Things To Do in Rhodes Town

For lively nightlife, a good place to start is Orfanidou Street – or Bar Street, as it’s more commonly known – in the new town. This 150-metre strip lines up bars, restaurants, pubs and clubs. You'll find lots of different styles of food and drink here, so wander around and let your senses run wild.

This fortress used to be home to the leader of the Knights of St John. An explosion wiped it out in 1856, but the Italians put it back together again as a holiday home for Mussolini. Outside, it’s all towering walls and lofty turrets, while inside the grandiose rooms are filled with Roman mosaics and Chinese vases.

Rhodes Town is a real foodie haven. Whether you’re in the old or new town, you’ll find gourmet restaurants alongside traditional tavernas serving up Greek cooking in earthenware pots – think moussaka and slow-cooked lamb kleftiko. There’s a good line-up of places by Mandraki Harbour, or you can explore the little squares in the old town for family-run restaurants, where the ouzo runs freely.

The beach here is great for activities. One big draw is the huge, multi-level diving board out at sea – it’s the only one of its kind on the island. You’ve also got a choice of watersports, including water-skiing and speed boating. And if you want to try scuba diving, there’s a clutch of companies at the harbour that will rent you the kit.

When it comes to shopping, Rhodes Town certainly isn’t stuck in the Middle Ages. In the new town, you’ll find high street names like Mango and M&S, and designer stores such as Versace and Armani in the Ekato Magsia area. For souvenirs, switch to the old town where shops are well stocked with hand-crafted jewellery, locally-made lace and Rhodean ceramics.

It’s probably no surprise that Rhodes Town has an annual Medieval festival. Going since 2006, the event takes the theme and runs with it – so expect archery contests, horse-riding displays, jugglers, jesters and fire eaters. The whole town is decked out in the style of the Middle Ages, and there’s plenty of banquet-style food to keep you going throughout the celebrations.