Rhodes in one day: the perfect itinerary for a gluten free foodie
If you’re visiting Rhodes in one day, whether you’re arriving on a cruise ship or simply choosing it as a stop on your holiday, you’ll want to make the most of your time exploring this stunning city. With its rich history, charming medieval streets and breathtaking seaside views, Rhodes offers a unique blend of ancient and modern attractions. Plus, if you’re looking for local flavors and gluten free dining options, we’ve got you covered! Here’s your perfect one-day itinerary in Rhodes, including must-visit sights, local experiences and delicious gluten free meals.
Morning: exploring the Medieval Old Town
If you only have one day in Rhodes, you can’t miss its historic heart. Start your exploration early by stepping into the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. Walk through the Gate d’Amboise – or another one of the 11 total entrance gates – and take in the stunning stone walls, cobbled streets and historic charm.
Must-see attractions in the Old Town:
- Palace of the Grand Master, a magnificent medieval fortress that tells the story of Rhodes’ Knights-era history.
- Street of the Knights, a beautifully preserved street lined with medieval buildings that once housed the Knights of St. John.
- Süleymaniye Mosque & Ottoman Buildings, a glimpse into Rhodes’ Ottoman past.
- Sokratous Street, the heart of the Old Town, where you’ll find loads of shops selling souvenirs, local crafts, jewelry and so on.
Feeling hungry after all this exploring? No worries: get to the next stop of your “Rhodes in one day” itinerary!
Midday: scenic walk & gluten free lunch
After visiting the Old Town, take a stroll towards Mandraki Harbor, the picturesque entrance to Rhodes with its iconic deer statues where the Colossus of Rhodes once stood. We suggest you to exit the Old Town from Virgin Mary Gate, so that you have the chance to see the wonderful ruins of the church of the Virgin Mary on your way out. Then all you have to do is follow the boardwalk up until Mandraki.
Pro tip: don’t forget to stop at Saint Paul’s Gate and peek out the little windows on the walls. You’ll get an incredible view of the windmills and the old harbor!
Weren’t we talking about eating though, after walking for a whole morning? Yes, true, and that’s exactly what you can do next. Because – guess what – Mandraki is just a 5-minutes walk from a gluten free foodie’s heaven: Rhodes Gluten Free.
Taste celiac-safe Greek Flavors at Rhodes Gluten Free
Rhodes Gluten Free, the first (and only!) completely gluten free option on the island, will not only save your day (literally) but it will make it way better! Whether you’re in the mood for a traditional Greek pie, a rich gluten free pizza or a filling club sandwich, this is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a safe and delicious meal.
Recommended dishes at Rhodes Gluten Free
If you’ve always dreamed of trying the typical flavors of Greece, but you’ve never found them in their gluten free version… well, here you will! So here are our recommendations for any foodie visiting Rhodes in one day.
- Traditional Greek phyllo pies: spinach pie, cheese pie, chicken pie or minced meat pie.
- Koulouri sandwich: a kind of bagel made with a typical Greek bread called koulouri.
- Pita club sandwich: a classic club sandwich with fries, but made using Greek pita bread instead of toast bread.
- Greek sweet treats like bougatsa (Greek phyllo pastry with custard) and baklava.
Moreover, here you can find gluten free Greek beer to take your lunch to another level (and reintegrate the liquids you’ve lost during the morning walk!).
Why choose Rhodes Gluten Free?
There are three main reasons behind our suggestion:
- It’s 100% gluten free & celiac-safe
- It’s located close to top attractions and crucial spots like bus and taxi stations
- It’s great for breakfast, coffee breaks, lunch, afternoon aperitivo and dinner too
Before leaving, don’t forget to buy some snacks to take with you in case you get hungry later in the day!
Afternoon: ancient wonders & sunset by the sea
Did you know that Rhodes also has an ancient acropolis? Nothing extremely mind-blowing, to be honest, but the view from up there is unbelievable. So here’s what you could visit in the afternoon of your day in Rhodes.
- Acropolis of Rhodes – Just a short taxi ride (or 30-minute walk) from Rhodes Gluten Free, this site features the remains of ancient temples and – as we said – a breathtaking view of the island. If you look for “Rhodes Viewpoint” on Google Maps, you will be taken to the tip of Monte Smith where the panorama is absolutely stunning. Be there at sunset, and you will never forget it.
- Elli Beach – If you prefer to relax, head to this popular beach near Mandraki Harbor. It’s perfect for a swim or a cocktail by the sea. The East side usually has calmer water and less breeze, whereas the West side is often windy… but you get to see the sunset. Your choice!
One day in Rhodes from a cruise ship
Every year, hundreds of cruises stop in Rhodes for a day or two. If you’re among those visiting Rhodes for one day from a cruise ship, here’s how to maximize your time.
Unmissable attractions at walking distance from the cruise port:
- Old Town (3 min walk to Virgin Mary gate)
- Palace of the Grand Master (15 min walk)
- Mandraki Harbor (15 min walk)
- Rhodes Gluten Free for all the gluten free foodies on the cruise ship (20 min walk)
With a short taxi ride, you can reach:
- Acropolis of Rhodes
- Elli Beach
- New Marina
- Zephyros beach
And remember that you have a taxi station just a minute from Rhodes Gluten Free, so you can easily hop on a car after lunch if you’re done with walking!
Recommended Timeline for Cruise Passengers
(ideally, because we are aware that all cruise ships disembark at different times)
| 9:00 AM | Explore Rhodes Old Town |
| 11:30 AM | Coffee or juice break |
| 12:30 PM | Walk to Mandraki Harbor |
| 1:30 PM | Lunch at Rhodes Gluten Free |
| 3:00 PM | Visit the Acropolis or relax at Elli Beach |
| 5:00 PM | Enjoy an aperitivo before returning to the ship (you can come back to Rhodes Gluten Free for a gluten free beer, cider or wine with some snacks!) |
Make the most of your one day in Rhodes
Rhodes is an incredible destination with history, culture and stunning scenery – perfect for a long holiday and for a short visit too. Whether you’re exploring the medieval streets, enjoying gluten free Greek flavors or relaxing by the sea, this itinerary ensures you get the best experience in just one day.
Again: if you’re a gluten free foodie, don’t forget to stop by Rhodes Gluten Free for a safe, delicious and worry-free dining experience during your visit! Plan your visit & see the menu here: Rhodes Gluten Free
Enjoy your one day in Rhodes!