As you pass through the gates into the medieval Old Town of Rhodes, you feel as though you’re stepping back in time. The oldest inhabited medieval town in Europe is a patchwork of churches, mosques, fountains, medieval buildings, squares, shops and restaurants, all jumbled within roughly 200 streets and alleyways and circled by monumental walls.
With so much to see and do, it can be difficult to know where to start. It’s a great idea to book a private tour for your first visit to get your bearings and figure out where you’d like to continue exploring on your own.
Here are the top 5 Rhodes Town tours to get your holiday off to a flying start.
1. Guided Tour of the Medieval Old Town
The best way to get your bearings is with a guided tour of the main sites and attractions within the Old Town walls. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988, the medieval Old Town is known throughout the world. But our Rhodes Old Town walking tour gets off to a somewhat surprising beginning.
Few people are aware that within these walls there was once a flourishing Jewish community. Our tour begins here, with a wander through the notable landmarks of La Juderia, the Jewish Quarter, including the Square of the Martyred Jews and Kahal Kadosh Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in Greece.
Then you’ll walk in the footsteps of knights through the atmospheric streets to the Hospital of the Knights, Street of the Knights and the Palace of the Grand Master.
2. Walking Tour of the Medieval Old Walls
The approach to the Old Town of Rhodes is suitably impressive. A double ring of imposing stone walls and moats once protected the town from invaders. Built on foundations from the seventh century, the fortifications were improved and strengthened by the Knights of St John. And they remain one of the finest examples of medieval fortifications in the world.
If you want a different view of Rhodes Old Town, then head up the ramparts. Usually open between noon and 3pm, you can walk the walls for a minimal entrance fee. Along the way, you’ll pass several gates and enjoy a bird’s eye view over the domes, minarets and gardens.
Entrance is next to the Palace of the Grand Master.
3. Food Tour
If you’re anything like us, all that walking will probably make you hungry! Luckily, the Old Town is bursting with restaurants and cafés.
Greek food is celebrated worldwide – but there’s nowhere better to savour it than in Greece herself. With a culinary tradition dating back centuries, the cuisine of Rhodes has been heavily influenced by the various invaders and colonisers that settled here over the years. Our Rhodes Old Town food tour takes you on a culinary journey through the tastes, stories and history of Rhodian food – and introduces you to some of the tastiest spots in town!
4. Wine Tasting Tour
While Greek food is renowned throughout the world, Greek wine doesn’t always get the same level of appreciation – despite its long history dating back to the Bronze Age. Where better to right yourself of this wrong than in the medieval Old Town of Rhodes?
Discover the wines of Rhodes and Greece on a Rhodes wine tasting experience. We’ll introduce you to some of the unique varieties of Greek wine, and enhance their qualities through superb food matching.
If you wish to combine culture and wine, our Rhodes Old Town walking and wine tour is sure to hit the spot.
5. Rhodes Old Town and Lindos Combined Tour
In ancient times, Rhodes Town was one of three city-states, along with Kameiros and Lindos. If you’d like to see a little more of Rhodes, combine your Rhodes Town tour with a trip to one of the most picturesque towns in Greece: Lindos.
Lindos is pure magic. White sugar-cube houses tumble down the hillside to the aquamarine bay below, presided over by the Acropolis of Lindos. The ancient citadel features a medieval castle, Hellenistic temple, and some of the most magnificent views in Greece, while ambling through the bougainvillea-adorned lanes is an experience in itself.
If you’d like to explore Rhodes Old Town and Lindos on a joint tour, we have two options: Rhodes Town and Lindos Tour or a full-day Tour of Rhodes that includes Rhodes Old Town and Lindos.
Book Rhodes Town Tours with Rhodes Experience
To find out more about any of our private tours and shore excursions or to book one of our Rhodes Town tours, contact Rhodes Experience. We’re ready to help you plan your dream Rhodes Experience.
