Rhodes Town Holidays, Rhodes — Medieval Old Town, Harbour & UNESCO Heritage

Rhodes Town is one of the most historically significant and visually stunning towns in the Mediterranean. Its medieval Old Town, enclosed within four kilometres of fortified walls built by the Knights of St John, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest inhabited medieval town in Europe. Beyond the walls, the modern town wraps around a lively harbour, good beaches and a thriving restaurant and nightlife scene. For Irish visitors who want history, beach and nightlife in one destination, Rhodes Town offers all three in abundance.

Location and Getting There

Rhodes Town occupies the northern tip of the island of Rhodes. Rhodes Airport (RHO) is approximately fifteen minutes' drive south of the town centre. The flight from Dublin takes around four hours. The town is the island's transport hub, with buses connecting to resorts and attractions across Rhodes.

Beaches

Elli Beach, on the eastern side of the northern tip, is the main town beach — a well-organised stretch of sand and pebble with sunbeds, diving boards and a lively cafe scene. The western beach is windier and popular with windsurfers. For longer, sandier beaches, the resorts of Faliraki and Ixia are short bus rides to the south and west respectively.

Greek beaches are renowned worldwide for their water clarity, and the islands consistently rank among Europe's top beach destinations. The combination of the Mediterranean climate, clean seas and varied coastline — from wide sandy stretches to intimate pebble coves — means there is a beach for every preference. Many Greek beaches are backed by tavernas where you can enjoy fresh fish and a cold beer just metres from the water. Beach etiquette in Greece is relaxed, and public access to the shoreline is protected by law, though sunbed areas on popular beaches are typically managed by nearby businesses.

Things to Do

The Old Town is the star attraction. The Street of the Knights, remarkably preserved and atmospheric, leads to the Palace of the Grand Master — a medieval fortress-palace that now houses two excellent museums. The old town's maze of lanes is packed with shops, tavernas and small squares where you can sit and absorb the atmosphere. The harbour, where the legendary Colossus of Rhodes once stood, is lined with restaurants and overlooked by the impressive St Nicholas Fortress. The Acropolis of Rhodes, on Monte Smith above the town, has ancient ruins and panoramic views. Day trips to Lindos, the Valley of the Butterflies and the island of Symi are all popular excursions.

Island-hopping is one of the great pleasures of a Greek holiday, and even if you are based on one island, day trips to nearby islands are often available by ferry or excursion boat. The Greek islands also offer a range of cultural experiences beyond the major archaeological sites — local festivals (panigiri), the evening volta (the traditional evening stroll), and the simple pleasure of sitting in a village square watching the world go by while sipping a cold frappe coffee. For active visitors, kayaking, hiking the coastal paths and cycling are increasingly popular ways to explore the island landscapes away from the beach.

Dining and Nightlife

Rhodes Town has an excellent dining scene both inside and outside the walls. The Old Town has atmospheric tavernas in medieval courtyards and on rooftop terraces. The new town and harbour area have seafood restaurants, modern Greek cuisine and international options. Nightlife is the liveliest on the island — the new town's bar street has a concentration of clubs and bars, while the Old Town offers a more atmospheric evening experience with wine bars and cocktail lounges in ancient buildings.

One of the great joys of eating in Greece is the emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients prepared simply. The taverna culture — where you might choose your fish from a display, point at dishes in the kitchen, or simply ask what is good today — creates a personal, unhurried dining experience that is central to Greek island life. Raki or tsipouro (the local grape spirits) are often offered free at the end of a meal as a gesture of hospitality. Greek wine has improved enormously in recent decades, and island wineries are producing labels that increasingly challenge the old assumption that Greek wine begins and ends with retsina. Vegetarian visitors will find Greece particularly accommodating — dishes like gigantes (giant beans), briam (roasted vegetables), spanakopita and the ubiquitous Greek salad with local feta make for excellent meat-free eating.

Best Time to Visit

May to October. Rhodes has one of the longest summers in Greece. June and September are ideal — warm, sunny and less crowded than July and August. The Old Town is best explored in the cooler morning or evening hours during high summer.

Practical Information for Irish Visitors

Greece is in the EU. Euro, no visa. Two hours ahead of Ireland. English widely spoken.

Healthcare is available through the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), but comprehensive travel insurance is strongly advised. Greek pharmacies are well equipped and pharmacists are knowledgeable — for minor ailments, a pharmacy visit is often sufficient. Tap water quality varies by island — on the larger islands it is generally safe, but bottled water is cheap and widely preferred. Greek time is two hours ahead of Ireland year-round, which is worth noting when calling home or planning flight connections. The pace of life in Greece is famously relaxed, with late dinners (often starting at nine or ten in the evening) and a general emphasis on enjoying the moment rather than rushing through the day.

Why Book with Sunholidays.ie

Sunholidays.ie is Irish-owned and IAA licensed (Licence No. T0601). Twenty euro per person deposit, monthly payments, price match guarantee. Rhodes Town hotels range from medieval boutique options to modern beachfront properties — the team can match you to the right one.