Many people think of Rhodes as a Greek island with long sandy beaches and a lively nightlife. While that’s true, there’s so much more to discover. Rebecca Hall shares her tips on what to do in Rhodes, especially highlighting the Medieval Old Town, a must-visit for culture lovers.

The Medieval City of Rhodes, a World Heritage site since 1988, is the oldest inhabited medieval town in Europe. As you enter through one of the eleven gates, you might get lost in its over 200 winding, cobbled streets and lanes, some without names. But that’s part of the fun. Just remember to bring a torch if you’re exploring at night.

The main street, Sokratous, is the central thoroughfare. If you ask a local for directions, they’ll likely point you here. The town’s design, with its walls and winding streets, was meant to confuse invading pirates, so embrace the adventure.

A must-see in the Medieval Old Town is the Palace of the Grand Masters, built in the 14th century by the Knights of St. John. It originally had 158 rooms, but now only 24 are open to visitors. Inside, you’ll find antique furniture, Oriental vases, multi-colored marbles, sculptures, and carpets. The Grand Reception Hall and Ballroom on the ground floor are particularly impressive.

On a sunny day, take a leisurely walk atop the castle walls. The entry is next to the palace, and the hour-long walk offers a bird’s eye view of the city and the harbor. The walk isn’t circular, so you’ll exit near St. John’s, San Francisco, or Kokkini (Red) Gate, depending on who you ask. The gates often have affectionate local names.

Equally enjoyable is a walk around the moat below the walls. The lush gardens are home to parakeets, birds, wildlife, and butterflies. You’ll also see bastions, artillery posts, and underground passages. The moat is free to explore, open 24/7, and a great place for a jog at sunrise or sunset.

Despite Greece’s economic challenges, boutique hotels have been popping up in the Medieval Old Town. One standout is Kokkini Porta Rossa, located near San Francisco or St. John’s Gate. The hotel, distinguished by its red door, is a restored Turkish mansion with a grand piano in the reception area. The six exclusive suites feature a pillow menu and a tablet with personalized recommendations. A four-course breakfast is prepared each morning using local products, making it a luxurious choice.

Another great option is In Camera Art Boutique Hotel in Sofokleous Square. This traditional Greek house has been restored with a modern twist. The owner, an award-winning photographer, has named each of the seven suites after his exhibitions. The hotel features a selection of art photos and an exposition of various cameras used by the photographer. One suite even has an old hammam bathroom.

Other recommended hotels include Spirit of the Knights Hotel and Zacosta, both within the Old Town walls and close to the Mosque.

Rhodes Old Town is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon or a few days, living like royalty. In the summer, there are good charter flight connections to Rhodes Airport from the UK and other Northern European cities. There are also several daily flights from Athens, thanks to Ryanair and Aegean Airlines.

Rebecca Hall, a travel writer living in Athens, fell in love with Greece after moving there to teach. She writes for Rough Guides, Huffington Post, and other publications, and shares her experiences on her blog, Life Beyond Borders. Her debut novel, “Girl Gone Greek,” is a lighthearted account of her time teaching in a remote Greek village, perfect for a holiday read.