Time travel in the medieval Old Town

There’s something otherworldly about the Rhodes Old Town. Not just because it feels like a film set for jousting knights but because it’s just as alive today as it was in the Middle Ages. Imagine yourself on the Street of the Knights. At one end is the Palace of the Grand Master and, at the other, the Hospital of the Knights (co-housed with the Archaeological Museum).

Be awe-struck in Lindos and St Paul’s Bay

The first thing you should do when you get to Lindos is head into the archaeological site and up to the hilltop acropolis dedicated to Athina Lindias. It’s an undoubted must-see of Rhodes, not just because of all the history but because of the view. Wow! Ahead of you is the Aegean Sea and behind you Lindos village (with its labyrinth of shops, bars and tavernas). And there, down to your right, is St Paul’s Bay, an almost completely enclosed bay that will beckon you to swim in it. Or maybe it’s where you’ll head for an evening drink.

Head to the Valley of the Butterflies and Rodini Park

From June to September each year, a little winged miracle of nature takes place on Rhodes. Millions of vibrantly coloured Panaxia species butterflies flutter in to feed on the sap of the Zitia trees and lay their eggs. The aptly named Valley of the Butterflies is where you can admire them. And while we’re on the subject of natural escapes, near the Old Town is Rodini Valley Park, which has a handful of gentle hiking paths, ponds, plane trees and other greenery.

Go village-hopping

Village-hopping will likely be the least expected of your holiday activities in Rhodes. Embonas is built on the slopes of Mt Attavyros, which is grape-growing country (more on that below). If you’re here at the right time of year, you’ll see raisins drying in the sun. And there’s dainty Monolithos, with its stone houses and medieval hilltop castle (the sunset view is amazing).

Discover an unexpected wine-making tradition

After seeing the vineyards on the foothills of Mt Attavyros, you’ll be interested to know that wine-making on Rhodes goes back to the 7th century BC. There are numerous wineries you can visit, offering wine-tasting experiences where you’ll learn about the indigenous Athiri and Muscat white grapes and the red Mandilaria and Amorgiano. Two of Rhodes’ more celebrated labels have Protected Origin of Designation status.

Head to some of best beaches in Rhodes on a boat trip

Time to splash out. If there’s a gift you should give yourself, head to the beautiful port of Mandraki, by the Old Town, or Rhodes Marina just down the coast, and hire a boat with a skipper for the day. All the way down the coast to Lindos are some of the best beaches in Rhodes. Starting with the long stretch of sand and fine pebbles at Kallithea Beach (with a shore trip to the Kallithea Springs, where you’ll enjoy the art deco feel and pebble mosaics). Move on to the green-and-blue-watered Anthony Quinn Beach (so-called because the American actor fell in love with the bay during the filming of the Guns of Navarone). And, finally, visit the pure fine sand of Tsambika and Agathi.

Visit the green island that sometimes isn’t an island

Last on our bucket list of things to do in Rhodes is to head to Prasonisi, at the southernmost tip of Rhodes. The Green Island (as its name translates) is a strange creation of nature. By winter it’s an island and by summer a peninsula, connected by two fringes of sand. Either way, it’s a wind- and kite-surfer’s heaven. But don’t worry if you’re not a surfer. You can swim on both sides of the beach. Something for everyone… just like Rhodes itself.