RHODES Dreaming of a trip to the Dodecanese? With beaches to die for, a rich heritage, and even a magical valley filled with butterflies, it’s not hard to see why Rhodes is a firm favourite with travellers - whether they’re looking for a relaxing seaside break, or to trace the island’s tumultuous history. Allow us to bring you our guide to the “Island of the Sun”(so nicknamed thanks to its patron sun God, Helios) packed with advice to help you take your sojourn in Rhodes to the next level. Even by Greek standards, Rhodes is rich in history - the island’s historical sites span the 16th-century BC Minoans to the 20th-century Italian occupation. Start your time travel back in the 10th century BC with a visit to Ancient Kamiros (so well preserved that it is often described as Rhodes’s very own Pompeii), before discovering the ancient Acropolis of Lindos. From 1309 to 1523, Rhodes was occupied by the Knights of St John of Jerusalem, notable not least for fortifying the island’s capital, with their architectural legacy still evident today. Don’t miss the The Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes (one of the few examples of Gothic architecture in Greece), or the clifftop 15th-century Monolithos Castle. As you walk through the old part of Rhodes Town you’ll notice mosques and hamams (public baths) dating from the Ottoman period. Elsewhere, the administrative buildings of the Foro Italico at the port of Mandraki combine Byzantine, Venetian, Renaissance, Ottoman, and Greek elements - all telling the story of Rhodes through the medium of architecture. Where to eat What would a trip to Greece be without filling up on horiatiki (Greek salad)? For old-school dining with a distinctive local flair, Paraga in Apollona serves up familiar Greek dishes such as tzatziki, souvlaki slow-cooked stifado (alongside traditional Rhodian breads), and hortopita pie stuffed with island greens. Noble Gourmet Restaurant, set within the Elysium Resort, offers an elevated take on such local dishes as pitaroudia (chickpea fritters with tahini sauce), and lamb kapamas with aubergine and bulgur wheat. Other favourites include taverna classics at Masasoura in Maritsa, the freshest of fish (and nauticalinspired decor) at Stegna Kozas in Stegna, and Tuscan flavours at Marco Polo in Rhodes Old Town. Where to drink No Rhodes travel guide would be complete without some recommendations for where to sip on local wines, ouzo, or cocktails. Set in the more modern part of Rhodes Town, Orfanidou Street is a one stop shop when it comes to enjoying a drink or three - dozens of bars line this lively street, set close to the water’s edge, with Big Brother and Waka Waka among the favourites. The best cocktails in town can be found at the Last Butler, Obscura, or on the stylish terrace at Macao, but if you want to put your dancing shoes to use then make a beeline for Alter Ego Summer - a chic restaurant whose terrace later turns into a fully fledged nightclub. Amazing Destinations 83
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