Top things to do in Rhodes

The old town of Rhodes was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 and richly deserves this status. Once home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the gigantic statue of the Colossus of Rhodes, it is the largest surviving medieval city in Europe and well worth a visit. Surrounded by high ancient walls, the old town of Rhodes is easily accessible from all parts of the island by car or public transport. Once there, you can step back in time by immersing yourself in the architecture that reflects the city's Greek, Ottoman and Italian heritage. There are many churches and ancient buildings to explore, as you wind your way through narrow, winding streets lined with shops, cafés and bars, a great way to spend the day.

Any trip to the old town of Rhodes would not be complete without taking the time to explore the magnificent Palace of the Grand Master. Entering this 14th-century structure, you will be totally immersed in a bygone era as you explore its many rooms, corridors and courtyards. As you wander through this ancient castle, you will discover paintings, architecture, sculptures and mosaics from Rhodes' historic past that will always enchant you. The on-site archaeological museum is well worth a visit. If you wish to visit Rhodes Palace, please note that it is closed on Mondays.

If you want to escape the beaches and heat of the Greek sun then head inland to Petaloudes, a shaded oasis more commonly known as the Valley of the Butterflies. Here you can ramble along trails that meander through lush green forests and discover refreshingly cool waterfalls. But by far the main attraction is the proliferation of wonderfully coloured butterflies that fill the air during the months of June, July and August. When you finish exploring this natural gem, then head to the nearby village of Psinthos to take some food and drink in one of the several, traditional tavernas to be found there.

Standing proud 116 metres above the picture perfect village of Lindos is the stunning Acropolis. Dedicated to Athena Lindia, this historic structure has ancient walls and battlements to explore and is a great place to get in touch with Rhodes and Greece’s past. From the centre of the village, the steep winding path to the top is well signposted and if you do not fancy walking, numerous local traders offer donkey rides to the top. Once there, not only will you be rewarded with an opportunity to engage with some historic architecture, but the views out to sea are truly spectacular.

Just a stone's throw from the port of Rhodes lies the peaceful idyll of the island of Symi. As you approach the main port, you'll be captivated by the stunning architecture and brightly painted houses that make Symi one of Greece's most photogenic spots. Once docked, take time to stroll through the picturesque streets and narrow lanes that offer breathtaking views of the bay and the Aegean Sea. If you're feeling more active, climb the 500 steps to the small village of Chorio, perched precariously above the main town, where you can explore the ruins of an ancient Venetian castle. If you feel like relaxing before returning to Rhodes, there are plenty of fabulous beaches on the island where you can enjoy a bite to eat while admiring the splendid views.

The tiny Byzantine monastery of Tsambika stands 240 metres above sea level. Perched atop a steep hill, this beautiful little church is perfectly formed and well worth including in your Rhodes holiday itinerary. To reach the monastery, you'll need to be prepared to make a bit of an effort, as the road only climbs halfway up the hill. You'll then have to climb some 350 steps to reach the top, so don't forget to take water and sun cream. Once at the top, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views over the beaches of Kolymbia and Tsambika and the chance to explore the beautiful church.

The medieval old town of Rhodes is well worth a visit and is an ideal place to take a stroll and soak up Greece's ancient past. As part of your itinerary, you should allow time to discover the Street of the Knights, a part of the city closely linked to the Knights Templar. This is where the knights used to gather before going into battle, and as you wander around you can almost feel their presence. These ancient warriors were divided according to their place of birth and the street once had seven inns based on the seven languages spoken. Four of these have been maintained and are an ideal place to relax and absorb some of the history.

A visit to a toy museum may not be high on the list of things to do in Rhodes, but it's actually a fun way to spend a few hours. Located just outside the village of Archipoli and surrounded by mountains, pine and olive groves, the museum has been designed to blend in with the natural environment and is solar powered. The museum comprises several exhibition areas devoted to toys made in Greece between 1930 and the 1990s. There are tin wind-up toys, board games, battery-operated cars and Greek Playmobil. In the basement, you'll find arcade machines that can still be played and will bring a breath of nostalgia to parents of the sixties and beyond. Outside there's a children's play area, while inside there's an interactive zone where little ones are encouraged to play with classic toys.

Situated just outside the village of the same name, Monolithos Castle is reached by a steep footpath up a rocky outcrop, some 230 metres high. The castle ruins and village are about 70kms from Rhodes town but the drive there will take you past some of the most stunning scenery on the island and is well worth a day trip. The site was chosen as a vantage point because of the surrounding, difficult natural terrain, which you will experience as you scramble up the steep ascent., but rest assured your efforts will be well rewarded. Only a few external walls remain from the original castle, but there are two stunning churches to explore and amazing views of Akramytis Mountain, Monolithos village and Halki Island, all set against the backdrop of the Aegean Sea.

Nestling beside the picturesque village of Lindos is the magnificent bay of St Paul. Legend has it that this is where St Paul landed, bringing Christianity to the island. It is one of the most beautiful parts of Greece, often appearing in lists of the world's best beaches. The bay is dominated by the Acropolis overlooking Lindos, but it also has its own little treasure. At the eastern end, nestling close to the water's edge, is the simple white chapel of St Paul. This traditional Greek church enjoys an exceptional location and often welcomes modern-day couples getting married.