Rhodes, one of the most famous and beautiful islands of Greece, is a truly unique place. Throughout its history, it has experienced ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Catholic, and Ottoman influences. Rhodes is one of the best places to understand how the influence of different cultures forms the modern face of the region. In addition, Rhodes is also one of the best resorts in Greece. In this article, we will tell you about the things to do on the island.
1. Admire the City of Rhodes
The island city of Rhodes has a more than 2000-year history. There are lots of travelers visiting this Greek city. The city continues to maintain its medieval aspect today. not the least due to the ominous castle wall. All of this medieval ambiance combines tastefully with the best modern resort's services and activities imaginable. We're referring to hip hotels, opulent shorelines, breathtaking sea vistas, and retail centers. Given all of this, Rhodes is among the top tourist attractions in Greece. Rhodes offers activities to suit every preference, whether you choose to sit in cafés or lounge on the beach and swim. Different water sports are also available.
2. Explore the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes
As you have already understood, Rhodes is ull of medieval relics. One of these is the Palace of the Grand Masters located at the end of Knights' Street in the old part of the city. The Knights of Rhodes once ruled the whole island from this castle. Therefore we can safely say that this castle was the most important structure on the whole island in medieval times. Now, anyone can visit the castle of the Knights of Rhodes and enjoy its unique style. Unfortunately, its best days are behind it - in the 19th century, a large part of the castle was destroyed by an explosion. But even now it looks imposing and exudes a sense of power. No wonder the island used to be considered a strategic point and multiple battles were fought over it.
3. Visit Lindos Acropolis
After passing through the monumental gates of the Acropolis of Lindos, you will see the church of St. John and the residence of the Knights Hospitalier. It was the knights who built the walls of the Acropolis of Lindos, making it an impregnable castle.
There is also the Long Vaulted Gallery, which was based on underground cisterns used to store water. The Temple of Athena, at the southern end of the Acropolis, is one of Greece's best architectural achievements. There is also an ancient theater on the Acropolis, the main feature of which is that its stage and tribunes are carved directly into the rock. In other words, the Acropolis of Lindos is a marvel of both ancient and medieval architecture.
4. Learn more about the island’s history at the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes
The Knights Hospitalers built a hospital around the middle of the 15th century that now serves as the home of Rhodes' Archaeological Museum. Here, care, medication, food, and drink were given to pilgrims and combatants. The museum now houses objects retrieved from archeological digs conducted at Lindos, Ialysos, and other cities and villages on the island. Both the ancient and medieval periods of Rhodes's history are depicted at the museum, making it the best choice for those eager to study the region's history. There are various water and wine containers among the museum's antique artifacts, along with statues. The knights' armor and swords are among the medieval items. The gravestones of actual knights are the museum's most intriguing feature since they give the space a more hallowed and personal feel.
5. Explore the ruins of Kamiros
The ruins of the ancient city of Kamiros, which was abandoned, are located on Rhodes' northwest shore. The ancient city of Kamiros was constructed around a hill, which also housed the Acropolis and a beautiful temple to Athena, featuring one of the best architecture of its time. The town's citizens also constructed a water reservoir. Kameiros, along with Lindos and Ialissos, was formerly one of Rhodes' most powerful states. However, when Rhodes became a city, Kamiros' residents began to relocate there. Two earthquakes later, the settlement was at last abandoned. All that is left now are the ruins, which you may explore. Every traveler will enjoy the beautiful view of the sea that can be had from the ruins.
6. Arrive at the Mandraki Port
The Mandraki Port is the first structure seen from the sea while looking at Rhodes. Mandraki Port, where the Colossus of Rhodes once stood, is a noteworthy maritime entry to the Old City of Rhodes. If you're arriving in Rhodes by boat, you may begin your journey at Mandraki Port. The port area retains a lot of medieval structures, therefore the mood of the time is vividly present. The port's extension into the ocean creates a small bay. The view of the sea is one of the best here, and the water at the harbor is completely clear. The port is one of the city's most active regions. If you want to feel like a medieval or ancient traveler you have to start your journey to Rhodes from the Mandraki port.
