Wandering Through Rhodes – A Day to Remember

Some destinations capture your imagination before you even realize it — Rhodes did exactly that the moment we stepped ashore.
On August 17, our Azamara cruise carried us into our fifth port, and from the very first glance, it felt as though we had wandered straight into another century.

Stepping Into the Past: Old Town Rhodes

The towering medieval gates of Old Town stopped us in our tracks. Surrounded by three massive exterior walls, the entire city looked like a fortress carved out of history itself. Passing beneath those gates felt like crossing a threshold between the present and a world shaped by knights, battles, and ancient craftsmanship.

Inside, we found ourselves weaving through a maze of narrow stone streets lined with centuries-old homes. Every twist pulled us deeper into the past. You can see the history here - in the architecture, in the worn stones, in the way the buildings seem to settle comfortably into their age. It’s a place where the past isn’t hidden; it’s right there in front of you, plain as day.

Streets That Tell Their Own Story

One of the most striking features of Old Town Rhodes is its streets — and they’re unlike anything we’ve ever walked on.

Instead of laying river rocks flat, the stones are placed on their edges, creating a raised, textured path that’s both beautiful and a little punishing on the feet.

We couldn’t help but marvel:
Who decided to build streets like this?
How long must it have taken to lay each rock one by one?

Our footsteps echoed with every movement, and it felt as though the city responded in its own ancient rhythm. Those streets may test your arches, but they also tell a story you can feel with every step.

The Palace of the Grand Master: A Glimpse of Medieval Majesty

Eventually, our wandering brought us to one of Rhodes’ greatest treasures — the Palace of the Grand Master. Standing before it, we could almost picture the Knights of St. John guarding the walls, preparing for whatever the world threw at them.

Inside, the grandeur only amplified:

• polished limestone floors that gleamed beneath the light
• towering stone fireplaces worthy of royalty
• rooms that seemed to stretch endlessly through time

Each chamber felt like a chapter of history, beautifully preserved and ready to be rediscovered. We found ourselves slowing down, taking it all in, and imagining what life looked like within these walls hundreds of years ago.

A Sweet Surprise: Ta Mezeklikia Café

After hours of exploring, curiosity pulled us off the busier paths and into quieter, charming corners of the city. That’s where we discovered Ta Mezeklikia, a small café that felt like a soft landing spot after a long day on ancient stones.

We ordered baklava and cappuccino, and oh my goodness — it was pure bliss.
The baklava was:

• warm
• flaky
• sweet
• dripping with honey

Each bite was the kind that makes you pause, smile, and close your eyes just to soak it in. Paired with rich, creamy cappuccino, it instantly became one of our favorite food moments of the entire trip.

Sometimes the simplest treats become the most unforgettable.

Rhodes: A Place That Stays With You

By the time we made our way back to the ship, our feet were absolutely feeling those famous streets - but our hearts couldn’t have been fuller.

Rhodes isn’t just another port on an itinerary.
It’s a place that:

• wraps you in its history
• surprises you around every corner
• and leaves you longing for more the moment you leave

We’re already dreaming of the day we return.

Travel Tip

Bring your most comfortable shoes - your feet will thank you, trust us.

For more photos from our day in Rhodes, feel free to visit:
www.tammydoucettephotography.com