Rhodes Old Town is a day-trip destination from Faliraki, with a remarkably intact medieval centre, landmark architecture and museums. Start with a walk through the Medieval City, then visit the Palace of the Grand Master and the Archaeological Museum before leaving time for a slower wander.
- Place: the Medieval City of Rhodes, in the heart of Rhodes
- Transport: KTEL Rodou serves the Rhodes–Faliraki route; the Rhodes starting point is Mandraki Bus Station 1
- Palace hours: daily 08:00–20:00 from April 1 through October 31; winter hours differ
- Admission: the Palace charges €20 for full-price and €10 for reduced-price tickets; the Archaeological Museum charges €10
Choosing transport from Faliraki
The KTEL Rodou Rhodes–Faliraki route is a public-transport option, with Mandraki Bus Station 1 as its Rhodes starting point. Timetables can change, so check the KTEL Rodou site for the current schedule before planning your departure and return.
For more on local connections before you set off, read about getting around Faliraki without a car.
Once in Rhodes, the Palace of the Grand Master is a 10-minute walk from the city centre at Mandraki.
Faliraki is the starting point for this trip, with studios at Artemis Studios based there.
A walk through the medieval streets
Rhodes’ Medieval City is a remarkably intact medieval urban area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its historic streets make a natural first part of the day: take time to walk through the centre before choosing which landmarks to visit.
Panagia tou Kastrou, Agia Triada and the Hospital of the Knights are among the landmarks within the Medieval City. The Hospital of the Knights is also home to the Archaeological Museum, so you can include it in the same walk as the old town’s churches and lanes.
Palace of the Grand Master and museums
The Palace of the Grand Master stands on Street of the Knights in the Medieval City. Hellenic Heritage describes it as a characteristic example of Gothic architecture and a symbol of Hospitaller Rhodes.
The Palace’s opening pattern changes by season. From April 1 through October 31, it is open daily from 08:00 to 20:00. From November 1 through March 31, it is open Monday and Wednesday through Sunday from 08:30 to 15:30, and closed Tuesdays.
It also closes on January 1, March 25, May 1, Easter Sunday, and December 25 and 26; last admission is 20 minutes before closing.
Palace admission is €20 for full-price tickets and €10 for reduced-price tickets. The site also has an elevator and accessibility facilities.
The Archaeological Museum of Rhodes occupies the former Hospital of the Knights at Great Alexander Square. Its winter hours, from November 1 through March 31, are 08:30–15:30, with Tuesdays closed; summer hours, from April 1 through October 31, are 08:00–20:00. Admission is €10, and the museum’s telephone number is +30 22413 65257.
Lunch and a slower afternoon route
After the Palace and museum, keep the afternoon flexible for another walk through the Medieval City. The landmarks at Panagia tou Kastrou and Agia Triada offer further stops within the same historic area, while the old Hospital of the Knights provides a point of connection between the museum and the city’s medieval past.
If you are considering another island excursion on a separate day, this guide to a day trip from Faliraki to Lindos covers a different destination.
Return journey and practical checks
Plan your return around the current KTEL Rodou timetable rather than relying on an old schedule. The route’s Rhodes departure point is Mandraki Bus Station 1, so allow time to get back there from the Medieval City.
Before you go: opening hours and ticket prices can change. Check the official site before you go, using Hellenic Heritage for the Palace and the Archaeological Museum’s official listing for museum details; consult KTEL Rodou for current bus times.
FAQs
What is Rhodes Old Town known for?
Its remarkably intact Medieval City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with landmarks including the Palace of the Grand Master and the Hospital of the Knights.
Where is the Palace of the Grand Master?
It is on Street of the Knights in the Medieval City of Rhodes, at 85100 Rhodes.
Is the Archaeological Museum in the old town?
Yes. It is housed in the former Hospital of the Knights within the Medieval City.
Does the Palace have an elevator?
The Palace site has an elevator and accessibility facilities.