Rhodes: A journey to “times of old, when Knights were bold”

If you visit it, it will certainly captivate you and take you back to an age “in times of old, when knights were bold”. The place, of course, is Rhodes, one of the most popular islands in Greece, where thousands of visitors from all over the world visit to admire its medieval architecture, pristine beaches and experience its intense rhythms.

It is the old town of Rhodes that enchants visitors, but also Mandraki, the Acropolis of Lindos and the ancient cities of Kameiros and Ialyssos, the Valley of Butterflies and Filerimos. It is an island full of history and countless attractions.

But Rhodes is not just these: It is the huge sandy beaches, it is the emerald waters, it is the castles and ancient remains, it is its gourmet culinary options, but also the picturesque taverns, it is the luxurious hotels, but also the villages, where the women still bake the bread in the wood-fire outdoor stoves…

So it is no coincidence that Rhodes is one of the most popular destinations in Europe. After all, it has been like this since Roman times and continues to this day.

Why visit Rhodes? Because it is an island with rich history and modern infrastructure. Because it offers plenty of options for all tastes and ages: from impressive archaeological and medieval monuments, countless beaches, outdoor activities, water sports, walks and shopping, good food and traditional tastes. Because it is worth going around the whole island to discover the picturesque villages, the beautiful landscapes, the enchanting beaches and the impressive sights. Because when it gets dark, the bars of Rhodes are waiting for you either for a relaxed drink or rambunctious fun until the morning!

Get ready to become time travelers for a while and tour the Medieval city with the Knights of St John as guides and then look upon the beauties of the rest of the island with a different eye.

All you need to pack is a smile. Rhodes will take care of everything else!

What’s worth seeing in Rhodes…

Everything starts from the Old Town… One of the most beautiful medieval towns in the Mediterranean. In 1988 it was declared a world cultural heritage monument by UNESCO, while it is a “mosaic” of different historical periods, with those of the knights and the Ottomans being dominant.

The Medieval Town of Rhodes has strong Gothic and Renaissance elements. The ensemble of palaces and towers, churches, arches and cobbled pathways fascinates all visitors.

The Palace of the Grand Master is also a great monument from the time of the knights. In fact, today very important exhibitions are hosted within its halls and chambers.

The Archaeological Museum is housed in the Gothic building of the great hospital the Knights built (the Knights of St. John were also known as the Knights Hospitallers)  and its halls contain masterful artifacts from Rhodes, finds from ancient Kamiros and Ialyssos and mosaic floors from the city.

Other sites in the medieval city worth visiting are the Church of Our Lady of the Castle, the Clock Tower, the Kahal Kadosh Shalom Synagogue, and the Suleymaniye and Recep Pasha Mosques.

A glimpse into the past…

No matter where you are in Rhodes, at any moment you will find yourself among monuments that reflect 50 centuries worth of history. Every corner in Rhodes is a step into the past and at the same time a glimpse into the future. It is a walk through different cultures and religions, some of which no longer exist.

Some of these monuments worth mentioning, apart from the Old Town, are the Acropolis of Rhodes, with its ancient stadium and theater on top of Monte Smith Hill.

The Acropolis of Lindos and the settlement of the village, the ancient Kameiros, Mount Filerimos with the royal church dedicated to the Virgin, which was built over an ancient temple, and the  castles at Monolithos, Kritinia, Asklipieio.

Don’t miss visiting the Valley of Butterflies, the Seven Springs and Kallithea with its hot springs and, of course, the island’s beautiful beaches.

One island, countless beaches!

And if all the above was not enough, Rhodes is world famous for its amazing, huge and award-winning beaches. Sandy or pebbly, organized or free, they will offer you hours of relaxation under the famous Rhodes sun.

To the east, the ones that stand out are Tsambika, Haraki and Stegna, the beach of Afandou next to the Golf course, and Kallithea.

In the south, the most popular beaches are Kiotari, Glystra and Pefki beaches and in the southern part of the island there is Prasonisi, a spot that is loved mainly by wind surfing enthusiasts.

You should also visit the beaches at Agios Pavlos in Lindos as well as the one at Gennadi with its sand dunes and bushy wild cedars.

Ideal for yachting enthusiasts

The natural beauties of the island, the marine environment, the ideal weather and the port infrastructure – which it is worth noting that in recent years have shown significant improvement- make Rhodes an attractive destination for cruise ships and yachting enthusiasts, Greeks and foreigners, who can moor their boats throughout the year both in the island’s organized marinas (Mandraki and Nea Marina), as well as in other parts of the island’s coastline.

Family holidays and weddings

At the same time, if you are looking for a place to get married, Rhodes is one of the most popular wedding destinations. Lindos and the springs of Kallithea are the top choices among couples choosing to get married in Rhodes.

But it is also the ideal choice for family holidays. The reason is that it offers facilities for children of all ages, such as the Water Park, the ostrich farm, riding schools and go-karts.

Operation: “Rhodes by night”!

And when the sun goes down, operation “Rhodes by night” begins!

Rhodes at night is… a cosmopolitan walk around the world. It offers entertainment and fun for all tastes and ages.
From live bars and discos, DJ clubs and live rock bands, to places with Greek popular and folk music, while nights with festive traditional music and dance give a different note to both residents and visitors.