From Rhodes Cruise Port
Palace of the Grand Master, Rhodes
The fortified heart of the Knights Hospitaller, rebuilt within the medieval walls.
Distance
Roughly 1–1.5 km from the Akandia cruise terminal, depending on berth
Travel time
About 15–20 minutes on foot from the port; a taxi is a quick alternative
Time needed
Allow 45–75 minutes for the palace itself, more if combined with the Street of the Knights
The Palace of the Grand Master stands at the top of the Street of the Knights inside Rhodes Old Town. Built by the Knights Hospitaller and substantially rebuilt in the twentieth century after earlier damage, it now houses period rooms and mosaic floors and anchors most Old Town walking routes.
The palace's fortress-like exterior gives way to an inner courtyard and a sequence of furnished rooms, several with Hellenistic and Roman mosaics brought from elsewhere on the island during renovation. Displays cover the building's Knights-era origins and its later Ottoman and Italian-period history.
Approach the palace via the Street of the Knights (Odos Ippoton), a cobbled medieval avenue lined with the former inns of the Knights' langues, running down towards the old Hospital of the Knights. Walking the street in both directions gives a strong sense of the Old Town's fortified layout.
Queues can build around midday and on days when several cruise ships are in port, since the palace sits on the natural route for most Old Town tours. An earlier or later visit generally means a calmer experience.
Because the surfaces are historic cobbles and stone floors, footwear matters more than at a typical museum. Some areas involve steps and uneven ground.
How to get there from the cruise port
| Method | Detail | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walk from the port | A pleasant route through or around the Old Town walls in cooler weather, suited to visitors comfortable with cobbled streets. | Around 15–20 min | Free |
| Taxi | Useful for reduced mobility, heat or limited time; ranks are usually available near the port and New Market. | Around 5–10 min in normal traffic | Metered fare |
| Guided walking tour | Adds historical context to the palace, the Street of the Knights and the surrounding Old Town. | 2–3 hours including the wider Old Town route | Tour price |
Times and costs are indicative. Always keep a 60–90 minute buffer before all-aboard.
Highlights
- Fortified courtyard and period rooms
- Hellenistic and Roman mosaic floors
- Street of the Knights approach
- Views over the Old Town's fortified layout
Tips
- Visit early or later in the day to avoid the busiest hours
- Wear shoes with grip for cobbles and stone floors
- Check current opening hours and admission arrangements before you go
- Combine with a wider Old Town walk rather than treating it as an isolated stop
Prefer a guided tour?
Medieval Rhodes and the Street of the Knights
A three-hour ground-level introduction to the Old Town's layered history, on foot.
Rhodes Signature: Lindos, Old Town and Aegean Views
Exploring the Old Town? Our future Wow Collection will add distinctive small-group Rhodes routes developed around cruise timings.
More Rhodes guides
Palace of the Grand Master from Rhodes — FAQs
Do I need to pre-book the Palace of the Grand Master?▼
Pre-booking requirements can change; check current opening hours and ticketing for your date, especially in peak season or on days with several ships in port.
Is the palace suitable for limited mobility?▼
Parts of the palace involve steps and uneven historic surfaces. Contact the site or your tour operator in advance to ask about specific access needs.