Summary
Villages imbued with the fragrance of jasmine and bougainvillea, an enchanting Medieval UNESCO-listed old town, and exceptional beaches with shimmering waters create a compelling case for visiting Rhodes. This island, the largest among the Dodecanese in the southern Aegean, showcases architecture that is unparalleled in Greece, a remnant of the Medieval era when the Knights Hospitaller fortified the capital with resilient walls to defend against Ottoman attacks.
Moreover, Rhodes boasts an ancient history, prominently marked by the Lindos Acropolis renowned for its rock carving of a trireme, alongside the Acropolis of Rhodes and the ruins of the city of Kameiros.
Let’s delve into the most notable attractions in Rhodes:
1. Rhodes City
The Medieval center of Rhodes City feels like a scene from a film, embraced by a crescent-shaped fortification.
Passing through the gates leads you onto meandering cobblestone streets, where vaulted passages and flying buttresses beckon.
It is the kind of locale where wandering off the path is a pleasure, rewarding your curiosity with stunning interior courtyards hidden behind wooden doors.
The Street of the Knights is a straight thoroughfare along an ancient path, part of a Gothic ensemble known as the Knights’ Quarter dating back to the 1400s.
This street is lined with the facades of inns for the Order of the Knights of St John of Jerusalem, representing varied nationalities including English, French, Spanish, Italian, and German.
In the western streets of the old town, you can discover faint remnants of Ottoman influence at the Hammam and the Sultan Mustafa Mosque, both dating from the 1700s.
2. Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes
This structure is one of the rare examples of Gothic architecture in Greece, part of Rhodes City’s World Heritage Site with origins tracing back to the 7th century as a Byzantine citadel.
The palace reached its zenith in the 14th century when the Knights Hospitaller made it their headquarters and a luxurious residence for the order’s Grand Masters.
During the Italian administration in the 20th century, repairs were made to damage from a 19th-century explosion, and Benito Mussolini selected it as his residence.
This historical site now functions as a museum, conveying the history of the monument while showcasing the centuries-old architecture of the Main Hall and the arcaded courtyard.
Artifacts from across the Dodecanese, including a collection of mosaics from Kos, enrich the exhibits.
3. Lindos Acropolis
Situated on a rocky promontory to the east of the contemporary village of Lindos is a site of historical significance that has been revered by numerous civilizations.
Its historical significance extends back to the Mycenaeans in the 7th century BC, who were the initial worshippers here; this location also served defensive purposes over time for the Byzantines, Knights of St John, and Ottomans.
The remnants consist of an intriguing blend of ancient ruins and the 14th-century Castle of the Knights of St John.
First and foremost, the panoramic view of the coastline from the apex justifies the ascent (or a donkey ride).
While there is insufficient space to detail every sight within the Lindos Acropolis, key highlights include the ruins of the Doric Temple of Athena Lindia from the 4th century BC and the Propylaia (gateway) from the same era.
Additionally, don’t miss the relief of a trireme located by the steps leading to the acropolis, and the Hellenistic Stoa from the 3rd century BC.
4. Archaeological Museum of Rhodes
The primary archaeological museum on the island is housed within the Hospital of St John, a late-Gothic complex that features an arcaded courtyard on two levels.
In front of the western arcade is a remarkable late-Hellenistic tomb monument, showcasing a lion grasping the head of a bull between its paws.
In proximity stands a Byzantine mosaic originating from the early Christian Basilica of Karpatha on the island of Karpathos.
Another notable artifact is the statue of the Crouching Aphrodite from the 1st century BC, which draws inspiration from the renowned Hellenistic representation attributed to Doidalses two centuries earlier.
The museum also features vases and sculptures from Kameiros, captivating mosaics, steles, capitals, as well as medieval tombs for knights and coats of arms collected from various buildings around the city.
5. Kameiros
Long before the establishment of Rhodes City, Kameiros emerged as one of the largest urban centers on the island, with its occupation dating back to prehistoric times by the Mycenaeans.
The city’s ruins can be found on the northwest coast of Rhodes, at the base of Mount Akramytis.
At the summit lies the acropolis, where the remnants of a temple dedicated to Athena Kameiras, a stoa with two rows of Doric columns, and a reservoir capable of holding 600 cubic liters of water, equipped with terracotta pipes for distribution to the residential areas below, can be observed.
On a lower terrace lies the principal settlement, which exhibits housing structures arranged in a grid pattern.
Lastly, further down, visitors can explore the later Hellenistic temple, a fountain house, agora, and a wall engraved with dedications to deities such as Zeus, Poseidon, and Artemis.
6. Mandraki Port
As the northernmost of Rhodes City’s three ports, Mandraki Port is particularly enjoyable to explore on foot, featuring a long mole extending along its eastern side, leading to the Fort of St Nicholas and adorned with three iconic windmills.
This area, originally established as a guard tower in the mid-15th century, evolved into a fully fortified structure under Grand Master d’Aubusson in 1480. Additionally, this location is said to have been the site of the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
The statue of the sun god Helios, erected in 280 BC, fell victim to an earthquake shortly thereafter in 226 BC. Although the image of the statue straddling the port entrance may not be historically accurate, it remains a romantic notion.
7. Prasonisi
Located in the southernmost part of Rhodes, Prasonisi is a coastal area unlike any other on the island.
This tidal island is connected to the mainland by a lengthy sandbar.
During winter, when the tide rises, this sandbar may completely submerge, leaving Prasonisi isolated.
