STAY Hostel & Bar Rhodes

Historic Rhodes Town, found on the Dodecanese island of the same name, is one of the world's best-preserved medieval walled cities. A trip here is all about exploring honey-coloured stone buildings, intriguing arched alleyways and imposing terracotta-roofed churches. While getting lost in the labyrinthine streets of this UNESCO World Heritage Site on the northern tip of the island, you're bound to stumble across a path that leads to the sparkling blue sea. 

Hostels in Rhodes are generally homely travel hubs. You can choose from those with rustic-chic indoor common areas or partly covered courtyards with plenty of comfortable seating. Some places have pools – ideal for cooling off after a day in the hot Greek sun. You'll find Rhodes hostels with panoramic views from spacious balconies, as well as spots with airy communal kitchens. Hostels minutes away from a bus stop whisking travellers to resorts like Lindos and Faliraki will help you make the most of island life. 

Running down to the port, Rhodes Old Town crams in a lot of historical sites, including the medieval clock tower and ancient city walls. The New Town is a more modern centre with bigger boulevards, Art Deco-style buildings and a larger selection of shops and restaurants. A 15-minute drive southwest takes you to the small town of Ialyssos where you can chill in a waterfront café. Head inland to the heart of the old village to find a traditional Greek taverna.

The Knights of St John occupied Rhodes during the Crusades and left behind the imposing Palace of the Grand Masters – now a museum – and the ornate Street of the Knights. Check these off your sightseeing list, then go even further back in time with a trip to the Classical Greek Acropolis. Seeing the boats bob up and down in Mandraki Harbour makes for a pleasant afternoon. Livelier entertainment can be found in Faliraki, 20 minutes down the coast. Known for its exuberant party scene, it's also where you'll find crystal-clear Anthony Quinn Bay. 

This Dodecanese island is reached by air or boat. Flights land at Diagoras International Airport, with buses to the centre taking around 25 minutes and dropping off at Averof Street behind the New Markets building. Arriving by sea brings you to Rhodes' harbour, right in the centre of town. There are daily ferries from Piraeus Port in Athens, with the journey lasting about 12 hours. If you're island hopping in Greece, you can also catch boats from Kos, Crete and Santorini to Rhodes.