The Greek island off the Turkish coast is also popular with Hungarians. Not only can you relax and enjoy the beach, but Rhodes also offers a remarkable experience in terms of attractions!
Rhodes is located in the Aegean Sea, near the southwestern coast of Anatolia. It’s the fourth-largest Greek island (after Crete, Euboea, and Lesbos) and the largest of the Dodecanese island group.
Its coastline stretches over 200 km, with grey sandy and pebbly beaches on the west coast and sandy coves in front of limestone cliffs on the east coast.
Table of Contents
Rhodes attractions
Rhodes City
Located in the northeastern tip of the island, the old town is exceptionally well-preserved and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. Regardless of where you’re staying on the island, visiting the old town is a must.
City Walls
The medieval city walls stretch about 4 km, averaging 12 meters in thickness.
Multiple gates lead into the old town, with the Amboise Gate, built in 1512 under Grand Master Emery D’Amboise, being particularly notable.
Palace of the Grand Master
The most famous building in the old town, originally built in the 14th century by Hélion de Villeneuve, the then Grand Master of the Knights of St. John. Successive Grand Masters expanded and beautified it.
The palace took its current form during the 1930-39 restoration under the governance of Mario de Vecchi. Italian architects used medieval blueprints, though they interpreted them quite freely. After Greece regained the island from Italy in 1948, the palace was converted into a museum. The upper floors are preserved in their Italian reconstruction state, while the ground floor hosts an extensive exhibition covering Rhodes’ 2400-year history.
Street of the Knights (Odos Ippoton)
Running east-west, this six-meter-wide street is bridged by buildings in two places. Its western end is at the Palace of the Grand Master.
Originally built by the Knights Hospitaller, it includes the inns of different linguistic communities, such as Provençal, Catalan, and Castilian.
The street’s northern side features the French Inn, adorned with the coats of arms of Grand Masters Pierre d’Aubusson and Philippe de Villiers de L’Isle-Adam, while the southern side boasts Prince Djem’s House.
The eastern end of the street is home to the Rhodes Archaeological Museum, housed in the former hospital.
Clock Tower
For a great view of the city, head to this tower. The entrance fee includes a free drink at the tower’s café.
Acropolis
The ancient city’s acropolis is about 2 km southwest of Rhodes City, on Monte Smith hill.
Here you’ll find remnants of the temples of Zeus and Athena, the Apollo temple, and the ancient theater and stadium.
Mandraki Harbor
Not the harbor itself, but the three medieval windmills located there are worth a visit. A small fort named St. Nicholas stands at the harbor’s end. Though small, it’s worth a look.
Two deer statues stand at the harbor’s end, speculated to be where the Colossus of Rhodes once stood.
Ialysos (Trianda)
The second-largest city, located between the capital and the airport.
It boasts beautiful beaches, numerous entertainment venues, restaurants, and shops, making it a true tourist paradise.
Filerimos
Ialysos has a long history, evidenced by the ruins on nearby Filerimos Hill.
The most famous attraction here is the monastery, founded in the 15th century by the Knights of Saint John in Gothic style.
Walking along a tree-lined path, you’ll see stations of the cross leading to a large white cross at the top. It’s also an excellent viewpoint with fantastic views, and due to its proximity to the airport, you can watch planes landing and taking off.
Faliraki
Primarily recommended for young people due to its numerous entertainment options. It has a beautiful sandy beach lined with many tavernas, bars, and restaurants.
WaterPark
Located north of the city (Ammoudes), the WaterPark features slides of various steepness, a wave pool, water bubbles, and a paddling pool for the little ones. The view from the slides to the sea is stunning.
Note that free buses run from Rhodes City’s Mandraki port, and there are also buses from the southern part of the island.
All information can be found here!
AquaWorld
A small aquarium in the center of Faliraki, showcasing various marine creatures.
Visitors have the opportunity to touch baby sharks, rays, and fish.
Anthony Quinn Bay
Named after the popular American actor Anthony Quinn, this bay lies south of Faliraki. The pebbly-rocky beach is quite small, hence it can be crowded during peak season. The water gets deep quickly.
Lindos
Perhaps the most beautiful town in Rhodes, known for its white houses and significant archaeological sites.
The town’s Acropolis comprises several buildings. The Athena Lindia temple dominated the site in ancient times, reaching its final form around 300 BC.
Visible structures on the Acropolis include the Doric temple of Athena Lindia, the Church of St. John, the Propylaea stairway, the ruins of a Roman temple, and a Hellenic stoa (colonnade).
A steep climb leads to the summit, but the breathtaking views of the sea and town are worth the effort.
Tsampika
Near the resort of Kolympia to the south, this beach is one of the most beautiful on the island.
The small bay’s beach is fine sandy and shallow, making it perfect for children.
The view from the top of the main road to a hilltop with a church and a TV antenna is magnificent.
Kameiros
Located on the northwestern side, on the hillside, this city was founded around 1100 BC and was one of the three most significant cities of Rhodes. Often referred to as the „Pompeii of Rhodes”.
Above the ancient city stood an acropolis, with recognizable remains including the temple complex dedicated to Athena, a colonnade, and a large water reservoir.
The remains of the agora and the main street lined with columns are visible, along with the foundations of ancient houses.
Many valuable artifacts were discovered during excavations, most of which are displayed in the British Museum in London.
Kritinia Castle
Near the coastal village of Kamiros Skala, these medieval castle ruins offer an experience that may be short but worth it for the stunning panoramic sea views.
Monolithos Castle
Built by the Hospitallers in 1480 under Grand Master Pierre d’ Aubusson, this fortress stands atop a high hill, protecting maritime trade routes.
The steep rocky path to the top is worth the effort for the breathtaking view. Opposite the castle, you can see the small island of Stroggylo.
A small church and a restaurant are also on the route up.
Valley of the Butterflies
Home to the stripeless tree nymph butterflies, attracted to the storax trees’ resin, they gather here in hundreds of thousands during their breeding season from June to late September.
When resting, their dark brown and cream wings blend in, but in flight, they reveal red, black, brown, and white colors.
Seven Springs (Epta Piges)
Located near Kolympia, this pleasant excursion site is fed by seven streams, though in summer, water flows from only a few. The water from the springs is channeled through a 200-meter tunnel to a lake, which the more adventurous can walk through.
Near the parking area of the springs is a restaurant and a small church.
Prasonisi
The southernmost point of the island, where the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas meet. A small isthmus, sometimes flooded, turns it into an island.
Popular with surfers due to the wind. The western side is windier, while the eastern side has calmer waters.
Weather
Rhodes, located on the same latitude as Northern Africa, experiences hot, dry summers typical of the Mediterranean climate. Winters are mild. Spring and autumn are brief.
The majority of the annual rainfall occurs from December to April. The meltémi, a strong north-northwesterly wind, cools the western coasts during most of the summer.
Sea temperatures reach 21°C in June, peaking at an average of 25-26°C in August and remaining around 23°C even in October.
Have you heard of these Greek islands?
I’ll introduce 16 lesser-known Greek islands that are worth visiting!