Socrates Street, Rhodes

Every resort town has a grand shopping lane for picking up souvenirs and tasting local flavors, and Rhodes, the capital of the island, is no different with its own Socrates Street. Named after the renowned ancient Greek philosopher, this cobblestoned artery is lined with a diverse array of shops, bars, eateries, and entertainment venues, buzzing with activity from evening until the early morning hours.

A stroll down Socrates Street can sometimes turn into a fully-fledged excursion due to the assortment of goods on display. You'll find clothing, fabrics, shoes, all sorts of sweets, numerous figurines that celebrate Ancient Greek themes, and an array of local handicrafts that fill the stalls each day. The sellers here are equally diverse, with many being multilingual, contributing to the vibrant and colorful atmosphere that draws visitors day and night.

Walking along the street, you'll also encounter significant medieval landmarks such as the massive fortified walls of the Old Town complete with ramparts and a defensive moat, Byzantine churches, Ottoman mosques, as well as quaint squares, gardens, and courtyards that invite curiosity. Notable sights along the way include the Archbishop's Palace, which dominates the square of the same name, and the nearby Commercial Tribunal dating back to the turn of the 16th century. The Marine Gate and the charming Seahorse Fountain are also located along this route. Further down, you'll pass the luxurious Suleiman Baths, which boast a richly decorated interior and are still operational today. The Sultan Mustafa Mosque, another remnant of Rhodes' Muslim period, captures the classic oriental aesthetic.

Towards the southern end, a maze of narrow lanes leads to Pythagoras Street, home to the 16th-century Ibrahim Pasha Mosque, and to Fanourios Street, home to the small Orthodox Church of Saint Fanourios, built in 1335 and known for being partially underground.