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10 Best Things to Do in Rhodes, From Sandy Beaches to Homey Tavernas
With its intriguing medieval Old Town, golden sand beaches, and hearty traditional cuisine, Rhodes has lured travelers for decades, many of whom return year after year. While the Dodecanese island is renowned for its 300-plus days of sunshine each year, you could be forgiven for thinking Rhodes is all about hanging out on the beach, feasting at homely tavernas, and partying at bohemian-styled beach bars. In recent years, Rhodes has evolved into a multi-faceted travel destination that attracts nature lovers, serious gourmands, and history buffs. Here's our guide to some of the best things to do in Rhodes, highlighting the island's biggest draws, such as the Acropolis of Lindos, but also experiences that are more under the radar, like hiking the mountainous interior.
Rhodes's Old Town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
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Delve deep into Rhodes's Old Town
Buzzing with life day and night, Rhodes's UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town is Europe's oldest continuously inhabited medieval settlement. Here, you can pore over a fusion of architectural and cultural influences from those who occupied the island over the centuries, among them the Knights of the Order of St John, the Ottomans, and 20th-century Italian rulers. The best way to dig deep into the island capital's centuries-old history is to book a private guide or take a small group tour. Walking along the Street of the Knights, it's easy to picture a nobleman in armor on his horse clip-clopping across the cobblestones. Don't miss the Palace of the Grand Master (book in advance online) and the 11th-century Church of Our Lady of the Castle, but also the highly underrated Archaeological Museum of Rhodes. For a more interactive experience that the kids will love, time your visit with the annual Medieval Rose Festival (check dates as they vary), where you can all dress up, joust, and make merry.
