Spotlight on Rhodes New Town

Discover the modern city of the island

It is given that Rhodes New Town receives much less attention than the fable-entwined Rhodes Old Town. And understandably so, since its eonic charm never gets old. However, not paying it a visit would be a savvy traveller’s oversight.

The majority Rhodes’ visitors will flock to the old part of town to absorb its Medieval vibe and witness the legendary fortress structure. History and imagination become one there, amidst a sprawling playground of shops, stores, cafes, and restaurants. Yet for those who wish to explore a different side of the island, Rhodes New Town offers another outlook on local culture and history. In fact, the New Town is the island’s main urban area and administrative center while Rhodes Old Town is considered its touristic center. Therefore, exploring Rhodes New Town tops the list for getting a more genuine feel of the island’s modern city and its every day life.

Here are some facts about Rhodes New Town:

The location: Rhodes New Town is found on the outskirts of the Old Town, on the northeastern tip of the island of Rhodes in the Dodecanese cluster in the east of the Aegean Sea. It is essentially adjacent to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the fortress-enclosed Medieval City of Rhodes, also known as Old Town.

The history of urban planning: The New Town was designed and built during the period of the island’s Italian occupation, between 1912 and 1947. The Italian architects and planners of the time envisioned a modern and functional city along the waterfront, and incorporated elements of both classical and Italian Renaissance styles.

The architectural style: Over the years, the architecture of Rhodes New Town can be seen as a fascinating blend of Mediterranean, Ottoman, Neoclassical, Italian, and even Arabian architectural styles. As you saunter around, you’ll see buildings featuring grand facades, arches, balconies, and decorative details that together create a unique and picturesque atmosphere.

The modern infrastructure: The New Town boasts modern infrastructure and amenities, including a well-developed road network, public transportation, hospitals, schools, and recreational facilities. It caters to both residents and tourists while it serves as the commercial, administrative and cultural heart of the island. It houses many government buildings, banks, shops, restaurants, museums, art galleries, and theatres. 

These above facts provide a basic overview of the New Town of Rhodes, highlighting its historical, cultural, and architectural significance. You can easily include it in your itinerary of things to see and do even during a short weekend in Rhodes. Once you have decided to visit it, be sure to check the following highlights.

Top 3 unmissable Rhodes New Town highlights:

Mandraki Harbor: The port of Rhodes New Town is the historic Mandraki Harbor, known for its legendary deer statues that adorn its entrance. Learn more about it by glimpsing through Rhodes Mythology. There you will also find the impressive fortress of St. Nicholas and its lighthouse, while the harbour is a hub of activity lined with fishing boats, yachts, and excursion vessels, as well as waterfront restaurants, bars and cafes.

New Market Hall: An impressive structure that is essentially a horizontal arcade-type building in an Arabian style, populated with cafes, restaurants, bars, various stalls, shops and stores. It is a popular spot for taking a break from the day’s heat to enjoy an iced beverage under the shade before going on your way to explore the rest of the vicinity.   

Plateia Eleftherias: Also known as Liberty Square, Plateia Eleftherias, is the central square of the New Town. It is a bustling area with cafes, shops, boutiques and important buildings, including the Town Hall. The square is a popular meeting point and a venue for various cultural events and festivals.

Therefore, on your next venture into the center of Rhodes, make some time to saunter around the New Town to soak up the historical sites, browse its markets and boutiques, enjoy the vibrant nightlife, and savor the local cuisine in the town’s numerous restaurants and tavernas.