On our October trip to Rhodes, we finally made it to one of the places that had been at the top of our list since our first visit in 2024 – Rhodes Old Town.

Last year, during our one-week family holiday in Kolymbia, we ran out of time to explore the island’s capital. With school half term limiting our stay and wanting to balance pool and beach days with sightseeing, we simply couldn’t fit it in.

So when we returned to Rhodes in 2025, we had a list of must-sees ready. Right at the top was the ancient walled city – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest continuously inhabited medieval town in Europe.

Rhodes Old Town’s history stretches back to the 5th century BC when it was founded by the ancient Greeks.

The fortified medieval city that stands today was largely built between 1309 and 1522, during the rule of the Knights Hospitaller, an order of knights who built vast walls, gates and towers to defend the island. Many of them still stand strong today, making this one of the most complete medieval cities in Europe.

There’s so much to see and do here that even after spending several hours wandering the maze of cobbled lanes, we felt like we’d only scratched the surface. I came away with hundreds of photos and videos, and in this post, I’ll share our experience of exploring this remarkable place, along with some fascinating history and tips if you plan to visit.

Arrival And First Impressions

We drove to Rhodes Old Town, as we’d hired a car for the week. It took around 30 minutes from Kolymbia, but as soon as we reached the outer walls, it became clear we were in the island’s busiest spot.

You can’t actually drive inside the Old Town – cars aren’t allowed within the medieval walls – so we joined a steady loop of traffic circling the outer roads, all searching for parking. There is free parking, but every space was full, and cars seemed to be squeezed into every possible gap.

Three enormous cruise ships were docked at the port that day, which meant thousands of people were exploring the town on foot, making it busier everywhere.

Ben had a particular car park in mind, but it was completely full. Eventually, we found a paid one further out. It was a little expensive but absolutely worth it for peace of mind – the closer car parks were chaotic. This one was organised, easy, and just a few minutes’ walk from the walls.

From there, we walked through a park towards the Old Town, realising as we went that there were actually a few free spots along the road we’d missed. Typical! At least we’ll know next time.

The Moat Around The Medieval City of Rhodes in Greece

Before entering, we wandered along what looked like a wide, dry moat. We later learned that this area was actually a defensive gap between the Old Town’s double walls – an outer and inner wall separated by a huge open space.

It was so peaceful there, with palm trees, bushes, and lizards darting across the stones. The kids were fascinated by piles of huge round stone balls lying around – old ammunition used centuries ago to defend the city. They loved climbing on them and hopping from one to another like stepping stones.

As we wandered along, we noticed several openings built into the stone walls – narrow tunnels and arched gaps you could walk through. Some led into other sections between the walls, others straight into the Old Town itself. It felt incredible stepping through those ancient passageways, imagining who might have walked them centuries ago and why they were built that way.

After walking roughly halfway around, we decided to enter through a large arched gateway leading towards the Palace of the Grand Master.

The moment we stepped through the gate, everything changed. The quiet calm of the moat was replaced by a buzz of sound and energy.

A saxophonist played beneath the stone archway, his music echoing through the walls. Later in the day, we passed the same spot again and another musician, an older man, was there playing a small guitar. Artists had set up easels nearby, painting portraits and caricatures for tourists as people stopped to watch.

We didn’t stay long at first because it was past lunchtime and everyone was hungry. Ben had already researched vegan eateries in Rhodes Town, so we decided to head out towards the newer part of the city for lunch before coming back to explore properly.

Atmosphere And Sights

Walking around the dry moat had been calm and quiet, but inside the Old Town walls was the complete opposite – busy, bustling and full of life. The narrow cobbled streets were lined with shops and cafés, and the sound of chatter and music filled the air.

Even if you don’t usually enjoy crowds, there’s something captivating about Rhodes Old Town. It feels alive yet ancient, full of character and charm.

As we explored, we kept stopping to take photos of the tall stone walls towering above us and the winding alleys branching off in every direction. It’s hard not to imagine who might have walked those same streets hundreds of years ago. The Old Town is so well preserved that it really does feel like stepping back in time.

I’ve visited castles before, but I’ve never seen anything like this – an entire functioning town within castle walls. There were shops, restaurants, houses, and small squares all surrounded by thick medieval defences. It’s remarkable.

Cats lounged on old stone steps and in doorways, a familiar sight all over Greece. Street musicians played everything from saxophones to steel drums, their tunes echoing beautifully between the narrow buildings.

It was hot but not unbearable – October in Rhodes is lovely for sightseeing – and we appreciated the shady spots beneath trees or between buildings.

