Fun in the sun in Rhodes Town on the north point of the island
centres on the World Heritage-listed old walled medieval city that
clusters around the ancient harbour of Mandraki. This ancient
labyrinth consisting of a couple of hundred narrow streets and
alleys constitutes a tourist's paradise, with all the required
trappings for a good time, including an art gallery and several
museums. The Street of the Knights is particularly intriguing,
following the course of an even older track that once led from the
Acropolis of Rhodes to the harbour, where stood the legendary
Colossus. It now features buildings that were built in the 16th
century as clubs for Knights belonging to the Order of St John.
Each represents an inn of a different 'tongue' (the knights
belonged to different national groups) and the facades of the
buildings reflect the relevant architectural details. The Turkish
occupation of Rhodes is commemorated with a Venetian-styled
Byzantine mosque, the Mosque of Suleiman, and the popular and
well-used Turkish baths, in a 7th-century Byzantine building. The
sprawling new town houses most of the travel agents, bars, discos,
nightclubs, and numerous tavernas, and is best explored at night. A
long stretch of beach is popular during the day and has deckchairs,
umbrellas and showers available.
