Rhodes City

Ρόδος

The capital of the Dodecanese islands featuring the impressive Medieval Old Town with the Palace of the Grand Masters and cobblestone streets. A major cultural and historical hub that blends Byzantine, Ottoman, and European architecture with excellent museums and vibrant harbor life.

Things to do

• Palace of the Grand Masters — Explore this imposing 14th-century fortress at the heart of the Old Town, featuring grand halls, courtyards, and exhibits on medieval and ancient Rhodes.
• Street of the Knights — Walk the atmospheric cobblestone street lined with medieval auberges (inns) of various nations, representing the cosmopolitan heart of the Knights' quarter.
• Archaeological Museum of Rhodes — View exceptional ancient Greek sculptures, mosaics, and artifacts including the famous marble heads from the Hellenistic period.
• Mandraki Harbor — Stroll the picturesque waterfront with its iconic windmills and bronze deer statues, where the legendary Colossus of Rhodes once stood.
• Turkish Bath (Hammam) — Experience a traditional Ottoman-era bathhouse in the Old Town, a relaxing ritual that reflects Rhodes' multicultural heritage.
• Suleiman Mosque — Visit this elegant pink-domed Ottoman mosque built in the 16th century, offering insights into the island's Islamic architectural legacy.
• Rhodian Old Town Walls — Walk the restored medieval fortifications surrounding the Old Town to enjoy panoramic views and appreciate the defensive engineering.

Food to try

• Souvlaki — Grilled skewered meat (lamb, chicken, or pork) marinated with oregano and olive oil, served with pita, tzatziki, and fresh vegetables.
• Pastitsada — A traditional Corfiot-influenced pasta dish with rooster or chicken cooked in a spiced red wine sauce, reflecting the Ionian influence on Dodecanese cuisine.
• Fava — Yellow split pea puree served as a meze with olive oil, lemon, and capers, a creamy Cycladic staple found throughout the Southern Aegean.
• Grilled octopus (Chtapodi) — Fresh octopus tenderized and chargrilled, drizzled with lemon and olive oil, a harbourside specialty reflecting Rhodes' fishing heritage.
• Loukoumades — Warm honey-drizzled doughnuts sprinkled with cinnamon and sesame seeds, a beloved Greek sweet treat sold in the Old Town cafés.

Local customs & good to know

• Afternoon siesta tradition — Many shops and restaurants close between 2–5 PM for a long lunch break; plan activities accordingly and embrace the slower rhythm of island life.
• Dress respectfully in religious sites — Cover shoulders and knees when visiting mosques, churches, and the Palace of the Grand Masters as a sign of respect for sacred spaces.
• Learn basic Greek greetings — Locals appreciate visitors who attempt 'kalispéra' (good evening) or 'efharistó' (thank you); it opens doors and creates warmer interactions in tavernas and shops.
• Haggle in Old Town markets — Bargaining is expected and enjoyed in souvenir shops and spice markets; a friendly negotiation is part of the cultural exchange and can yield better prices.