7. Chill at Prasonisi beach
Prasonisi beach is located at the southernmost point of Rhodes Island, with the Aegean Sea on one side and the Mediterranean Sea on the other. Prasonisi beach in Rhodes appears in summer when the water level of the seas drops. The beach is a narrow strip of sand between the headland and the island. Prasonisi beach is not usually visited by those looking for a quiet holiday in Rhodes. The winds from the Aegean Sea blow up the sand and waves to 2m high, so the beach is popular among windsurfers and kite surfers. But the fans of speed, water, wind, and adrenaline can also be watched with great pleasure.
8. Visit Tsambika Monastery
The beautiful monastery of Tsambika on the island of Rhodes is primarily known for housing an icon of the Virgin Mary. There are two monasteries, one lower and one upper. In the first, there is a church of white stone with a bell tower. This is where the faithful come to worship the Virgin Mary. Here you can also visit the Orthodox museum and a small cafe where souvenirs, candles, icons, oil, and holy water are sold. Even if you are not interested in religious matters, the neighborhood of the monastery is still worth a visit. Here you can take a walk, and see one of the best panoramas of the Mediterranean Sea and relax on the picturesque beach of Tsambika.
9. Admire the Monolithos Castle
The Monolithos Castle in Rhodes was an impregnable fortress that protected the inhabitants of the island. During the Middle Ages, it was of great strategic importance because it was used to spot enemy ships from afar and to warn the population of the danger. Although there are not many sights on the territory of the fortress itself, its surroundings are very beautiful. There is a picturesque village not far from the fortress, which you can also visit.
10. Go to the St Paul’s Beach
St. Pauls is a bay in the southeast of Rhodes with two beaches. The large beach at the southern end of the bay is a man-made beach with golden sand, made especially for recreation. The smaller beach on the north is natural, with a mixture of sand and gravel. But each beach has everything you need for tourists. We are talking about sunbeds, sunshades, bars, cafes, and restaurants. For car owners, parking is available near the beaches. The main advantage of beaches in this bay is that they are rather thinly populated so a quiet holiday is guaranteed. In addition, you can engage in various water sports in the bay.
11. Relax at Tsambika Beach
Tsambika beach is one of Rhodes' best beaches. It is a huge, clean, and broad beach with fine, soft golden sand that is 800 meters long. The sea entry is long, shallow, and sandy, making it ideal for children of all ages to play and relax. Two low rocks on either end of the beach shield it from the wind. In the early season, the water is quite pure and transparent, and it heats up rapidly.
12. Discover the Valley of butterflies
Rhodes, as well as all of Greece, has amazing natural beauty. The "Valley of the Butterflies" may be the ideal location for natural immersion. It is one of the most beautiful natural areas in Greece. It’s also one of the most "active" parts of Rhodes is the Valley of the Butterflies. Many different butterfly species may be seen there, adding beauty and vibrancy to the region. Numerous locations include odd rocky ledges and little waterfalls. In addition to butterflies, there are many lizards, crabs, and strange birds. The Valley of the Butterflies has a vanilla-like aroma to the air. It's all thanks to the resins emitted by the local trees. That's what attracts the butterflies.
13. Visit the Monastery of Filerimos
One of the famous archaeological reserves in Greece is 275 meters high Mount Filerimos in Rhodes. The mountain has always been considered a sacred place, and this has not changed with the advent of Christianity in Greece. Now there is a beautiful temple and a huge cross, which is the main attraction. Next to the temple, you can see the baptistery with a stone font in the form of a cross. At one time, the church was the seat of the Order of the Knights. According to tradition, in this monastery, the knights were engaged in the preparation of medicinal potions from herbs growing on the mountain. In a small shop at the entrance to the monastery, you can buy a tincture of local herbs, which, according to legend, was invented by the knights. It is believed to be the knights’ most famous invention.
14. Explore Kritinia Castle
Greece, and specifically Rhodes, bears the imprint of the surrounding nations. The Venetian Castle, which is situated in the charming town of Kritinia, is among the most well-known of these remnants. Unfortunately, hardly much of the stunning medieval castle remains. Only the enormous outside walls and the remains of a modest church inside the stronghold are visible to visitors. The coats of arms of the two Grand Masters who governed Rhodes at the time may be seen above the entrance to the medieval fortress.
15. Visit Kalithea Hot Springs
The thermal springs of Kallithea in Rhodes have been known throughout Greece since ancient times, thanks to the healthy red water that flowed from crevices in the rocks. It is the best opportunity for tourists to have a wellness treatment for themselves.
