48 hours in Rhodes

Check in to the Spirit of the Knights Boutique Hotel (Alexandridou 14, www.rhodesluxuryhotel.com) located in the historic Old Town. Double rooms start from 90.

2pm

Lunch at the quirky Socratous Cafe, Bar, Restaurant and Garden (124 Sokratous Street, www.socratousgarden.gr), which is in a leafy courtyard tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the town. As well as providing traditional, reasonably priced food, the cafe is a great site for parrot-spotting.

3pm

Explore the Old Town itself. Getting lost is inevitable (but fun), as there are more than 200 streets with no name. From the Archaeological Museum (2 Symis Square) to the Palace of the Knights, there is plenty to keep you occupied.

7pm

Take a five-minute walk from the hotel to the Aspro Piato restaurant (Griva 71) which combines fine dining with traditional cooking.

Saturday, 10am

Hop on a coach to the small town of Lindos, 55km south of Rhodes. You might want to spend the day sunbathing on one of the two beautiful sandy beaches, or explore the many shops and cafs along the waterfront.

1pm

If you feel you need exercise, hike the 20-minute climb to the Lindos Acropolis overlooking the town and offering spectacular views. Don't fancy the walk? Hire a donkey.

8pm

Back to Rhodes for dinner. Book a table at Tamam Restaurant (George Leontos 1, 0030 22410 73522). The food is as lovely as the warm welcome you'll receive from owner Andreas and his wife Maria.

Sunday, 11am

Round off your visit with a trip on a glass-bottomed boat (departing from Lindos Street, Faliraki Beach, 0030 22410 87401). Passengers can cool down with a swim or snorkel.

THE FACTS

Flights to Rhodes from Glasgow via Gatwick, from 270 return (www.ryanair.com)

This article was originally published in the Scotsman. June 4th, 2011