Landmarks And Historic Highlights

We didn’t plan a route, choosing instead to wander wherever looked interesting, but we still came across many of the most famous landmarks.

Our walk eventually brought us to the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes, an enormous fortress dating back to the 14th century. Built by the Knights Hospitaller, it served as their administrative centre and home to the Grand Master himself. The Italians later restored it in the 1930s, and today it houses a museum with mosaics, sculptures, and medieval artefacts.

We didn’t go inside, preferring to enjoy the courtyard and take photos from outside, but even standing there was awe-inspiring. The sheer size and symmetry of the palace make it look like something from a film set.

Nearby is the famous Street of the Knights, one of the best-preserved medieval streets in Europe. It’s lined with stone buildings that once housed knights from different European “tongues” (national groups), each marked by a carved coat of arms.

Walking along it feels surreal – like history has paused in place. The cobbles are smooth and uneven from centuries of footsteps, and the shadows between the arches make it feel cool and quiet even on a warm afternoon. It’s easy to imagine knights on horseback or messengers rushing along this same path hundreds of years ago.

We also spotted the Clock Tower, which you can climb for panoramic views over the rooftops. Entry includes a drink at the bar inside and is free for children, but we didn’t go up this time. I’d definitely like to next visit.

Another highlight was seeing the Suleymaniye Mosque, with its distinctive pink dome, built during the Ottoman rule after they took control of Rhodes in 1522. Close by were the ruins of the Temple of Aphrodite, dating from the 3rd century BC, offering a glimpse even further back into the island’s history.

It’s fascinating how many layers of time coexist here – ancient Greek temples, medieval castles, Ottoman mosques – all within the same walls.

Everywhere you look, there’s a mix of styles and influences. Gothic arches from the Knights’ period stand beside Ottoman domes, Byzantine courtyards, and Italian façades from the early 20th century. Somehow, it all blends together beautifully, creating a city that feels both ancient and timeless.

Everywhere we turned, there were arched doorways, tiny cobbled alleys, balconies covered in bougainvillaea, and local life happening all around.

We also came across the Temple of Aphrodite, tucked away near the harbour. The remains date back to around the 3rd century BC and are among the oldest ruins in Rhodes Town. Only parts of the stone foundations and columns survive, but knowing it once stood here, long before the medieval walls were built, adds another fascinating layer to the city’s history.

Exploring And Getting Lost

We wandered without a map, following our curiosity. Sometimes that meant finding ourselves in quiet little streets with nobody else around, just the echo of our footsteps and the distant hum of the busier squares.

Those moments were my favourite. It’s lovely to pause and take in the small details – a cat watching from a windowsill, a set of colourful shutters, the sound of church bells echoing somewhere nearby.

One of the most interesting discoveries was realising that people actually live within these ancient walls. It’s not a museum; it’s a functioning town. You’ll see scooters parked up outside, potted plants outside homes, and front doors with numbers and knockers reminding that people live here too.

We eventually came to Dorieos Square, shaded by enormous banyan trees that instantly caught our attention.

Their roots twist down from the branches into the ground, wrapping around themselves in thick ropes. The trees must be centuries old, and they create the most beautiful canopy overhead.

The square had a calm, welcoming feel – the kind of place where you could easily sit for an hour, just people-watching and soaking up the atmosphere.

Afterwards, we continued to explore more of Rhodes Old Town on foot, just seeing what we could find.

Shops And Souvenirs

We didn’t spend much time shopping, but it’s impossible not to be drawn in by the colourful stalls and shopfronts scattered through the Old Town.

There were artists painting portraits, people making macramé dreamcatchers, and stalls filled with handmade jewellery and traditional Greek souvenirs. The narrow streets were lined with shops selling everything from pottery and olive wood carvings to embroidered textiles.

Reuben spotted a small hand fan decorated with the traditional Greek “evil eye” pattern – a blue and white design believed to bring good luck and ward off negativity. He was thrilled with his two-euro purchase and waved it proudly for the rest of the day.

What I liked most was that although there were plenty of touristy items, much of it still felt genuine and creative. The setting made even simple souvenirs feel special – how often can you buy a handmade trinket inside a 700-year-old building?

Eating And Drinking

By the time we’d explored a while, hunger had taken over. Ben had found a vegan-friendly restaurant in the new town called ONO, so we left the Old Town briefly to eat there.

ONO turned out to be excellent – modern yet relaxed, with friendly staff and plenty of choice for plant-based eaters. We ordered vegan nuggets, burgers, and a falafel wrap, all delicious.

