Rhodes Town

The island’s historic capital, where medieval streets, harbourside walks, shops, restaurants and beaches all sit within easy reach.

Rhodes Town

Best known for its UNESCO-listed Medieval City, lively harbourfront and mix of culture, coast and modern city life.

Explore Rhodes Town, where the medieval Old Town meets the vibrant New Town by Mandraki Harbour. Within the protected walls, cobbled lanes, stone archways and centuries‑old architecture create a world of their own, while rooftop restaurants, elegant dining and lively bars bring the evenings to life. A timeless blend of history, culture and modern island energy.

Rhodes Town Offers

Discover carefully chosen Rhodes Town holiday offers with well-placed stays for sightseeing, dining, beach time and easy access to the wider island.

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Location

Rhodes Town is the main city on the island and one of the most rewarding places to stay for visitors who like a holiday with variety. The Medieval City is the star attraction, with its fortified walls, old lanes, historic buildings and a sense of history around almost every corner. UNESCO describes the medieval city as being enclosed by around 4 km of walls, with the high town to the north and the lower town to the south-southwest.


Outside the Old Town, Rhodes Town opens out into the New Town, Mandraki Harbour, the seafront, shopping streets, restaurants, cafés and beach areas. It is a practical base as well as a beautiful one, especially for visitors who want to combine sightseeing with relaxed meals, coastal walks and days out across the island. Local bus services also make Rhodes Town a key starting point for routes around Rhodes.

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Atmosphere

Rhodes Town has a lively, layered atmosphere, with a different feel depending on where the day takes you. The Old Town feels atmospheric and historic, especially in the quieter lanes away from the busiest streets, while the harbour and New Town bring a more open, modern rhythm with cafés, shops and seafront views.


Evenings are one of the best times to enjoy the city. Visitors can wander through the medieval streets, stop for dinner inside the walls, enjoy a drink near the harbour or take a gentle walk by the sea. It is busier than the island’s village resorts, but that is part of its appeal: there is always somewhere to go, something to see and another corner worth exploring.

Getting Around Rhodes Town

Rhodes Town is one of the easiest places on the island to explore without needing a car every day.

Walking

Walking is the best way to enjoy the Old Town, Mandraki Harbour, the New Town shopping areas and nearby seafront, especially as many of the most interesting streets are best explored slowly.

Taxi

Taxis are useful for airport transfers, evenings out, trips to beaches outside the centre or journeys where the summer heat makes walking less comfortable.

Bus

Rhodes Town is a main hub for island buses, with KTEL operating routes from Rhodes Town towards places such as Lindos and other east-coast resorts.

Car Rental

Renting a car is helpful for visitors who want to explore beyond the city, although parking and traffic around the centre can be less convenient than in quieter resort areas.

Medieval Old Town

A living medieval city wrapped in ancient stone walls, filled with cobbled lanes, hidden courtyards, boutique shops and centuries of history. It’s atmospheric, vibrant and endlessly fascinating — perfect for wandering, shopping and discovering something new around every corner.

New Town & Mandraki Harbour

The modern heart of Rhodes Town, where cafés, shops, restaurants and the marina come together. Mandraki Harbour is iconic — lined with boats, statues and waterfront promenades — and the New Town offers everything from high‑street brands to stylish bars.

Elli Beach & Casino Area

A lively, cosmopolitan beachfront with sunbeds, beach clubs, crystal‑clear water and a glamorous summer atmosphere. Perfect for guests who want to combine city exploring with easy beach time, swimming and people‑watching.

Acropolis of Rhodes & Monte Smith

A peaceful, elevated area overlooking the city. Ancient ruins, a restored stadium and sweeping sea views make Monte Smith ideal for sunset walks, gentle exploring and a quieter cultural moment away from the bustle.

Top Destinations in Rhodes Town

Rhodes Town is best enjoyed as a collection of distinct areas, each adding something different to the holiday. The Medieval Old Town is the historic heart, while New Town and Mandraki Harbour bring shops, cafés, harbour views and easy city life. Elli Beach and the Casino Area add classic seaside appeal close to the centre, and the Acropolis of Rhodes and Monte Smith give visitors a higher viewpoint and a link to the city’s ancient past.

Aerial view of a coastal city on a narrow sandy peninsula surrounded by bright blue ocean.

Discover Rhodes Town

Rhodes Town rewards visitors who like to wander, look up, turn down side streets and mix culture with easy holiday pleasures.

Palace of the Grand Master

Palace of the Grand Master

The Palace of the Grand Master is one of the most recognisable landmarks inside the Medieval City. It is closely linked with the Knights of Rhodes and gives visitors a strong sense of the scale and importance of the old fortified town. It is a good starting point for understanding why Rhodes Town is such a special historic place.

Street of the Knights

Street of the Knights

The Street of the Knights is one of the most atmospheric walks in the Old Town. Its stone buildings and medieval layout make it feel very different from the busier shopping lanes nearby, and it is one of those places where it pays to slow down rather than simply pass through.

