Rhodes

Rhodes is the largest and most popular island of Dodecanese. It is abundant in beaches, wooded valleys and ancient history. It is famous for the amazing old town which is a maze of cobbled streets impressing visitors with the romantic atmosphere.

As it is the largest town in Dodecanese, it is considered the capital of this group of Greek islands. Rhodes  is geographically located between Karpathos and Kos .

Getting there

-By plane 

From the airports of Athens and Thessaloniki. There are also connections to and from other Greek islands such as Kos, Leros, Mytilini, Karpathos, Kasos, Kastellorizo, Mykonos, Santorini and Crete (Iráklion city).

-By ship

The port of Rhodes has daily connections to the port of Piraeus. Rhodes is also connected directly to all the other islands of the Dodecanese and Crete.

Accommodation

Every year many tourists visit Rhodes, therefore it has accommodation for all preferences, from luxurious hotels to family apartments. These accommodations are spread all around the island. Some of these accommodations are actually large resorts with pools, gym, jacuzzi and spa treatments. Also there are accommodations with more traditional character in other tourist places. Cozy apartments are also found in Lindos and in close beaches.

Beaches

Rhodes has many spectacular beaches and sandy coves. The island offers a big number of beaches with various amenities, including hotels, taverns, bars and watersports centers. All beaches in Rhodes have crystal waters and they are unique in natural beauty. Among the best Rhodes beaches are Tsambika, Saint Paul's bay, Ladiko, Kallithea and others. The southernmost coast of Rhodes, Prassonisi, is ideal for windsurfing and kite surfing. You will find below a list with some of the best beaches in the island.

Lindos Limanaki Agios Pavlos 

The little bay of Agios Pavlos (Saint Paul) lies  south of Rhodes town and close to the ancient acropolis of Lindos. According to a local myth, the bay owes its name to the lovely white chapel standing on the beach which is dedicated to Saint Paul, who came here in 43 AD and preached Christianity.The beauty of the golden sand captivate the heart of the holidaymaker. Rocks are boarding the beach, giving the possibility to dive into the clean turquoise waters.

Kallithea

The beach of Kallithea is famous for its hot medicinal springs which were built by the Italians but no longer function. It is found south of Rhodes town and it is a truly magnificent place with palm and pine trees and beautiful renovated buildings with impressive mosaics (the springs). The emerald waters of the sea match perfectly with this idyllic scenery, adding one more touch of beauty to the whole picture. Kallithea is easily accessed from the main town of Rhodes.

Faliraki

Faliraki is one of the most cosmopolitan resorts of Rhodes lying 16 km south of the main town and 10 km from the airport. It is well-organized with umbrellas and many watersports facilities like (water skiing, wind surfing and much more. In the wider region  the visitor can find plenty of taverns, restaurants and beach bars. The golden sands of Faliraki extend over 4 km and, along with the crystalline blue waters of the Aegean, create a relaxing and attractive scenery. For those who wish to be in a more quiet and less crowded environment, the bay of Kathara is just the right place for them. It is close to Faliraki Beach, near the small fishing harbour. The whole area is full of hotels and other kinds of accommodations.

Elli

Elli is the closest beach to Rhodes town and  one of the most popular beaches on Dodecanese .

Elli beach offers you all the amenities to enjoy a fine day in the sun. It is organized, full with colorful umbrellas and rented sundecks, beachfront taverns and comfortable restaurants as well as lovely hotels with safe pools to play the children while you enjoy a drink. The place has an amazing atmosphere that attracts many photographers to capture the astonishing grafts and the wonderful panoramic images of Rhodes. Elli beach features a choice of water sports, diving or even beach volley.

Vlicha

The scenic beach of Vlicha is located 47 km from the town of Rhodes. The sea here grows deeper progressively. The best part about this beach is that it is never too crowded. Vlicha beach is much preferred by the residents of neighbouring Lindos who will find some solitude away from the busy crowds of the resort.

As Rhodes is a large island you will have the opportunity to explore more beaches when you visit it.

Sightseeing

Acropolis of Lindos

On the hill top above the village of Lindos, there is an impressive acropolis with ancient and Medieval ruins. This location gives stunning view to the Aegean Sea.

Springs of Kalithea

Close to the beach of Kallithea in Rhodes is the impressive building of the springs. This is a wonderful sample of Italian architecture. Many weddings take place there every year.

The Valley of Butterflies

The Valley of Butterflies is a region of amazing natural beauty, located close to the village of Theologos. In spring and autumn, this valley is overwhelmed with various species of butterflies.

Rhodos Town

The Old Town of Rhodes is an amazing place to stroll around. It has vivid Medieval style and many interesting spots to visit. Do not miss the Street of the Knights and the port of Mandraki.

Ancient Acropolis

On the hill of Monte Smith above the main town are the remains of an ancient acropolis. This site includes temples of Athena and Apollo.

Grand Master Palace

The most interesting monument in the Town is the Palace of Grand Master. This is an enormous Medieval castle that is considered among the best preserved castles of its kind.

Archaeological Museum

The Archaeological Museum of Rhodes is housed in the Hospital of the Kings, one of the most important Medieval  buildings.  It consists of a large interior courtyard. The museum displays a rich and very interesting collection from the Hellenistic period to the Early Christian times.

Aquarium

The Aquarium of Rhodes is found close to the centre of the city. It is a research centre for the animals that live in the Meditarranean Sea. It is located on the northernmost spot of the island.

Festivals

Sound and Light Show

The Sound and Light Show of Rhodes  is in the town and attracts many visitors. It concerns a different kind of show without actors. Various myths and stories are depicted through stereophonic sound and lights. The show is held in five languages. What the locals want to show  is the fight of the citizens of Rhodes with the Turkish army something that travel the visitor to a bygone age when knights existed in Europe.

Religious feasts

July 7th

On the 7th of July, locals celebrate the feast of Agia Kyriaki in Kalathos.

August 15^th

 On the 15th of August, there is a celebration for the Assumption of the Virgin. Many churches around the island celebrate with a Holy Mass in the morning and panigiri in the village square in the evening.

Local products

The wine is the most famous product of Rhodes. Also the honey of Rhodes is the base for a special, healthy dessert, melekouni.