Town, and it goes from the port to the Grand Master's Palace. It's a 600 meters long street. The houses there were used from the knights. Now there are many government offices and no commercial activity. It looks exactly as it did in the 14th century—no shops, no signs, just pure history.
5. The Jewish Quarter (La Juderia)
Located in the eastern part of the Old Town (closer to where the ships dock). Visit the Kahal Shalom Synagogue, the oldest in Greece, and the Square of the Martyred Jews with its seahorse fountain. It is a quieter, very moving part of the city.
6. The Church of the Virgin Mary of Burgos
Near the Virgin Mary Gate. These are dramatic, open-air ruins of a 14th-century Gothic church. Since the roof is gone, it makes for stunning photos with the blue sky in the background.
Discover Our Fully Printed Map of Rhodes Old Town
See below detailed, fully printable map of the Old Town.
Discover also our full collections of maps HERE
Final Tips for Cruise Ship Visitors to Rhodes
✅ Start early to avoid crowds from other cruise passengers.
✅ Wear comfortable shoes, as the Old Town streets are cobblestoned.
✅ Bring a hat & sunscreen, especially in summer. Bottle of water is a MUST
✅ Book an excursion if you want to maximize your time and go beyond the Old town.
✅ Check your cruise schedule and allow enough time to return to the ship.
Looking for a LOCAL Travel Agency to help you maximize your time
Contact Rhodes Greece Tours (www. rhodesgreecetours.com) or Rhodes Allure Tours(www.rhodesalluretours.com). Those are local travel agencies and you'll get first hand price without comissions. You can send your arrival date and time and how many people you are. In return you will receive a quote for a private shore excursion that can be customized to your interests and pace. The great is that they will meet you just outside the cruise and Gurantee return back on time.
