Arrive by the Street of the Knights
Climb the Street of the Knights towards the palace gateway. Look for the coats of arms above the stone entrances. The short approach gives the building a setting: pause before entering rather than following a crowded group straight into the courtyard.
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Look at the courtyard before the halls
Inside the Palace of the Grand Master, use the arcaded courtyard as your first orientation point, then move into the rooms. Look down at the mosaic floors as well as up at the ceilings. The building includes extensive Italian-period reconstruction; the interiors are not an untouched medieval time capsule.
Choose the walls only when they are operating
At our 9 October 2026 review, Hellenic Heritage listed the elevated fortification walk as closed for November–March, with limited weekday access in summer. Packtricia will check seasonal reopening; always check the venue before travelling. In winter, keep the palace and public Knights’ street as your available route instead of requiring the wall walk.
Leave room for a garden meal
For a sit-down meal later in the old town, consider Marco Polo Café. The garden setting in a mansion on Agiou Fanouriou gives you a quieter change from the exposed fortifications. Confirm service and reserve with the venue; choose from the current menu rather than expecting a dish from an old travel review.
Shorten the plan in rain or heat
Make the palace the main paid visit and omit the wall circuit if the weather turns. Smooth worn paving needs shoes with grip; a small bag is easier in the rooms than beach luggage. Check the palace’s own seasonal timetable and holiday closures before relying on an afternoon entry.
Check before you go
Opening arrangements and visitor rules can change. Check the official information before your trip.
- Municipality: monuments and harbour landmarks
- Hellenic Heritage: palace and separate wall walk
- Hellenic Heritage: archaeological museum
- Jewish community: seasonal opening and accessibility
- Jewish community: 2026 closure calendar
- Marco Polo Mansion: garden restaurant and exact address
- Independent restaurant recommendation