In the summer months, visitors flock to the island to hike through the nature reserve and enjoy the unique experience of relaxing on a beach bordered by water on both sides.
The beach faces prevailing sea breezes, enabling picturesque views of windsurfers’ sails dotting the horizon.
The more sheltered eastern side features inviting shallow waters, appealing to less experienced water sports enthusiasts.
Conversely, the western side with its undulating waves is favored by seasoned windsurfers and kite surfers.
8. Tsambika Monastery
A recurring theme on Rhodes is that challenging ascents are guaranteed to yield impressive monuments and breathtaking vistas.
This principle holds true at this church nestled in a natural park, situated above one of the island’s finest beaches.
The road only extends so far; you will need to traverse a path of 350 steps to reach the summit.
From the top, you will stand 300 meters above sea level, affording views that extend to the small resort of Kolymbia to the north and as far as the Lindos Acropolis, which is 20 kilometers to the south.
The church itself, constructed in the 18th century, is representative of Dodecanesian architecture, characterized by hollow roof tiles.
Traditionally, women facing difficulties in conception would undertake a pilgrimage to this church barefoot, seeking solace in prayer before the icon of the Virgin.
9. Monolithos Castle
Located away from Rhodes’ primary tourist hubs, this monument perched on a rock 100 meters above the west coast requires a bit of effort to access.
Nonetheless, the journey is rewarding, particularly once you conquer the winding staircase ascending the cliff.
Established by the Knights of St John, Monolithos Castle was once one of the island’s four most formidable strongholds, remaining unconquered throughout its history.
Within the walls lie two 15th-century chapels dedicated to St George and St Panteleimon.
Perhaps most intriguingly, visitors can wander along the rocky, pine-lined paths, surveying the jagged cliffs atop Mount Akramytis and gazing out to sea to spot the small Dodecanese islands.
10. St Paul’s Beach
This idyllic bathing area offers a spectacular view, allowing you to relax at St Paul’s Beach while contemplating the grandeur of the Lindos Acropolis looming above.
The main sandy beach curves gently along the southern perimeter of an oval bay, featuring a narrow opening on its northeastern side.
At the north end, right beneath the acropolis, lies a smaller pebble beach.
Both beaches tend to fill up quickly during the summer months, accommodating hundreds of visitors.
Nevertheless, this bustling atmosphere does not detract from the main allure: the crystal-clear water is tranquil and shallow enough for non-swimmers to enjoy wading and relaxing.
11. Tsambika Beach
Nestled below the monastery, this beach seems almost too idyllic to be real.
Tsambika Beach stretches for 800 meters with fine golden sand framed by rugged hills blanketed in garrigue and pine trees.
The beach gently slopes into the water, providing ample space for several rows of sun loungers and parasols, complemented by a series of beach bars and restaurants clearly marked by flags.
If you tire of splashing around in the shallow, emerald waters, there is a watersports center available for those seeking more exhilarating activities.
12. Kalithea Hot Springs
The natural springs at Kalithea have been celebrated for their therapeutic benefits since antiquity.
It was not until the Italian era, following a water analysis conducted in the 1920s, that these springs were fully developed.
The complex was designed in a blend of neo-Baroque and Moorish styles by architect Pietro Lombardi, featuring an array of exotic trees and foliage within the gardens.
Though the spa is no longer operational, the elegant Moorish pavilion and pergolas have been restored and are available for various functions.
With a nominal fee, you can take a dip in Kalithea Bay, a lengthy inlet characterized by its crystal-clear waters and bordered by sun loungers and palm shades on terraces.
13. Monastery of Filerimos
Located approximately ten kilometers southwest of Rhodes City, Filerimos is an isolated mountain within a natural reserve.
Amidst the cypress trees along a winding road lies a monastery established by the Knights of St John in the 15th century.
Characterized by pointed arches, the church reflects all the elements of Gothic architecture, featuring a large cross pattée etched into the stonework of its facade.
Take a leisurely walk through the grounds where peacocks roam freely, and you may chance upon a 14th-century underground chapel.
Following the mountain path allows you to traverse the stations of the cross, culminating in a remarkable cross at a viewpoint offering stunning vistas over the coastline and agriculture to the west.
14. Kritinia Castle
Similar to Monolithos Castle, Kritinia is situated on the island’s secluded west coast, functioning as both a fortification and a watchtower.
This Venetian castle, constructed in the 15th century, commands panoramic views of the Aegean and surrounding landscape.
During this period, Rhodes anticipated an attack by the Ottomans, which materialized in 1480, but the island managed to inspire a successful defense against an invading force of 100,000 soldiers.
While the castle remains largely in ruins today, visitors can discern the coat of arms of Grand Master D’Amboise from the early 16th century on its portal.
Within the compound lies a 16th-century chapel dedicated to St John, adorned with exquisite frescoes from that period.
15. Anthony Quinn Bay
This bay, named after the Mexican-American actor Anthony Quinn who acquired it while filming The Guns of Navarone on Rhodes, enchants visitors with its sparkling emerald waters.
The bay is located at the end of a rocky inlet protected by long headlands that keep strong currents at bay.
The clarity of the water amidst the coniferous slopes creates wonderful opportunities for photography, while a small archipelago of rocks on the beach provides a perfect spot for climbing and sunbathing before taking a dip.
While these rocks may pose risks for younger children, families might prefer Tsambika or St Paul’s Beach; however, couples and teenagers will find this location particularly satisfying.