Archaeological Museum of Rhodes

Archaeological Museum of Rhodes

The Archaeological Museum of Rhodes is housed in the former hospital of the Knights and is a worthwhile visit for anyone interested in the island’s past. It brings together finds from Rhodes and the surrounding area, making it a useful cultural stop alongside time spent exploring the Old Town itself.

Rhodes Aquarium

Rhodes Aquarium

Rhodes Aquarium, at the northern tip of the city, is a good option for families or for a shorter visit away from the busiest streets. Its location also makes it easy to combine with a walk around the seafront, Elli Beach or the very top end of Rhodes Town.

Sunny beach with turquoise water, sandy shore, rocky cliffs, and palm trees under a clear blue sky

St Paul’s Chapel

Set right by the water in St Paul’s Bay, this small white chapel is one of the most picturesque spots in Lindos, often chosen for weddings thanks to its stunning setting.

Aerial view of a turquoise tropical bay with sandy beach, rocky shoreline, and clear blue ocean under a sunny sky

Tenerife

Tenerife combines dramatic volcanic scenery with sunny beaches and charming towns. Dominated by Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak, the island offers incredible landscapes, outdoor adventures, and a welcoming local culture.

Gothic cathedral beside a reflective canal under a cloudy sky, with fountains in the foreground.

Mallorca

Mallorca offers a wonderful balance of natural beauty and cultural heritage. With its rugged mountain ranges, elegant marinas, and picturesque villages, the island is ideal for travellers seeking both relaxation and exploration.

Reflective cave cavern with yellow, brown, and turquoise rock and water

Lanzarote

Lanzarote stands out for its otherworldly volcanic landscapes and striking coastal scenery. Protected natural parks, lava fields, and unique architecture make this Canary Island one of Spain’s most fascinating destinations.

Rhodes Town Moments

  • City Tour  Bus: Get your bearings with the Hop-on, Hop Off city Tour bus, which loops around the city’s key sights. It’s an easy, breezy way to understand the layout before you start exploring on foot.
  • Wander the medieval lanes: Lose yourself in the maze of cobbled streets, boutique shops and hidden squares inside the Old Town walls. Enter through the D’Amboise Gate to pass local artists and the Palace of the Grand Master and then left down the Street of the Knights, one of the best preserved medieval streets in Europe. Comfortable shoes are essential for the cobbles.
  • Mandraki & the Harbour: Mandraki Harbour is perfect for a daytime or evening stroll. On the right side of the pier, a coastal path leads to the medieval windmills and the Fort of St Nicholas. At the harbour entrance, look for the famous stag and doe statues — Elafos and Elafina. Aktaion, a large café bar and restaurant provides a perfect meeting and people watching spot
  • Swim at Elli Beach: A stylish, cosmopolitan beach with clear water, beach clubs and a lively summer vibe just steps from the city. Perfect for a refreshing dip between sightseeing or a relaxed afternoon in the sun.
  • Shopping in the New Town: From local boutiques and artisan shops to international brands, the New Town is ideal for a little retail therapy — especially if you need holiday essentials or a fashion top‑up.
  • Coffee culture: Rhodes has a big coffee culture, with cafés on almost every corner. Pause for an iced coffee or freddo espresso and simply watch the world go by — it’s part of the local rhythm.
  • Dining in Rhodes Old Town: A magical experience, with lantern‑lit courtyards, rooftop terraces and family‑run tavernas tucked between medieval walls. Tavernas spill into the cobbled lanes, creating a warm, lively atmosphere perfect for enjoying traditional meze and fresh Mediterranean dishes.

Rhodes Town Explorers

  • Palace of the Grand Master: A must‑see medieval fortress with grand halls, mosaics and a fascinating glimpse into Rhodes’ layered history. It’s one of the Old Town’s most impressive landmarks.
  • Museums: Rhodes Town has an abundance of museums, from the Archaeological Museum and Decorative Arts Museum to smaller cultural collections tucked inside the Old Town walls. They’re perfect for a deeper dive into the island’s past.
  • Old Town Moat Walk: Enter near the taxi rank by Mandraki and enjoy a peaceful stroll around the inner moat. It’s a quiet, scenic loop beneath the towering medieval walls.
  • Boat Trips from Mandraki: Hop on a day cruise to Lindos, Symi or nearby bays. It’s an easy, relaxing way to explore the coastline and see Rhodes from the water.
  • Monte Smith Sunset: Head to the west coast for a sunset among ancient ruins. Monte Smith offers sweeping views across the city and sea — a serene, golden‑hour moment.
  • Diving Platform at Elli Beach: A Rhodes classic. The diving platform at Elli Beach is perfect for confident swimmers looking for a fun splash and a great photo moment.
  • Throne of Helios 9D Cinema: A fun, immersive experience for all ages, Throne of Helios brings the history and mythology of Rhodes to life with 3D visuals, motion seats and special effects. It’s a great option for families or anyone looking for something a little different.
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Rhodes Town: Historic Charm

Rhodes Town is a brilliant choice for visitors who want more than a simple beach holiday. It offers history, harbour views, restaurants, shopping, culture and beach time all in one place, with the rest of the island still within reach. For travellers who like their days varied and their evenings full of choice, Rhodes Town is one of the strongest bases on the island.