Rhodes 1-day itinerary

Enter through the D'Amboise Gate into Rhodes Old Town — the best-preserved medieval walled city in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk the Street of the Knights (Odos Ippoton) where the Knights of St. John once lived in their national "Inns." Visit the Palace of the Grand Master (€8) — a massive fortified castle with mosaic floors from ancient Kos. The labyrinth of narrow lanes, Ottoman mosques, and Byzantine churches is endlessly explorable.

Walk to Mandraki Harbour — the ancient port where the Colossus of Rhodes once stood (two bronze deer statues now mark the spot). See the three medieval windmills on the harbour mole, Fort of St. Nicholas, and the Italian-era Governor's Palace. Then head to Elli Beach for a swim — the main town beach with sun loungers (€8 for two plus umbrella) and a famous diving platform.

Dinner in the Old Town at Mama Sofia for traditional Rhodian cuisine — pitaroudia (chickpea fritters), melekouni (sesame honey bars), and fresh fish (mains €10–16). Then find a rooftop bar in the Old Town — Marco Polo Mansion has an atmospheric courtyard, or climb to one of the rooftop terraces on Sokratous Street for views over the medieval skyline under the stars.