The desserts were even better. The kids shared a warm chocolate muffin pudding and a huge slice of berry cheesecake, both completely plant-based. It’s always such a joy to find European vegan options this good abroad.

After lunch, as we walked back towards the Old Town, we passed quirky shop displays including bicycles carved entirely from wood and a giant cactus standing proudly outside a store. I’d have loved more time to explore the newer part of the city too, but our mission that day was all about the medieval streets.

Back inside the Old Town, we stopped at Oasi Café in Dorieos Square, beneath the giant banyan trees. We ordered sparkling water, juices, cider, and prosecco, and spent some time relaxing and people-watching.

Sitting outside in Rhodes in late October, shaded by ancient trees, was perfect. It’s something I really love about the Mediterranean – the ease of outdoor dining and that warm, laid-back lifestyle that we just don’t have in England.

As the light softened, we noticed nearby restaurants had hung lanterns from the trees above, creating a canopy of warm light for evening diners. It looked so inviting that we promised ourselves we’d come back one evening next time we visit Rhodes.

History And Interesting Facts About Rhodes Old Town

Rhodes Old Town covers about 80 hectares and is surrounded by nearly four kilometres of fortified walls. There are eleven gates, each one originally serving a different purpose, from connecting to the harbour to leading out towards inland villages.

When the Knights Hospitaller ruled the island from 1309 to 1522, they divided the city into two parts: the Collachium, where the knights lived and worked, and the Chora, where local residents lived. This organisation is still visible today – the Collachium area around the Palace of the Grand Master has a more formal, fortified feel, while the Chora is a maze of lively shops and homes.

The city’s walls were so well constructed that during the Ottoman siege of 1522, they held for six months before finally falling. The Ottomans then ruled Rhodes for nearly four hundred years before the Italians took over in 1912, and it finally became part of modern Greece in 1947.

Rhodes Old Town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 for its exceptional preservation and its unique mix of Gothic, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Italian influences. It’s one of the few medieval towns in the world that’s still fully inhabited, with around 6,000 people living within its walls today.

Practical Tips For Visiting Rhodes Old Town

If you’re planning a visit, here are a few things we learned:

• Arrive early if driving – both free and paid parking near the walls fills up quickly.
• Wear comfortable shoes – the cobbled streets are uneven, and you’ll walk a lot.
• Look closely at the architecture – the city blends Gothic, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Italian styles, creating a fascinating mix that reflects Rhodes’ long, layered history.
• Allow plenty of time – there’s so much to explore. Wandering freely is the best way to experience it.
• Don’t skip the moat walk – it’s peaceful and gives an amazing perspective of the double walls.
• Stop in Dorieos Square for a drink under the banyan trees.
• Visit early morning or evening – it’s quieter and cooler.
• Consider the Palace of the Grand Master and Archaeological Museum if you enjoy history. Both give deeper insight into the island’s fascinating past.
• Stop to listen to the musicians and buskers – they’re incredibly talented and their music echoes beautifully around the old stone streets.

Our Personal Take

Rhodes Old Town felt like a world away from the beaches and resorts. While those areas are modern and lively, this was something entirely different – real, ancient, and full of atmosphere.

Even the kids were fascinated by it, which says a lot. There’s just something magical about walking through streets that have existed for centuries, still alive with music and daily life.

We’d love to go back, but next time I’d visit earlier in the morning before the crowds build up, to see more of the little backstreets and hidden corners. We didn’t go inside any of the big attractions this time, so there’s still plenty to explore.

Rhodes Old Town is a must-see for anyone visiting the island. Whether you love history, architecture, or simply wandering beautiful old streets, it’s impossible not to be impressed.

You don’t just visit this place – you experience it. You walk through its stories, feel its age in the stones beneath your feet, and hear its history echoing through every archway.

It’s a living museum, yet still a home to thousands of people. That’s what makes it so special.

If you go, take your time, get lost, and let the city reveal itself to you. That’s where the real magic lies.

Rhodian Pottery

I came across this as we were leaving the old town:

Looking for somewhere to stay in Rhodes? We recommend:

For an all-inclusive hotel, check out my Atlantica Aegean Blue Hotel Review

Or for a private villa, read my Zen Club Luxury Villas Review

Looking for more things to do in Rhodes? Here are some more sights to see:

• Tsambika Mountain Hike
• Hippo Submarine Cruise
• Chalki Island
• Seven Springs (Epta Piges)
• Sunset Evening Walk with Views Across Kolymbia Harbour
• Is it Worth Visiting Butterfly Valley Out of Season?
• Our family holiday itinerary in Rhodes in 2024 for one week