[Rhodes Island Travel Guide] Knights' Island Two-Day Tour: Classic Attractions, Transportation Recommendations, and Medieval Old City Exploration Guide

A Feast of History and a Relaxing Getaway on a Greek Aegean Island Why Choose Rhodes? Rhodes is Greece's fourth-largest island, located in the southeastern Aegean Sea, close to Turkey. Throughout history it has been a stronghold contested by many powers—from ancient Greece, Rome, and Byzantium to the Knights of St. John, all of whom once ruled here—leaving behind a rich collection of ancient ruins and medieval relics.The island boasts not only spectacular knights' castles and ancient city walls, but also charming pebble beaches and a sun-drenched coastline, as well as the ruins of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, making it a perfect choice that combines cultural exploration with a relaxing getaway. Recommended itinerary: Rhodes Classic 2-Day 1-Night Tour 🏰 Day 1: Crossing the border into the medieval city of the knights Route: Marmaris → Rhodes Port → Street of the Knights, Palace of the Grand Master → Sunset and drinks at the pebble beach bar 【Greece Self-Guided Tour Day 1】Cross the Aegean Sea and set foot on the Knights' Path of Rhodes Depart from Marmaris, Turkey, and arrive at Rhodes by boat; since the hotel is quite far, a taxi will be needed to get there Check in at noon at a Mitsis Group hotel (an additional accommodation tax must be paid) In the afternoon, stroll along the Street of the Knights and take an in-depth tour of the Palace of the Grand Master, soaking in the medieval historical atmosphere In the evening, watch the sunset along the pebble beach, and at night experience Rhodes' bar culture

🌅 Day2: Morning Swim in the Aegean, Re-exploring the Old Town Ruins Route: Hotel Beach → Old Town West Gate, Clock Tower, Church of Our Lady → Apollo Ruins → Rhodes Airport → Flight to Athens 【Greece Self-Guided Tour Day2】Morning swim in the Aegean, the final day of wandering through Rhodes Old Town In the morning, head to the beach behind the hotel for a walk and a swim After checking out at noon, continue exploring the Old Town's West Gate entrance, the Clock Tower, and the mosque Visit the ruins of the Church of Our Lady of the Burgh, built in the 14th century Finally pass by the harbor and landmarks like the Apollo ruins, the Deer statues, and the windmills Fly to Athens in the evening, beginning the next chapter of cultural exploration

Must-Visit Attractions 🏰 Street of the Knights A cobblestone street brimming with medieval charm Lined with the inns of the various "tongues" (nations) of the Knights, each facade adorned with its corresponding coat of arms It is the most iconic walking route in the old town of Rhodes

🏯 Grand Master's Palace Tickets €20, divided into artifact exhibition and historical reconstruction space The first floor displays pottery, statues, and medieval weapons The second floor recreates the knights' council hall and bedrooms, with exquisite floor mosaics No audio guide, but the building itself is an excellent exhibit

⛪ Church of the Virgin Mary of the Burgh Built in the 14th century, it was once the center of faith for the Burgh district Although it has endured the ravages of war, only some pillars and walls remain today The site is solemn and rich in history, perfect for quiet reflection

🏛 Apollo Ruins and the Harbor Landmark The legendary site of the statue of the sun god, of which only two stone pillars remain today as a memorial Nearby there are also a small fortress, a cluster of windmills, and a statue of a doe If open, you can climb the fortress to overlook the full panorama of Rhodes Harbor

Practical Information 🚢 Rhodes Transportation You can take a ferry from Turkey, departing from Marmaris takes approximately 1 hour Getting around the island is mainly by walking and short taxi rides Unlike Turkey, Rhodes belongs to the EU and requires entry procedures and passport checks 🛏 Recommended Accommodation Mitsis Grand Hotel Beach Hotel The hotel location is very convenient, about 15 minutes walk from the old town Includes beach and breakfast A Greek accommodation tax of €10 is required per night (should be the same at each hotel)

🍽 Dining & Shopping The old town has all kinds of souvenir shops and local snacks Restaurant recommendation: Greek Stories A Greek-style restaurant with great taste — the staff enthusiastically recommend their signature dishes. The average cost per person comes out to about €13. Five-star recommendation. Restaurant recommendation: Memphis BBQ Grill An American-style restaurant with generous portions and great taste, averaging €11 per person. Five-star recommendation. Suggested gear and things to note Wear comfortable walking shoes/sneakers, as the old town has a lot of cobblestone streets Bring slippers for easy walking on the pebble beach and coastline Remember to prepare a SIM card that can make calls, in case you need to contact the hotel or transfer staff urgently Itinerary extension suggestions It is recommended to plan at least two days and one night, to avoid being too rushed If you want to explore more in depth, consider renting a car to head to the south of the island, such as the ancient town and beach of Lindos 📌 Full Record of a Turkey & Greece Independent Trip Turkey Chapter Day 1-2: First Impressions of Istanbul | Day 3: Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar Day 4: Cappadocia's Marvelous Hot Air Balloons | Day 5: Exploring the Green Line Underground City Day 6: Salt Lake Mirror and Konya Whirling Dervishes | Day 7: Antalya Theater and Old Town Day 8: Salda Lake and Golden-hued Pamukkale | Day 9: Marmaris Resort Day Greece Chapter Day 1: Rhodes Knights' Street | Day 2: Morning Swim in the Aegean Sea and Old Town Tour Day 3: Delphi and Monastery Day Trip | Day 4: Athens Acropolis Classic Route Day 5: Flea Market and Acropolis Museum | Day 6: Attica Department Store and Archaeological Museum