Savor traditional local dishes
Rhodes is teeming with tavernas that uphold the island’s rich culinary traditions, but they’re not always easy to track down. To the west, in remote Embonas village, the warmly hospitable family-run Taverna Ilias serves strictly old-school Rhodian cuisine such as woodfire-roasted goat shank with chickpeas. Head north to Apollona village, where Paraga is located, to sample chef Giannis Efthymiou’s goat stifado prepared in a clay pot that is ceremoniously smashed before you can tuck in. On Lindos’ main square, Mavrikos, run by brothers Michalis and Dimitris, is on every gastronome’s to-dine list. Order the pumpkin-laced fish roe dip and black butter beans with carob honey. Fish taverna Pizanias The Sea Star, situated in a quiet corner of Rhodes’s Old Town since 1970, sources high-quality fish and seafood solely from the Aegean, coaxing out flavor with the least possible intervention. For a hands-on experience, try a farm-to-fork cooking class at a friendly 1950s farmstead in Archangelos village.
Hike the interior or go horse riding on the beach
Beyond the island’s beaches, countless trails teeming with wildflowers and aromatic Mediterranean herbs await both avid hikers and those who prefer easygoing forest bathing. Island-born and -bred Rhodetrip founder guide Vasilis leads tours for one day or several, trekking up mountains, resting at natural springs, and peeking into medieval chapels. On the far-flung west coast, where few venture, he offers a private full-day tour that includes a hike up Mt Akramytis for awe-inspiring Aegean views, a visit to the mountain village of Monolithos, and lunch at an enchanting cafe. Hippophiles yearning to go riding on the beach should head to Kremasti, in northwest Rhodes. There, NivaRanch arranges slow-paced morning or sunset horse rides on the beach or in the countryside, perfect for first-time riders or those with little experience. Saddle up with Dolly, Artemis, or Raven and revel in soothing equine therapy.