Virgin Voyages' guide to Rhodes, Greece

With a past sprinkled with legends, (Hercules established one of the first ancient settlements on this very land) the modern scene is just as enticing – and you don’t have to be as strong as Hercules to enjoy all it has to offer. Offroading, rappelling and stand-up paddleboarding allow you to dive into the excitement of Rhodes’ past while immersing yourself in the thrills of its abundant landscape. For the more antiquity at heart, an impressive array of churches, mosques and synagogues offer a fascinating culture caper. 

Of course no Greek isle is complete without the meat (and vegetables, seafood and libations) which are, simply put – out of this world. Traditional dishes with inspired twists from modern Grecian chefs at new and exciting restaurants blend together with classic taverna’s with a “if it’s not broke, why fix it” mentality to guarantee visitors a taste of the old, a taste of the new – and most importantly, a taste of everything in between. 

The allure of Rhodes may be attributed simply to its geographic configuration, but we think there’s a little magic involved too. Auspiciously shaped like a spearhead – and just a stone's throw from Turkey and Egypt’s ancient capitals – Rhodes was an essential naval port and a sought after territory for a litany of dueling empires, from Alexander the Great to the Ottomans. Synonymous with the ancient world, Old Town Rhodes has a near-perfectly preserved medieval section. The Knights Street is a winding, narrow walkway of cobblestone lined with preserved inns (still in-use today) that transports visitors back to a time when kingdoms were more than just a memory or the focus of an HBO show.

Because it’s one of the few places on Earth that offers practically everything – with the exception of winter sports perhaps – it’s obviously become one of the most popular of the Greek Isles. While its past is something that’s been studied throughout the world for centuries, the food scene has become more legendary than the mythology that made it famous. One look around the magnificent city will let you know you made the right choice coming to visit – whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, some me-time to completely zen out, or you’re on the hunt to find the perfect moussaka (a Greek eggplant lasagna) Rhodes is waiting for you to come ashore and carve out your own exciting path.